Sliding Sleeve Valve Position Sensing Using Magnetic Switch Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining the position of a sliding sleeve valve in downhole tools, such as those used in oil and gas production, rely on linear variable resistors which require manual calibration, are prone to de-coupling issues, and suffer from significant hysteresis, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of magnetic switches, including magnetic reed switches, Hall effect sensors, or magnetoresistive elements, to detect the position of the sliding sleeve, eliminating the need for moving parts and manual calibration, and providing more accurate and reliable measurements by activating multiple switches with a primary magnet and using an appropriate algorithm for continuous position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a linear variable resistor is used to determine valve position, then the position can be measured, but the system requires manual calibration and has de-coupling problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linear variable resistor system with a magnetic coupling system using magnetic reed switches and a magnet attached to the sliding sleeve. This substitution eliminates the need for manual calibration and de-coupling issues by using magnetic field interaction instead of mechanical contact, thereby maintaining position measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system is self-calibrating and requires no manual intervention. The magnetic reed switches automatically detect the magnet's position on the sliding sleeve, providing self-service operation that eliminates the calibration complexity associated with linear variable resistors
2Measurement precision
If a linear variable resistor is used to determine valve position, then the position can be measured, but the system has significant hysteresis leading to reduced accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linear variable resistor with a magnetic field-based detection system using magnetic reed switches. This substitution eliminates hysteresis effects inherent in mechanical systems, as magnetic field interaction does not exhibit hysteresis, thereby simultaneously improving both measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from electrical resistance (which exhibits hysteresis) to magnetic field detection. By using magnetic reed switches that respond to the magnet's position through magnetic field strength changes, the system achieves hysteresis-free measurement with improved accuracy and reliability
3Reliability
If magnetic switches are used to detect sliding sleeve position, then the need for moving parts is eliminated, but multiple switches and algorithms are required for continuous position detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the position detection range into multiple discrete zones, each detected by a separate magnetic reed switch. This segmentation allows the system to determine continuous position by identifying which combination of switches is activated, reducing the complexity of each individual switch while achieving reliable continuous position sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single continuous measurement dimension (linear variable resistor) to a multi-dimensional discrete detection system using multiple magnetic reed switches arranged at different positions. By combining the states of multiple switches, the system achieves continuous position detection with improved reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution increases the reliability and accuracy of position sensing, reduces manufacturing and operation time, eliminates the need for complex calibration, and enhances bi-directional measurement capabilities, while minimizing friction and drag.
Implementation Method 1
The use of an array of magnetic switches, including magnetic reed switches, Hall effect sensors, or magnetoresistive elements, to detect the position of the sliding sleeve
Implementation Method 2
Hall effect sensors
Implementation Method 3
magnetoresistive elements
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for identifying a position of a sliding sleeve. The system may comprise an outer housing, a sliding sleeve within the outer housing, one or more magnetic switches, and a magnet. A method may comprise closing a switch within a magnetic switch disposed with a magnet, wherein the magnetic switch is disposed downhole, and transmitting an electric current into a first electric branch, wherein the electric current traverses through first electric branch, through the magnetic switch, to a second electric branch, and to a node. The method may further comprise measuring the electric current or voltage at the node and identifying a position of a sliding sleeve in an outer housing from the measurement. The method may further comprise calibrating a linear resistor position sensor assembly based at least in part on the measurement.