Tubular String Inspection Using Inductive Sensing for Bore Ovality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools are inadequate for effectively inspecting and diagnosing the condition of tubular strings in boreholes, including issues such as corrosion, deformation, scale formation, and obstructions, which hinders efficient operation and maintenance of oil and gas drilling and production systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elongate body with inclination sensors, inductive distance sensors, and an accelerometer, coupled with data storage and power sources, is used to assess the condition of tubular strings within boreholes, providing detailed information on collapse, corrosion, and obstructions through electromagnetic field interactions and sensor data correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inspection tools are used to detect tubular string conditions, then the inspection process is simple, but the detection precision and diagnostic capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (inductive distance sensors, inclination sensors, accelerometers) and data processing capabilities into a single integrated inspection tool. This merging of functions enables comprehensive detection of tubular string conditions including collapse, corrosion, and obstructions, thereby improving measurement precision while the integrated design manages the complexity through unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection tool is designed with multi-functional capabilities to detect various tubular string conditions (collapse, corrosion, obstructions, inclination) using a single device. The inductive distance sensors can identify different types of anomalies, while the inclination sensor and accelerometer provide additional diagnostic information, making the tool universal for comprehensive tubular string assessment.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors are integrated into the inspection tool, then the diagnostic capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool segments the detection function into specialized sensors: inductive distance sensors for structural anomalies, inclination sensors for orientation, and accelerometers for motion detection. Each sensor type focuses on specific parameters, reducing the complexity of individual components while collectively providing comprehensive information about tubular string conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data processing system that acts as an intermediary between the multiple sensors and the final diagnostic output. This mediator processes, correlates, and interprets data from various sensors, managing the complexity of multi-sensor integration while ensuring complete and accurate information delivery about tubular string conditions.
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
Enables accurate detection and characterization of tubular string conditions, allowing for targeted maintenance and remediation, enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of borehole operations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of angularly distributed inductive distance sensors coupled to the data storage device, each of the plurality of inductive distance sensors to generate a signal indicating the distance from the inductive distance sensor to an interior wall of a bore of a tubular string
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining the condition of a tubular string comprising an elongate body connectable to an elongate conduit, a data storage device, an inclination sensor, a plurality of inductive distance sensors, each to generate a signal indicating the distance from the sensor to an interior wall of a bore of a tubular string in which the body is positioned, an accelerometer and an electrical power storage source coupled to each of the inductive sensors, the inclination sensor and the accelerometer, wherein signals generated by the plurality of inductive distance sensors can be correlated with the position of the body within the bore of the tubular string to determine the ovality of the bore of the tubular string adjacent to the plurality of inductive distance sensors and a build-up of scale on the interior surface of the bore of the tubular string adjacent to the plurality of inductive distance sensors.