Ultrasonic Detection System for Wellbore Pipe Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection systems in wellbores face challenges in accurately and reliably detecting objects due to changing conditions and self-resonance issues, which limit the detection range and accuracy of pipe position and characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A detection system utilizing multiple sensors that send and receive ultrasonic pulses with varying parameters, such as amplitude, frequency, duration, and excitation codes, allowing for simultaneous pulsing and accurate determination of object characteristics through a controller that processes the signals to distinguish individual pulses and determine object characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential pulsing of sensors is used to detect objects, then detection can be performed, but the position of the pipe changes during sequential pulsing causing inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic ultrasonic pulsing where multiple sensors transmit pulses in rapid succession with different parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration, or excitation code). This periodic action with varied parameters allows the system to capture multiple reflections quickly, determining pipe position before significant movement occurs, thus maintaining accuracy while reducing effective detection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection by having multiple sensors transmit pulses simultaneously or in rapid sequence before the pipe position changes significantly. By gathering reflection data from multiple sensors in quick succession, the system establishes baseline position information that accounts for movement during the detection window.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor sends and receives pulses sequentially, then the system is simpler, but each sensor only detects objects at a minimum distance due to self-resonance obfuscating reflected pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function across multiple sensors instead of relying on a single sensor to both transmit and receive. Each sensor transmits pulses with different parameters, and multiple sensors receive reflections. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish transmitted from reflected pulses more effectively, extending detection range by overcoming self-resonance limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes pulse parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration, or excitation code) for each sensor transmission. This parameter variation allows receiving sensors to distinguish between pulses transmitted by different sensors, enabling closer detection by overcoming the self-resonance obfuscation that limits single-sensor systems.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors pulse simultaneously with different parameters, then detection accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the varied pulse parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration, excitation code) as intermediaries to identify pulse sources. By encoding sensor identity in pulse characteristics, the system creates a natural signaling mechanism that simplifies signal routing and processing, reducing the complexity burden of multiple simultaneous transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback processing where the controller analyzes reflected pulses from multiple sensors, uses the known parameter variations to identify pulse sources and paths, and adjusts detection algorithms accordingly. This feedback loop manages the complexity of simultaneous multi-sensor operation by systematically processing the varied signals to extract accurate position information.
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
The system enhances the reliability and accuracy of detecting objects in wellbores by reducing self-resonance interference and increasing the detection range, providing real-time geometry data and improved safety and efficiency in production systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor sends a first pulse toward the pipe and receives the first pulse after the first pulse is reflected by the pipe
Implementation Method 2
The detection system includes a first sensor configured to send a first ultrasonic pulse toward an object
Implementation Method 3
a second sensor sends a second pulse toward the pipe and receives the second pulse after the second pulse is reflected by the pipe
Implementation Method 4
The detection system also includes a second sensor spaced from the first sensor and configured to send a second ultrasonic pulse toward the object
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system includes a first sensor configured to send a first ultrasonic pulse toward an object in a blowout prevention system. The first ultrasonic pulse has a first parameter. The detection system also includes a second sensor spaced from the first sensor and configured to send a second ultrasonic pulse toward the object. The second ultrasonic pulse has a second parameter that is different from the first parameter of the first ultrasonic pulse. The first parameter and the second parameter are one of an amplitude, a frequency, a duration, an emission time, and an excitation code. The second sensor is further configured to receive the first ultrasonic pulse after the first ultrasonic pulse interacts with the object. The detection system is configured to determine that the first ultrasonic pulse received by the second sensor was sent by the first sensor. The detection system further includes a controller coupled to the second sensor and configured to determine a characteristic of the object based on the first ultrasonic pulse.