Concentric Wellbore Casing Evaluation Tool Using Electromagnetic Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating wellbore casing conditions are inefficient and costly, particularly in offshore platforms, as they often require removal of casings to detect defects, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination of eddy current (EC), magnetic flux leakage (MFL), and electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) techniques to non-invasively evaluate multiple concentric wellbore casings by generating excitation signals and analyzing response signals to detect defects without the need for casing removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If casing removal is used to detect defects, then defect detection capability is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of casing removal with electromagnetic field-based inspection methods (eddy current, magnetic flux leakage, and acoustic wave techniques). These electromagnetic and acoustic fields can penetrate the casing material and detect defects non-invasively, eliminating the need for physical removal while maintaining defect detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields and acoustic waves as intermediary carriers to detect defects through the casing material. These intermediaries can interact with the casing structure and transmit defect information to sensors without requiring direct physical contact or removal of the casing.
2Measurement precision
If casing removal is used to detect defects, then defect detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the costly mechanical system of casing removal with electromagnetic field-based inspection methods. These methods use electrical energy to generate electromagnetic fields and acoustic waves, which are significantly less expensive than the labor, equipment, and downtime costs associated with physical casing removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields and acoustic waves as intermediaries that can be generated and detected using relatively simple and cost-effective equipment compared to the complex operations required for casing removal, inspection, and reinstallation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple EC coils are used to evaluate concentric casings, then evaluation accuracy is improved, but signal differentiation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inspection process by using different types of coils (eddy current coils, magnetic flux leakage coils, and acoustic wave coils) that are sensitive to different physical phenomena. Each coil type responds differently to defects in inner versus outer casings, allowing the system to differentiate between concentric casings through signal characteristics rather than requiring complex spatial separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the inspection system by using multiple coil types that operate on different electromagnetic and acoustic principles. This creates distinct signal signatures for defects in different casings, enabling differentiation through parameter-based discrimination rather than spatial segmentation.
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 approach allows for accurate monitoring and differentiation of defects in wellbore casings, improving the evaluation of inner and outer casings, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs by avoiding costly removal procedures.
Implementation Method 1
eddy current (EC), magnetic flux leakage (MFL), and electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) techniques
Implementation Method 2
magnetic flux leakage (MFL)
Implementation Method 3
electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) techniques
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises one or more first electromagnetic coils configured to generate and direct first excitation signals toward a plurality of casings in a wellbore and receive response signals based on the excitation signals. The system also comprises a magnetic field source configured to generate a static magnetic field in a particular casing of the plurality of casings and a magnetometer configured to receive response signals based on the static magnetic field in the particular casing. The system further comprises one or more processors configured to receive a first response signal from the one or more electromagnetic coils, receive a second response signal from the magnetometer, and determine, based on the first response signal and the second response signal, whether a defect exists in the plurality of casings.