Wellbore Corrosion Detection via Distributed Sensor System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting corrosion in wellbore conduits, such as electromagnetic induction tools, are limited in detecting corrosion in outer casing and require frequent wireline inspections, which are costly and disrupt production.
Innovation Solution
A distributed sensor system using optical fibers with electromagnetic field sensors installed along the conduits, coupled with a wireline transmitter to generate and measure electromagnetic fields, allowing for time-lapse monitoring of pipe properties and detecting defects like corrosion without the need for specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic induction tools are used to detect corrosion in outer casing, then corrosion detection capability is improved, but inspection cost and production disruption increase due to frequent wireline operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing distributed electromagnetic sensors permanently on the wellbore conduit during initial well construction. This allows corrosion monitoring to be performed continuously without requiring subsequent wireline interventions, thereby eliminating production disruption while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wireline inspection system with a permanently installed distributed sensor system coupled with a surface-based electromagnetic transmitter. This substitution eliminates the need for physical tool string deployment and retrieval, thereby removing production disruption while maintaining corrosion detection functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple wireline inspections are performed during well life, then corrosion monitoring is improved, but cumulative cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional system where the permanently installed distributed sensors serve both as structural components of the wellbore and as continuous corrosion monitoring devices. The surface-based electromagnetic transmitter can inspect multiple conduits simultaneously, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by creating a passive monitoring system where the permanently installed sensors continuously detect corrosion without requiring active intervention. The system automatically provides corrosion monitoring data, eliminating the need for repeated wireline inspection operations and reducing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If specialized corrosion logging tools are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and inspection cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by removing the electromagnetic transmission functionality from the downhole environment and placing it on the surface. Only simple, permanently installed electromagnetic sensors remain on the conduit, while the complex transmitter operation is performed at the surface, thereby reducing downhole system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the permanently installed distributed sensors as mediators between the surface-based electromagnetic transmitter and the conduit being inspected. These sensors simplify the overall system by serving as fixed interface points, reducing the complexity of repeated tool deployments while maintaining measurement precision.
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 efficient, two-dimensional monitoring of conduit corrosion without disrupting production, reducing costs by using permanently installed sensors and integrating with existing wellbore systems for comprehensive corrosion detection.
Implementation Method 1
The wireline transmitter may include at least one transmitting coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may penetrate one or more conduits disposed in the wellbore. The electromagnetic field may induce emission of at least one secondary electromagnetic field from the one or more conduits.
Implementation Method 2
The distributed sensor system may include electromagnetic field sensors installed in the wellbore and distributed along the one or more conduits. The electromagnetic field sensors may generate at least one signal in response to the at least one secondary electromagnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are included that relate to the detection and monitoring of defects in wellbore conduits using a distributed sensor system and a wireline transmitter. A method for inspection of wellbore conduits may comprise: running a wireline transmitter into a wellbore; generating an electromagnetic field using the wireline transmitter, wherein the electromagnetic field penetrates one or more conduits disposed in the wellbore, and wherein the electromagnetic field induces emission of at least one secondary electromagnetic field from the one or more conduits; generating at least one signal in response to the secondary electromagnetic field, wherein the at least one signal is generated using a distributed sensor system, and wherein the distributed sensor system comprises electromagnetic field sensors installed in the wellbore and distributed along the one or more conduits; and identifying a pipe electromagnetic or geometric property of the one or more conduits based on the at least one signal.