Wellhead Sensor Assembly With Wireless Coil Coupling Across Pressure Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore sensor assemblies require physical connections for data and power transmission, which can be prone to leaks and degradation, especially in harsh environments like subsea wells, and are not efficient at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A wireless data and power transmission system using inner and outer coils with magnetic fields to transmit signals across a pressure barrier, eliminating the need for physical connections and seals, and incorporating non-magnetic and magnetically permeable materials to optimize signal transfer and resistance to environmental degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical connections with seals are used for data and power transmission, then reliable connection can be achieved, but leaks and degradation occur especially in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (wires and seals) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless transmission system. Inner and outer coils generate magnetic fields to transmit data and power across the pressure barrier without physical contact, eliminating the seals that were prone to leaks and degradation in harsh wellbore environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer data and power across the pressure barrier. The inner coil generates a magnetic field that couples with the outer coil, enabling transmission without direct physical connection or sealing interfaces, thus eliminating the harmful leak paths.
2Productivity
If physical connections and seals are used, then data and power can be transmitted, but the system is not efficient at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces temperature-sensitive mechanical seal systems with electromagnetic field-based wireless transmission. The coil-based magnetic coupling system maintains efficient data and power transmission across the pressure barrier without the degradation issues that affect sealed mechanical connections at low temperatures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless transmission with coils is used, then leaks are prevented and low temperature efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested coil configuration where an inner coil is positioned within a wellhead flange and coupled with an outer coil positioned externally. This nested arrangement enables wireless transmission through the pressure barrier while integrating the magnetic coupling system within the existing wellhead structure, managing complexity through spatial nesting.
4Reliability
If seals and barriers are used for isolation, then environmental protection is achieved, but the system requires more components and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the seal and barrier components from the transmission system by implementing wireless magnetic coupling across the pressure barrier. Data and power are transmitted through electromagnetic fields rather than physical connections, eliminating the seals and barriers that created potential failure points while maintaining environmental isolation.
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 reliable and resilient data and power transmission in wellbore environments, preventing leaks and maintaining functionality at low temperatures without the need for independent seals or barriers, thus reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
By energizing the inner coil, a first magnetic field may be generated that can cause a current in the outer coil for transmitting power and data to the outer coil
Implementation Method 2
by energizing the outer coil, a second magnetic field may be generated that can cause a current in the inner coil for transmitting power and data to the inner coil
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a sensor assembly and a wellhead flange sized to receive the sensor assembly. The system can also include a seal that can be positioned between the sensor assembly and the wellhead flange for sealing the wellhead flange from an external environment. The system can also include an inner coil that can be positioned within the sensor assembly. The inner coil may be able to communicate wirelessly with an outer coil that can be positioned around the sensor assembly for transmitting data and power with respect to the wellhead flange. The system can also include a sensor positionable in a through bore of the wellhead flange. The sensor can be coupled with the inner coil for transmitting and receiving data and power with respect to the wellhead flange.