Wireline Instrument Rotator Using Electromagnetic Casing Attraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for conveying instruments into subsurface wellbores by armored electrical cable lack the capability to rotate instruments to a selected rotary orientation within the wellbore, making it impractical to achieve desired orientations for surveying or other applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a non-magnetic housing with circumferentially arranged electromagnets that induce magnetic flux to sequentially rotate the instrument housing within a ferromagnetic casing, allowing for rotational orientation by magnetic attraction, with a controller to actuate the electromagnets for precise orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If instruments are conveyed into wellbores by wireline, then the instruments can be deployed and retrieved using armored electrical cable, but the instruments cannot be rotated to a selected rotary orientation within the wellbore

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotary orientation capabilityVSAvoidinstrument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A separate rotator device is introduced as an intermediary component that couples to the instrument housing. This rotator contains the electromagnet assembly and control system, allowing the instrument itself to remain relatively simple while gaining rotary orientation capability through the coupled rotator device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential mechanical rotation mechanisms with an electromagnetic system. Electromagnets mounted on the instrument housing interact with the ferromagnetic casing to produce rotational motion through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical gears, motors, or drive trains within the constrained wellbore environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electromagnets are used to rotate the instrument housing, then the instrument can be oriented in any selected direction, but energy is consumed to actuate the electromagnets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselected orientation capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnet actuation energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnets are actuated in a sequential, periodic manner around the circumferential array. By cycling through the electromagnets in sequence and using the magnetic attraction to the ferromagnetic casing, the system achieves continuous rotation while allowing each electromagnet to be energized only when needed, rather than requiring all electromagnets to be continuously powered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the housing external diameter is made smaller than casing internal diameter to enable rotation, then the instrument can be rotated within the wellbore, but the housing structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational movementVSAvoidhousing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the overall instrument assembly into distinct functional components: the instrument housing containing the measurement tools, and the separate rotator device containing the electromagnet array. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the housing maintaining its structural integrity while the rotator provides the rotational capability through the electromagnetic interaction with the casing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 instruments conveyed through wellbores to be rotated to any selected orientation without fixing parts within the wellbore, facilitating effective surveying and operation of devices like seismic energy sources, improving the usability of wellbore instruments.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of electromagnets is arranged circumferentially about the interior of the housing and is configured to induce magnetic flux through a wall of the housing when actuated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

causing parts of an instrument housing to be sequentially rotationally magnetically attracted to a casing disposed in the wellbore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS7841403B2Rotator for wireline conveyed wellbore instruments and method for rotating an instrument in a wellbore

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 Z SEIS CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for rotating an instrument in a wellbore includes a non magnetic housing configured to traverse the interior of the wellbore. The housing has an external diameter smaller than an internal diameter of a casing disposed in the wellbore. A plurality of electromagnets is arranged circumferentially about the interior of the housing and is configured to induce magnetic flux through a wall of the housing when actuated. A controller configured to sequentially rotationally actuate the electromagnets. A method for rotating a wellbore instrument in a wellbore includes causing parts of an instrument housing to be sequentially rotationally magnetically attracted to a casing disposed in the wellbore. The housing has a smaller external diameter than an internal diameter of the casing. The sequential rotational magnetic attraction is continued as needed.