Development of High-Resolution Axial Flux Leakage Casing-Inspection Tools (2005)

Development of High-Resolution Axial Flux Leakage Casing Inspection Tools Donald C. Vogtsberger; Donald C. Vogtsberger Baker Atlas Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Bruce Girrell; Bruce Girrell Microline Technology Corporation Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Jerry Miller; Jerry Miller Microline Technology Corporation Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Douglas Spencer Douglas Spencer Microline Technology Corporation Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Paper presented at the SPE Eastern Regional Meeting, Morgantown, West Virginia, September 2005. Paper Number: SPE-97807-MS https://doi.org/10.2118/97807-MS Published: September 14 2005 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Get Permissions Search Site Citation Vogtsberger, Donald C., Girrell, Bruce, Miller, Jerry, and Douglas Spencer. "Development of High-Resolution Axial Flux Leakage Casing Inspection Tools." Paper presented at the SPE Eastern Regional Meeting, Morgantown, West Virginia, September 2005. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/97807-MS Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll ProceedingsSociety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)SPE Eastern Regional Meeting Search Advanced Search AbstractWell casing and tubing integrity is a very important component in the safe operations of oil and gas wells in the US. To maintain safe operating conditions through out the life of a well, operators must periodically determine the integrity of the downhole well tubulars.Historically, casing inspection data has been acquired with downhole wireline technology, and predominately with magnetic flux leakage (MFL) inspection tools. Limitations in available electronics, however, have meant that MFL logging tools have thus far been commercially available only in low-resolution configurations. Although proven to be highly robust and effective in downhole inspection applications, all low-resolution MFL instruments incorporate measurement and analysis techniques that limit their ability to precisely resolve defect geometry in all circumstances.Baker Atlas is in the development of high resolution MFL logging instruments based on hall sensors and other improvements in the magnetic, electronic and mechanical configuration of the inspection system. From an industry survey, a set of requirements for a series of high resolution MFL logging instruments was established. A high resolution MFL instrument design program was then undertaken, incorporating magnetic finite element analysis, mechanical design and electronics design to meet the defined applications. A bench prototype device was used to acquire characterization data in a laboratory environment. The resulting axial flux leakage inspection data was then analyzed to determine the instruments basic defect detection thresholds and sensitivity to changes in defect length, width and depth. Finally, an operational field test device was used in field applications to verify operational performance of the inspection system. This paper will review the development process and outline expected benefits of the tubular inspection system.These developments of high-resolution MFL logging instruments are intended to produce a more accurate determination of defect geometry, which will provide operators with improved data for casing integrity management.Technical PerspectiveThere are currently estimated to be more than 17,000 underground gas storage wells operating across the US. To maintain these wells safely over the life of the storage field, operators must periodically determine the integrity of the downhole well casings. Left undetected, casing failures and the resulting loss of containment have the potential to compromise the safe operation and control of the well. Many operators have therefore adopted a conservative strategy with regard to casing integrity, electing to remediate or plug damaged wells prior to casing failure on the basis of downhole inspections. Historically, casing inspection data has been acquired with downhole wireline technology, and predominately with magnetic flux leakage (MFL) inspection tools. MFL logging tools, however, have thus far been commercially available only in "low-resolution" configurations. Although proven to be highly robust and effective in downhole inspection applications, all low-resolution MFL instruments incorporate measurement and analysis techniques that limit their ability to precisely resolve defect geometry in all circumstances. This project investigates the development of "high-resolution" MFL logging instruments based on ratiometric linear Hall sensors and other improvements in the magnetic, electronic and mechanical configuration of the inspection system. These developments are intended to produce a more accurate determination of defect geometry, which, when combined with new or existing casing burst strength algorithms, would provide storage operators with improved data for casing integrity management. Keywords: inspection system, inspection module, configuration, defect, production logging, inspection data, defect length, module, baker hughes incorporated, operator Subjects: Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Formation Evaluation & Management, Information Management and Systems, Production logging, Open hole/cased hole log analysis This content is only available via PDF. 2005. Society of Petroleum Engineers You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.