Sensing magnetized portions of a wellhead system to monitor fatigue loading
US9416652B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/007
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A wellhead assembly having a tubular magnetized in at least one selected location, and a sensor proximate the magnetized location that monitors a magnetic field from the magnetized location. The magnetic field changes in response to changes in mechanical stress of the magnetized location, so that signals from the sensor represent loads applied to the tubular. Analyzing the signals over time provides fatigue loading data useful for estimating structural integrity of the tubular and its fatigue life. Example tubulars include a low pressure housing, a high pressure housing, conductor pipes respectively coupled with the housings, a string of tubing, a string of casing, housing and tubing connections, housing and tubing seals, tubing hangers, tubing risers, and other underwater structural components that require fatigue monitoring, or can be monitored for fatigue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.