The Vector Magnetics Casing Magnetization Service is a cost-effective solution for increasing the detectable range of down-hole casing via Passive Magnetic Ranging methods. Whether as a contingency against a shallow blowout, to allow detection in extended salt formations where active ranging methods are ineffective, or to aid in well avoidance in densely spaced fields; Casing Magnetization provides an additional margin of safety at low cost and no risk to the wellbore.
Passive Magnetic Ranging has been proven a technically sound, yet inconsistent method of locating existing casing strings, drillpipe, or other magnetic source materials downhole. This inconsistency is a result of the random distribution of magnetic domains within the un-magnetized material. In a normal string of unmagnetized casing these domains may arbitrarily align in such a way that near zero net magnetic signal is present above the background earth’s field. In such a situation Passive Magnetic Ranging is rendered ineffective, greatly complicating both the locate and follow stages of relief well drilling, making collision avoidance nearly impossible, and exposing stakeholders to excess risk.
Pre-magnetization eliminates this uncertainty by passing a select few joints through a portable electro-magnetic coil, magnetizing them to saturation and then installing them in a pre-defined pattern designed to maximize detection range. Prior to installation the final field strengths are measured and documented in a report and installation model provided to the customer to be included in the casing program.
The Casing Magnetization System is capable of handling casing of nearly any size, yet portable enough to ship via standard air cargo methods. Kits are based out of New York and Norway in partnership with AGR, and available for rapid deployment to customer sites globally.