The MxL Induction Heating System heats the near well bore at the production zone thus decreasing oil viscosity to improve oil mobility both in the zone and at the pump suction. The inductive method of heating transfers the energy directly from the tool to the well casing which, since it is in direct contact with the strata, transfers the heat efficiently at the lowest possible annulus temperature. Since the tool surface does not have to be at a high temperature there is no tendency for the tool to scale, overheat and burnout. Our systems have long term use in mind, one system ran from 2005 and was upgraded in 2011 and is still in use today, another ran from 1997 to 2002 when it was moved elsewhere. They have been re-deployed from well to well, and used as a data gathering system to define production from multi zones and from different levels within a zone. The MxL system is a retrofit system suitable for vertical, deviated or horizontal completions wherein one or more inductors are attached to the bottom of the production tubing in order to heat the production zone. Electrical power is applied to an Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) cable strapped to the side of the production tubing utilizing a regular ESP power feed through and appropriate tubing hanger at the wellhead. The system utilizes the production casing as an inductively heated element to conduct heat and electrical energy into the production zone. The Power Conditioning Unit (PCU), computer and power controls are set up so that power to the three inductor sections can be varied to heat the casing through electromagnetic induction in a selective and controllable manner.

A MxL PCU

MxL PCU Controls

A MxL Tool Installation.

The MxL tool’s inductors are configured to use 50 to 180 Hz three phase modified output waves from the PCU. Resistance measurements are used to indicate temperature at each inductor section and the PCU shuts down periodically to obtain readings that are indicative of the average inductor section temperature. Additional “signature” readings are also included to measure specific location temperatures and bottom hole pressure and return that information on the supply cables. These signature readings are retained in the logged data for periodic evaluation of the system and if proven to be reliable may be selected as control inputs. The PCU has data logging and controls to set power limits based on the greater of either downhole temperature or maximum KVA, for each of three sections, and to retain operating information for later evaluation. System control interlocks are included to provide high current trip, pump trip, low flow trip and provide an operator controlled output contact to signal if the PCU has tripped off.

MxL Systems can be built up to 2.1 megawatts with a single conventional ESP cable. More recent developments in ESP cable may provide even more capability if needed. Inductor Tool Assemblies can range from a single section of a few meters to multiple section assemblies hundreds of meters in length. Depending on the requirements and well configuration an ITA can be configured to induce the majority of heat in either the casing or a portion of both casing and the ITA. They can even be assembled as a probe style where casing is not suitable for direct heating via induction.

Madis will work with you to build the best system for your application using our P.E.P.S. evaluation software and literally decades of experience and know-how.

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