X-ray identification of connections in a tubular string
A method for use with a subterranean well can include positioning an x-ray unit so that x-rays emitted by the x-ray unit scan a tubular string, displacing the tubular string relative to the x-ray unit, and identifying a threaded connection in the tubular string. A system can include a torque application device configured to apply torque to a threaded connection in a tubular string, and an x-ray unit configured to project x-rays toward the tubular string.
1. A method for use with a subterranean well, the method comprising:
positioning an x-ray unit so that x-rays emitted by the x-ray unit scan a tubular string;
displacing the tubular string relative to the x-ray unit; and
identifying a threaded connection between adjacent tubulars of the tubular string by detecting an internal detail of the threaded connection.
2. The method of claim 1 , in which the identifying comprises detecting the x-rays after scanning the tubular string, and transmitting signals indicative of the detected x-rays to an image processor.
3. The method of claim 2 , in which the identifying comprises the image processor transmitting to a control system an indication that the threaded connection has been identified.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising the control system controlling operation of a lifting apparatus to thereby adjust a position of the tubular string.
5. The method of claim 4 , in which the controlling is performed automatically in response to the identifying.
6. The method of claim 3 , further comprising adjusting a position of a torque application device in response to the identifying.
7. The method of claim 6 , in which the adjusting is performed automatically in response to the identifying.
8. The method of claim 1 , in which the positioning comprises positioning an x-ray emitter and an x-ray detector of the x-ray unit, so that the tubular string is between the x-ray emitter and the x-ray detector.
9. The method of claim 1 , in which the positioning comprises positioning the x-ray unit vertically between a rotary clamp and a backup clamp of a torque application device.
10. The method of claim 1 , in which the positioning comprises positioning the x-ray unit between a torque application device and a rig floor.
11. A system for use with a subterranean well, the system comprising:
a torque application device configured to apply torque to a threaded connection between adjacent tubulars of a tubular string; and
an x-ray unit configured to project x-rays toward the tubular string and determine a position of the threaded connection in the tubular string by detecting an internal detail of the threaded connection.
12. The system of claim 11 , in which the x-ray unit is positioned a known vertical distance relative to the torque application device.
13. The system of claim 11 , in which the x-ray unit is positioned vertically between a rotary clamp and a backup clamp of the torque application device.
14. The system of claim 11 , in which the x-ray unit is positioned vertically between the torque application device and a rig floor.
15. The system of claim 11 , in which the x-ray unit comprises an x-ray emitter and an x-ray detector, and the tubular string is positioned between the x-ray emitter and the x-ray detector.
16. The system of claim 15 , further comprising an image processor in communication with the x-ray detector.
17. The system of claim 16 , in which the x-ray detector is configured to transmit signals to the image processor indicative of the x-rays projected toward the tubular string.
18. The system of claim 16 , further comprising a control system in communication with the image processor.
19. The system of claim 18 , in which the image processor is configured to transmit signals to the control system in response to identification of a threaded connection in the tubular string.
20. The system of claim 18 , in which the control system is configured to control a vertical position of at least one of the tubular string and the torque application device.