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Custom Resistor Dividers from Exxelia Ohmcraft Help Enable Innovative Downhole X-ray Inspections

ROCHESTER, N.Y., September 22, 2020 — In order to safely and successfully abandon and cap off oil wells, downhole X-ray technology is used to check the wells for any structural damage or radioactive materials. Exxelia Ohmcraft—a leader in thick-film, high-voltage, high-precision resistor design and ...

...and manufacturing—was recently tapped to develop a custom, high-voltage resistor divider for this application

For more than 15 years, Exxelia Ohmcraft has provided custom resistors for petrotechnical analysis equipment used in downhole drilling. That’s why manufacturers of the downhole X-ray inspection platform turned to Ohmcraft to help develop a custom solution for use in this new and innovative diagnostic tool, which has already generated significant demand in the market.

While cameras are able to capture images of a well’s exterior, downhole drilling X-ray platforms enable oil companies to clearly examine the inside of the well despite harsh conditions, including exposure to high temperatures, high pressures, and fluids. The X-ray inspection helps to ensure the well’s integrity and mitigate any risks.

“The process of taking X-rays deep down inside of a well involves very powerful and specialized equipment, for which the design required reliable high-voltage resistor dividers in a small form factor—a combination that manufacturers struggled to find,” said Eric Van Wormer, Vice President of Exxelia Ohmcraft. “Given our experience in downhole drilling applications and the development of custom resistor solutions, we were able to work closely with the engineers to meets their needs and help them bring this technology to life for their customers.”

Exxelia Ohmcraft’s technology utilizes the proprietary Micropen electronic printing system to “print” precise, narrow, serpentine lines with resistive ink on a ceramic substrate, producing higher performance resistors over a wider range of values on a smaller surface area than is possible with conventional film resistor technology.

Published on 23 Sep 2020 by Rebecca Charles

Exxelia's Smart Magnetic: Breakthrough technology for more compact and powerful converters

This advance makes it possible to design more compact, lighter converters. However, the advantages of this technology are not limited to these fundamental aspects. In this article, we will explore in detail the multiple functional, economic and environmental benefits offered by Exxelia's Smart Magnetic technology.   Functional advantages for increased reliability: The Smart Magnetics project makes it possible in particular to optimize the Dual Active Bridge topology which requires the combination of a transformer and a choke. The Dual Active Bridge converter is a technology that is becoming widespread because it allows bidirectional power transmission. This meets the challenges of electrical systems (recovery + supply of energy), Integrating the Dual Active Bridge (DAB) transformer and choke into a single component has significant functional advantages. Unlike assembling two separate components, using an integrated component eliminates interconnections. The repeatability and reproducibility of the processes guarantee perfect control of the electrical characteristics, and ensure optimum performance of the converter. In addition, this consolidation reduces the number of components required, which improves the reliability of the final product.   Rationalization of the value chain for optimized production costs: The Smart Magnetic project also contributes to improving the value chain through effective streamlining. By replacing two distinct components with a single component, the management of the components of the circuit is simplified. From the customer's point of view, there is only one product to supply, one product to integrate/assemble in the system. These simplifications result in high added value and increased competitiveness on the market.   Contribution to a more environmentally friendly industry: By adopting Smart Magnetic solutions, the benefits go beyond simply improving energy efficiency. This innovation also reduces the consumption of raw materials by using less material in the Smart Magnetic component compared to standard formats requiring two separate components. As a result, this technology contributes to the preservation of natural resources. In addition, Smart Magnetic responds to the challenges posed by the electrification of vehicles, whether in air, land or sea transport, by promoting the deployment of solutions that are less dependent on fossil fuels.   Various applications: The versatility of Smart Magnetic solutions makes it suitable for many applications. For example, it can be used as a bi-directional converter between batteries and circuits, for power applications or even in resonant converter topologies. It is also useful in applications requiring high current and in Multi-output flyback converters. This diverse range of applications testifies to the flexibility of the Smart Magnetic project.   A project ? Do not hesitate to contact us.    

Exxelia unveils two brand new High Temperature Film Capacitors series operating up to 200°C

Exxelia unveils two brand new High Temperature Film Capacitors series operating up to 200°C June 30th 2020 - Paris, France - Exxelia, an established designer and manufacturer of complex passive components, resistors & sub-systems dedicated to harsh environments, launches its new 253P & 560P product series providing unmatched performances at high temperature.   253P series, the 200°C Film capacitor series with unmatched stability The PTFE 253P series is the most stable 200°C Film capacitor on the market with its unparalleled stability of <2,5% with capacitance from 0.22μF to 1μF under 250VDC to 800VDC. It offers the lowest loss characteristic (Tẟ) of all film technologies less than 0,1% at extreme temperatures (200°C) with excellent life performance in operations. The series offers great resistance to vibrations, shocks and to over voltage making it ideal for Oil & Gas applications as well as Defense and Civil Aviation. SPECIFICATIONS: Voltages from 250VDC to 800VDC Capacitance from 0.22μF to 1μF Standard Tolerance ±10%, ±5%* Operating Temperature -55°C to +200°C  560P Film Capacitor series, is a High Temperature Polymer operating up to 180°C Exxelia’s 560P product series combines electrical performance between BOPP & PET while exhibiting a higher operating temperature up to 180°C and longer lifetime, it is the perfect cost-effective solution for high reliability and performance in severe environments. With absolutely no derating up to 150°C, its very stable TCC <2,5% and its great resistance to vibrations, shocks and over voltage, the series supplant high temperature ceramics and tantalums being an ideal choice for many capacitor applications in harsh environments i.e. DC Link, AC Filtering, ....   SPECIFICATIONS: Voltages from 320VDC to 800VDC Capacitance value from 0.022μF to 10μF Standard Tolerance ±10%, ±5%* Temperature ranges from -55°C to +180°C   Both series are available with a high degree of customization (* tighter tolerances available upon request). Representative samples are readily available for evaluation. For more information contact sales.usa@exxelia.com or visit www.exxelia.com  
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