Magnetic power transmission devices for oilfield applications

Abstract

A method and apparatus relates to incorporating a magnetic coupling for use in oilfield applications. The magnetic coupling is operatively coupled to an oilfield machine to provide a controlled operational speed. The magnetic coupling may be operatively connected to a motor and a drive shaft where a speed of rotation of the drive shaft is controlled by an operation of the magnetic coupling. The drive shaft is operatively connected to the oilfield machine.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A method for controlling an oilfield machine, comprising:
 controlling an operational speed of the oilfield machine by the operation of a magnetic coupling, wherein the oilfield machine comprises at least one machine selected from the group consisting of shakers, blowers, waste treatment equipment, waste management equipment, centrifuges, pumps, mud pumps, draw works, top drive assemblies, agitators mixers, and conveyors.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the controlling produces an infinitely variable output speed. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the controlling varies a width of a gap. 
     
     
         16 . A method for controlling an oilfield machine, comprising:
 connecting a magnetic coupling between the oilfield machine and a motor;   controlling the torque transferred to the oilfield machine from the motor by the operation of a magnetic coupling   wherein the oilfield machine comprises at least one machine selected from the group consisting of shakers, blowers, waste treatment equipment, waste management equipment, centrifuges, pumps, mud pumps, draw works, top drive assemblies, mixers, and conveyors.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the controlling produces an infinitely variable output speed. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the controlling varies a width of a gap. 
     
     
         19 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method to controlling a centrifuge, comprising:
 connecting a magnetic coupling between the centrifuge and a motor;   wherein the magnetic coupling comprises a permanent, rare-earth magnet;   controlling the torque transferred to the centrifuge from the motor by the operation of a magnetic coupling; and   controlling the temperature of the magnetic coupling.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the controlling produces an infinitely variable output speed. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the controlling varies a width of a gap.