In situ geophysical sensing apparatus method and system

Abstract

An apparatus for in situ geophysical sensing includes a sensor for measuring geophysical data and a liquid absorbent member connected to the sensor that expands in response to contacting a liquid and thereby physically couples the sensor to a local sensing environment. The liquid absorbent member may be formed of beads or pellets or powder that includes a liquid absorbent material. The liquid absorbent member may also include a soluble binding agent for binding the beads or pellets or powder into an integral member such as a casing for containing the sensor. A method and system corresponding to the apparatus are also described herein. The apparatus, method and system described herein may be used to improve borehole sensor data quality without adding significant complexity to the borehole sensor deployment process.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein generally relate to the field of seismic sensing. In particular, the embodiments disclosed herein relate to devices, methods and systems for in situ borehole coupling for geophysical sensing applications.[0003]2. Discussion of the Background[0004]Seismic sensors are often deployed in wells for geophysical data applications. The sensors need to make firm contact with the walls of the well in order to accurately record seismic data. However, the sensors often suffer from substandard coupling to the walls of the borehole resulting in poor data quality. Packing suitable filler material between the sensors and the walls of the well without leaving voids is difficult—particularly for applications where the borehole sensors are stacked. For example, grout densities are often too low to travel down a borehole and fully encompass a sensor. In such cases a larger borehole may be cut and a hose or pipe u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a way to improve the quality of data from sensors in a borehole without making the process of setting up the sensors more complicated. This can be useful for getting better information from the sensors without adding too much work to the process.

Problems solved by technology

However, the sensors often suffer from substandard coupling to the walls of the borehole resulting in poor data quality.

Packing suitable filler material between the sensors and the walls of the well without leaving voids is difficult—particularly for applications where the borehole sensors are stacked.

For example, grout densities are often too low to travel down a borehole and fully encompass a sensor.

However, even a bottom up approach may leave unwanted gaps in the filler material.

While the quality of the geophysical data generated may be improved, implementing such a solution adds complexity to the borehole sensor deployment process.

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