Sonic/acoustic monitoring using optical distributed acoustic sensing

a technology of optical distribution and acoustic sensing, applied in the direction of seismology for waterlogging, using wave/particle radiation means, instruments, etc., can solve the problems of complex and expensive deployment of sensors arrays

Inactive Publication Date: 2015-01-15
WEATHERFORD TECH HLDG LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent relates to sonic well logging using a distributed acoustic sensing device. The invention provides an apparatus for performing sonic well logging in a wellbore, which includes an acoustic energy source for generating acoustic signals, an optical waveguide, and a method of using them to analyze the wellbore and the formations adjacent it. The acoustic signals interact with the wellbore, wellbore completion, and formations to affect the light propagating in the optical waveguide. The invention allows for more accurate and efficient sonic well logging.

Problems solved by technology

However, the measurements may involve the long-term emplacement of the sensing systems.
The sensor arrays may consist of multiple discrete devices, and the deployment of an array of sensors may be complex and expensive.

Method used

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  • Sonic/acoustic monitoring using optical distributed acoustic sensing
  • Sonic/acoustic monitoring using optical distributed acoustic sensing
  • Sonic/acoustic monitoring using optical distributed acoustic sensing

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Embodiment Construction

[0025]Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for performing sonic well logging within a wellbore based on optical Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). A sonic well logging system may be used to measure downhole properties such as formation porosity, location of bed boundaries and fluid interfaces, well casing condition, and behind casing cement location and bonding quality. A sonic well logging system based on DAS may be capable of producing the functional equivalent of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of acoustic sensors, wherein the permanent or semi-permanent emplacement of the sonic well logging system based on DAS may not be nearly as complex or expensive as emplacing a sonic well logging system based on traditional methods. Furthermore, multiplexing may be simpler, downhole electronics need not be used, and the sonic well logging system may be used in extreme, high temperature environments.

[0026]As used herein, the phrase “permanently emplaced” gene...

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for performing sonic well logging within a wellbore based on optical Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) are provided. A sonic well logging system based on DAS may be capable of producing the functional equivalent of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of acoustic sensors. In this manner, the emplacement of the sonic well logging system based on DAS may not be nearly as complex or expensive as emplacing a sonic well logging system based on traditional methods. Furthermore, multiplexing may be simpler, downhole electronics need not be used, and the sonic well logging system may be used in extreme, high temperature environments.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 106,642, filed May 12, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 334,044, filed May 12, 2010, both of which are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for use in oil and gas wellbores and, more particularly, to performing sonic well logging within such wellbores.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Downhole logging tools may be used to temporarily measure many important downhole properties and conditions in oil and gas wells. These tools may be typically classified in two categories: open hole and cased hole. Open hole tools may be designed to measure rock properties in the formations surrounding non-cased wellbores, as well as the properties of the fluids contained in the rocks. Cased hole tools ma...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G01V1/44G01H9/00
CPCG01V1/44G01H9/004G01V1/46E21B47/107E21B47/135G01V1/52G01V1/16
InventorBOSTICK, III, FRANCIS
OwnerWEATHERFORD TECH HLDG LLC