A while-drilling ultrasonic borehole caliper device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of while drilling ultrasonic caliper detection device, comprising: for emitting and receiving signal ultrasonic detector, it includes the compensation shell with cavity, focusing transducer is arranged in cavity;For connecting acquisition circuit conversion mechanism, conversion mechanism includes pressure seal joint and electrical connector;Compensation connector is connected between ultrasonic detector and conversion mechanism, compensation connector is connected between compensation shell and pressure seal joint using plug-in mode, compensation connector is configured to enable the internal and external pressure of cavity to keep balance;Wherein, focusing transducer can emit and receive ultrasonic signal, and received ultrasonic signal is transmitted to pressure seal joint by compensation connector, then ultrasonic signal is transmitted to acquisition circuit by electrical connector, and acquisition circuit can calculate the propagation distance according to the time difference of ultrasonic signal emission and acceptance, to complete the real-time detection of while drilling caliper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of oil and natural gas exploration and development, and particularly relates to a while-drilling ultrasonic wellbore detection device. Background Art

[0002] In oil and gas development, wellbore diameter, as a key parameter during drilling, is crucial to the drilling process. Obtaining quantitative wellbore shape information and visualization data during drilling allows for timely corrections to the bottomhole assembly (BHA) and adequate analysis and adjustments to the remaining well sections. Therefore, real-time monitoring of wellbore diameter parameters during drilling is crucial.

[0003] At present, some existing drilling instruments have adopted ultrasonic caliper technology for while-drilling measurement. However, there are still some problems with the existing drilling instruments. For example, the integration level of existing while-drilling ultrasonic detectors is not high, and the transducer and circuit are usually installed separately. This increases the difficulty of the overall hardware design of the while-drilling instrument and does not fully utilize the instrument space. At the same time, it also increases the time for instrument maintenance, reduces drilling efficiency, and easily leads to the loss of collected data, thereby reducing the construction quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the technical problems mentioned above, the present invention aims to propose a while-drilling ultrasonic wellbore detection device, which can measure the wellbore in real time during the while-drilling construction operation, has a high degree of integration, can effectively reduce the volume, and can greatly improve the drilling operation time and efficiency.

[0005] To this end, according to the present invention, a device for ultrasonic wellbore detection while drilling is provided, comprising: an ultrasonic detector for transmitting and receiving signals, the ultrasonic detector comprising a compensating shell having a cavity, a focusing transducer fixedly mounted inside the cavity; a conversion mechanism for connecting an acquisition circuit, the conversion mechanism comprising a pressure-bearing sealing joint and an electrical connector fixedly connected to the pressure-bearing sealing joint; and a compensating connector connected between the ultrasonic detector and the conversion mechanism, the compensating connector being connected to the compensating shell and the pressure-bearing sealing joint by plugging, the compensating connector being configured to balance the internal and external pressures of the cavity; wherein the focusing transducer is capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, and transmitting the received ultrasonic signals to the pressure-bearing sealing joint through the compensating connector, and then transmitting the ultrasonic signals to the acquisition circuit through the electrical connector, the acquisition circuit being capable of calculating the propagation distance based on the time difference between the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic signals, thereby completing real-time detection of the wellbore while drilling.

[0006] In one embodiment, the compensation housing includes a cylindrical first portion and a second portion fixedly connected to a side of the first portion, and the cavity is configured to extend axially inward from one end of the first portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, a shock absorber is provided between the focusing transducer and the bottom surface of the cavity.

[0008] In one embodiment, a first mounting portion is provided inside the second portion, and the first mounting portion is communicated with the cavity.

[0009] In one embodiment, the compensation connector is provided with a first connector, which can be adapted to be installed with the first mounting portion, and a first seal is provided between the first connector and the first mounting portion, so that the compensation connector forms a sealed connection with the compensation housing.

[0010] In one embodiment, a telescopic cylinder is provided inside the compensating connector, and a compensating piston capable of telescopic movement is installed inside the telescopic cylinder. The telescopic cylinder is connected to the cavity, and the compensating piston maintains balance between the internal and external pressures of the cavity through telescopic movement.

[0011] In one embodiment, a second mounting portion is further provided inside the compensating connector. The second mounting portion is staggered with the telescopic cylinder and has the same extension direction as the telescopic cylinder.

[0012] In one embodiment, the conversion mechanism is provided with a second connector, and the second connector can be adapted to be installed with the second mounting portion, so that the conversion mechanism is connected to the compensation connector.

[0013] In one embodiment, the focusing transducer is fixedly mounted inside the cavity using a retaining ring.

[0014] In one embodiment, a second seal is provided between the focusing transducer and the side wall of the cavity.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this application are:

[0016] The ultrasonic wellbore diameter detection device while drilling according to the present invention can transmit and receive ultrasonic signals through a focusing transducer arranged inside the compensation shell, and provide static and dynamic sealing for the ultrasonic detector and maintain internal and external pressure balance through a compensation piston arranged in the compensation shell and the compensation connector. At the same time, it can transmit the received ultrasonic signal to the pressure-bearing sealing joint in the conversion mechanism through a signal line, and then transmit the ultrasonic signal to the corresponding acquisition circuit through an electrical connector to complete the real-time detection of the wellbore diameter while drilling. The ultrasonic wellbore diameter detection device while drilling can measure the wellbore diameter in real time during the drilling operation. It has a high degree of integration, can effectively reduce the volume, and can greatly improve the drilling operation time and efficiency. In addition, the design difficulty and production cost of the ultrasonic wellbore diameter detection device while drilling are significantly reduced, and replacement and maintenance are simple and convenient, with a long service life. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the ultrasonic wellbore detection device while drilling according to the present invention.

[0019] In this application, all drawings are schematic drawings, which are only used to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the ultrasonic caliper detection device 100 according to the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic caliper detection device while drilling 100 includes an ultrasonic detector 10, a conversion mechanism 20, and a compensation connector 30 connected between the ultrasonic detector 10 and the conversion mechanism 20. The ultrasonic detector 10 is used to receive and transmit ultrasonic signals, the conversion mechanism 20 is used to connect to the acquisition circuit, and the compensation connector 30 is used to connect the ultrasonic detector 10 and the conversion mechanism 20 and transmit ultrasonic signals.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic detector 10 includes a compensation housing 12. The compensation housing 12 is configured to include a cylindrical first portion 121 and a prismatic second portion 122 fixedly connected to the side of the first portion 121. Preferably, the first portion 121 and the second portion 122 are provided as one piece. A cavity 11 is provided inside the first portion 121. The cavity 11 is configured to extend from one end ( Figure 1 The upper end of the housing 11 extends axially inward, and the housing 11 is cylindrical. The housing 11 is used to install and arrange other components.

[0023] According to the present invention, a focusing transducer 13 is fixedly installed inside the cavity 11. The focusing transducer 13 is capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, and is capable of further transmitting the received ultrasonic signals. In one embodiment, the focusing transducer 13 is fixedly installed inside the cavity 11 using a retaining ring 15. The retaining ring 15 is located at the axial outer end of the focusing transducer 13 and cooperates with the cavity 11, thereby axially fixing the focusing transducer 13. In addition, in order to ensure the sealing of the cavity 11, a second sealing member 16 is provided between the focusing transducer 13 and the side wall of the cavity 11. The second sealing member 16 is arranged on the axial inner side of the retaining ring 15. The retaining ring 15 and the second sealing ring 16 can effectively ensure the fixed and sealed installation of the focusing transducer 13, and are very conducive to the installation of the ultrasonic wellbore detection device 100 while drilling.

[0024] In order to reduce damage to the focusing transducer 13 caused by vibration during operation of the ultrasonic wellbore detection device 100 while drilling, a shock absorber 14 is provided between the focusing transducer 13 and the inner wall of the cavity 11. Preferably, the shock absorber 14 is provided between the focusing transducer 13 and the bottom surface of the cavity 11. In one embodiment, the shock absorber 14 may be a wave spring. On the one hand, the shock absorber 14 effectively reduces damage to the focusing transducer 13 caused by vibration during operation, which is very beneficial to extending the service life of the focusing transducer 13. On the other hand, the shock absorber 14 can improve the accuracy of the detection data of the ultrasonic wellbore detection device 100 while drilling through the shock-absorbing effect, thereby helping to improve the detection performance of the ultrasonic wellbore detection device 100 while drilling.

[0025] According to the present invention, a first mounting portion 123 is provided within the second portion 122, and the first mounting portion 123 is in communication with the cavity 11. Preferably, the first mounting portion 123 axially penetrates the second portion 122 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the cavity 11. The function of the first mounting portion 123 will be described below.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the compensating connector 30 includes a main body, one end of which is provided with a first connector 31. The first connector 31 is configured to be adapted to be mounted on the first mounting portion 123 in the compensating housing 10. By fitting the first connector 31 into the first mounting portion 123 in the compensating housing 10, the compensating connector 30 is connected to the ultrasonic detector 10 via a plug-in connection. To ensure a seal between the first connector 31 and the first mounting portion 123, a first seal 35 is provided between the first connector 31 and the first mounting portion 123. This creates a sealed connection between the compensating connector 30 and the compensating housing 10.

[0027] In one embodiment, a plurality of evenly spaced threaded blind holes are provided in the second portion 122 of the compensating housing 10, while a plurality of corresponding threaded through holes adapted to fit within the threaded blind holes are provided in the body portion of the compensating connector 30. Bolts are installed in the corresponding threaded through holes and threaded blind holes to securely connect the compensating connector 30 to the compensating housing 10.

[0028] According to the present invention, in order to maintain the internal and external pressure balance of the focusing transducer 13 in the cavity 11, the cavity is filled with oil. Silicone oil is preferably used as the oil. At the same time, a telescopic cylinder 32 is provided inside the main body of the compensation connector 30. The telescopic cylinder 32 axially penetrates the main body of the compensation connector 30 along the extension direction of the first mounting portion 123, so that the telescopic cylinder 32 is connected to the cavity 11 after installation. A compensating piston 33 capable of telescopic movement is installed inside the telescopic cylinder 32. During operation, the compensating piston 33 can maintain the internal and external pressure balance of the cavity 11 of the compensation housing 10 through telescopic movement. Among them, when the cavity 11 is filled with oil, a maximum margin for the telescopic stroke of the compensating piston 33 is left. The compensating piston 33 can effectively ensure the internal and external pressure balance of the focusing transducer 13, which is beneficial to maintaining the stability of the focusing transducer 13 and further improving the detection performance of the while-drilling ultrasonic wellbore detection device 100.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, a second mounting portion 34 is further provided inside the main body of the compensating connector 30. The second mounting portion 34 is staggered with respect to the telescopic cylinder 32 and extends in the same direction as the telescopic cylinder 32. The function of the second mounting portion 34 will be described below.

[0030] According to the present invention, the conversion mechanism 20 includes a pressure-bearing sealing joint 21 and an electrical connector 22 fixedly connected to the pressure-bearing sealing joint 21. A second connector 23 is provided on the side of the pressure-bearing sealing joint 21. The second connector 23 is configured to be compatible with and installed in the compensating connector 30. The conversion mechanism 20 is fixedly connected to the compensating connector 30 by fitting the second connector 23 into the second mounting portion 34 of the compensating connector 30.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, an electrical connector 22 is provided at the lower end of the pressure-bearing sealing joint 21. Electrical connector 22 is used to connect to an acquisition circuit (not shown) in another instrument. It transmits the ultrasonic signal received from the compensation connector to the corresponding acquisition circuit. To ensure a tight seal between circuit connector 22 and the acquisition circuit, a seal 24 can be provided on electrical connector 22. Seal 24 can be, for example, a sealing ring.

[0032] According to the present invention, a signal line for transmitting signals is provided in the first connector 31 and the second connector 23. The signal line connects the focusing transducer 13 in the ultrasonic detector 10 and the electrical connector 22 in the conversion mechanism 20, so that the ultrasonic signal received by the focusing transducer 13 is transmitted to the pressure-bearing sealing joint 21 through the signal line, and then transmitted to the corresponding acquisition circuit through the circuit connector 22.

[0033] During actual operation, the ultrasonic detector 10 first transmits an ultrasonic signal through the focused transducer 13. After being emitted from the ultrasonic detector 10, the ultrasonic signal reaches the wellbore wall and is reflected. The focused transducer 13 then receives the reflected ultrasonic signal. The focused transducer 13 then transmits the received ultrasonic signal via a signal line to the pressure-bearing sealing joint 21 in the conversion mechanism 20. The pressure-bearing sealing joint 21 receives the ultrasonic signal and transmits it to the corresponding acquisition circuit via the electrical connector 22. The acquisition circuit calculates the ultrasonic propagation distance based on the time difference between the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic signal, thereby achieving real-time wellbore diameter detection while drilling. During operation, the compensating connector 30 effectively maintains pressure balance within the cavity 11 of the compensating housing 10 through the telescopic movement of the compensating piston 33, thereby effectively ensuring pressure balance within the focused transducer 13 and the detection performance of the while-drilling ultrasonic wellbore diameter detection device 100, ensuring accurate and effective detection data.

[0034] According to the present invention, the ultrasonic wellbore caliper detection device 100 while drilling can transmit and receive ultrasonic signals through the focusing transducer 13 provided inside the compensation housing 12, and the compensation piston 33 provided in the compensation housing 10 and the compensation connector 30 provides static and dynamic sealing for the ultrasonic detector 10 and maintains internal and external pressure balance. At the same time, it can transmit the received ultrasonic signal to the pressure-bearing sealing joint 21 in the conversion mechanism 20 through the signal line, and then transmit the ultrasonic signal to the corresponding acquisition circuit through the electrical connector 22 to complete the real-time detection of the wellbore while drilling. The ultrasonic wellbore caliper detection device 100 while drilling can measure the wellbore in real time during the drilling operation. It has a high degree of integration, can effectively reduce the volume, and can greatly improve the drilling operation time and efficiency. In addition, the design difficulty and production cost of the ultrasonic wellbore detection device 100 while drilling are significantly reduced, and replacement and maintenance are simple and convenient, with a long service life.

[0035] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it is still possible for those skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or to replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A while-drilling ultrasonic caliper detection device, comprising: An ultrasonic detector (10) for transmitting and receiving signals, the ultrasonic detector comprising a compensation shell (12) having a cavity (11), a focusing transducer (13) fixedly mounted inside the cavity, the compensation shell comprising a cylindrical first portion (121) and a second portion (122) fixedly connected to a side of the first portion, the cavity being configured to extend axially inward from one end of the first portion, a shock absorber (14) being provided between the focusing transducer and the bottom surface of the cavity, the shock absorber being a wave spring and being used to dampen the focusing transducer during drilling; A conversion mechanism (20) for connecting an acquisition circuit, the conversion mechanism comprising a pressure-bearing sealing joint (21) and an electrical connector (22) fixedly connected to the pressure-bearing sealing joint; and A compensating connector (30) is connected between the ultrasonic detector and the conversion mechanism. The compensating connector is connected to the compensating housing and the pressure-bearing sealing joint by plugging. The compensating connector is configured to keep the internal and external pressures of the cavity balanced. A telescopic cylinder (32) is provided inside the compensating connector. A compensating piston (33) capable of telescopic movement is installed in the telescopic cylinder. The telescopic cylinder is in communication with the cavity. The compensating piston keeps the internal and external pressures of the cavity balanced by telescopic movement. A second mounting portion (34) is also provided inside the compensating connector. The second mounting portion is staggered with the telescopic cylinder and has the same extension direction as the telescopic cylinder, so as to install and arrange the pressure-bearing sealing joint of the conversion mechanism. Among them, the focused transducer is capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, and transmitting the received ultrasonic signals to the pressure-bearing sealing joint through the compensation connector, and then transmitting the ultrasonic signals to the acquisition circuit through the electrical connector. The acquisition circuit can calculate the propagation distance based on the time difference between the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic signal, thereby completing real-time detection of the wellbore while drilling.

2. The ultrasonic wellbore detection device while drilling according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first mounting portion (123) is provided inside the second part, and the first mounting portion is communicated with the cavity.

3. The ultrasonic wellbore detection device while drilling according to claim 2, characterized in that: The compensating connector is provided with a first plug-in connector (31), which can be adapted to be installed with the first mounting portion, and a first sealing member (35) is provided between the first plug-in connector and the first mounting portion, thereby forming a sealed connection between the compensating connector and the compensating housing.

4. The ultrasonic caliper detection device while drilling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conversion mechanism is provided with a second plug connector (23), and the second plug connector can be adapted to be installed with the second mounting portion, thereby forming a connection between the conversion mechanism and the compensation connector.

5. The ultrasonic wellbore detection device while drilling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The focusing transducer is fixedly mounted inside the cavity using a retaining ring (15).

6. The ultrasonic wellbore detection device while drilling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A second sealing member (16) is provided between the focusing transducer and the side wall of the cavity.

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