Ultrasonic sensors and logging-while-drilling instruments

Abstract

This invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor and a logging-while-drilling (LWD) instrument. The ultrasonic sensor includes a base detachably connected to the drill collar of the LWD instrument. The base has a sealed pressure balancing chamber and an ultrasonic probe mounting chamber. The pressure balancing chamber is filled with pressurized oil to balance the mud pressure. An ultrasonic probe is positioned within the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber. The pressure balancing chamber and the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber are connected via an oil passage. The base also has a pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber isolated from the mud. A pressure-bearing pin is positioned within the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber. The ultrasonic probe mounting chamber and the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber are connected via a wire passage, which contains a wire connecting the ultrasonic probe and the pressure-bearing pin. This invention ensures pressure balance within the ultrasonic sensor under high temperature and high pressure conditions, thus improving the service life of the ultrasonic probe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of logging while drilling technology, specifically relating to an ultrasonic sensor and logging while drilling instrument. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous depletion of oil resources, conventional oil extraction can no longer meet current oil demand. Therefore, unconventional oil extraction is becoming increasingly important, characterized by more complex operating conditions and greater difficulty and cost. To address the complex operating conditions of unconventional oil extraction, developing an instrument capable of generating real-time wellbore images is crucial. Ultrasonic imaging logging-while-drilling (UWLD) tools can obtain real-time wellbore imaging and geological information such as fractures in a drilling environment, which is of great significance for oil and gas resource development.

[0003] For ultrasonic imaging logging tools used in drilling, one of the key components, the ultrasonic probe, can emit and receive ultrasonic waves. The amplitude and timing of the generated echo signals can determine the roughness of the wellbore and the different acoustic impedances of rocks. The ultrasonic probe continuously scans the wellbore in the drilling environment, thus continuously acquiring wellbore images. Therefore, developing an ultrasonic sensor for logging while drilling is of great significance for unconventional oil extraction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address all or some of the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an ultrasonic sensor and a logging-while-drilling instrument. The ultrasonic sensor of the present invention ensures the pressure balance inside the ultrasonic sensor under high temperature and high pressure conditions, thereby improving the service life of the ultrasonic probe.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic sensor is provided, comprising a base detachably connected to the drill collar of a logging-while-drilling instrument. The base has a closed pressure balancing chamber and an ultrasonic probe mounting chamber. Pressure oil for balancing mud pressure is injected into the pressure balancing chamber. An ultrasonic probe is positioned within the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber. The pressure balancing chamber and the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber are connected via an oil passage. The base also has a pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber isolated from the mud. A pressure-bearing pin is positioned within the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber. The ultrasonic probe mounting chamber and the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber are connected via a wire passage. A wire connecting the ultrasonic probe and the pressure-bearing pin is provided within the wire passage.

[0006] Furthermore, a first protrusion is provided on the base near the drill collar, and a second cover plate is fixedly connected to the first protrusion. A second cover plate sealing ring is provided between the second cover plate and the first protrusion. A pressure balancing chamber penetrating the base is formed on the first protrusion, and a first cover plate groove is formed on the base away from the drill collar. A rubber pad and a first cover plate are provided in the first cover plate groove. The first cover plate is fixedly connected to the base by fasteners. The rubber pad is placed between the first cover plate and the base. The pressure balancing chamber is located in the first cover plate groove and in the second cover plate sealing ring. The pressure balancing cavity is a cavity between the second cover plate, the pressure balancing chamber, and the rubber pad. A mud through hole is provided on the first cover plate to allow mud to act on the rubber pad.

[0007] Furthermore, the second cover plate is provided with an oil injection hole for injecting pressurized oil into the pressure balance chamber at the location corresponding to the pressure balance chamber, and the oil injection hole is connected to an oil seal.

[0008] Furthermore, the second cover plate is fixed to the first protrusion of the base by fasteners. The first protrusion is provided with a second cover plate sealing groove, and the second cover plate sealing ring is disposed in the second cover plate sealing groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the first protrusion has an ultrasonic probe mounting chamber that penetrates the substrate. The ultrasonic probe mounting chamber is located inside the second cover plate sealing ring. A constriction ring is provided on the side of the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber away from the drill collar. The ultrasonic probe is confined between the constriction ring and the second cover plate. An ultrasonic probe sealing ring is provided between the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber and the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe mounting cavity is the cavity between the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber, the ultrasonic probe sealing ring, the ultrasonic probe, and the second cover plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the oil passage connection hole is located on the side of the second cover plate near the pressure balance chamber, and the oil passage connection hole is located inside the sealing ring of the second cover plate.

[0011] Furthermore, a second protrusion is provided on the base near the drill collar side, the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber is provided on the second protrusion and penetrates the base, a limiting step is provided on the side wall of the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber, a retaining spring is connected inside the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber, and the pressure-bearing pin is limited between the limiting step and the retaining spring.

[0012] Furthermore, a third cover plate groove is formed on the base body on the side away from the drill collar, and a third cover plate is disposed in the third cover plate groove. The third cover plate is fixedly connected to the base body by fasteners. A third cover plate sealing ring is disposed between the third cover plate and the base body. A pressure-bearing pin sealing ring is disposed between the base body and the drill collar. The pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber is located inside the third cover plate sealing ring. The pressure-bearing pin is isolated from the mud through the third cover plate sealing ring and the pressure-bearing pin sealing ring.

[0013] Furthermore, both ends of the base are provided with first threaded holes, and the base is detachably connected to the drill collar by a first screw provided in the first threaded hole; the base is also provided with a second threaded hole, and a second screw is connected in the second threaded hole.

[0014] The present invention also provides a logging-while-drilling instrument, including a drill collar, wherein the drill collar is provided with an ultrasonic sensor as described in any one of the above.

[0015] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the ultrasonic sensor and logging-while-drilling instrument provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0016] This invention uses a rubber balance mechanism and pressurized oil as the sealing medium to ensure the pressure balance inside the ultrasonic sensor under high temperature and high pressure conditions, thereby improving the service life of the ultrasonic probe.

[0017] Integrating the pressure-bearing pins of electrical components into the pressure-bearing pin mounting compartment not only facilitates electrical connections but also saves installation space on the drill collar;

[0018] The oil seal allows for easy oil filling and vacuuming;

[0019] The base and drill collar are detachably connected, allowing for easy removal of the base; the first threaded hole on the surface allows for easy removal using a hammer. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 In order to be with Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic sensor from a different angle;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a top view of the base material in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the base of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the third cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a logging-while-drilling instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the logging-while-drilling instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this invention, an ultrasonic sensor of this invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this invention illustrates an ultrasonic sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a base 1 detachably connected to the drill collar of a logging-while-drilling instrument. The base 1 has a closed pressure balancing chamber and an ultrasonic probe mounting chamber. Pressure oil for balancing mud pressure is injected into the pressure balancing chamber. An ultrasonic probe 10 is positioned within the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber. The pressure balancing chamber and the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber are connected via an oil passage connection hole 703. The base 1 also has a pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber isolated from the mud. A pressure-bearing pin 16 is positioned within the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber. The ultrasonic probe mounting chamber and the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber are connected via a wire passage hole 109. A wire connecting the ultrasonic probe 10 and the pressure-bearing pin 16 is provided within the wire passage hole 109. The pressure oil in the pressure balancing chamber can enter the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber through the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber and the wire passage hole 109.

[0033] The ultrasonic sensor of this embodiment includes a base 1, which is detachably connected to the drill collar of the logging-while-drilling instrument, thus facilitating the removal of the ultrasonic sensor. The pressure balance chamber on the base 1 is filled with pressurized oil to balance the mud pressure, and the pressure balance chamber and the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber are connected through an oil passage connection hole 703, thereby ensuring pressure balance within the ultrasonic sensor's internal system under high temperature and high pressure conditions and improving the service life of the ultrasonic probe 10. The pressure-bearing pin 16 is integrated onto the base 1, facilitating the electrical connection between the pressure-bearing pin and the ultrasonic probe 10 and saving installation space on the drill collar.

[0034] For the base body 1 and the drill collar, both ends of the base body 1 are provided with first threaded holes 101. The base body 1 is detachably connected to the drill collar by first screws 2 set in the first threaded holes 101. The base body 1 is also provided with second threaded holes 115, and a second screw 18 is connected in the second threaded holes 115. The provision of the second screw 18 here can not only increase the preload of the first screw 2, but also facilitate the removal of the base body 1 from the drill collar of the logging-while-drilling instrument.

[0035] Among them, such as Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, a first protrusion is provided on the base 1 near the drill collar, and a second cover plate 7 is fixedly connected to the first protrusion. A second cover plate sealing ring 9 is provided between the second cover plate 7 and the first protrusion. A pressure balancing chamber 104 penetrating the base 1 is provided on the first protrusion, and a first cover plate groove 102 is provided on the base 1 away from the drill collar. The pressure balancing chamber 104 is located in the first cover plate groove 102 and is located in the second cover plate sealing ring 9. A rubber pad 5 and a first cover plate 3 are provided in the first cover plate groove 102. The first cover plate 3 is fixedly connected to the base 1 by fasteners, and the rubber pad 5 is located between the first cover plate 3 and the base 1. The pressure balancing chamber is the cavity between the second cover plate 7, the pressure balancing chamber 104 and the rubber pad 5. A mud through hole 302 is provided on the first cover plate 3 to allow mud to act on the rubber pad 5.

[0036] The first cover plate serves to fix the rubber pad 5. The rubber pad 5 is fixed between the first cover plate 3 and the base 1, and plays a role in pressure compensation.

[0037] In specific implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, a third threaded hole 103 is provided on the first protrusion; as Figure 7 As shown, the first cover plate is provided with a first cover plate countersunk hole 301; the third threaded hole 103 and the first cover plate countersunk hole 301 are connected by a third screw 4. Figure 8 As shown, the second cover plate 7 is provided with a countersunk hole 702; as Figure 5As shown, a fourth threaded hole 106 is provided on the base 1, and the second cover plate countersunk hole 702 and the fourth threaded hole 106 are connected by a fourth screw 8.

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, a second cover plate sealing groove 105 is provided on the side of the first protrusion near the drill collar. A second cover plate sealing ring 9 for sealing the base 1 and the second cover plate 7 is provided in the second cover plate sealing groove 105. The rubber pad 5 between the first cover plate and the base 1 serves to seal the first cover plate and the base 1. On the other hand, the pressure of the external mud can be applied to the rubber pad 5 through the mud through hole 302. The aforementioned closed pressure balance cavity is the cavity formed by the rubber pad, the side wall of the pressure balance chamber 104 and the second cover plate 7.

[0039] like Figure 8 As shown, the second cover plate 7 is provided with an oil injection hole 701 for injecting pressurized oil into the pressure balance chamber 104, and the oil injection hole 701 is connected to an oil seal 6. The oil injection hole 701 and the oil seal 6 are provided to facilitate oil injection and vacuuming of the closed pressure balance chamber.

[0040] After the oil filling is completed, the oil seal 6 can be screwed into the oil filling hole 701 to seal the pressure balance chamber 104.

[0041] Again, such as Figure 6 As shown, an ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107 penetrating the base 1 is provided on the first protrusion. The ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107 is located inside the second cover plate sealing ring 9. A constriction ring is provided on the side of the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107 away from the drill collar. The ultrasonic probe 10 is limited between the constriction ring and the second cover plate 7. An ultrasonic probe sealing ring 11 is provided between the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107 and the ultrasonic probe 10. The ultrasonic probe mounting cavity is the cavity between the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107, the ultrasonic probe sealing ring, the ultrasonic probe 10, and the second cover plate 7.

[0042] In specific implementation, an ultrasonic probe sealing groove 108 is provided in the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107, and an ultrasonic probe sealing ring 11 between the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107 and the ultrasonic probe 10 is provided in the ultrasonic probe sealing groove 108.

[0043] The ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107 is located within the second cover plate sealing ring 9, and the pressure balancing chamber 104 is also located within the second cover plate sealing ring 9. Therefore, the second cover plate sealing ring 9 simultaneously seals one end of the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107 and one end of the pressure balancing chamber 104. The aforementioned sealed ultrasonic probe mounting cavity is the cavity between the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107, the ultrasonic probe sealing ring, the ultrasonic probe, and the second cover plate 7. The ultrasonic probe is positioned within the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber 107 and is limited by the constriction ring and the second cover plate 7.

[0044] Among them, such as Figure 8 As shown, the oil passage connection hole 703 is located on the side of the second cover plate 7 near the pressure balance chamber 104, and the oil passage connection hole 703 is located inside the sealing ring 9 of the second cover plate.

[0045] Among them, a second protrusion is provided on the base 1 near the drill collar, and the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber 113 is provided on the second protrusion and penetrates the base 1, such as Figure 6 As shown, a limiting step is provided on the side wall of the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber 113, and a retaining ring 15 is connected inside the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber. The pressure-bearing pin 16 is limited between the limiting step and the retaining ring.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, a retaining ring groove 112 is provided on the side wall of the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber 113, and a retaining ring 15 is disposed in the retaining ring groove; the pressure-bearing pin 16 is limited between the limiting step and the retaining ring 15. The retaining ring 15 is used to limit the position of the pressure-bearing pin 16, thereby ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0047] Among them, such as Figure 3 As shown, a third cover plate groove 110 is provided on the base 1 on the side away from the drill collar. A third cover plate 12 is provided in the third cover plate groove. The third cover plate 12 is fixedly connected to the base 1 by fasteners. A third cover plate sealing ring 14 is provided between the third cover plate 12 and the base 1. A pressure-bearing pin sealing ring 17 is provided between the base 1 and the drill collar. The pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber 113 is located in the third cover plate sealing ring 14 and the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber 113 is located in the pressure-bearing pin sealing ring 17. The pressure-bearing pin 16 is isolated from the mud by the third cover plate sealing ring 14 and the pressure-bearing pin sealing ring 17.

[0048] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, a third cover plate sealing groove 1202 is provided on the third cover plate 12, and a third cover plate sealing ring 14 between the third cover plate 12 and the base 1 is disposed in the third cover plate sealing groove 1202; Figure 9 As shown, the third cover plate 12 is provided with a third cover plate threaded hole 1201, and the base 1 is provided with a fifth threaded hole 111. The third cover plate threaded hole 1201 and the fifth threaded hole 111 are connected by a fifth screw 13. The second protrusion is provided with a pressure-bearing pin sealing groove 114, and the base 1 and the drill collar are sealed and connected by a pressure-bearing pin sealing ring 17 provided in the pressure-bearing pin sealing groove 114.

[0049] The embodiments of the present invention employ a rubber balance and pressurized oil as the sealing medium to ensure pressure balance inside the ultrasonic sensor under high temperature and high pressure conditions, thereby improving the service life of the ultrasonic probe. The pressure-bearing pins of the electrical components are integrated into the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber, which not only facilitates electrical connection but also saves installation space on the drill collar. The oil seal facilitates oil injection and vacuuming. The threaded holes on the surface of the ultrasonic probe base 1 facilitate disassembly using a hammer.

[0050] This invention also provides a logging-while-drilling instrument, such as... Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, it includes a drill collar 01, on which an ultrasonic sensor 02 of any of the above embodiments is provided.

[0051] In practical use, the logging-while-drilling instrument in this embodiment emits and receives ultrasonic waves in the drilling environment through an ultrasonic probe, and then forms a wellbore image based on the arrival time and amplitude of the received ultrasonic echoes.

[0052] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0053] Furthermore, the terms "a," "two," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0054] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic sensor, characterized in that, The system includes a base detachably connected to the drill collar of a logging-while-drilling instrument. The base has a closed pressure balancing chamber and an ultrasonic probe mounting chamber. The pressure balancing chamber is filled with pressurized oil to balance the mud pressure. An ultrasonic probe is positioned within the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber. The pressure balancing chamber and the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber are connected via an oil passage. The base also has a pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber isolated from the mud. A pressure-bearing pin is positioned within the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber. The ultrasonic probe mounting chamber and the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber are connected via a wire passage. A wire connecting the ultrasonic probe and the pressure-bearing pin is installed within the wire passage. The pressurized oil in the pressure balancing chamber can enter the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber through the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber and the wire passage. A first protrusion is provided on the base near the drill collar, and a second cover plate is fixedly connected to the first protrusion. A second cover plate sealing ring is provided between the second cover plate and the first protrusion. A pressure balancing chamber penetrating the base is formed on the first protrusion. A first cover plate groove is formed on the base away from the drill collar. A rubber pad and a first cover plate are provided in the first cover plate groove. The first cover plate is fixedly connected to the base by fasteners. The rubber pad is placed between the first cover plate and the base. The pressure balancing chamber is located in the first cover plate groove and in the second cover plate sealing ring. The pressure balancing chamber is a cavity between the second cover plate, the pressure balancing chamber, and the rubber pad. A mud through hole is provided on the first cover plate to allow mud to act on the rubber pad.

2. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second cover plate is provided with an oil injection hole for injecting pressurized oil into the pressure balance chamber at the location corresponding to the pressure balance chamber, and the oil injection hole is connected to an oil seal.

3. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second cover plate is fixed to the first protrusion of the base by fasteners. The first protrusion is provided with a second cover plate sealing groove, and the second cover plate sealing ring is disposed in the second cover plate sealing groove.

4. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, An ultrasonic probe mounting chamber is provided on the first protrusion, penetrating the substrate. The ultrasonic probe mounting chamber is located inside the sealing ring of the second cover plate. A constriction ring is provided on the side of the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber away from the drill collar. The ultrasonic probe is limited between the constriction ring and the second cover plate. An ultrasonic probe sealing ring is provided between the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber and the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe mounting cavity is the cavity between the ultrasonic probe mounting chamber, the ultrasonic probe sealing ring, the ultrasonic probe, and the second cover plate.

5. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The oil passage connection hole is located on the side of the second cover plate near the pressure balance chamber, and the oil passage connection hole is located inside the sealing ring of the second cover plate.

6. The ultrasonic sensor according to any one of claims 1, characterized in that, A second protrusion is provided on the base near the drill collar. The pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber is provided on the second protrusion and penetrates the base. A limiting step is provided on the side wall of the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber. A retaining spring is connected inside the pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber. The pressure-bearing pin is limited between the limiting step and the retaining spring.

7. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third cover plate groove is formed on the base body on the side away from the drill collar. A third cover plate is disposed in the third cover plate groove. The third cover plate is fixedly connected to the base body by fasteners. A third cover plate sealing ring is disposed between the third cover plate and the base body. A pressure-bearing pin sealing ring is disposed between the base body and the drill collar. The pressure-bearing pin mounting chamber is located inside the third cover plate sealing ring. The pressure-bearing pin is isolated from the mud by the third cover plate sealing ring and the pressure-bearing pin sealing ring.

8. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the base are provided with first threaded holes, and the base is detachably connected to the drill collar by a first screw provided in the first threaded hole; the base is also provided with a second threaded hole, and a second screw is connected in the second threaded hole.

9. A logging-while-drilling instrument, characterized in that, The invention includes a drill collar, wherein the drill collar is provided with an ultrasonic sensor as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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