Acoustic B-Annulus Pressure Sensing via Casing Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting pressure in annuli between casings in wellbores require additional equipment and technology, such as pressure sensors, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic transducer within the inner casing generates a pulse and measures its time of flight to determine the inner diameter of the casing, allowing for the calculation of pressure in the annulus between the inner and outer casings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are placed within the B annulus to measure pressure, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and equipment requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors with an acoustic measurement system. An acoustic transducer sends sound waves through the production casing, and the time-of-flight measurements are used to calculate casing diameter changes, which indicate pressure changes in the B annulus. This substitution eliminates the need for direct pressure sensor installation in the annulus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to indirectly measure pressure. Instead of directly measuring pressure with sensors in the B annulus, the system measures the time-of-flight of acoustic pulses through the production casing, which changes in response to pressure-induced diameter changes, thereby providing pressure information without direct contact with the annulus.
2Measurement precision
If additional pressure sensing equipment is installed in the B annulus, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic measurement system replaces complex pressure sensor installation and operation procedures with a simpler transducer-based system that measures time-of-flight of acoustic pulses, making the system easier to operate and maintain.
3Device complexity
If acoustic transducer is used to measure time of flight, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to indirectly measure pressure through time-of-flight measurements. The acoustic transducer sends pulses through the production casing, and measurements of the time-to-reflect back are converted to diameter changes and then to pressure values, providing accurate indirect pressure measurement without direct sensors in the annulus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the reflected acoustic waves as feedback to determine the time-of-flight. The acoustic transducer measures the time for pulses to travel through the production casing and reflect back, providing feedback information that is processed to calculate pressure changes in the B annulus.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides a non-invasive and efficient means to detect pressure changes in the annulus, enabling early detection of leaks or fluid flow by measuring changes in the inner casing diameter, thus facilitating timely remedial actions.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, at a processor, a time of flight of the acoustic pulse to an inner surface of the inner casing
Implementation Method 2
generating an acoustic pulse at an acoustic transducer disposed within the inner casing
Implementation Method 3
receive a reflection of the acoustic pulse from the inner casing
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining a pressure in an annulus between an inner casing and an outer casing. An acoustic transducer is disposed within the casing at a selected depth within the inner casing and is configured to generate an acoustic pulse and receive a reflection of the acoustic pulse from the inner casing. A time of flight is measured of the acoustic pulse to the inner surface of the inner casing. An inner diameter of the inner casing is determined from the time of flight. The pressure in the annulus is determined from the inner diameter. A processor can be used to measure time and determine inner diameter and annulus pressure.