Downhole Acoustic Array for Multi-Pipe Source Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole inspection methods are limited in detecting acoustic sources within tubing and casing, particularly in multi-pipe scenarios, as they struggle with multi-tubing wall variation imaging and are insensitive to fluid types, leading to inefficiencies and signal-to-noise ratio issues.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a downhole inspection device that measures noise from acoustic sources, performs dispersion analysis, space entropy equalization, weighted integration, pattern recognition, and weighted enhancement to produce a recognition factor, enabling accurate localization of acoustic sources through propagation and spatial analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic devices are used to measure magnetic flux-leakage within tubing, then localized damage in ferromagnetic pipes can be detected, but the method cannot detect changes in multi-pipe situations and is hindered by tube type, thinning, and proximity requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of localized damageVSAvoidmulti-pipe detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic detection methods with acoustic detection methods. Acoustic sensors detect sound waves generated by fluid flow, leaks, or equipment operations within the tubing, eliminating the limitations of electromagnetic methods regarding multi-pipe detection, fluid sensitivity, and proximity requirements. The acoustic waves propagate through the fluid and tube walls, enabling detection in complex multi-pipe configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to detect conditions within tubing. The acoustic sensors capture sound waves that travel through the fluid and tube structure, providing information about leaks, flow conditions, and equipment status without requiring direct contact or strong coupling with the tube walls, thus overcoming electromagnetic method limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If transient electromagnetic methods are used to increase signals from tube walls, then additional tube walls can be detected, but Signal-to-Noise Ratio problems and optimization difficulties arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection from tube wallsVSAvoidSignal-to-Noise Ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic signal detection with acoustic signal detection. Acoustic sensors directly detect sound waves generated by fluid dynamics and equipment operations, providing stronger and more reliable signals with better signal-to-noise ratios. The acoustic method does not suffer from the same optimization difficulties and signal degradation issues as transient electromagnetic methods when detecting through multiple tube walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If acoustic sensors are used to detect acoustic sources within tubing and casing, then multi-tubing wall variation imaging and multi-pipe azimuthal imaging can be achieved, but complex signal processing is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-tubing wall detection capabilityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an array of multiple acoustic sensors positioned at different locations and orientations within the tubing. This segmentation of the detection system into multiple discrete sensor elements enables the system to capture acoustic signals from different directions and depths, allowing for multi-tubing wall variation imaging and multi-pipe azimuthal imaging through sophisticated signal processing algorithms that analyze the spatial and temporal characteristics of the acoustic signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach allows for efficient and accurate detection of acoustic sources within complex tubing environments, overcoming previous limitations by providing multi-tubing wall variation imaging and improving signal processing to enhance detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

measuring noise from the acoustic source from a downhole environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS10655457B2Apparatus and method of propagation and spatial location analysis by acoustic array for down-hole applications

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 GOWELL INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

Methods for locating an acoustic source. A method may comprise measuring noise from the acoustic source from a downhole environment, which produces a measurement for processing, performing a dispersion analysis on the measurement, performing a space entropy equalization and normalization process on the measurement, performing a weighted integration on the measurement, performing a pattern recognition on the measurement, performing a weighted enhancement on the measurement, and producing a recognition factor from the measurement. A method may comprise measuring noise from the acoustic source from a downhole environment, which produces a measurement for processing, performing a dispersion analysis on the measurement, performing a time difference scan on the measurement, performing a propagation distance scan on the measurement, performing a weighted enhancement on the measurement, and producing a recognition factor from the measurement.