Acoustic Camera for 3D Imaging in Opaque Drilling Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies are unable to obtain accurate 3-dimensional images of objects immersed in optically opaque fluids, such as mud or water, which is a significant challenge in drilling operations where lost equipment must be retrieved, leading to increased costs and time consumption.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic camera system utilizing broadband piezoelectric transducers, ultrasonic detectors, and digital signal processing electronics to generate and process ultrasonic pulses, allowing for the creation of 3-dimensional images in real-time by measuring the time-of-flight of reflected pulses, even in fluids with high sound attenuation like mud.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical digital cameras are used for imaging in wells, then image quality is improved, but the wellbore must be flushed with water for several days to remove mud, increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical imaging systems with ultrasonic imaging systems. Instead of using light-based cameras that require clear fluid, the invention uses ultrasonic transducers to generate and detect sound waves that can penetrate mud and opaque fluids, eliminating the need for wellbore flushing while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for imaging from optical (light) to acoustic (sound waves). By operating in the ultrasonic frequency range and using time-of-flight measurements, the system achieves imaging through media that are opaque to light, such as drilling mud and hydrocarbons
2Adaptability or versatility
If surfactants are applied to camera lenses to image through hydrocarbons, then imaging capability is improved, but imaging through mud remains impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical lenses with acoustic lenses and ultrasonic transducers. This substitution enables imaging through mud because sound waves can propagate through opaque fluids and mud, unlike light waves which are blocked by these media
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ultrasonic field as an intermediary medium for imaging. Instead of attempting to make mud transparent to light, the system uses ultrasonic waves as a mediator that can penetrate mud and carry information about objects submerged in it
3Ease of manufacture
If impression blocks are used to identify lost equipment, then retrieval can proceed without imaging, but adequate information is not obtained and jobs become costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary imaging of the lost equipment before retrieval operations begin. By obtaining 3-D images and measurements in advance, the system provides sufficient information to select appropriate fishing tools and plan retrieval operations, avoiding the need for trial-and-error approaches with impression blocks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical impression block technique with ultrasonic imaging. Instead of creating physical impressions that require subsequent analysis, the system directly generates detailed 3-D digital images and measurements of the lost equipment, providing comprehensive information for retrieval planning
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
Enables accurate and rapid 3-dimensional imaging of objects in opaque fluids with depth resolution of less than 1 mm, facilitating the selection of appropriate retrieval tools and reducing the costs and time associated with fishing operations in drilling environments.
Implementation Method 1
a broadband piezoelectric transducer for generating and transmitting ultrasonic pulses onto the object
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic detector effective for receiving ultrasonic pulses in a 2-dimensional pattern and for producing electrical signals in response to ultrasound impinging thereon
Implementation Method 3
an acoustic lens for receiving acoustic pulses reflected from the object and focusing the ultrasonic pulses onto the acoustic detector
Implementation Method 4
digital signal processing electronics for receiving the electrical signals from the acoustic detector in a 2-dimensional pattern and for generating a 3-dimensional image therefrom using the time-of-flight of the reflected acoustic pulses at each location in the 2-dimensional pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for generating accurate 3-dimensional images of objects immersed in liquids including optically opaque liquids which may also have significant sound attenuation, is described. Sound pulses are caused to impinge on the object, and the time-of-flight of the reflected sound is used to create a 3-dimensional image of the object in almost real-time. The apparatus is capable of creating images of objects immersed in fluids that are optically opaque and have high sound attenuation at resolutions less than about 1 mm. The apparatus may include a piezoelectric transducer for generating the acoustic pulses; a high-density polyethylene compound acoustic lens, a 2-dimensional segmented piezoelectric detecting array positioned behind the lens for receiving acoustic pulses reflected by the object, the electric output of which is directed to digital signal processing electronics for generating the image.