Acoustic Logging Tool Cement Integrity Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating the quality of cement behind pipes in oil and gas wells are qualitative and subjective, relying on empirical formulas and analyst expertise, lacking a quantitative and objective assessment.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an acoustic logging tool with a Quintero Wellbore Index (QWI) that uses acoustic corpuscular theory to determine cement integrity by analyzing the arrival times of acoustic compressional waves and calculating specific ray paths, providing a quantitative evaluation of cement bonding and material identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If acoustic logging tools are used to evaluate cement integrity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecement integrity evaluation accuracyVSAvoidacoustic logging tool complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic logging tool is divided into separate functional modules: a transmitter module that generates acoustic waves, a receiver module that detects reflected waves, and a processing module that analyzes the signals. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality for accurate cement integrity evaluation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic wave as an intermediary medium to indirectly assess cement integrity. Instead of directly measuring cement properties, the system uses acoustic waves that interact with the cement and pipe system, providing measurement precision while avoiding the need for complex direct measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If traditional empirical methods are used for cement evaluation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaluation tool simplicityVSAvoidcement bonding assessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional empirical and mechanical evaluation methods with an acoustic field-based system. By using acoustic wave propagation and reflection principles, the system achieves precise quantitative measurement of cement integrity without relying on complex mechanical testing equipment or subjective empirical assessments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If pipe strings are excited to produce signals for cement evaluation, then signal detection capability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to interference waves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecement bonding signal detectionVSAvoidinterference waves from pipe string

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the interference waves generated by pipe string excitation into useful information. By analyzing the characteristic patterns and timing of these interference waves, the system distinguishes them from genuine cement bonding signals, effectively using the previously harmful pipe string signals as additional diagnostic data about the cement-pipe interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the detected signals (including interference waves) are processed and analyzed to refine the evaluation of cement integrity. The processing module uses the characteristic patterns of pipe string interference to enhance rather than obscure the detection of genuine cement bonding signals, improving overall measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 continuous, in-situ measurements of cement bonding, offering a more objective and accurate assessment of cement integrity, reducing subjective analysis and improving the reliability of wellbore monitoring applications.

Implementation Method 1

Acoustic sensing may rely on the difference between arrival times of acoustic compressional waves (P Waves) detected from a waveform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic compressional waves: Sound

Implementation Method 2

an acoustic logging tool may be utilized to broadcast a signal and record a reverberated signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11959376B2Dynamic time-gate cement evaluation tool

Publication Date: 2024.04.16 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method and system for determining cement bonding, or other materials attached to a pipe string. A well measurement system for determining cement bonding or other materials attached to a pipe string may comprise an acoustic logging tool, wherein the acoustic logging tool comprises at least one receiver and at least one transmitter. The well measurement system may further comprise an information handling system, wherein the information handling system is configured to broadcast a signal with the transmitter, record the reflected signal with a receiver; and determine an integrity of a cement using a Quintero Wellbore Index.