Acoustic Drift Run Evaluation Using Echoes for Wellbore Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well interventions face challenges with gauge cutters becoming stuck during drift runs due to obstructions or unexpected wellbore anomalies, leading to production delays and potential well damage.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing high-frequency acoustic waves to evaluate wellbore clearance by analyzing reflections to generate an analytical picture of wellbore conditions, employing a transducer and analyzing unit to emit and receive acoustic waves, and determine object depth for accessibility assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gauge cutter is used to clear obstructions during a drift run, then wellbore clearance can be assessed, but the gauge cutter may become stuck due to large or hard obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gauge cutter system with an acoustic wave-based measurement system. Acoustic waves are emitted into the wellbore and their reflections are analyzed to determine wellbore clearance and detect obstructions, eliminating the need for mechanical cutting tools that can become stuck.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to assess wellbore conditions. Instead of directly deploying mechanical tools into the wellbore, acoustic waves serve as a non-contact intermediary that carries information about wellbore clearance and obstructions through their reflection patterns.
2Loss of time
If immediate recovery operations are performed when a tool becomes stuck, then tool recovery is accelerated, but production delay occurs if operations are unsuccessful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of wellbore clearance and obstruction detection using acoustic waves before deploying any tools. By identifying potential sticking issues in advance and evaluating wellbore accessibility beforehand, the system can prevent tool sticking before it occurs, eliminating the need for emergency recovery operations and associated production delays.
3Measurement precision
If high-frequency acoustic waves are used to evaluate wellbore clearance, then measurement accuracy is improved, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional acoustic evaluation system that can assess wellbore clearance, detect obstructions, and evaluate accessibility using the same acoustic wave generation and reception apparatus. This universal system performs multiple assessment functions through a single integrated platform, reducing overall equipment complexity compared to having separate specialized tools for each function.
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 evaluation of wellbore clearance and accessibility, reducing the risk of tool sticking and facilitating safer, more efficient well interventions.
Implementation Method 1
the wave-generating unit is configured to emit at least one acoustic wave through the transducer into the wellbore; the at least one acoustic wave propagates downwards in the wellbore and produces at least one echo wave upon contacting a wellbore object at an object depth (DO); the at least one echo wave propagates upwards in the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
the at least one acoustic wave propagates downwards in the wellbore and produces at least one echo wave upon contacting a wellbore object at an object depth (DO)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of and systems for evaluating accessibility inside a wellbore may include a transducer connected to a wave-generating unit and an analyzing unit, which are all disposed above the wellbore. The method may include emitting at least one acoustic wave through the transducer disposed above the wellbore; propagating the at least one acoustic wave downwards in the wellbore; contacting the at least one acoustic wave with a wellbore object, and thereby producing at least one echo wave propagating upwards in the wellbore; receiving the at least one echo wave through the transducer disposed above the wellbore; analyzing the at least one echo wave and thereby determining the object depth; and comparing the object depth (DO) with a target depth (DT), and thereby evaluating the accessibility inside the wellbore.