Acoustic Flex Joint Isolator for Logging Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acoustic logging tools face interference from 'tool noise' or 'road noise' due to inadequate acoustic isolation between transmitters and receivers, which affects the accuracy of subterranean formation characterization.
Innovation Solution
The use of acoustic attenuator flex joint assemblies with high-strength fiber/epoxy terminations and resilient spacers to attenuate flexural tool arrivals across broad frequency ranges, providing increased flexibility and high tension/compression limits, allowing for effective isolation of acoustic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic isolators are made sufficiently flexible to attenuate acoustic waves, then acoustic isolation performance is improved, but strength and ability to withstand heavy loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic isolator employs a composite structure combining flexible attenuating material with high-strength fiber-reinforced epoxy terminations. The main body uses flexible material (such as rubber or elastomer) to provide acoustic attenuation, while the terminations use composite fiber-epoxy construction to provide high strength for withstanding heavy axial loads during wireline or tubing conveyed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic isolator is divided into distinct segments: a flexible attenuating body portion and separate high-strength termination portions. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the body for acoustic attenuation flexibility and the terminations for mechanical strength and load bearing capacity.
2Strength
If acoustic isolators are made rigid to withstand heavy loads, then strength is improved, but acoustic attenuation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic isolator employs a composite structure combining flexible attenuating material with high-strength fiber-reinforced epoxy terminations. The main body uses flexible material (such as rubber or elastomer) to provide acoustic attenuation, while the terminations use composite fiber-epoxy construction to provide high strength for withstanding heavy axial loads during wireline or tubing conveyed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic isolator is divided into distinct segments: a flexible attenuating body portion and separate high-strength termination portions. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the body for acoustic attenuation flexibility and the terminations for mechanical strength and load bearing capacity.
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
The solution effectively reduces unwanted noise, enhancing the accuracy of acoustic signal reception and allowing the tool to withstand high axial loads during retrieval operations without failure.
Implementation Method 1
resilient spacers to attenuate flexural tool arrivals across broad frequency ranges
Implementation Method 2
high-strength fiber/epoxy terminations
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic attenuator assembly for an acoustic tool for performing acoustic investigation of a subterranean formation is disclosed. The acoustic attenuator assembly includes a first end portion (205) and a second end portion (210) having a bore therethough to enable passage of an electrical line. The acoustic attenuator assembly further includes a fiber portion (230) disposed between the first and second end portion so that the fiber portion attenuates at least a portion of acoustic energy when the acoustic energy is received by one or both of the first (205) and second (210) end portions. The fiber portion (230) includes a continuous flexible portion that allows relative deflection of the first (205) and second (210) end portions.