Acoustic Logging Tool Guided Wave Noise Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying leaks in oil or gas wells are slow and computationally intensive due to the need to stop and 'listen' for noise and vibration, which allows pressure leaks to expand and complicate remedial activities.
Innovation Solution
The use of an acoustic logging tool with a receiver array that continuously records signals and employs beamforming algorithms to remove guided-wave noise, allowing for high-resolution leak detection without stopping, using time-domain or frequency-domain methods to isolate leak signals from noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If logging instruments stop to listen for leaks, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but logging time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary noise characterization and filtering setup before leak detection, allowing continuous logging without stopping while maintaining detection accuracy through pre-configured signal processing parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The logging instrument continues moving through the wellbore without stopping, continuously recording acoustic signals while the signal processing system continuously filters guided wave noise and detects leak signals in real-time
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If logging instruments stop to listen for leaks, then leak detection capability is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes the dominant guided wave noise component from the acoustic signal using slowness-based filtering, isolating the weaker leak signals for detection without requiring complex full-signal analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the acoustic signals into the slowness domain to separate guided wave noise from leak signals based on their different propagation characteristics, enabling simpler detection in the transformed parameter space
3Object-affected harmful factors
If logging instruments stop to listen for leaks, then noise and vibration from the instrument are reduced, but logging time and operational duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system accepts the guided wave noise generated by the moving instrument as an inevitable byproduct but uses its characteristic slowness signature to identify and remove it through adaptive filtering, converting the harmful noise into a detectable pattern that can be eliminated
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 enables rapid, continuous leak detection within wellbores, reducing the time required to identify leaks and improving the accuracy of leak localization, thereby facilitating quicker and more effective remedial actions.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic signals generated from a leak and/or equipment contacting the borehole
Implementation Method 2
employing a beamforming algorithm to remove the guided wave noise
Implementation Method 3
continuous logging operation in which the logging tool does not stop and 'listen' for leaks
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing a guided wave noise in a time-domain may include recording one or more acoustic signals with one or more receivers at a first location, wherein the one or more acoustic signals are raw data. The method may further include determining a slowness range, estimating a downward guided wave noise by stacking the one or more acoustic signals based at least in part on a positive slowness, estimating an upward guided wave noise by stacking the one or more acoustic signals based at least in part on a negative slowness, and identifying a dominant direction of propagation. The method may further include identifying a slowness from a highest stacked amplitude for the dominant direction of propagation, estimating a downward guided wave noise with the slowness, estimating an upward guided wave noise with the slowness, and subtracting the downward guided wave noise and the upward guided wave noise.