Acoustic Logging Tool Housing With Segmented Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic logging tools face interference issues due to direct propagation of acoustic signals through the housing member, which complicates the measurement of geologic formation properties, especially when compressional speeds are slower than 175 μsec/ft, leading to inadequate data acquisition for lower range compressional speeds.
Innovation Solution
The acoustic logging tool incorporates a housing member with a plurality of laterally separated layers that alter the acoustic path, forcing signals to travel sequentially through each layer, increasing flight time and delaying their arrival at receivers, thereby isolating tool waves from geologic formation signals and enhancing the measurement of lower compressional speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic signals propagate directly through the housing member, then the structure is simple and compact, but the tool waves interfere with the measurement of geologic formation signals
Solution Approach 1:
The housing member is divided into multiple laterally separated layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) that are coupled at longitudinal ends. This segmentation creates a tortuous acoustic path that delays tool wave propagation, allowing formation signals to be measured during the quiet time window before tool waves arrive at receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic path is extended by transitioning from a direct longitudinal path to a multi-dimensional tortuous path through lateral separation of layers. The acoustic energy must travel laterally across each layer and longitudinally between coupled ends, creating a longer effective path length that delays tool wave arrival without increasing the physical length of the housing member.
2Loss of time
If the housing member delays acoustic signals through multiple layers, then tool wave interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing member is divided into multiple laterally separated layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) that are coupled at longitudinal ends. This segmentation creates a tortuous acoustic path that delays tool wave propagation, allowing formation signals to be measured during the quiet time window before tool waves arrive at receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic path is extended by transitioning from a direct longitudinal path to a multi-dimensional tortuous path through lateral separation of layers. The acoustic energy must travel laterally across each layer and longitudinally between coupled ends, creating a longer effective path length that delays tool wave arrival without increasing the physical length of the housing member.
3Measurement precision
If a traditional single-layer housing is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the flight time of acoustic signals is insufficient for measuring lower range compressional speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The housing member is divided into multiple laterally separated layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) that are coupled at longitudinal ends. This segmentation creates a tortuous acoustic path that delays tool wave propagation, allowing formation signals to be measured during the quiet time window before tool waves arrive at receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic path is extended by transitioning from a direct longitudinal path to a multi-dimensional tortuous path through lateral separation of layers. The acoustic energy must travel laterally across each layer and longitudinally between coupled ends, creating a longer effective path length that delays tool wave arrival without increasing the physical length of the housing member.
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 configuration provides a longer window of quiet time free from tool wave interference, allowing for accurate measurement of geologic formation properties by increasing the flight time and reducing wave amplitude, thus improving the evaluation of geologic formations with slower compressional speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a first acoustic signal can propagate through a geologic formation that is the subject of investigation, and a second acoustic signal can also propagate through the housing member
Implementation Method 2
a housing member with a plurality of laterally separated layers that alter the acoustic path, forcing signals to travel sequentially through each layer
Implementation Method 3
reducing wave amplitude, thus improving the evaluation of geologic formations with slower compressional speeds
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic tool for evaluating a geologic formation includes a housing member disposed between transmitter and receiver sections of the acoustic tool. The housing member defines a change in direction in an acoustic path extending therethrough such that acoustic signals traveling through the housing member are delayed and disrupted. The delay and disruption may isolate the acoustic signals traveling through the housing member from acoustic signals traveling through the geologic formation. Thus, the acoustic tool may facilitate identification and evaluation of acoustic signals traveling through the geologic formation.