Acoustic Leak Flow Rate Estimation in Subterranean Boreholes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional acoustic sensing logging systems in subterranean formations struggle to accurately detect and estimate the volumetric flow rate of leaks due to their reliance on a single dominant sound generation mechanism, failing to account for multiple mechanisms present in complex downhole environments.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple distinct terms representing different noise-source mechanisms to estimate flow rates, including fluctuation of mass flow rate, shear stresses, mixing of fluids, and specific geometry effects, and removes acoustic tool noise to improve data accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional acoustic sensing logging systems use a single dominant sound generation mechanism, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of flow rate estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sound generation process into multiple distinct mechanisms (fluctuation of mass flow rate, shear stresses, mixing of fluids, broad-banded shock associated noise, noise-source efficiency effects). Each mechanism is represented by a separate term in the acoustic model, allowing the system to account for different physical processes simultaneously and improve flow rate estimation accuracy in complex downhole environments.
2Measurement precision
If multiple distinct terms representing different noise-source mechanisms are used, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an acoustic-based computational model. By using acoustic measurements combined with a multi-term model representing different noise-source mechanisms, the system achieves accurate leak estimation without requiring complex physical measurement devices, thus improving precision while managing complexity through computational rather than mechanical means.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic tool noise is not removed, then the ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes acoustic tool noise from the measured acoustic signal before performing flow rate calculations. By separating the tool noise component from the leak-related acoustic signal, the system improves data accuracy and leak estimation precision, ensuring that the analysis is based on clean, reliable data from the downhole environment.
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 enhances the accuracy and robustness of leak estimation, achieving a success rate of over 90% with reduced prediction error, compared to traditional methods, and streamlines flow rate calculations, reducing data storage and system resource costs.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining acoustic pressure data associated with a leak source in a wellbore using at least one acoustic sensor positioned in the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
The flow rate is determined using a plurality of terms representing different sources of sound generation, including a first term indicating a fluctuation of mass flow rate through the leak source, a second term indicating a fluctuation of shear stresses through the leak source, and a third term indicating a mixing of fluids
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject technology relates to estimation of flow rates using acoustics in a subterranean borehole and/or formation. Other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. The subject technology includes drilling a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The subject technology includes logging the wellbore using an acoustic sensing tool to obtain logged measurements, and obtaining acoustic pressure data associated with a leak source in the wellbore using the logged measurements. The subject technology also includes determining a flow rate (volumetric for fluid-based or mass for gas-based) of the leak source from the acoustic pressure data, and determining an area of the leak source from the determined flow rate. The subject technology also includes generating and providing, for display, a representation of the leak source using the flow rate and the area of the leak source.