Acoustic Phased Array Logging Through Multi-String Well Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic measurement systems struggle to penetrate multiple layers of downhole materials in wellbores, such as tubing, fluid, and cement, leading to insufficient energy for accurate wellbore inspection, particularly in multi-string configurations.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic logging system with a first transducer emitting a beam in a steerable transmit-receive mode and a second transducer receiving energy, utilizing a damper shoe to enhance energy transmission and reception, enabling modes of operation that adjust frequency and phasing in real-time to overcome attenuation and allow for accurate measurements behind sound barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic waves are used to penetrate multiple layers of downhole material, then measurement capability is improved, but energy attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the frequency and phase of acoustic signals in real-time to optimize penetration through different downhole materials. The phased array transducers can change their operating parameters adaptively to maintain sufficient energy levels while achieving accurate measurements through multiple layers of tubing, cement, and formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes acoustic parameters including frequency, phase, and amplitude to optimize energy transmission through different materials. By varying these parameters, the system can penetrate multiple downhole layers with sufficient energy while maintaining measurement precision, directly addressing the energy attenuation problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a phased array system is used to steer acoustic beams, then measurement versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic system is divided into multiple independent transducer elements arranged in a phased array. Each element can be controlled independently to steer and focus acoustic beams in different directions, providing measurement versatility while keeping individual element complexity low. This segmentation allows flexible beam steering without requiring a single complex transducer.
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array transducer system serves multiple functions: it can steer beams to different angles, focus at different depths, and operate in various modes (transmission, reflection, through-transmission). This multi-functionality provides comprehensive measurement versatility for inspecting different wellbore components while using a single unified system rather than multiple specialized devices.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic energy is transmitted through multiple tubing layers, then wellbore inspection capability is improved, but signal attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fluid in the annulus between tubing layers as an intermediary medium to transmit acoustic energy. The phased array transducers generate acoustic waves that propagate through the fluid, allowing energy to pass through multiple tubing layers with reduced attenuation compared to direct contact methods, thereby preserving signal strength and measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic acoustic pulsing with varying frequencies and phases to penetrate multiple tubing layers. By using periodic waveforms and adjusting the pulse characteristics, the system can maintain sufficient signal strength through multiple layers while enabling accurate inspection of wellbore components behind the tubing.
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 system effectively generates and receives acoustic energy through wellbore barriers, providing sufficient energy for measuring objects behind barriers, enabling accurate determination of cement quality and defects in multi-string wells with improved signal sensitivity and reduced attenuation.
Implementation Method 1
a first transducer configured to emit a beam of acoustic energy
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic receiver may receive the signal after it gets reflected or refracted from the wellbore
Implementation Method 3
an acoustic receiver may receive the signal after it gets reflected or refracted from the wellbore
Implementation Method 4
a damper shoe arranged between the first transducer and the second transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic logging system includes a first transducer in contact with or in close proximity to a sound barrier configured to emit a beam of acoustic energy according to a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation. The system also includes one or more second transducers in contact with or in close proximity to the sound barrier, positioned axially away from the first transducer, configured to receive acoustic energy from a wellbore environment responsive to the beam. The first mode of operation is a transmit-receive mode of operation where the beam is steerable to interact with one or more wellbore components at a first angle and the second mode of operation is a pulse echo mode of operation where the beam interacts with the one or more wellbore components at a second angle different from the first angle.