Acoustic Measurement Tool Reference Receiver for Source Signature Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole acoustic tools face challenges in accurately interpreting received acoustic waves due to the inability to quantify source anomalies, leading to large errors in amplitude and frequency variations, limiting the accuracy of sonic log interpretation and 3D borehole imaging.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic measurement tool with a reference receiver positioned adjacent to the transmitter to capture the actual acoustic signal before it encounters the medium of interest, allowing for direct measurement and more accurate extraction of source characteristics, enabling more precise 3D sonic imaging and logging through multiple casing layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the source signature is assumed to be the same as the simulated electronic signal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to unquantified source anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing the transmitter's acoustic signal before it encounters the medium of interest. The reference receiver records the source signature in advance, allowing this pre-captured signal to be used for deconvolution during later interpretation, eliminating the need for complex real-time source characterization while improving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a reference receiver is added to capture the actual acoustic signal, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference receiver acts as an intermediary element that captures and preserves the transmitter's acoustic signal characteristics. This intermediate measurement device enables accurate source signature extraction without requiring complex real-time processing, serving as a mediator between the transmitter and the acoustic interpretation process.
3Ease of operation
If traditional acoustic interpretation methods are used without source signature extraction, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to large errors in amplitude and frequency variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the reference receiver to continuously monitor and capture the transmitter's acoustic signal characteristics. This feedback loop provides accurate source signature data that can be used to correct and improve the reliability of acoustic interpretations, allowing operators to maintain ease of operation while significantly improving result reliability through deconvolution.
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 of 3D sonic imaging and allows for logging beyond single casing layers, providing fully characterized cement properties and improved data for well operations, reducing costs and increasing well safety by better recognizing outer casing fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic waves travel through the surrounding environment by means of a pressure variation of the media
Implementation Method 2
at least one reference receiver located adjacent the transmitter and configured to receive an acoustic signal, generated by the transmitter, prior to the acoustic signal encountering the medium of interest
Implementation Method 3
at least one acoustic receiver spaced from the transmitter and configured to receive an acoustic signal, generated by the transmitter, and which has encountered a medium of interest
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic measurement tool comprises a transmitter for generating acoustic signals and at least one acoustic receiver spaced from the transmitter and configured to receive an acoustic signal, generated by the transmitter, and which has encountered a medium of interest. Moreover, at least one acoustic reference receiver is located adjacent the transmitter and is configured to receive an acoustic signal, generated by the transmitter, prior to the acoustic signal encountering the medium of interest.