Acoustic Source With Non-Linear Medium For Collimated Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic interrogation methods for rock formations around a borehole face limitations in generating a collimated acoustic beam with sufficient frequency bandwidth and azimuthal resolution, particularly in the sonic frequency range of 15 kHz to 120 kHz, due to constraints in transducer design and coupling, leading to inadequate detection of cement bonding and rock formation structures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a non-linear medium and piezo-electric layers to generate a collimated acoustic beam by mixing acoustic waves at different frequencies, producing a third frequency component with enhanced transmission properties, combined with a receiver array for azimuthal detection, allowing for improved characterization of rock formations and cement bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high frequency signals are used, then azimuthal resolution is improved, but penetration distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic source is divided into multiple independent transducers arranged in an array, allowing different frequency components to be generated and transmitted simultaneously. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both high azimuthal resolution through high frequency components and adequate penetration distance through lower frequency components, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter by using multiple frequency components from the segmented transducers. By varying the frequency of individual transducers while maintaining spatial coherence through the array configuration, the system achieves collimated beam propagation at high frequencies for resolution while maintaining penetration capability through the frequency diversity provided by the segmented structure.
2Length of moving object
If low frequency signals are used, then penetration distance is improved, but beam spread increases and azimuthal resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the acoustic source into multiple transducers that can be independently controlled, the system can generate low frequency signals for penetration while using the spatial arrangement and phase control of the segments to achieve beam collimation and directional focus, thereby maintaining azimuthal resolution despite the low frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces the spatial dimension through the array of segmented transducers to compensate for the limitations of low frequency signals. By controlling the phase and amplitude distribution across the spatial segments, the system creates a collimated beam in the propagation direction while maintaining penetration distance through the low frequency content.
3Device complexity
If conventional transducers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but beam collimation and azimuthal directivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer is segmented into multiple independent elements that can be individually controlled. This segmentation enables complex beam shaping and directional control through phase and amplitude modulation of individual segments, achieving superior azimuthal directivity while keeping each individual transducer element simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented transducer array allows dynamic control of each element's phase and amplitude in real-time. This dynamic capability enables the system to steer and focus the acoustic beam in the azimuthal direction, achieving high directional resolution without requiring complex static mechanical structures.
4Measurement precision
If multiple transducers are used to improve azimuthal directivity, then beam collimation is improved, but device complexity and coupling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transducer array into independently controllable elements, the system achieves azimuthal directivity through electronic phase and amplitude control rather than complex mechanical coupling. Each segment can be controlled independently, simplifying the coupling requirements while maintaining the ability to form collimated beams with precise azimuthal directionality.
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 achieves high azimuthal and inclination resolution, enabling effective 3D imaging and characterization of rock formations and cement bonding, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods by providing a broad frequency range and precise directional control of the acoustic beam.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spaced apart piezo-electric layers disposed with the housing; and a non-linear medium filling between the plurality of layers. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric layers is configured to generate an acoustic wave when excited with an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
A system utilizing a non-linear medium and piezo-electric layers to generate a collimated acoustic beam by mixing acoustic waves at different frequencies, producing a third frequency component with enhanced transmission properties
Implementation Method 3
receiving at one or more receivers an acoustic signal, the acoustic signal originating from a reflection or a refraction or surface wave propagation of the acoustic wave by a material at the desired location
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic source for generating an acoustic beam includes a housing; a plurality of spaced apart piezo-electric layers disposed within the housing; and a non-linear medium filling between the plurality of layers. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric layers is configured to generate an acoustic wave. The non-linear medium and the plurality of piezo-electric material layers have a matching impedance so as to enhance a transmission of the acoustic wave generated by each of plurality of layers through the remaining plurality of layers.