Automated Bond Log Analysis for Cement-Casing Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bond log interpretation methods rely heavily on human experts, leading to inconsistent evaluations of cement-casing integrity in wellbores, necessitating improved systems for universal compatibility and enhanced accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based bond log analysis system that utilizes a Cement Bond Log (CBL) with a Variable Density Log (VDL) and Secondary Data Tracks (SDTs) for comprehensive evaluation, employing a methodical rolling investigation approach to analyze adjacent depths and generate accurate reports on cement integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If human experts interpret bond logs, then interpretation can be performed with professional judgment, but interpretation consistency deteriorates due to reliance on individual expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterpretation consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of human expert interpretation with an automated computer-based analysis system that processes bond log data through defined algorithms and methods. This substitution eliminates variability in human judgment while maintaining interpretation capability through systematic automated processing of cement bond evaluation data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automated analysis is implemented, then interpretation consistency improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of expert judgment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation accuracyVSAvoidinterpretation consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automated interpretation where the bond log analysis is performed independently without requiring human expert intervention. The computer-based system autonomously processes the data, applies evaluation criteria, and generates interpretations, thereby achieving both consistency through automation and precision through systematic analysis methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated system continuously refines its analysis based on processed data patterns and established evaluation criteria. This feedback loop allows the system to improve measurement precision while maintaining interpretation consistency through iterative optimization of the analysis algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive data analysis is performed, then evaluation accuracy improves, but analysis time increases due to detailed examination of multiple parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the comprehensive bond log data into distinct analysis components and evaluates them systematically. By dividing the complex evaluation into manageable segments with specific analysis methods for different data types, the system achieves thorough evaluation accuracy while reducing overall analysis time through organized processing of segmented information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by focusing analysis on the most critical parameters and depth intervals that provide the greatest evaluation value. Rather than uniformly analyzing all data points with equal intensity, the method concentrates computational resources on key areas, achieving high evaluation accuracy with reduced analysis time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12435616B2System and method for bond log analysis
Publication Date: 2025.10.07 TEXAS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE INC
  • US12435616B2 patent drawing
  • US12435616B2 patent drawing
  • US12435616B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bond log analysis apparatus and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system receives a Cement Bond Log (CBL) including a Variable Density Log (VDL) and at least one Secondary Data Track (SDT). The system conducts an initial analysis of the VDL to identify characteristics and patterns related to cement bonding conditions at a specified depth. If a possible discontinuity is identified, the system sequentially analyzes VDL data from adjacent depths to determine the vertical extent of the anomaly. For the identified vertical extent, the system performs a detailed analysis using SDT data to characterize the cement bonding issues. The system then synthesizes the VDL and SDT data to generate a report providing an analysis of the cement integrity around the wellbore casing. The method follows similar steps for bond log analysis.