Borehole Caliper Mapping With Sonar Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the dimensions and topology of boreholes, especially those filled with opaque stabilizing fluids whose density varies with depth, are inaccurate due to limitations in sonar devices and interference from dirty fluids, which can miss important irregularities and provide misleading radial diameter measurements.
Innovation Solution
A caliper system that includes a sonar head or laser source for measuring distances along the borehole wall, combined with guide cables for precise positioning and a motor for rotating the sonar head to create a spiral or helical pattern of measurements, allowing for accurate mapping of dimensions and topography while accounting for fluid density changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sonar devices are used to measure borehole dimensions, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from dirty fluids and inaccurate radial diameter readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a caliper device as an intermediary measurement tool that physically contacts the borehole wall to determine dimensions. This mechanical contact method serves as a mediator between the measurement system and the borehole, providing accurate radial diameter measurements independent of fluid conditions. The caliper bypasses the sonar fluid interference problem by using direct physical contact through the borehole wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the acoustic sonar measurement system with a mechanical caliper system for determining borehole dimensions. Instead of using sound waves that are interfered with by dirty fluids, the invention employs a mechanical caliper that directly measures the borehole wall, substituting the mechanical measurement approach to eliminate acoustic interference from the fluid environment.
2Loss of information
If sonar readings are obtained along borehole walls, then some dimensional information is provided, but important irregularities are missed due to limited measurement coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the borehole measurement into multiple discrete measurement points around the circumference and at different depths. The caliper device takes individual radial measurements at various positions, and these segmented measurements are then compiled to create a comprehensive picture of the borehole geometry, including irregularities that would be missed by continuous sonar readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds angular and depth dimensions to the measurement approach. Instead of only obtaining vertical sonar lines, the caliper system measures radially at multiple angles around the borehole circumference and at different depths, creating a three-dimensional mapping that reveals irregularities in all spatial dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If caliper device is lowered into borehole for measurement, then accurate dimensional information is obtained, but device complexity increases due to positioning and operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the caliper device, including positioning mechanisms, measurement sensors, and communication capabilities in a single integrated tool. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate positioning and measurement systems, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The caliper device incorporates self-positioning and self-measuring capabilities that reduce the need for external positioning systems. The device can autonomously navigate to measurement positions and execute measurements without requiring complex external control mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
Enables accurate interpretation of test device data, precise volume calculation, and improved interaction analysis between the pile and borehole sides, even in challenging fluid conditions, by providing detailed and reliable dimensional and topographic information.
Implementation Method 1
sonar head for transmitting acoustical energy toward the interior wall. When the acoustic energy reaches the interior wall the acoustic waves are reflected by the interior wall back to the sonar head
Implementation Method 2
When the electromagnetic energy illuminates the interior wall, acoustic waves are radiated back to the apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An apparatus for investigating a formation, comprises a caliper provided with a transmitter for transmitting a transmitted pulse signal; a detector for detecting a reflected pulse signal, wherein the reflected pulse signal is the transmitted pulse signal reflected from a target location on a surface of the formation onto which the transmitted pulse signal is incident; a means for determining the time interval between the transmission of the transmitted pulse signal and the detection of the reflected pulse signal; a means for rotating the transmitter and the detector with respect to the axis of the caliper, wherein rotation of the transmitter and the detector causes the target location on the surface of the formation onto which the transmitted pulse signal is incident to rotate with respect to the axis of the caliper. A corresponding method is also disclosed.