Borehole Mapping with Dual LIDAR Subsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low power LIDAR applications have not been utilized for surface and downhole inspection and evaluation in the oil and gas industry, limiting the use of light beams in borehole mapping.
Innovation Solution
A system and method employing an intermediate and distal LIDAR sub-system with omni-directional emitters and receivers to map borehole surfaces, determining object characteristics and generating a map of the borehole's inner surface, allowing for three-dimensional representation and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high power light beams are used for borehole inspection, then inspection capability is improved, but the application becomes destructive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power parameter of light beams from high power to low power, transforming the application from destructive to non-destructive. This parameter change enables borehole inspection without causing harm to the borehole structure, while still achieving sufficient measurement precision through LIDAR technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical drilling and inspection methods with optical LIDAR measurement. Instead of using mechanical tools that physically interact with and potentially damage the borehole, the system uses light emission and reception to non-contactly measure borehole characteristics, eliminating the destructive mechanical effect.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low power LIDAR is used for borehole mapping, then non-destructive inspection is achieved, but mapping accuracy and coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the borehole mapping task into multiple segments by using multiple LIDAR emitters positioned at different locations (intermediate and distal positions). Each emitter covers a specific segment of the borehole, and the mapping system integrates data from all segments to achieve comprehensive accurate mapping of the entire borehole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-dimensional mapping by deploying LIDAR emitters at multiple positions along the borehole and rotating them to scan 360 degrees. This creates a multi-dimensional measurement framework that captures comprehensive spatial information, enabling accurate three-dimensional reconstruction of the borehole environment.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple LIDAR sub-systems are deployed in the tool, then mapping coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LIDAR sub-systems (intermediate and distal emitters and receivers) into a single integrated tool assembly. The mapping system combines data from all sub-systems through a unified processing architecture, achieving comprehensive mapping coverage while managing complexity through integrated design and centralized data fusion.
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 non-destructive, cost-effective borehole mapping and inspection by using LIDAR to generate accurate three-dimensional representations of borehole surfaces and objects, enhancing operational efficiency in the oil and gas industry.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate emitter emits light in a first direction which is towards an intermediate object in the borehole, and the intermediate receiver receives reflected light from the intermediate object
Implementation Method 2
determine a characteristic of the intermediate object... determine a position of the tool in the borehole from the characteristic of the distal object
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method map a borehole using LIDAR. The system comprises a tool and a mapping sub-system. The tool includes an intermediate LIDAR sub-system and a distal LIDAR sub-system. The intermediate LIDAR sub-system has an intermediate emitter and an intermediate receiver. The intermediate emitter emits light and the intermediate receiver receives reflected light from the intermediate object. The distal LIDAR sub-system has a distal emitter and a distal receiver. The distal emitter emits light, and the distal receiver receives reflected light from the distal object. The mapping sub-system determines a position of the tool, determines an inner surface of the borehole, and generates and outputs a map of the borehole from the position and the inner surface. A method comprises steps performed during operation of the system.