Downhole Casing Collar Detection Using Sonic and Nuclear Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional downhole casing collar locators face challenges in accurately detecting casing collar joints due to low magnetic permeability materials and flush joints, and are hindered by bulk size and weight, leading to operational and safety issues during perforating operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of downhole measurement systems, such as LWD tools and wireline configurable tools, that employ sonic, nuclear, gamma ray, and photoelectric measurements to identify and detect well casing features like casing collars and joints without relying on electromagnetic measurements, allowing for precise detection and location without the need for continuous motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electromagnetic casing collar locators are used, then detection capability is provided, but detection accuracy deteriorates with low magnetic permeability materials and flush joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic detection systems with acoustic detection systems. Specifically, it uses acoustic emissions generated by the drill string interacting with casing collar joints to detect their locations. This substitution allows detection of flush joints and low magnetic permeability materials that are invisible to electromagnetic methods, directly resolving the contradiction between having detection capability and maintaining detection accuracy with challenging materials.
2Reliability
If conventional casing collar locators are used, then detection function is provided, but tool size and weight increase causing operational and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the acoustic detection functionality into the existing LWD tool string, which is already being used for drilling operations. The LWD tool string serves multiple functions: drilling monitoring, formation evaluation, and now casing collar detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated casing collar locator tools, thereby reducing overall tool weight and complexity while maintaining detection capability.
3Reliability
If conventional electromagnetic casing collar locators are used, then detection is possible, but continuous motion is required to generate detection signals
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic detection system utilizes the natural acoustic emissions generated by the drill string as it passes through casing collar joints during normal drilling operations. The system detects these self-generated acoustic signals without requiring any additional motion or external excitation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous tool motion to generate detection signals, simplifying operations and allowing detection during stationary periods.
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 and reliability of detecting well casing features, reduces operational risks by minimizing tool size and weight, and improves depth determination, enabling precise positioning of tools like perforation guns.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more measurements may exclude electromagnetic measurements and/or may include, for example, sonic measurements
Implementation Method 2
The one or more measurements may exclude electromagnetic measurements and/or may include, for example, sonic measurements, nuclear measurements
Implementation Method 3
The one or more measurements may exclude electromagnetic measurements and/or may include, for example, sonic measurements, nuclear measurements, gamma ray measurements
Implementation Method 4
The one or more measurements may exclude electromagnetic measurements and/or may include, for example, sonic measurements, nuclear measurements, gamma ray measurements, photoelectric measurements
Implementation Method 5
The one or more measurements may exclude electromagnetic measurements and/or may include, for example, sonic measurements, nuclear measurements, gamma ray measurements, photoelectric measurements, resistivity measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods identify and/or detect one or more features of a well casing by utilizing one or more downhole measurements obtainable by a downhole component. The one or more features of the well casing are identifiable and/or detectable from the one or more measurements associated with one or more properties of the one or more features of the well casing. The one or more measurements for indentifying and/or detecting a presence and/or a location of the one or more features of the well casing include sonic measurements, nuclear measurements, gamma ray measurements, photoelectric measurements, resistivity measurements and/or combinations thereof.