Vibration Control for Cement Evaluation Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cement bond logging in wellbores is hindered by external vibrations from drill collars, which degrade the accuracy of cement evaluation results, especially in high-pressure and high-shock environments, making it difficult to perform in logging-while-drilling scenarios due to tool sensitivity and interference from debris.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an acoustic logging device with an attenuation transducer that fires a signal to separate and minimize external vibrations, allowing for enhanced measurement of acoustic casing arrival signals and determining the state of the cemented well, enabling accurate cement bond logging in extreme environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cement bond logging is performed using traditional independent wireline service, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecement evaluation accuracyVSAvoidtime for transporting and installing wireline service

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cement bond logging tool with the drilling system by integrating it into the drill string, allowing simultaneous drilling and cement evaluation. This merging eliminates the need for separate wireline service operations, reducing time and cost while maintaining measurement capabilities through the integrated acoustic sensors and vibration isolation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vibration isolation mechanisms and signal processing intermediaries that filter out drill collar vibrations from the acoustic measurements. These intermediary systems enable accurate cement bond logging despite the harsh drilling environment, resolving the conflict between measurement accuracy and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If cement bond logging is performed during drilling operations, then time and cost are reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to external vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogging efficiencyVSAvoidcement evaluation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic vibration isolation and active noise cancellation systems that adapt to varying drilling conditions. The system dynamically adjusts its vibration compensation in real-time during drilling operations, enabling accurate measurements while maintaining high productivity through continuous logging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the acoustic measurement system by using specific frequency ranges and signal processing techniques that are less susceptible to drill collar vibrations. This allows accurate cement bond logging during drilling by transforming the measurement approach to match the dynamic drilling environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If acoustic tools are used in high vibration environments, then logging-while-drilling capability is achieved, but measurement reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogging-while-drilling capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements vibration isolation and protection mechanisms beforehand to shield the acoustic tools from drill collar vibrations and debris. This prior cushioning through mechanical isolation and protective housings ensures measurement reliability while enabling operation in the harsh logging-while-drilling environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where vibration sensors continuously monitor drill collar vibrations and this information is fed back to the signal processing system. The system then compensates for these vibrations in real-time, maintaining measurement reliability while achieving logging-while-drilling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution allows for accurate cement bond logging during drilling operations, reducing time and cost by eliminating the need for separate cement bond logging processes, thereby improving the integrity of cement evaluation and reducing the impact of external vibrations on measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic source transducer configured to fire a first source pulse. The first source pulse may result in a casing arrival signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave generation: Acoustics

Implementation Method 2

an attenuation transducer configured to fire an attenuation signal. The attenuation signal may attenuate external vibration separate from the casing arrival signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration attenuation: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10101483B2Vibration control for a cement evaluation tool

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for evaluating a cement installation are provided. In one example, the cement may be evaluated using a casing arrival measurement sensor that measures casing arrival signals resulting from firing a signal from a cement bond logging acoustic source. External signals (e.g., signals other than the casing arrival signals) may be attenuated by firing an attenuation firing signal.