Downhole Inertial Mass Seismic Source System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole seismic source methods often damage wellbores and have limited energy coupling to earth formations, resulting in low energy output and poor seismic wave transmission.
Innovation Solution
A downhole inertial mass seismic source system utilizing fluid plungers to generate compression waves within a wellbore, creating standing waves that propagate seismic energy into the surrounding earth formation without causing significant damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If explosive or air gun sources are used to generate seismic energy, then high energy output is achieved, but wellbore damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluid (either wellbore fluid or injected gas) as an intermediary medium between the seismic source and the wellbore wall. The seismic energy is first imparted to the fluid, which then transmits the energy to the wellbore and surrounding formations. This intermediary approach allows energy transmission while avoiding direct impact damage to the wellbore structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by employing fluid-filled sections of the wellbore as waveguides. The seismic energy propagates through the fluid column, utilizing the compressibility and density of the fluid to transmit energy efficiently while preventing direct mechanical contact with the wellbore wall that would cause damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration inducing devices are used with limited clamping area, then wellbore damage is reduced, but energy coupling to earth formation becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wellbore into multiple fluid-filled sections or waveguide segments. By segmenting the energy transmission path into multiple fluid columns, the system achieves both gentle energy imparting (reducing wellbore damage) and effective energy coupling to formations through distributed transmission points along the wellbore length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from localized point-source vibration (single clamping area) to distributed linear energy transmission along the fluid-filled wellbore section. This dimensional change from point to line allows energy to be transmitted over an extended area, improving coupling to multiple formation zones simultaneously while maintaining low wellbore stress.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low energy levels are used to prevent wellbore damage, then wellbore integrity is maintained, but useful seismic waves traveling away from source are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid acts as an energy amplifier intermediary, allowing low-level seismic impulses from the source to be transmitted efficiently through the fluid column to the wellbore wall and formations. The fluid's physical properties (density, compressibility) enable energy multiplication during transmission, achieving high productivity without requiring high source energy levels that would damage the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the hydraulic properties of the fluid-filled wellbore section as a waveguide, the system achieves efficient energy transmission over distance. The fluid column transmits seismic waves with minimal loss, allowing low-energy sources to produce useful seismic waves that travel effectively away from the source and through the formations.
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 system enables high-level seismic energy transfer to the earth formation, reducing wellbore damage and enhancing subsurface investigation data quality by using fluid-filled segments as waveguides for efficient energy propagation.
Implementation Method 1
A downhole inertial mass seismic source system utilizing fluid plungers to generate compression waves within a wellbore
Implementation Method 2
creating standing waves that propagate seismic energy into the surrounding earth formation
Implementation Method 3
A first inertial mass apparatus with a fluid plunger in contact with a first wellbore fluid chamber and a second wellbore fluid chamber
Implementation Method 4
using fluid-filled segments as waveguides for efficient energy propagation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a downhole inertial mass seismic-source system, apparatus and method for use within a wellbore environment to provide seismic signal energy at a wellbore location. The system comprises a first inertial mass apparatus with a fluid plunger that is in contact with a first wellbore fluid chamber and a second wellbore fluid chamber, a second inertial mass apparatus with a fluid plunger in contact with the first well bore fluid chamber, a third inertial mass apparatus with a fluid plunger in contact with the second well bore fluid chamber, an Inertial Mass Control System (IMCS) connected to the first inertial mass apparatus, and a power source providing power to the Inertial Mass Control System.