Downhole Sonic Tool for Lateral Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining laterals in multilateral wells is challenging due to limitations in existing sonic measurement techniques, which rely on repeating patterns and Doppler effects, and are hindered by mud flow and oil-bearing liquids, making it difficult to accurately position and measure fluid velocities.

Innovation Solution

A downhole tool equipped with a plurality of sonic transceivers arranged along the circumference of a tool housing, capable of transmitting and receiving sonic signals over a 360-degree central angle, and optionally incorporating a magnetic profiler to measure magnetic field changes, allowing for precise determination of lateral positions through pulse/echo measurements and data fusion with magnetic data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sonic measurements are used for positioning and fluid velocity measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but determination of laterals becomes problematic due to inability to apply Doppler effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidlateral determination difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic field measurements as an intermediary to detect laterals. Magnetic profilers measure changes in magnetic field caused by the borehole casing, and the absence of casing (indicating a lateral) is detected through these magnetic field variations. This intermediary approach bypasses the limitation of sonic measurements that cannot detect laterals using Doppler effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If visual representations using light, lasers, or infrared light are used, then positioning is improved, but operation is limited during drilling due to mud flow or during production due to oil-bearing liquids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidoperational limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical measurement systems (light, lasers, infrared) with magnetic field-based measurement systems. Magnetic profilers use magnetic fields to detect the presence or absence of borehole casing, which is not affected by mud flow during drilling or oil-bearing liquids during production. This substitution eliminates the operational limitations of optical systems in downhole environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple sonic transceivers are arranged along the circumference to cover 360 degrees, then lateral detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral detection reliabilityVSAvoidtransceiver arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sonic transceivers that serve multiple functions: they transmit sonic signals for fluid velocity measurement, receive reflected sonic signals for positioning, and collectively cover 360 degrees for comprehensive lateral detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each measurement type, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 and reliable detection of laterals in multilateral wells by using sonic transceivers to identify reflected signals and magnetic profiling to enhance positioning, reducing errors and improving reservoir drainage efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

each sonic transceiver transmitting sonic signals from the housing and receiving sonic signals reflected from the borehole wall or borehole casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSonic signal transmission and reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

measuring a change in the magnetic field as a function of an interaction between the borehole casing and the magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11542810B2Downhole tool for determining laterals

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 WELLTEC AS

AI summary

A downhole tool for determining laterals in a borehole wall or a borehole casing, comprising a tool housing extending along a longitudinal axis and having a circumference perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of sonic transceivers. Each sonic transceiver transmitting sonic signals from the housing and receiving sonic signals reflected from the borehole wall or borehole casing in a predefined angular segment. The sonic transceivers are arranged along the circumference of the tool housing having a mutual distance and are capable of transmitting sonic signals radially away from the tool housing in an entire central angle of 360 degrees towards the borehole wall or borehole casing. During a pulse time, one sonic transceiver transmits a sonic signal in the predefined angular segment of that sonic transmitter, and one sonic transceiver, during a subsequent echo time, receives a reflected sonic signal from the borehole wall or borehole casing.