Gain-Corrected Logging Tool With Slotted Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current logging tools face challenges in obtaining accurate gain-corrected measurements while drilling, particularly in harsh environments, due to the need for robust and reliable measurement tools that can operate effectively in subsurface formations surrounding a wellbore.
Innovation Solution
The use of a measurement tool with co-located triaxial transmitters and receivers, combined to form impedance matrices, which provide gain-corrected measurements, and an apparatus with a slotted shield that incorporates complementary tapered sides to confine island elements within the shield body, enhancing the tool's mechanical and electrical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If co-located triaxial transmitters and receivers are used to obtain gain-corrected measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmitters and receivers into co-located arrays, merging their functions to achieve gain-corrected measurements. The impedance matrices from multiple transmitters are combined to correct receiver gain variations, resolving the contradiction by integrating multiple components into a unified measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The triaxial transmitter and receiver arrays serve multiple functions: they perform conventional induction measurements and simultaneously enable gain correction through impedance matrix combinations. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to achieve both standard measurements and improved precision without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Reliability
If a slotted shield with island elements is used to enhance mechanical and electrical integrity, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is segmented into multiple slots with isolated island elements, dividing the continuous shield structure into discrete functional regions. This segmentation provides mechanical support and electrical isolation simultaneously, enhancing reliability while the standardized slot geometry allows for controlled manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield exhibits local quality variations with different regions serving specific functions: slots provide electromagnetic isolation, island elements provide mechanical support, and tapered sides provide structural reinforcement. Each local region is optimized for its specific function, allowing the overall structure to achieve high reliability without requiring uniform high precision throughout the entire shield.
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 enables the acquisition of reliable and accurate gain-corrected measurements during drilling, improving the precision of formation evaluation and resistivity assessments, even in challenging subsurface conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A measurement tool having one or more arrays is provided, wherein the arrays include two co-located triaxial transmitters and two co-located triaxial receivers. Measurements are obtained using the transmitters and the receivers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to obtain gain-corrected measurements. A measurement tool having one or more arrays is provided, wherein the arrays include two co-located triaxial transmitters and two co-located triaxial receivers. Measurements are obtained using the transmitters and the receivers. Impedance matrices are formed from the obtained measurements and the impedance matrices are combined to provide gain-corrected measurements. The apparatus may alternatively be a while-drilling logging tool having one or more arrays, wherein each array comprises a transmitter, a receiver, and a buck, and wherein the signal received by the receiver is subtracted from the signal received by the buck or vice versa. A slotted shield may be incorporated into either embodiment of the tool. The slots may form one or more island elements. A material is disposed in the slots. The islands and shield body have complementary tapered sides that confine the islands within the shield body.