Inverse Geometry X-Ray Wellbore Imaging Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nondestructive examination tools for downhole wellbores are often too large to fit in small diameter wellbores, limiting inspection capabilities, especially for casing and cement integrity assessments, which are crucial for operational integrity and late-stage well management.
Innovation Solution
An inverse geometry x-ray machine system with a single detector and a conical anode is used within a pressure housing, emitting a directable electron beam to produce a collimated x-ray beam that can be directed radially outward, allowing for azimuthal imaging in small diameter wellbores by correlating x-ray scattering data with specific wellbore positions using time gating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional nondestructive examination tools are used for downhole wellbore inspection, then inspection capability is provided, but the tools are too large to fit in small diameter wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional x-ray geometry by placing the detector inside the tool and the x-ray source outside (in the wellbore), rather than the conventional arrangement. This inverse geometry allows the tool to be compact and fit in small diameter wellbores while maintaining inspection capability through the use of a large area detector that can capture scattered x-rays from all directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D planar detection to 3D spherical detection by using a detector that can detect x-rays from multiple directions simultaneously. The detector is positioned to receive scattered x-rays in three dimensions, enabling compact tool design while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage
2Volume of moving object
If conventional x-ray machine geometry is used, then x-ray beam production is achieved, but the tool cannot fit within traditional wireline tools due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional x-ray machine geometry by placing the detector inside the tool housing and positioning the x-ray source externally in the wellbore. This inversion dramatically reduces the tool volume required, allowing deployment within traditional wireline tools while maintaining effective x-ray inspection capability through the use of scattered x-ray detection
3Volume of moving object
If a single detector is used in inverse geometry configuration, then tool size is reduced for wireline deployment, but counting statistics must be improved to maintain detection quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a large area detector that detects x-rays from multiple directions and three-dimensional space, effectively increasing the detection volume and photon collection capability. This dimensional approach to detection compensates for the single-detector configuration by capturing scattered x-rays from all azimuthal angles, thereby improving counting statistics without increasing tool size
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 effective azimuthal imaging and integrity assessment of wellbores, improving counting statistics and fitting within traditional wireline tools, thus overcoming size constraints and enhancing inspection capabilities in small diameter wells.
Implementation Method 1
a source arranged within the pressure housing, the source including a directable electron beam... an anode positioned proximate the source, within the pressure housing, the anode having a tapered face adapted to interact with the directable electron beam and direct an x-ray beam away from the anode
Implementation Method 2
a detector arranged proximate the anode, the anode being between the source and the detector, wherein the detector receives scattered x-rays, from the x-ray beam, the received scattered x-rays corresponding to imaging information to determine one or more properties of a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A system for obtaining downhole azimuthal imaging information includes a pressure housing. The system also includes a source arranged within the pressure housing, the source including a directable electron beam. The system further includes an anode positioned proximate the source, within the pressure housing, the anode having a tapered face adapted to interact with the directable electron beam and direct an x-ray beam away from the anode. The system also includes a detector arranged proximate the anode, the anode being between the source and the detector, wherein the detector receives scattered x-rays, from the x-ray beam, the received scattered x-rays corresponding to imaging information to determine one or more properties of a wellbore.