Laser Bore Mapping for Contactless Wellbore Obstruction Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bore mapping devices, such as mechanical calipers and optical well-logging devices, face limitations in detecting obstructions and are susceptible to damage during wellbore measurements, leading to inaccurate data and potential tool failure.

Innovation Solution

A bore mapping device equipped with a laser-based system comprising a bore surface mapping sensor and an obstruction sensor, which can sense the wellbore surface and detect obstructions without physical contact, providing real-time data acquisition and creating a three-dimensional model of the wellbore.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mechanical calipers are used to measure wellbore diameter, then measurement capability is provided, but debris accumulation and obstructions inhibit passage through the bore

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore diameter measurementVSAvoidcaliper passage through bore

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical caliper arms with a laser-based measurement system. The laser logger emits laser beams that measure wellbore diameter without physical contact, eliminating the problem of debris accumulation on mechanical arms while maintaining measurement capability through optical detection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If laser loggers are used to measure wellbore, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but the device is susceptible to damage when traveling beyond certain speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebore surface measurementVSAvoiddevice durability at speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines laser measurement technology with mechanical caliper structures to create a hybrid device. This integration allows the device to benefit from both non-contact optical measurement capabilities and the structural protection of mechanical designs, improving durability while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If optical well-logging device with diamond window assembly is used, then precise well characteristics measurements are acquired, but physical contact with wellbore sides is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell characteristics measurementVSAvoidphysical contact requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the diamond window assembly that requires physical contact with a laser-based measurement system. The laser beams can measure wellbore characteristics without touching the formation, eliminating the need for mechanical contact while maintaining measurement precision through optical detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If conventional bore mapping devices are used, then wellbore measurements are obtained, but obstructions cannot be detected and tool failure occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore geometry measurementVSAvoidobstruction detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sensing capabilities into a single device, combining wellbore geometry measurement functions with obstruction detection capabilities. The device can perform both measurement tasks simultaneously or sequentially, providing universal functionality that addresses multiple needs without requiring separate tools.

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

The device offers improved accuracy, safety, reduced downtime, and real-time data transmission, enabling informed decision-making and efficient wellbore mapping with reduced risk of mechanical failure.

Implementation Method 1

a laser-based system comprising a bore surface mapping sensor and an obstruction sensor, which can sense the wellbore surface and detect obstructions without physical contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a laser-based system comprising a bore surface mapping sensor and an obstruction sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS20250305405A1Bore mapping device, system for mapping wellbores and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A well system includes a surface installation provided at a well surface location, a wellbore extending from the surface installation and providing an open hole section, a bore mapping device conveyable into the wellbore on a conveyance and including a bore surface mapping sensor operable to sense a surface of the open hole section as the bore mapping device traverses the wellbore, and an obstruction sensor arranged at a downhole end of the bore mapping device and operable to sense obstructions within the wellbore. A data acquisition system is in communication with the bore mapping device to receive data generated by the bore surface mapping sensor and the obstruction sensor and is operable to create a three-dimensional model of the open hole section of the wellbore.