Laser Vibrometer Wellbore Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing subsurface material properties in wellbores are limited by the need for physical contact, which can damage fragile materials and fail to provide real-time, non-destructive, high-precision measurements across a wide vibration frequency bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A laser vibrometer system that uses a Laser Doppler Velocimeter to measure dynamic surface movements without contact, stimulated by an acoustic source, allowing for in situ, real-time analysis of subterranean formation properties like Young's modulus and brittleness, and enabling non-destructive, repeatable measurements across a wide frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact methods are used to measure subsurface material properties, then measurement capability is achieved, but the fragile materials are damaged and measurement precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems with an optical measurement system using a laser vibrometer. The laser vibrometer measures surface vibrations of the wellbore wall or core sample surface optically without physical contact, eliminating mechanical damage while maintaining measurement capability. This substitution of mechanical fields with optical fields directly resolves the contradiction between achieving measurement and avoiding material damage.
2Productivity
If traditional contact-based logging tools are used, then data collection is possible, but real-time measurement capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an optical laser vibrometer system that can capture vibration signals in real-time without the mechanical constraints of contact-based sensors. The optical system processes light reflections from the surface to derive vibration characteristics instantaneously, enabling real-time measurement of subsurface material properties during drilling or logging operations, thereby improving productivity despite increased device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If contact-based sensors are used in wellbores, then material property analysis is achieved, but the vibration frequency bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes an optical laser vibrometer that can detect a wide range of vibration frequencies without the mechanical inertia and resonance limitations of contact-based sensors. The optical measurement system responds to surface vibrations across a broad frequency spectrum by detecting changes in light reflection patterns, enabling comprehensive analysis of material properties including Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio while preserving material integrity through non-contact operation.
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 real-time, non-destructive analysis of subterranean formation materials with high precision and repeatability, preserving the integrity of soft or fragile materials and providing detailed mechanical property data for improved wellbore operations and treatment suitability assessments.
Implementation Method 1
A laser vibrometer system that uses a Laser Doppler Velocimeter to measure dynamic surface movements without contact
Implementation Method 2
Laser Doppler Velocimeter to measure dynamic surface movements
Implementation Method 3
stimulated by an acoustic source, allowing for in situ, real-time analysis of subterranean formation properties
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, an acoustic analysis system includes an acoustic source and a laser vibrometer. In some instances, the acoustic source can generate an acoustic signal in a wellbore defined in a subterranean region, and the laser vibrometer can detect movement of a surface in the wellbore in response to the acoustic signal. The detected movement can be analyzed, for example, to identify properties of materials in the subterranean region.