Mobile Hydrophone Array Leak Detection via Doppler Shift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Detecting leaks in wellbore equipment is difficult, time-intensive, and costly due to the challenges of locating and identifying acoustic signals generated by leaks in hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formations.

Innovation Solution

A leak-detecting assembly using a mobile hydrophone array that moves within the wellbore, utilizing Doppler shift differences to detect and localize leaks by measuring acoustic signals and determining the location based on variations in Doppler shifts as the hydrophones approach, pass, and move away from the leak.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional leak detection methods are used in wellbore equipment, then leaks can be detected, but the process is difficult, time-intensive, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection accuracyVSAvoidleak detection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual leak detection methods with an acoustic field-based detection system using hydrophones and Doppler shift analysis. Acoustic sensors detect leak signals through fluid transmission, and Doppler effects provide automatic localization, eliminating time-intensive manual inspection while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the detection approach by monitoring frequency shifts (Doppler shifts) of acoustic signals instead of using traditional pressure or flow measurements. By analyzing changes in acoustic signal parameters (frequency, amplitude) as the tool moves through the wellbore, the system achieves rapid and accurate leak detection with automatic localization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional leak detection methods are used in wellbore equipment, then leaks can be detected, but the process is costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection accuracyVSAvoidleak detection cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive traditional detection methods with an acoustic-based system that uses passive listening through hydrophones. The system requires no additional chemicals, specialized equipment beyond standard acoustic sensors, or extensive manual labor, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining reliable leak detection and localization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic leak localization using Doppler shift analysis of acoustic signals, eliminating the need for expensive manual inspection teams or complex diagnostic equipment. The tool self-localizes leaks by analyzing frequency shifts as it moves through the wellbore, reducing both time and cost expenditures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If a mobile hydrophone array uses Doppler shift differences to detect leaks, then leak localization becomes efficient and accurate, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak localization accuracyVSAvoidhydrophone array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into multiple hydrophones arranged in an array, with each hydrophone independently detecting acoustic signals. By segmenting the measurement across multiple sensors and analyzing Doppler shifts from different positions, the system achieves precise leak localization while keeping each individual hydrophone simple and the overall processing manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient and accurate detection and localization of leaks by analyzing changes in Doppler shifts, reducing the time and cost associated with leak detection and identification in wellbore operations.

Implementation Method 1

A variation in the Doppler shift caused by a stationary acoustic source (such as a leak) while the array moves towards and away from that source can be determined based on information from the array of hydrophones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoppler shift: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10577923B2Leak detection via doppler shift differences in moving hydrophones

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A leak-detecting assembly can include an array of hydrophones. The array can be moved within a hydrocarbon well. A variation in the Doppler shift caused by a stationary acoustic source (such as a leak) while the array moves towards and away from that source can be determined based on information from the array of hydrophones. The assembly can be associated with a passive system that captures acoustic signals directly from the source or leak and estimates a location of the source or leak based on measurement of Doppler shift in each receiver.