Multi-directional Ultrasonic Transducer for Small Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic transducers are too large for smaller wellbores, limiting their use in downhole applications due to their size, which prevents the implementation of multiple transducers and their associated efficiencies and redundancies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional ultrasonic transducer design featuring piezoelectric elements shared on a common backing with a single encapsulating material, allowing for reduced form factor and efficient transmission of ultrasounds in multiple directions, suitable for smaller wellbores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ultrasonic transducers are used, then reliable ultrasonic transmission is achieved, but the transducer size becomes too large for small wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple piezoelectric elements (first and second piezoelectric elements) onto a single common backing material, creating one integrated transducer unit that transmits ultrasonic waves in multiple directions simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the overall transducer footprint and length, enabling installation in small wellbores while maintaining reliable ultrasonic transmission through the combined elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-direction transducers to a multi-directional transducer configuration where piezoelectric elements are oriented to transmit ultrasonic waves in multiple directions (first direction and second direction). This dimensional expansion of transmission capability within a compact form factor allows the transducer to provide comprehensive scanning coverage without increasing its physical length, solving the contradiction between reliability and size.
2Productivity
If multiple transducers are mounted back-to-back, then scanning efficiency and redundancy are improved, but the rotating head size increases beyond wellbore limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple separate transducers into a single integrated multi-directional transducer unit. By merging multiple piezoelectric elements onto one common backing with unified encapsulation, the design achieves the scanning efficiency and redundancy of multiple transducers while occupying the space of only one transducer, thus reducing the rotating head volume to fit within small wellbores.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-directional transducer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits ultrasonic waves in multiple directions, provides redundant measurement capabilities, and maintains compact dimensions. This multi-functionality allows a single transducer unit to replace multiple separate transducers, improving scanning efficiency while keeping the rotating head size within wellbore limitations.
3Reliability
If conventional transducer design is used, then adequate ultrasonic transmission is achieved, but cost and weight increase for small wellbore applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces transducer weight by merging multiple piezoelectric elements onto a single common backing material with shared encapsulation. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate backing and encapsulation structures for each element, significantly reducing the overall transducer weight while maintaining adequate ultrasonic transmission capability through the combined elements.
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 the use of ultrasonic transducers in smaller wellbores with a smaller form factor, providing multiple transmission directions while being cheaper and lighter than conventional designs, thus more economical for both small and large wellbores.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer includes a backing having two or more piezoelectric elements attached thereto. The piezoelectric elements are attached to the backing such that each element transmits ultrasounds in different directions.
Implementation Method 2
An encapsulating material surrounds both the piezoelectric elements and the backing.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-directional ultrasonic transducers useful for small downhole applications where two or more separate or larger transducers are too large. The transducer includes a backing material having two or more piezoelectric elements attached thereto. The piezoelectric elements are attached to the backing such that each elements transmit ultrasounds in different directions. An encapsulating material surrounds both the piezoelectric elements and the backing. Since the piezoelectric elements share the same backing and the same encapsulation, the form factor of the multi-directional transducer is greatly reduced in comparison to conventional transducer designs.