Nuclear X-ray Array Tool for Drilling Fluid Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ultrasonic tools in borehole logging lack the capability to accurately determine drilling fluid density, leading to systematic errors in standoff measurement due to assumptions of constant fluid density, which affects cement impedance determination.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear X-ray array tool is used to measure drilling fluid density with high accuracy by employing an array of sensors and Compton backscattering events, allowing for real-time density determination with an accuracy of 0.1 g/cc, thereby improving cement impedance determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ultrasonic tools are used to determine standoff, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for drilling fluid density variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional ultrasonic standoff measurement tools with nuclear density measurement tools into a single integrated system. This merging allows the device to simultaneously perform both ultrasonic velocity measurements and drilling fluid density measurements, eliminating the need for separate tools and enabling accurate standoff determination that accounts for actual fluid density variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives both ultrasonic velocity data and nuclear density data, then integrates these measurements to calculate corrected standoff values. This intermediary processing step reconciles the two different measurement types and produces the final accurate standoff measurement that accounts for density variations.
2Reliability
If drilling fluid density is assumed constant, then the measurement process is simplified, but reliability deteriorates due to systematic errors from density variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where nuclear density measurements are continuously taken and used to update the standoff calculation in real-time. The system measures the actual drilling fluid density, compares it to assumed values, and uses this feedback information to correct the standoff measurement, ensuring reliability even when density varies from assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary density measurements using nuclear tools before conducting ultrasonic standoff measurements. This preliminary action of measuring the actual fluid density allows the system to pre-calculate correction factors that are then applied to the ultrasonic velocity measurements, ensuring reliable standoff determination from the outset.
3Measurement precision
If nuclear X-ray array tool is used to measure drilling fluid density, then measurement precision improves to 0.1 g/cc, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into distinct functional modules: a nuclear density measurement module using X-ray array and Compton backscattering, and an ultrasonic velocity measurement module. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, achieving high density measurement precision without overwhelming complexity.
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 solution enhances the accuracy of drilling fluid density measurement and cement impedance determination, meeting or exceeding industry standards by accurately accounting for variations in drilling fluid density, even in heavy drilling fluids.
Implementation Method 1
A nuclear X-ray array tool is used to measure drilling fluid density with high accuracy by employing an array of sensors and Compton backscattering events
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic transducer, also known to those of ordinary skill in the art as a mud transducer, is used to generate acoustic pulses that traverse separate paths, to determine ultrasonic velocity in the drilling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus, system, and method may operate to determine the density of drilling fluid associated with photon activity in the drilling fluid using an array of nuclear detectors. Further activity may include determining acoustic impedance of the drilling fluid as a combination of the density and acoustic velocity. Additional apparatus and systems, as well as methods, are disclosed.