Phased Array Ultrasonic Radial Imaging Probe for Wellbore Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well imaging technologies, such as cameras, calipers, and conventional ultrasonic imaging devices, face limitations in providing high-resolution, fast, and efficient imaging data, especially when dealing with obstructions in wells with complex geometry or occlusions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a radial imaging module with a phased array ultrasonic radial imaging probe, featuring an annular transducer array and electronics for transmitting and receiving phased array ultrasound, allows for high-resolution 3D imaging of wellbores. This module operates in multiple aperture and spiral wave imaging modes to enhance image resolution and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasonic imaging devices with spinning heads are used, then imaging capability is provided, but resolution and operating speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the transducer array into multiple independent elements that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple imaging apertures simultaneously, achieving both high resolution through focused beams and fast imaging through concurrent operations across multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-aperture ultrasonic imaging to multi-aperture phased array imaging by adding a radial dimension to the transducer arrangement. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous imaging from multiple angles, resolving the trade-off between resolution and speed through parallel dimensional processing.
2Loss of information
If a single vantage point is used for imaging, then device simplicity is maintained, but imaging completeness is reduced due to occlusions and artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array transducer system performs multiple imaging functions simultaneously - it can image from multiple apertures, multiple angles, and multiple depths all through a single device platform. This multi-functionality achieves complete imaging data without requiring multiple separate devices or complex mechanical arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the phased array elements to steer and focus ultrasound beams at different apertures and angles in real-time. This dynamic beamforming capability allows the single device to adaptively capture complete obstruction geometry from multiple viewpoints, eliminating the need for static multi-position imaging systems.
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 proposed solution enables fast and efficient acquisition of high-resolution 3D images of wellbores, providing better visualization of obstructions from multiple viewpoints, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a phased array ultrasonic radial imaging probe having an annular transducer array with a plurality of elements; and electronics for transmitting and receiving phased array ultrasound from the transducer array
Implementation Method 2
The transducer array may be made of a piezoelectric composite, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or BiScO3—PbTiO3 (BSPT)
Implementation Method 3
The radial imaging probe may further comprise an acoustic lens covering an outer surface of the transducer array
Implementation Method 4
The acoustic lens may be convex or concave. The acoustic lens may be a concave or convex logarithmic lens
Implementation Method 5
electronics for transmitting and receiving phased array ultrasound from the transducer array
Data Source
AI summary
A method for imaging a wellbore in a spiral wave imaging mode using a phased array ultrasonic radial imaging probe having an annular transducer array comprising a plurality of elements, the method comprising the steps of a) pulsing a first element in the transducer array that forms part of a first sequence of elements, b) pulsing a second element that forms part of the first sequence of elements, c) repeating steps a) and b) for each element in the first sequence with a time delay between steps a) and b), d) receiving signals for each element in the first sequence, e) applying time delays to the received signals to achieve virtual beamforming and form imaging data, f) repeating steps a) to e) for additional sequences of elements in the transducer array, and g) coherently summing the imaging data from each sequence to form a 3D image of the wellbore.