Phased Array Acoustic Logging for Multi-String Well Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic measurement systems struggle to penetrate multiple layers of downhole materials in wellbores, such as tubing, fluid, and cement, resulting in insufficient energy for accurate wellbore inspection due to high attenuation, which complicates the determination of well integrity.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic logging system with a steerable beam and a damper shoe configuration that operates in transmit-receive and pulse echo modes, utilizing a phased array to adjust frequency and steering angle in real-time, enabling effective acoustic wave transmission and reception through sound barriers, allowing for cement quality determination and defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic waves are transmitted through multiple layers of downhole material (tubing, fluid, cement), then measurements of wellbore components can be obtained, but energy attenuation prevents sufficient energy from reaching the target
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters including frequency and steering angle in real-time based on wellbore conditions. The phased array transducers can change beam direction and focus dynamically to optimize energy transmission through varying material layers, allowing the system to adapt to different attenuation conditions encountered during logging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the acoustic waves, specifically frequency and propagation angle, to optimize penetration through different downhole materials. By adjusting frequency to match resonant frequencies of the tubing and cement layers, and varying steering angles to find optimal transmission paths, the system overcomes energy attenuation and enables accurate measurements behind barriers.
2Loss of energy
If a steerable beam with real-time parameter adjustment is implemented, then acoustic energy transmission through barriers is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array transducer system performs multiple functions: it transmits acoustic energy, steers beams dynamically, focuses energy at different depths, and adjusts frequency in real-time. This multi-functional capability is achieved through a single integrated system that controls the phase and amplitude of each array element, reducing the need for separate mechanical steering mechanisms and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with electronic phase control of the phased array transducers. Instead of physically moving transducers or rotating assemblies, the system electronically adjusts the phase and timing of signals to each array element, achieving beam steering and focusing through signal processing rather than mechanical movement, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If acoustic waves are used for wellbore inspection, then non-intrusive measurement is achieved, but insufficient energy penetration through cement and tubing limits measurement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment by transmitting acoustic waves at multiple frequencies and angles before making definitive measurements. It first characterizes the wellbore environment, identifying tubing dimensions, cement quality, and fluid properties to optimize subsequent measurement parameters. This preliminary action ensures that the main measurement phase operates under optimized conditions for reliable detection behind barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the downhole fluid as an intermediary medium to transmit acoustic energy from the tubing to the cement and formation. By coupling transducers to the tubing and using the fluid-filled annulus as a transmission path, the system achieves indirect measurement of cement quality and formation properties without direct contact, maintaining non-intrusive operation while improving energy transmission and measurement reliability.
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 system overcomes energy attenuation issues by steering acoustic waves through multi-string wells, providing sufficient energy for accurate measurements of objects behind barriers, enabling real-time tuning and concurrent operation modes for improved wellbore integrity assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a first transducer configured to emit a beam of acoustic energy
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic receiver may receive the signal after it gets reflected or refracted from the wellbore
Implementation Method 3
a damper shoe arranged between the first transducer and the second transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic logging system includes a first transducer in contact with or in close proximity to a sound barrier configured to emit a beam of acoustic energy according to a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation. The system also includes one or more second transducers in contact with or in close proximity to the sound barrier, positioned axially away from the first transducer, configured to receive acoustic energy from a wellbore environment responsive to the beam. The first mode of operation is a transmit-receive mode of operation where the beam is steerable to interact with one or more wellbore components at a first angle and the second mode of operation is a pulse echo mode of operation where the beam interacts with the one or more wellbore components at a second angle different from the first angle.