Subterranean Imager Tool Sensor Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for acquiring data from subterranean formations during drilling operations lack the capability to provide enhanced image quality and stability, particularly in oil and water base mud environments, due to limitations in sensor placement and data correction techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a combination of sensors such as electromagnetic, ultrasonic pulse-echo, and microsonic sensors, arranged on a collar with stabilizers to improve image quality, which includes precise positioning and data correction using a control system that processes data from these sensors to enhance borehole imagery and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sensors are arranged on a collar during drilling operations, then data acquisition capability is improved, but image quality and stability deteriorate due to sensor placement limitations and mud environment interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (electromagnetic, ultrasonic pulse-echo, and microsonic sensors) on a single collar assembly to acquire multiple data types simultaneously. This merging of sensor functionalities enables comprehensive formation characterization while maintaining operational productivity during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system that processes data from multiple sensors and applies correction algorithms to compensate for mud environment interference. This intermediary processing system reconciles the raw sensor data with formation properties, improving image quality despite the challenging drilling environment.
2Measurement precision
If stabilizers are added to position sensors precisely, then image quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the drill string, positions the sensors precisely against the wellbore wall, and houses the stabilization mechanisms. By making the collar multi-functional, the patent achieves precise sensor positioning without adding separate dedicated positioning devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor types are combined on a collar, then data correction capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electromagnetic, ultrasonic pulse-echo, and microsonic sensors into a single integrated collar assembly with a unified control system. This consolidation enables cross-validation and correction of data among different sensor types while managing device complexity through integrated design rather than separate 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 solution provides improved image quality and stability of data collection in subterranean formations by combining sensors and stabilizers, enabling reliable data correction and enhanced characterization of formation parameters, even in challenging mud environments.
Implementation Method 1
an arrangement of sensors comprising at least one of each of an electromagnetic sensor and an ultrasonic pulse-echo transducer
Implementation Method 2
an arrangement of sensors comprising at least one of each of an electromagnetic sensor and an ultrasonic pulse-echo transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates the accumulation and analysis of data related to a subterranean formation. An arrangement of different types of sensors is mounted on a collar utilized in accumulating data on the subterranean formation. The sensors are operable in combination to improve the image quality of data obtained with respect to the subterranean formation. Certain applications utilize an arrangement of sensors comprising at least one of each of an electromagnetic sensor and an ultrasonic pulse-echo transducer. A stabilizer or stabilizers may be used to precisely orient and position the sensors within a wellbore.