Third Interface Echo Detection for Gas Liquid Annulus Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic logging technologies face challenges in accurately discriminating between gas and liquid in the annulus of a wellbore, as their acoustic impedance values are often similar, leading to misinterpretation of cement installation quality and zonal isolation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs flexural acoustic waves to generate third interface echoes (TIEs), which are processed using machine learning and signal processing to identify the presence or absence of TIEs, enabling discrimination between liquid and gas, and other materials, thereby validating the state of cement in the annulus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If acoustic impedance measurements are used to identify annulus contents, then the measurement process is simple, but the discrimination between gas and liquid is inaccurate due to similar acoustic impedance values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flexural waves as an intermediary measurement method between the simple pulse acoustic wave measurement and the complex direct gas/liquid discrimination problem. The flexural waves interact with the annulus contents in a distinctive way that creates measurable differences in wave attenuation and velocity, serving as a mediator that enables accurate discrimination without requiring direct measurement of acoustic impedance alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from simple acoustic impedance (which is similar for gas and liquid) to flexural wave velocity and attenuation (which show distinctive differences). By changing the physical parameter being measured, the system achieves better discrimination capability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing
2Ease of operation
If visual inspection of well logs is used to identify third interface echoes, then the method is straightforward, but human error increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and identifying third interface echoes through computational algorithms that process the well log data. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for human visual inspection, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving reliability through consistent, repeatable automated analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an automated computational system. Instead of relying on human eyes to visually identify TIEs in well logs, the system uses digital signal processing and pattern recognition algorithms to automatically detect and characterize the echoes, substituting human judgment with automated mechanical processing
3Ease of manufacture
If cement installation quality is assessed using traditional acoustic tools, then the process is standard, but misinterpretation occurs due to similar acoustic impedance values of gas and liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acoustic logging tool multi-functional by enabling it to perform both traditional pulse echo measurements and flexural wave measurements. This universal tool can now assess cement installation quality using multiple measurement approaches, providing both standardized process adherence and enhanced measurement precision through the additional flexural wave capability
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
This approach allows for objective and accurate identification of cement states, reducing human error and improving the reliability of well integrity assessments by distinguishing between liquid, gas, and solid conditions in the annulus.
Implementation Method 1
The system employs flexural acoustic waves to generate third interface echoes (TIEs)
Implementation Method 2
produce a well log view image using the flexural measurements that includes flexural waveforms in a plurality of positions versus time
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for identifying a potential third interface echo (TIE) using objective criteria are provided. A system includes an acoustic logging tool that obtains measurements in a wellbore and a data processing system that has a processor that receives the measurements from the acoustic logging tool. The data processing system may identify a third interface echo (TIE) using a neural network and/or by a signal analysis method based on the behavioral characteristics of the TIE signal.