Tool Depth Measurement in Wellbores via Acceleration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring properties in elongated spaces, such as wellbores, face inaccuracies due to line elasticity and irregular tool motion, leading to incorrect depth estimates and measurement interpolation errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve unspooling and spooling a line attached to a tool, measuring and controlling the acceleration of the line and tool, and using damping to suppress irregular motion, thereby improving measurement accuracy and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If line elasticity and irregular tool motion are present during logging operations, then the tool can be moved along the wellbore, but the depth measurements become inaccurate and measurement interpolation errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures tool acceleration using an accelerometer and compares it with the acceleration of the line (derived from winch drum rotation). This feedback loop enables real-time detection of irregular tool motion and line stretch, allowing for dynamic correction of depth measurements to compensate for elasticity and motion irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical depth measurement methods (based on line unspooling) with a hybrid system that incorporates electronic acceleration sensors and computational correction. The accelerometer-based measurement system substitutes for traditional mechanical odometers, providing more accurate depth data by directly measuring tool motion rather than inferring it from line movement.
2Measurement precision
If damping is applied to suppress irregular tool motion, then measurement accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the damping parameter based on real-time measurement of tool acceleration and line acceleration. By changing the damping coefficient according to actual operating conditions rather than using a fixed value, the system achieves effective motion suppression while maintaining adaptability to varying wellbore conditions.
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 enhances the accuracy of tool depth measurements and property estimates by reducing irregular tool motion and oscillations, resulting in more precise logging data.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an acceleration of the tool along the elongated space
Implementation Method 2
controlling damping of the movement of the tool along the elongated space according to the measured acceleration of the tool and the determined acceleration of the line
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for use in measuring a property of an environment or an object in, or adjacent to, an elongated space (10), comprises unspooling and/or spooling a line (6) attached to a tool (4) so as to move the tool along an elongated space. The method may comprise using the tool to measure a property of an environment or an object in, or adjacent to, an elongated space during movement of the tool along the elongated space. The method may comprise, determining an acceleration of the line, measuring an acceleration of the tool along the elongated space, and controlling damping of the movement of the tool along the elongated space according to the measured acceleration of the tool and the determined acceleration of the line. The elongated space may be located downhole or may be defined in, or adjacent to, an oil or gas well.