Ultrasonic Phased-Array Beamforming for Pipe Eccentricity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic inspection systems for wells and pipes are susceptible to eccentricity, leading to inaccurate imaging due to non-concentric alignment between the device and the pipe, especially in horizontal orientations, which affects the focus and timing of ultrasonic pulses.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that calculate and apply phase delays to correct for eccentricity by determining the device's position relative to the pipe using time-of-flight data, allowing for real-time adjustment of scan lines to arrive perpendicular to the pipe surface and maintain focus, even in off-center positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the device operates in horizontal pipe without eccentricity correction, then the device structure remains simple, but the imaging accuracy deteriorates due to non-concentric alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beamforming parameters (phase delays and time-of-flight corrections) based on detected eccentricity conditions. By changing these parameters in response to the device's actual position, the system maintains imaging accuracy without requiring complex mechanical correction mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical alignment mechanisms with an electronic/software-based solution. The processor detects eccentricity and applies computational corrections to the ultrasonic beamforming, substituting mechanical complexity with signal processing
2Measurement precision
If the device uses fixed timing delays for phased arrays, then the system operation remains simple, but the focus accuracy deteriorates when the pipe is not co-axial with the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed timing delays to dynamic, adaptive timing delays. The beamforming parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time detection of the device's eccentric position, allowing the focus accuracy to be maintained despite changing operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors the device position relative to the pipe using time-of-flight measurements, then adjusts the timing delays accordingly. This closed-loop control maintains focus accuracy by compensating for eccentricity
3Measurement precision
If the device does not correct for eccentricity, then the processing complexity remains low, but the scan line quality deteriorates with off-center positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts processing parameters (phase delays and time-of-flight values) based on the detected eccentricity. This allows scan line quality to be maintained across different positional conditions without requiring overly complex processing algorithms
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 solution enables more accurate and focused ultrasonic imaging by compensating for eccentricity, resulting in crisper pulses and improved integrity inspection of wells and pipes, even when the device is not perfectly centered.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasound is a known way of imaging such structures to detect problems thus protecting the environment
Implementation Method 2
This energy travels through the fluid medium and backscatters off the wall (and subsequent layers)
Implementation Method 3
Each sensing element may be a piezoelectric transducer arranged to project most of its generated sound energy radially towards the well or pipe
Implementation Method 4
determining an eccentricity of the device in the well or pipe from time-of-flight of at least some of the scan lines
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method used to correct beamforming of an acoustic phased array in cases of eccentricity of the acoustic device in a tubular. A processor calculates the eccentricity from multiple scan lines and create a geometric model of a well or pipe relative to the device. The processor may correct each scan line's focus and/or angle of incidence at a surface of the well or pipe based on the observed eccentricity.