Ultrasonic Logging Trajectory Positioning for Eccentric Casing Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic logging tools face challenges in accurately measuring the geometric parameters and wave velocity in fluid-filled pipe strings due to tool eccentricity, casing deformation, and variations in fluid properties, leading to reduced inspection accuracy and ineffective integrity evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for positioning the ultrasonic logging tool's trajectory, integrating pulse-echo and pitch-catch measurements, using a least squares method to calculate initial wave velocity and distance, and iteratively optimizing the tool's position and wave velocity based on the casing's inner surface, ensuring accurate geometric parameter and wave velocity estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ultrasonic logging tool is used in fluid-filled pipe strings, then integrity inspection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to tool eccentricity, casing deformation, and fluid property variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrity inspection capabilityVSAvoidgeometric parameter and wave velocity measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an iterative feedback mechanism where the ultrasonic logging tool repeatedly measures waveforms, updates trajectory position and wave velocity estimates, and recalculates geometric parameters until convergence criteria are met. This feedback loop continuously refines measurement accuracy by compensating for eccentricity and environmental variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts measurement parameters including wave velocity estimates, trajectory coordinates, and geometric model parameters based on observed waveform characteristics. By allowing these parameters to change and converge through iteration, the system adapts to varying fluid properties, temperature, and pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If iterative optimization method is applied to improve measurement accuracy, then geometric parameter precision is enhanced, but calculation time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric parameter estimation accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm complexity and computational requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing an initial trajectory model and wave velocity estimate before actual measurement begins. This preliminary framework provides a starting point for iteration, reducing the computational burden during the optimization process and guiding the search toward the correct solution more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial iteration by performing a limited number of optimization cycles based on convergence criteria. Rather than exhaustively optimizing all parameters to maximum precision, the system performs sufficient iterations to achieve acceptable accuracy while avoiding excessive computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enhances measurement accuracy by correcting waveform amplitude and phase changes, enabling precise evaluation of geometric parameters and wave velocity, thereby improving the integrity assessment of fluid-filled pipe strings.

Implementation Method 1

high-frequency acoustic waves are generated, and the reflected waveforms from the casing inner wall are detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

the reflected waveforms from the casing inner wall are detected to analyze issues such as deformation, corrosion, and defects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

utilizes a set of obliquely aligned ultrasonic probes to excite the flexural mode of the casing, thereby acquiring information about the casing external interfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlexural wave excitation: Vibration

Implementation Method 4

calculating an initial wave velocity in fluid Vf0 using a least squares method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLeast squares optimization:

Implementation Method 5

searching for an optimal tool trajectory M1 based on the distance D and the inner boundary coordinates N0, updating a wave velocity in fluid Vf1 according to a perimeter of the inner boundary N0

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIterative optimization:

Data Source

PatentUS20260029554A1Method and system for positioning a trajectory of an ultrasonic logging tool
Publication Date: 2026.01.29 UNIV OF ELECTRONICS SCI & TECH OF CHINA
  • US20260029554A1 patent drawing
  • US20260029554A1 patent drawing
  • US20260029554A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for positioning a trajectory of an ultrasonic logging tool includes steps: S1: inputting waveforms and extracting arrival times; S2: establishing a coordinate system and initializing a tool trajectory; S3: calculating an initial wave velocity in fluid using a least squares method, and calculating a distance between the tool and a casing and coordinates of casing's inner surface based on the initial wave velocity in fluid and time; S4: searching for an optimal tool trajectory based on the distance and the inner boundary coordinates, and updating a wave velocity in fluid based on a perimeter of the inner boundary; S5: repeating steps S3 and S4 until the update amount of the tool trajectory between two iterations is less than a threshold; S6: outputting a final tool trajectory, wave velocity in fluid and casing's inner surface.