Wellbore Annulus Phase Classification Using Multi-Angle Lamb Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore cementing processes face challenges in accurately classifying the phase of materials in the annulus between the barrier and the formation, which can lead to potential leakage or well collapse during production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a logging tool with a plurality of receivers and a transmitter is deployed to emit visco-elastic waves at varying incidence angles, recording waveform data, and generating a data plot to determine the material phase as gas, liquid, or solid in the annulus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wellbore cementing processes are used, then the wellbore structure is formed, but accurate classification of material phases in the annulus cannot be achieved leading to potential leakage or collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs acoustic waves (a form of mechanical vibration) to insonify the barrier and annulus region. By transmitting acoustic waves at multiple incidence angles and analyzing the reflected and transmitted waveforms, the system can distinguish between gas, liquid, and solid phases in the annulus based on their different acoustic impedance characteristics, thereby achieving accurate material phase classification and ensuring well integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the incidence angle parameter of the transmitted acoustic waves to gather multiple measurements from different directions. By analyzing waveform data at varying incidence angles (including normal and oblique angles), the system can more accurately determine material phases and detect potential issues in the annulus, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability
2Measurement precision
If a simple logging tool is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot emit waves at varying incidence angles to accurately determine material phases
Solution Approach 1:
The logging tool incorporates a rotatable transmitter assembly that can dynamically adjust the incidence angle of transmitted acoustic waves. This dynamic capability allows the tool to emit waves at multiple predetermined angles during a single deployment, enabling accurate material phase determination through multi-angle waveform analysis without requiring multiple separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The logging tool is designed as a multi-functional device that combines acoustic wave transmission, reception, and rotation capabilities in a single instrument. This universal tool can perform multiple measurements at different incidence angles during one deployment, achieving high measurement precision while avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices
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
Enables accurate classification of materials in the cementing layer, detecting potential risks for well integrity, and preventing leakage or collapse by identifying gas, liquid, or solid phases in the annulus.
Implementation Method 1
emitting, as the tool is deployed to a predetermined depth, from the source or transmitter, at the first incidence angle, first visco-elastic waves to insonify the barrier locally
Implementation Method 2
The features of the visco-elastic waves can be related to attenuations of Lamb waves
Implementation Method 3
The features of the visco-elastic waves can be related to attenuations of Lamb waves
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer readable medium for determining a phase of a material in an annulus between a barrier and a formation of a well. The present disclosure includes deploying a tool having a plurality of receivers and a transmitter; emitting first visco-elastic waves; recording first waveform data received; calculating the attenuation of A0 visco-elastic waves; rotating the transmitter to a second incidence angle that is different from the first incidence angle; retracting the tool from the predetermined depth; emitting, as the tool is retracted from the predetermined depth, from the transmitter, at the second incidence angle, second visco-elastic waves; recording second waveform data received at at least two of the plurality of receivers resulting from the second visco-elastic waves; calculating the attenuation of S0 visco-elastic waves; determining if a phase of material in the annulus is gas, liquid or solid.