Wellbore Camera Assembly Vacuum Insulation High Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera systems for wellbore inspection fail to withstand high temperatures and pressures, resulting in poor image quality and limited durability for thorough visual inspection.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with a vacuum-flask housing containing an optically transparent window, a gradient-index of refraction (GRIN) lens, and a Peltier cooler, along with an active focus system and light emitting diodes, is designed to maintain image quality and durability in extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional camera systems are used in wellbores, then the camera can be lowered into the wellbore on a cable or shaft, but the camera cannot withstand the high temperatures and pressures for long periods of time
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into separate functional modules: the camera head with optical components is isolated from the control electronics and power supply in the derrick. This segmentation allows the camera head to be exposed to wellbore conditions while the sensitive electronics remain in a controlled environment, improving reliability in high temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A fiber optic cable serves as an intermediary to transmit images from the camera head to the display device. This eliminates the need for electrical connections in the wellbore, protecting the camera system from temperature and pressure while maintaining image transmission capability.
2Reliability
If a vacuum flask housing is used to protect the image sensor from high temperatures, then the image sensor is protected, but the image quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The housing provides thermal protection specifically for the image sensor and optical components, while allowing the camera head to maintain its structural integrity and optical performance. The vacuum flask design is applied locally to the temperature-sensitive elements rather than the entire camera system, preserving image quality while protecting the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system incorporates adjustable focus mechanisms and adaptive lighting that can dynamically respond to changing wellbore conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures optimal image quality is maintained despite temperature variations and changing inspection requirements.
3Reliability
If the camera system is designed for high temperature operation, then durability is improved, but the ability to capture clear images is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pre-focused optical components and adjustable focus mechanisms that can be quickly adjusted to maintain sharp images as temperature conditions change. The optical system is designed with preliminary compensation for thermal expansion and refraction changes, ensuring continuous clear imaging throughout the inspection duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system incorporates adjustable parameters including focus distance, aperture size, and lighting intensity that can be dynamically modified to compensate for temperature-induced optical changes. This allows the system to maintain optimal imaging parameters despite varying thermal conditions, preserving image clarity while operating at high temperatures.
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
The camera assembly provides high-quality images and sustained operation in high-temperature, high-pressure environments, enabling effective visual inspection of wellbores with improved image quality and extended durability.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum formed between the inner and outer walls
Implementation Method 2
These camera systems are lowered into the wellbore on an electrical cable or a shaft, with the images from the camera being relayed back to the surface where they are displayed and recorded. However, conventional camera systems are not able to withstand the high temperatures for long periods of time
Implementation Method 3
The assembly preferably further comprises an active focus system for maintaining sharp images of an object viewable through the GRIN lens. This is most beneficial at extremes of temperatures encountered during use of the camera assembly
Implementation Method 4
an elongate gradient-index of refraction (GRIN) lens having a first end and a second end, the GRIN lens being located within the housing and the optically transparent window being located at the first end of the GRIN lens and the image sensor being located at the second end of the GRIN lens
Implementation Method 5
the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a camera assembly for the inspection of passageways. In particular this invention relates to a camera assembly for the inspection of wellbores and designed to operate in high temperature environments. A camera assembly for the inspection of wellbores comprises an elongate housing having a first end and a second end and, extending between the ends, a side wall comprising an inner wall and an outer wall, with a vacuum formed between the inner and outer walls; an elongate relay lens having a first end and a second end, the relay lens being located within the housing; an optically transparent window located at the first end of the relay lens; an image sensor located at the second end of the relay lens for capturing an image of an object viewable through the relay lens and window; and a light source arranged to emit light from the housing, for illuminating the viewable object.