Wellbore Logging Tool Vibration Control via Optimal Drive Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wellbore logging tools experience ringing due to external vibrations, leading to lower quality data, increased logging time, and higher energy consumption, as the oscillations often occur within the frequency range of the emitted acoustic signals, compromising the efficiency and accuracy of subterranean operations.

Innovation Solution

An automated control system and method that utilizes a dataset of optimal drive signals calculated based on real-time environmental conditions to dampen the ringing of wellbore logging tools, improving the quality of acoustic signals and reducing energy input by selecting drive signals that match the current wellbore conditions, thereby minimizing vibrations and enhancing data accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the wellbore logging tool emits acoustic signals to measure formation properties, then measurement capability is improved, but tool vibrations occur within the same frequency range causing data quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformation property measurement accuracyVSAvoidtool vibrations affecting acoustic signals
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates optimal drive signals that counteract vibrations before they occur. By modeling the tool's dynamic response to acoustic signal emission, the system determines compensation signals in advance that will cancel out the predicted vibrations, thereby preventing data quality degradation before it happens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures actual tool vibrations during operation and uses this feedback to adjust the drive signals in real-time. By continuously monitoring the vibration response and comparing it to the predicted response, the system can modify subsequent acoustic signal emissions to minimize vibration interference and improve measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the logging tool operates without vibration compensation, then device complexity is reduced, but logging time increases due to lower data quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidlogging operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs vibration compensation calculations and prepares optimal drive signals before the actual logging operation begins. By pre-computing the compensation signals based on the tool's characteristics and expected operating conditions, the system avoids adding complex real-time control hardware while still achieving vibration reduction, thus preventing logging time extension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If vibration control measures are implemented, then data quality is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic signal qualityVSAvoidlogging tool energy input
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes the parameters of the drive signals to achieve vibration compensation with minimal energy expenditure. By adjusting signal amplitude, frequency, and timing parameters to match the tool's resonant characteristics, the system achieves effective vibration control while minimizing the additional energy required compared to uncompensated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If optimal drive signals are calculated and matched to real-time environmental conditions, then vibration control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration control effectivenessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a pre-established model or lookup table that copies the optimal drive signal characteristics for various environmental conditions. Instead of performing complex real-time calculations, the system measures current conditions and retrieves the corresponding pre-computed optimal signals, achieving reliable vibration control while keeping the control system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 system effectively reduces tool vibrations, improves data quality, decreases logging time, and lowers energy requirements, enabling more efficient and accurate subterranean formation measurements.

Implementation Method 1

An automated control system and method that utilizes a dataset of optimal drive signals calculated based on real-time environmental conditions to dampen the ringing of wellbore logging tools

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3152394B1Optimal vibration control for a wellbore logging tool
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
  • EP3152394B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3152394B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3152394B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for optimal vibration control for a wellbore logging tool is disclosed. The method may include retrieving a plurality of optimal drive signals, each of the optimal drive signals corresponding to at least one of a plurality of wellbore environmental conditions and calculated to minimize vibration of a wellbore logging tool. The method may further include obtaining an initial wellbore environmental condition. The method may include matching the initial wellbore environmental condition to an optimal drive signal stored in the plurality of optimal drive signals. The method may also include generating a drive signal for the wellbore logging tool based on the matching.