Wellbore X-Ray Imaging for Simultaneous Tubing and Casing Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining casing and tubing integrity in wellbore environments are limited by the need for clear fluids, model dependency, and the inability to create photo-like two-dimensional images of inner surfaces while the tool is axially moved through the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray-based cased wellbore measurement tool using a combination of collimators and hybrid collimated imaging detectors to measure inner and outer diameters of tubing or casing, and produce a fully azimuthal two-dimensional backscatter x-ray image without physical contact, allowing for simultaneous imaging and thickness determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cameras are employed to determine casing integrity, then visual inspection capability is provided, but the wellbore must contain optically clear fluids which limits applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical cameras with x-ray imaging technology. Instead of using visible light that requires clear fluids, the system uses x-ray radiation to penetrate and image the casing and surrounding formation, substituting an optical system with a radiographic system that is not affected by fluid clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from optical wavelength to x-ray wavelength. By using higher energy x-ray photons instead of visible light, the system can image through opaque fluids and casing materials, fundamentally changing the physical parameter of the imaging radiation
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic tools are used to image casing, then thickness measurement capability is achieved, but model dependency requires prior knowledge of well makeup which reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes ultrasonic acoustic waves with x-ray electromagnetic radiation for thickness measurement. The x-ray system directly images the casing walls and measures thickness from the radiographic data without requiring acoustic impedance models or prior knowledge of well construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a direct radiographic copy or image of the casing structure. Instead of inferring thickness from acoustic echo timing that requires model interpretation, the x-ray system produces a direct visual copy of the casing walls from which thickness can be measured without intermediate modeling steps
3Measurement precision
If conventional x-ray tools are used for cement evaluation, then cement bond detection is achieved, but the ability to create photo-like two-dimensional images of casing inner surfaces is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional or limited-angle x-ray measurements to full three-dimensional imaging capability. By using a two-dimensional detector array and rotating collimator, the system captures x-ray attenuation data from multiple angles simultaneously, reconstructing photo-like two-dimensional images of the casing inner surfaces while maintaining cement evaluation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal x-ray imaging system that can perform multiple functions: cement bond evaluation, casing thickness measurement, corrosion detection, and formation imaging. The same hardware platform (x-ray source, collimators, detector array) provides diverse imaging capabilities that replace multiple specialized tools
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 precise measurement of casing and tubing thicknesses and detection of corrosion, scale-buildup, and other defects with improved image quality through axial logging and spectral analysis, without requiring direct contact with the well casings.
Implementation Method 1
An x-ray source is configured to produce x-rays panoramically in a conical output
Implementation Method 2
produce a fully azimuthal two-dimensional backscatter x-ray image
Implementation Method 3
a first group of collimators located cylindrically around said x-ray source, together with axially offset arrangements of a second group of fixed three-dimensional parallel hole collimated imaging detectors
Data Source
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AI summary
An x-ray-based cased wellbore simultaneous tubing and casing measurement tool is disclosed including at least an x-ray source; a radiation shield to define the output from of the produced x-rays; a two-dimensional per-pixel collimated imaging detector array; a secondary two-dimensional per-pixel collimated imaging detector array; a plurality of parallel hole collimators formatted such in one direction so as to form a pinhole in another direction; sonde- dependent electronics; and a plurality of tool logic electronics and PSUs. A method of using an x-ray-based cased wellbore simultaneous tubing and casing measurement tool is also disclosed, the method including at least producing x-rays in a shaped output; measuring the intensity of backscatter x-rays returning from materials surrounding the wellbore; determining the inner and outer diameters of tubing and casing from the backscatter x-rays; and converting image data from said detectors into consolidated images of the tubing and casing.