Abstract:
A downhole tool for acoustically imaging a subterranean formation having a transmitter and receiver and which includes an acoustic isolator between the transmitter and receiver. The acoustic isolator includes attenuation elements with rounded ends and that are connected in series by compression fittings. The compression fittings include sleeves that threadingly engage lock nuts and compressively engage the rounded ends. The contact interfaces between the compression fittings extend along a curved path thereby limiting acoustic transmission along the series of attenuation elements.
Abstract:
A petroleum production well ultrasound logging tool is provided comprising a cylindrical main body having a lower end holding a sideways monitoring transducer assembly comprising a ring-shaped ultrasound transducer array of transducer elements. The transducer array has a downward tapering frustoconical shape. The ultrasound transducer array's radially outward face is covered by a funnel shaped acoustic window with a radially inward facing surface corresponding to the outward face. The ultrasound transducer array and the acoustic window is retained on the cylindrical main body's lower end by an end cap.
Abstract:
A downhole tool for acoustically imaging a subterranean formation having a transmitter and receiver and which includes an acoustic isolator between the transmitter and receiver. The acoustic isolator includes attenuation elements with rounded ends and that are connected in series by compression fittings. The compression fittings include sleeves that threadingly engage lock nuts and compressively engage the rounded ends. The contact interfaces between the compression fittings extend along a curved path thereby limiting acoustic transmission along the series of attenuation elements.
Abstract:
An acoustic attenuator assembly for an acoustic tool for performing acoustic investigation of a subterranean formation is disclosed. The acoustic attenuator assembly includes a first end portion (205) and a second end portion (210) having a bore therethough to enable passage of an electrical line. The acoustic attenuator assembly further includes a fiber portion (230) disposed between the first and second end portion so that the fiber portion attenuates at least a portion of acoustic energy when the acoustic energy is received by one or both of the first (205) and second (210) end portions. The fiber portion (230) includes a continuous flexible portion that allows relative deflection of the first (205) and second (210) end portions.
Abstract:
A seismic sesor for a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The seismic sensor includes a sensor housing, a bobbin supported in the sensor housing along an axis thereof, at least one coil wound about the bobbin (the coil movably supportable within the sensor housing by at least one spring), at least one magnet positionable about the bobbin to generate a magnetic field with the at least one coil whereby seismic vibrations are detectable, and a filler fluid disposed in the sensor housing to buoy the at least one coil whereby gravitational effects may be neutralized.
Abstract:
There is provided a transducer assembly for monitoring within a borehole. The transducer assembly is operable to at least one of: (a) generate acoustic radiation when excited with one or more signals; and (b) generate one or more signals when acoustic radiation is received thereat; wherein the transducer assembly includes one or more piezo-electric elements for converting between acoustic radiation and corresponding signals. The assembly includes an interfacing member for acoustically interfacing between the one or more piezo-electric elements and an environment of the borehole for protecting the one or more piezo-electric elements from the environment. The assembly is adapted to at least one of generate acoustic radiation and sense acoustic radiation in a sideways or down-borehole direction.
Abstract:
In one aspect, the disclosure provides an apparatus that includes an acoustic transducer, and a backing coupled to the transducer, wherein the backing includes solid grains with fluid between the grains.
Abstract:
Passive suppression of casing signals is used to improve the ability to measure formation velocities. Passive suppression includes the use of a magnet slidably coupled to the casing.
Abstract:
An acoustic logging tool sleeve with a preferably discontinuous, alternating structure that is acoustically opaque in some zones, and acoustically transparent in others. The sleeve may be modular, with several stages connected together. The multiple stages provide a sleeve that may be useful with a variety of borehole logging tools to reduce or eliminate the transmission of noise to the receiving elements.
Abstract:
A plurality of heavy mass irregularities attached to an inner wall of the drill collar attenuate waves traveling through the collar. The plurality of heavy mass irregularities are spaced and sized for the maximum attenuation of acoustic pulses in a predetermined frequency range. The mass irregularities may be rings secured to the inner surface of the collar by neck pieces, extending outwardly from the outer circumference of the ring. The mass irregularities may be made of steel or tungsten and are between six and ten in number. The spacing of the irregularities may lie between twelve and fourteen centimeters. A center pipe may be included to isolate the irregularities from the fluid flow associated with the drilling operation. The pipe may be of a soft material such as rubber to reduce transfer of acoustic noise along the drill string. The irregularities may be in an oil based fluid with the pipe fitting closely in the center of the rings. In another embodiment of the invention, each of the mass irregularities is attached to the drill collar over substantially the entire length of the mass irregularity, enabling the attenuation of high frequencies. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the attenuator comprises a substantially cylindrical body with a plurality of recesses on the inside and/or outside of the cylindrica body, with the length of the recesses selected to provide attenuation within a specified band. In another embodiment of the invention, the attenuator comprises a plurality of sections each having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, each section acting like a waveguide with an associated passband and reject-band.