Abstract:
A bottom hole assembly is configured with a drill bit section connected to a pulse generation section. The pulse generation section includes a relatively long external housing, the particular housing length being selected for the particular drilling location. The long external housing is positioned. closely adjacent to the borehole sidewalls to thereby create a high speed flow course between the external walls of the housing and the borehole sidewalls. The long external housing includes a valve cartridge assembly and optionally a shock sub decoupler. While in operation, the valve cartridge assembly continuously cycles and uses downhole pressure to thereby generate seismic signal pulses that propagate to geophones or other similar sensors on the surface. The amount of bypass allowed through the valve assembly is selectable in combination with the long external housing length and width to achieve the desired pulse characteristics.
Abstract:
Method, source and seismic vibro-acoustic source element (10) configured to generate acoustic waves under water. The seismic vibro-acoustic source element includes an enclosure (20)having first (22) and second (24) openings; first and second pistons (30, 32) configured to close the first and second openings; an actuator system (40) provided inside the enclosure and configured to actuate the first and second pistons to generate a wave having first frequency; and a pressure mechanism (70) attached to the enclosure and configured to control a pressure of a fluid inside the enclosure such that a pressure of the fluid is substantially equal to an ambient pressure of the enclosure.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an apparatus, method and system comprising one or more devices capable of modulating fluid flow, the fluid being a liquid or a gas resulting in a pressure fluctuation in a fluid flowing within a flow channel, comprising: a flow modulating device that acts as a servo valve such that the device comprises a shaft and a moveable actuator that slides along the shaft, wherein the shaft and the actuator are positioned at any angle within a principal fluid flow channel such that the fluid flows through the principal fluid flow channel. The fluid flowing within the principal fluid flow channel is selectively reversible and the fluid is connected to both an inner pilot flow channel and the principal fluid flow channel wherein the flow modulating device includes a particulate barrier system having at least one seal system comprising an upper outer seal and a lower outer seal prohibiting fluid particulates from entering the inner pilot flow channel and also includes an upper inner seal and a lower inner seal that further prohibit residual particulates from reaching any mating surface between the shaft of the flow modulating device and the upper seal, the upper inner seal, the lower outer seal, and the lower inner seal. The particulate barrier system operates in a fluid flow field wherein the fluid can flow in any direction and utilizes a sealing system wherein an upper outer seal and a lower outer seal prohibit particulates from reaching the respective surfaces of an upper inner seal and lower inner seal of the flow modulating device. An upper inner seal and lower inner seal further prohibit residual particulates from reaching surfaces between the seal and that of the shaft of the flow modulating device.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method by which a controlled source of heat (preferably a laser 3) generates a pulsating vapour bubble 4 in an enclosed liquid. The pulsating rate (the frequency) is preferably in the ultrasonic region, whereby cavitation occurs in the liquid. The cavitation effect will cause disruption of suspended components such as cells or bacterial spores. The ultrasonic disruption of cellular components is known as lysing by sonication.
Abstract:
An in-water distributed control system for use in marine seismic survey. The system includes a shipboard interface and power supply coupled to an in-water subsystem via a high bandwidth communication link. The in-water subsystem includes a remote control module for generating firing commands based on synchronizing and position parameters transmitted by the interface. The remote control module transmits power, data, and commends to a plurality of gun control modules. Each gun control module operates an air gun. An individually addressable remote cut-off valve controls air to each air gun. Depth and pressure at the gun control module is sensed by at least one DT/PT module. An optional expansion unit provides additional DT/PT capability.
Abstract:
A cavitation chamber (26) is driven by a hydraulic driving system (22) in which acoustic pulses are generated by repeated water hammers. In the driving system (22) a liquid is pumped through a conduit. The flow of liquid through the conduit is periodically interrupted by a valve (42). A water hammer is created each time the valve (42) closes. Acoustic pulses produced by the water hammer propagate directly into a cavitation chamber (26) where they are reflected back and forth by acoustically reflective plates (72, 74). The cavitation chamber (26) may be applied to degas liquids, mix chemicals or slurries, or promote sono-chemical reactions. The design generates acoustic pulses efficiently. The acoustic pulses are coupled to the cavitation chamber (26) with minimal losses. The apparatus is rugged and inexpensive when compared to systems which incorporate electromechanical transducers.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating intense acoustic pulses by means of the water hammer effect. The method involves generating a water hammer in a conduit (5) by suddenly interrupting a high velocity flow of fluid through the conduit (5). The kinetic energy of the fluid flowing in the conduit (5) is converted into a high pressure pulse which propagates along the conduit away from the point (7) where the fluid flow was interrupted. The high pressure pulse deforms the wall of the conduit (5) so as to radiate acoustic energy away from the conduit into a fluid medium (11) surrounding the conduit. The relative amount of energy dissipated in the form of mass flow in the surrounding fluid (11) and acoustic energy in the surrounding fluid (11) can be adjusted by changing the characteristics of the conduit wall. The direction in which acoustic energy is radiated into the fluid medium (11) surrounding the conduit (5) can be set by making the conduit wall asymmetrical or by bending the conduit (5). Embodiments of the invention for acoustic cleaning, viscosity reduction in fluids and acoustic sedimentation are disclosed.
Abstract:
A magneto-hydrodynamic seismic source and a method of conducting a survey using a magneto- hydrodynamic seismic source are disclosed. The source comprises a Casing having a central longitudinal axis; a fluid flow channel having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end of the fluid 'flow channel to the second end of the fluid flow channel; a plurality of electromagnets arranged along the channel for generating a uniform magnetic field at right angles to the central longitudinal axis of the channel; a first electrode positioned on a first side of the fluid flow channel, the first electrode being positioned opposite a second electrode that is positioned on a second opposing Side Of the fluid flow channel; and, a controllable power source in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode for generating a continuously varying electric field between die first electrode and second electrodes to generate a continuously varying inflow of seawater into the first end of the fluid flow channel with a corresponding continuously varying outflow Of seawater in the form. Of a seismic signal being produced from the second end of the fluid flow channel.
Abstract:
A marine vibrator has a housing that comprises a displacement member, the displacement member having a first position and a second position, the housing and the displacement member together defining an internal volume. A linear electromagnetic motor interacts with the displacement member so as to move the displacement member between a first position and a second position and correspondingly strokes the displacement member to cover a volume. The linear electromagnetic motor comprises magnets and coils that when energized create an electromagnetic force there between, wherein the linear electromagnetic motor comprises a piston and a guide that substantially surrounds the piston. The piston has incorporated therein either the coils or the magnets, and the guide having incorporated therein the other of the coils or the magnets. The piston is in interaction with the displacement member.
Abstract:
During a surge-pulsing operation in a borehole (e.g an oil-well undergoing remediation) liquid is stored under pressure upstream of a valve, and then released through the valve suddenly enough to create a seismic wave, which propagates into the formation around the borehole, and assists the surge-pulsing to improve the conductivity and liquid- injectability of the formation. The downhole valve achieves the rapid-opening requirement by virtue of its geometrical layout, as dictated by the strictures of the downhole environment.