A device and method for detecting and quantifying wall thickness deviation in cylindrical fluid conduits, such as pipelines and downhole tubing, using ultrasound imaging, is described. The device comprises a probe that emits and receives ultrasound waves, and a processor that performs circle fitting and spline fitting on the ultrasound data to estimate the inner diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD) of the conduit, and the wall loss due to corrosion or other defects. The method involves transmitting an ultrasound wave along the conduit wall, filtering out the region around the ID and OD reflections, finding the maximum amplitudes in that region, and fitting a spline curve to the ID and OD points. The wall thickness deviation is calculated as the percentage difference between the nominal radius and the radius based on a point on a spline, and an image of the conduit is constructed based on the thickness deviation values.
G01B 17/02 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de vibrations infrasonores, sonores ou ultrasonores pour mesurer l'épaisseur
F16L 55/26 - Hérissons ou chariots, c.-à-d. dispositifs pouvant se déplacer dans un tuyau ou dans une conduite et portant ou non un moyen de propulsion autonome
The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for imaging fluid-carrying tubulars, such as pipelines and downhole tubing, using real-time adaptive ultrasonic imaging and multiple imaging modalities for a single transducer array. An imaging tool dynamically adjusts beamforming parameters based on the surface characteristics and geometry of an inspected target, to compensate for differences between the actual and expected location of a transducer array relative to the target surface. An imaging tool and method is disclosed that employs multiple transmit and receive cycles to capture various features such as cracks, metal loss, and geometry using a single transducer array, enhancing defect detection and characterization. A tool and method are described for generating image data by compensating for the directionality of a transducer element or array. Further, a method for efficiently ray tracing a region of interest based on a measure of received energy is disclosed.
An Inline Inspection Tool is provided to image a pipeline as it travels through it, in order to assess damage of the pipeline, such as cracks, leaks and weld problems. The tool is created from several stacked sensor modules removably connected to each other. Each module provides imaging of a certain section of the pipeline and then multiple imaged sections may be combined to visualize the entire pipeline. This creates a versatile tool that can be customized onsite for each job, using different sensors or imaging modes.
An acoustic transducer array and method of making same. A first metal layer is deposited on a first side of a piezoelectric composite to form a common electrode and a second metal layer is provided over the obverse side. Portions of the second metal layer are removed to create a plurality of individual electrodes. A third metal layer may be deposited onto the plurality of individual electrodes, the third metal layer being thicker than the second metal layer. The individual electrodes extend beyond the piezoelectric composite in the elevation direction to create electrode leads. Metal layers may be provided by lithography, a wireframe or a foil sheet.
B06B 1/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par effet piézo-électrique ou par électrostriction
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
H03H 3/08 - Appareils ou procédés spécialement adaptés à la fabrication de réseaux d'impédance, de circuits résonnants, de résonateurs pour la fabrication de résonateurs ou de réseaux électromécaniques pour la fabrication de résonateurs ou de réseaux utilisant des ondes acoustiques de surface
5.
APPLICATION-SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND SYSTEM FOR ULTRASONIC TRANSMISSION AND DETECTION
An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a corresponding system for ultrasonic wave transmission and reception. The ASIC includes a two-dimensional pulser matrix, each pulser designed to produce pulses for an ultrasonic transducer element and associated receive switches for conducting echo signals received from these elements. Integral to the ASIC is at least one multiplexer stage, communicatively coupled to the receive switches, which selectively allows subsets of echo signals to be output in response to a selection signal. This configuration allows for a dense deployment of pulsers on an ASIC, facilitating higher resolution in ultrasonic applications.
A non-destructive testing device with an ultrasonic transducer array inspects objects carrying a fluid. Ultrasound reflections are stored in the device and processed to create images of the object. A processor estimates the speed of sound of the fluid by trying values for the sound speed and for each value: makes images from the reflections, calculate geometric parameters for the object from the images, and calculate a metric for how much the parameters vary. The estimated speed of sound is associate with the optimized metric.
A non-destructive testing device with an ultrasonic transducer array inspects objects carrying a fluid. Ultrasound reflections are stored in the device and processed to create images of the object. A processor estimates the speed of sound of the fluid by trying values for the sound speed and for each value: makes images from the reflections, calculate geometric parameters for the object from the images, and calculate a metric for how much the parameters vary. The estimated speed of sound is associate with the optimized metric.
G01N 29/30 - Dispositions pour l'étalonnage ou la comparaison, p. ex. avec des objets standard
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation de l'intérieur, p. ex. microscopie acoustique
G01N 29/28 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonoresVisualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet Détails pour établir le couplage acoustique
G01N 29/32 - Dispositions pour supprimer des influences indésirables, p. ex. des variations de température ou de pression
E21B 47/085 - Mesure du diamètre ou des dimensions correspondantes des trous de forage utilisant des moyens de radiation, p. ex. des moyens acoustiques, radioactifs ou électromagnétiques
Methods and devices for imaging wells using ultrasound is described. The devices include a modular imaging device having a telemetry module and a radial imaging module and/or forward imaging module. The radial imaging module includes a ring shaped phased array ultrasonic transducer array for generating images on the length of a wellbore. Various lens and housing configurations for the radial imaging module are described. The forward imaging module includes an ultrasonic transducer comprising one or more elements and having an adjustable viewpoint for generating images of obstructions found in a wellbore. Advanced imaging modes for a radial imaging module include multiple aperture and spiral wave imaging mode.
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
E21B 47/13 - Moyens pour la transmission de signaux de mesure ou signaux de commande du puits vers la surface, ou de la surface vers le puits, p. ex. pour la diagraphie pendant le forage par énergie électromagnétique, p. ex. gammes de fréquence radio
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
G01V 1/00 - SéismologieProspection ou détection sismique ou acoustique
G10K 11/30 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour transmettre, conduire ou diriger le son pour focaliser ou pour diriger le son, p. ex. balayage utilisant la réfraction, p. ex. lentilles acoustiques
10.
APPLICATION-SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND SYSTEM FOR ULTRASONIC TRANSMISSION AND DETECTION
An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a corresponding system for ultrasonic wave transmission and reception. The ASIC includes a two-dimensional pulser matrix, each pulser designed to produce pulses for an ultrasonic transducer element and associated receive switches for conducting echo signals received from these elements. Integral to the ASIC is at least one multiplexer stage, communicatively coupled to the receive switches, which selectively allows subsets of echo signals to be output in response to a selection signal. This configuration allows for a dense deployment of pulsers on an ASIC, facilitating higher resolution in ultrasonic applications.
H10N 39/00 - Dispositifs intégrés, ou ensembles de plusieurs dispositifs, comportant au moins un élément piézo-électrique, électrostrictif ou magnétostrictif couvert par les groupes
H10N 30/00 - Dispositifs piézo-électriques ou électrostrictifs
H10N 30/20 - Dispositifs piézo-électriques ou électrostrictifs à entrée électrique et sortie mécanique, p. ex. fonctionnant comme actionneurs ou comme vibrateurs
H10N 30/30 - Dispositifs piézo-électriques ou électrostrictifs à entrée mécanique et sortie électrique, p. ex. fonctionnant comme générateurs ou comme capteurs
11.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING PERFORATIONS IN A TUBULAR
G01B 17/00 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de vibrations infrasonores, sonores ou ultrasonores
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
G06V 10/70 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique
G06V 10/82 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant les réseaux neuronaux
12.
Industrial ultrasonic inspection with sparse receive
An ultrasonic inspection device and method of inspecting parts is disclosed that uses significantly less memory and power with little drop in image quality. The device transmits on a full aperture of ultrasonic elements in a phased array but receives on only a fraction of that aperture. The device may be used downhole, in pipeline inspection or Non-Destructive Testing of manufactured parts.
A bulkhead system for passing conductors between a high-pressure side and a lowpressure side. The bulkhead may be used in harsh environments to pass signals or power to sensors and actuators on one side and to sensitive electronics on the other side. The conductors run through and are bonded at sides to a body, which body is supported in the direction of the pressure differential and not highly supported in other directions.
A device and method used to inspect wellbores, cased or uncased using cameras and a phased array ultrasound transducer. The optical and ultrasound images are stored on the device and then registered and analyzed together. The present device overcomes the deficiencies currently experience by downhole camera operators, such as poor scale and lack of volumetric perspective.
A method for imaging a wellbore in a spiral wave imaging mode using a phased array ultrasonic radial imaging probe having an annular transducer array comprising a plurality of elements, the method comprising the steps of a) pulsing a first element in the transducer array that forms part of a first sequence of elements, b) pulsing a second element that forms part of the first sequence of elements, c) repeating steps a) and b) for each element in the first sequence with a time delay between steps a) and b), d) receiving signals for each element in the first sequence, e) applying time delays to the received signals to achieve virtual beamforming and form imaging data, f) repeating steps a) to e) for additional sequences of elements in the transducer array, and g) coherently summing the imaging data from each sequence to form a 3D image of the wellbore.
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
B06B 1/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par effet piézo-électrique ou par électrostriction
G01N 29/024 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
Systems, devices, manufactures, and methods for the protection of an ultrasonic transducer array by a protective sheath overlying the ultrasonic transducer array. The sheath includes a thin region of a thickness near a low multiple of a quarter wavelength of an ultrasonic wave generated, or received, by the ultrasonic transducer array. For example, a low odd multiple such as 1, 3, or 5 and in some embodiments 7, or 9. The sheath may comprise fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or VITON. In some embodiments, the sheath defines, in a part, a chamber in fluid communication with a pressure regulator. In response to a change in pressure in an environment the pressure regulator reduces the pressure difference between the chamber and the environment.
G01D 5/48 - Moyens mécaniques pour le transfert de la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensibleMoyens pour convertir la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible en une autre variable, lorsque la forme ou la nature de l'organe sensible n'imposent pas un moyen de conversion déterminéTransducteurs non spécialement adaptés à une variable particulière utilisant des moyens à base de radiation d'ondes ou de particules
E21B 47/01 - Dispositifs pour supporter des instruments de mesure sur des trépans, des tubes, des tiges ou des câbles de forageProtection des instruments de mesure dans les trous de forage contre la chaleur, les chocs, la pression ou similaire
E21B 47/06 - Mesure de la température ou de la pression
E21B 47/017 - Protection des instruments de mesure
Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for performing delay calculations are disclosed. In some embodiments, the delay values are used for nondestructive ultrasound imaging. The delay calculations are performed by interpolating the delay values between sampled delay values. In some embodiments, an interpolation polynomial is evaluated for each position in an interpolation region of a transducer array. In some embodiments, the delay values are computed by interpolating the polynomial coefficients. In some embodiments, higher order derivatives of the delay are integrated to compute lower order derivatives, where the derivatives are computed based on the polynomial coefficients. The process is continued until the delay function computes from the first derivatives of the delay function. The delay function is then derived by integrating the first derivative of the delay function.
An acoustic device and method of manufacturing same. The device may be used to inspect tubulars and parts with high resolution. The acoustic device may include a 2D ultrasonic transducer layer and an ASIC connected to each other by an array of conductive wires. A non-conductive, acoustic damping material is flowed and set around the wires. to form a thick acoustic backing layer. Manufacturing the ultrasonic transducer may involve wire bonding. Electrical Discharge Machining or supporting rigid posts on a substrate. A surface of the backing layer may be machined. plated and diced to create conductive pads to connect the transducer layer to the wires then to the ASIC.
B06B 1/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par effet piézo-électrique ou par électrostriction
A bulkhead system for passing conductors between a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side. The bulkhead may be used in harsh environments to pass signals or power to sensors and actuators on one side and to sensitive electronics on the other side. The conductors run through and are bonded at sides to a body, which body is supported in the direction of the pressure differential and not highly supported in other directions.
A device and method for non-destructive testing of an object, such as a pipe, well casing, plane wing, rail track, weldment, bridge or manufactured part. A phased array of ultrasonic transducers moves relative to the part in one direction, while transmitting a steered wave in another direction to capture the texture from the object's surface. Diffuse and specular components of the received reflection signals are separated and beamformed for visualization. The object is then viewable as a 3D image with a texture map of the object's surface.
A downhole imaging tool and method of operating the tool in a wellbore. An imaging sensor array at an end of the tool is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tool to image the well by sweeping out a 2D area of the well. Actuators in the tool provide rotation and/or extension of the sensor array to change perspective. An ultrasound phased-array may be used to measure and identify features of the well or objects.
E21B 23/14 - Appareils pour déplacer, mettre en place, verrouiller, libérer ou retirer, les outils, les packers ou autres éléments dans les trous de forage pour déplacer un câble ou un outil manœuvré par câble, p. ex. pour les opérations de diagraphie ou de perforation dans les puits déviés
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
A downhole imaging tool and method of operating the tool in a wellbore. An imaging sensor array at an end of the tool is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tool to image the well by sweeping out a 2D area of the well. Actuators in the tool provide rotation and/or extension of the sensor array to change perspective. An ultrasound phased-array may be used to measure and identify features of the well or objects.
E21B 23/14 - Appareils pour déplacer, mettre en place, verrouiller, libérer ou retirer, les outils, les packers ou autres éléments dans les trous de forage pour déplacer un câble ou un outil manœuvré par câble, p. ex. pour les opérations de diagraphie ou de perforation dans les puits déviés
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
A device and method used to log images of cylindrical fluid filled tubulars with ultrasound transducers. The transducers operate as phased arrays, insonifying the conduit at plural angles. Reflections from the conduit form images that are combined to create a compound image or correct eccentricity. The frame rate is sped up by defocusing the transmitted beam. This allows the device to log very long pipelines, wells or other tubulars with very high resolution.
G01N 29/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonoresVisualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet Détails
G01N 29/26 - Dispositions pour l'orientation ou le balayage
25.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING SYSTEM CIRCUITY AND A TRANSDUCER ARRAY
Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for attaching a die to a transducer array are disclosed. In some embodiments, multiple dies are provided. The dies communicatively connect to a redistribution layer, which communicates with the transducer array. The redistribution layer also communicates with a substrate holding the die, and the substrate communicates with off-chip components. The redistribution layer and substrate sandwich the die. As a result, the die can be connected as a layer backing the transducer array while allowing the die to communicate with both the transducer array and off-chip components, with electrical connections (or other communication connections) on only one side of the die. Multiple transducer packages can be combined to form arbitrarily large transducer arrays.
G01N 27/82 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant des variables magnétiques pour rechercher la présence des criques
An Inline Inspection Tool is provided to image a pipeline as it travels through it, in order to assess damage of the pipeline, such as cracks, leaks and weld problems. The tool is created from several stacked sensor modules removably connected to each other. Each module provides imaging of a certain section of the pipeline and then multiple imaged sections may be combined to visualize the entire pipeline. This creates a versatile tool that can be customized onsite for each job, using different sensors or imaging modes.
G01N 37/00 - Détails non couverts par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe
G01N 27/82 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant des variables magnétiques pour rechercher la présence des criques
A device and method for non-destructive testing of an object, such as a pipe, well casing, plane wing, rail track, weldment, bridge or manufactured part. A phased array of ultrasonic transducers moves relative to the part in one direction, while transmitting a steered wave in another direction to capture the texture from the object's surface. Diffuse and specular components of the received reflection signals are separated and beamformed for visualization. The object is then viewable as a 3D image with a texture map of the object's surface.
A device and method for non-destructive testing of an object, such as a pipe, well casing, plane wing, rail track, weldment, bridge or manufactured part. A phased array of ultrasonic transducers moves relative to the part in one direction, while transmitting a steered wave in another direction to capture the texture from the object’s surface. Diffuse and specular components of the received reflection signals are separated and beamformed for visualization. The object is then viewable as a 3D image with a texture map of the object’s surface.
Methods and system of characterizing perforations in a tubular. An imaging tool having an acoustic imaging probe transmits waves and receives acoustic reflections from the tubular. Image segments are processed from the acoustic data. A first trained neural network operates on the image segments to identify processed image segments containing a perforation. A second trained neural network operates on processed image segments containing a perforation to output the location of perforations along the tubular. Another trained neural network can calculate a geometric size of the perforations, such as their size or points along their contour.
G06V 10/764 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant la classification, p. ex. des objets vidéo
G06V 10/77 - Traitement des caractéristiques d’images ou de vidéos dans les espaces de caractéristiquesDispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant l’intégration et la réduction de données, p. ex. analyse en composantes principales [PCA] ou analyse en composantes indépendantes [ ICA] ou cartes auto-organisatrices [SOM]Séparation aveugle de source
G06V 10/82 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant les réseaux neuronaux
G06V 20/70 - Étiquetage du contenu de scène, p. ex. en tirant des représentations syntaxiques ou sémantiques
31.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATION OF POLYNOMIAL DELAY VALUES
Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for performing delay calculations are disclosed. In some embodiments, the delay values are used for nondestructive ultrasound imaging. The delay calculations are performed by interpolating the delay values between sampled delay values. In some embodiments, an interpolation polynomial is evaluated for each position in an interpolation region of a transducer array. In some embodiments, the delay values are computed by interpolating the polynomial coefficients. In some embodiments, higher order derivatives of the delay are integrated to compute lower order derivatives, where the derivatives are computed based on the polynomial coefficients. The process is continued until the delay function computes from the first derivatives of the delay function. The delay function is then derived by integrating the first derivative of the delay function.
Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for performing delay calculations are disclosed. In some embodiments, the delay values are used for nondestructive ultrasound imaging. The delay calculations are performed by interpolating the delay values between sampled delay values. In some embodiments, an interpolation polynomial is evaluated for each position in an interpolation region of a transducer array. In some embodiments, the delay values are computed by interpolating the polynomial coefficients. In some embodiments, higher order derivatives of the delay are integrated to compute lower order derivatives, where the derivatives are computed based on the polynomial coefficients. The process is continued until the delay function computes from the first derivatives of the delay function. The delay function is then derived by integrating the first derivative of the delay function.
A device and method used to image wells and other fluid-carrying tubulars having localized features of interest. The device scans large areas of the tubular first in a low-resolution mode using an ultrasound sensor and in a high-resolution mode using a camera, then identifies areas that contain those localized features with some probability. The device images are stored for further image processing. The two sensors are axially spaced-apart on the device. A computer remote from the imaging device renders a visualization of the tubular and localized features using the optical and ultrasound images.
H04N 23/951 - Systèmes de photographie numérique, p. ex. systèmes d'imagerie par champ lumineux en utilisant plusieurs images pour influencer la résolution, la fréquence d'images ou le rapport de cadre
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
G01N 21/88 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation de l'intérieur, p. ex. microscopie acoustique
G01N 29/07 - Analyse de solides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
G01N 29/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonoresVisualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet Détails
G01N 29/26 - Dispositions pour l'orientation ou le balayage
G01N 29/265 - Dispositions pour l'orientation ou le balayage en déplaçant le capteur par rapport à un matériau fixe
G01N 29/44 - Traitement du signal de réponse détecté
G01S 7/52 - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
H04N 23/45 - Caméras ou modules de caméras comprenant des capteurs d'images électroniquesLeur commande pour générer des signaux d'image à partir de plusieurs capteurs d'image de type différent ou fonctionnant dans des modes différents, p. ex. avec un capteur CMOS pour les images en mouvement en combinaison avec un dispositif à couplage de charge [CCD] pour les images fixes
A device and method used to inspect wellbores, cased or uncased using cameras. Improvements in downhole optical imaging are provided using telecentric lens, prisms and mirrors, or structured lighting. Stereoscopic arrangements and ultrasound sensor may provide 3D or contour information. The images are stored on the tool and analyzed later. The present tool overcomes the deficiencies currently experience by downhole camera operators, such as poor scale and perspective.
A method, imaging tool and computer system for locating external devices mounted to a tubular in a wellbore. The identification of devices, such as cable clamps, enables other tools in the string to operate more precisely. A computer model is used to locate the devices from acoustic images, which images are acquired using a downhole imaging tool having an acoustic sensor or acoustic array. The model may be a classifier, which may be machine trained to classify whether a device is present, its location and its orientation. Automating this locating enables very long wellbores to be processed quickly.
An ultrasonic inspection device and method of inspecting parts is disclosed that uses significantly less memory and power with little drop in image quality. The device transmits on a full aperture of ultrasonic elements in a phased array but receives on only a fraction of that aperture. The device may be used downhole, in pipeline inspection or Non-Destructive Testing of manufactured parts.
An ultrasonic inspection device and method of inspecting parts is disclosed that uses significantly less memory and power with little drop in image quality. The device transmits on a full aperture of ultrasonic elements in a phased array but receives on only a fraction of that aperture. The device may be used downhole, in pipeline inspection or Non-Destructive Testing of manufactured parts.
A method and device for processing ultrasonic data from an industrial inspection device. Ultrasonic reflections from a high-resolution phased array are sampled at high-frequency to create a large volume of data. The data are converted to I/Q data and compressed to a manageable size. An external computer can beamform and render an image without restoring the compressed data to raw form. This method may be used for in-line inspection, downhole inspection, or ultrasonic testing.
H04N 19/625 - Procédés ou dispositions pour le codage, le décodage, la compression ou la décompression de signaux vidéo numériques utilisant un codage par transformée utilisant une transformée en cosinus discrète
A method and device for processing ultrasonic data from an industrial inspection device. Ultrasonic reflections from a high-resolution phased array are sampled at high-frequency to create a large volume of data. The data are converted to I/Q data and compressed to a manageable size. An external computer can beamform and render an image without restoring the compressed data to raw form. This method may be used for in-line inspection, downhole inspection, or ultrasonic testing.
A device and method for imaging, measuring and identifying multiphase fluid flow in wellbores using phased array Doppler ultrasound. The device includes a radially-configured or ring-shaped ultrasound transducer that when deployed in a well in Doppler mode can measure the velocity of radially flowing fluids in the wellbore and generate a 3D image of radial flow in the wellbore, including flowback into the wellbore after fracturing operations, or flow leaving the wellbore during water injection operations. The ring-shaped ultrasound transducer can also simultaneously operate in a B-mode to generate a B-mode image of the wellbore liner upon which the Doppler image can be overlaid. The device may also include a forward facing ultrasound transducer either instead of or in place of the ring-shaped transducer for obtaining information and images on axial flow in the wellbore in Doppler mode, and the location of phase boundaries and phase locations in B-mode.
E21B 47/107 - Localisation des fuites, intrusions ou mouvements du fluide utilisant des moyens acoustiques
E21B 43/26 - Procédés pour activer la production par formation de crevasses ou de fractures
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
G01F 1/663 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p. ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons en mesurant le décalage de fréquence Doppler
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
G01S 15/88 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
An acoustic device and method of manufacturing same. The device may be used to inspect tubulars and parts with high resolution. The acoustic device may include a 2D ultrasonic transducer layer and an ASIC connected to each other by an array of conductive wires. A non-conductive, acoustic damping material is flowed and set around the wires, to form a thick acoustic backing layer. Manufacturing the ultrasonic transducer may involve wire bonding, Electrical Discharge Machining or supporting rigid posts on a substrate. A surface of the backing layer may be machined, plated and diced to create conductive pads to connect the transducer layer to the wires then to the ASIC.
An acoustic device and method of manufacturing same. The device may be used to inspect tubulars and parts with high resolution. The acoustic device may include a 2D ultrasonic transducer layer and an ASIC connected to each other by an array of conductive wires. A non-conductive, acoustic damping material is flowed and set around the wires, to form a thick acoustic backing layer. Manufacturing the ultrasonic transducer may involve wire bonding, Electrical Discharge Machining or supporting rigid posts on a substrate. A surface of the backing layer may be machined, plated and diced to create conductive pads to connect the transducer layer to the wires then to the ASIC.
A device and method used to log images of target objects with ultrasound transducers. The object may be a fluid-carrying tubular, such as a pipeline. The transducers operate as phased arrays, insonifying areas of the target object with a plane wave and then storing the reflected signals. The signals are sampled and summed for each pixel, by considering various paths taken by the wave from transmitting to receiving via that pixel. Refraction and reflection from surfaces are used to determine segments of the paths.
A device and method used to log images of target objects with ultrasound transducers. The object may be a fluid-carrying tubular, such as a pipeline. The transducers operate as phased arrays, insonifying areas of the target object with a plane wave and then storing the reflected signals. The signals are sampled and summed for each pixel, by considering various paths taken by the wave from transmitting to receiving via that pixel. Refraction and reflection from surfaces are used to determine segments of the paths.
42 - Services scientifiques, technologiques et industriels, recherche et conception
Produits et services
(1) Hand-held industrial inspection tools for measuring, characterizing, logging, and monitoring of machinery and structures for metal loss, cracks, geometric faults and flaws, materials faults and flows and crack propagation of wellbores and pipelines in the gas and oil industry. (1) Engineering and consulting services thereto in the fields of oil and gas wellbore inspection, wellbore evaluation, locating obstructions, defects in tubulars; Wellbore operations, namely, performing oil well diagnostics related to fishing, inspection; Providing online non-downloadable software for visualizing wellbores, tubulars, and objects or defects therein; Nonmedical ultrasound imaging services in connection with oil and gas, well completion and well production; Providing engineering information about wellbore conditions, perforation characterization, oil production; Pipeline inspection services; Software as a service for analyzing data related to pipeline inspection, namely metal loss, cracks, geometric faults and flaws; inspection, surveying, analyzing, and testing services of metal, cracks and geometric faults of wellbores for defects in pipes, joints, pipelines and ducts for the oil and gas industries.
42 - Services scientifiques, technologiques et industriels, recherche et conception
Produits et services
Engineering and consulting services thereto in the fields of oil and
gas wellbore inspection, wellbore evaluation, locating obstructions,
defects in tubulars; Wellbore operations, namely, performing oil well
diagnostics related to fishing, inspection; Providing online nondownloadable software for visualizing wellbores, tubulars, and
objects or defects therein; Nonmedical ultrasound imaging services
in connection with oil and gas, well completion and well production;
Providing engineering information about wellbore conditions,
perforation characterization, oil production; Pipeline inspection
services; inspection, surveying, analyzing, and testing services of
metal, cracks and geometric faults related to defects in pipes, joints,
pipelines and ducts
A device and method used to log images of cylindrical fluid filled tubulars with ultrasound transducers. The transducers operate as phased arrays, insonifying the conduit at plural angles. Reflections from the conduit form images that are combined to create a compound image or correct eccentricity. The frame rate is sped up by defocussing the transmitted beam. This allows the device to log very long pipelines, wells or other tubulars with very high resolution.
A method and instruction memory for processing acoustic images of a downhole casing to determine perforations of the tubular. The images may be acquired by an acoustic logging tool deployed into cased well. A Machine Learning model is trained to recognize regions of the acoustic images that are perforations or not, in order to calculate geometric properties of the perforation and overall casing. Renderings of the imaged casing may be overlaid with contours and properties of perforations to improve perforation, fracturing and producing operations.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
G06T 7/136 - DécoupageDétection de bords impliquant un seuillage
G06T 7/143 - DécoupageDétection de bords impliquant des approches probabilistes, p. ex. la modélisation à "champs aléatoires de Markov [MRF]"
G06T 7/62 - Analyse des attributs géométriques de la superficie, du périmètre, du diamètre ou du volume
An acoustic transducer array and method of making same. A first metal layer is deposited on a first side of a piezoelectric composite to form a common electrode and a second metal layer is provided over the obverse side. Portions of the second metal layer are removed to create a plurality of individual electrodes. A third metal layer may be deposited onto the plurality of individual electrodes, the third metal layer being thicker than the second metal layer. The individual electrodes extend beyond the piezoelectric composite in the elevation direction to create electrode leads. Metal layers may be provided by lithography, a wireframe or a foil sheet.
B06B 1/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par effet piézo-électrique ou par électrostriction
H03H 3/08 - Appareils ou procédés spécialement adaptés à la fabrication de réseaux d'impédance, de circuits résonnants, de résonateurs pour la fabrication de résonateurs ou de réseaux électromécaniques pour la fabrication de résonateurs ou de réseaux utilisant des ondes acoustiques de surface
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
50.
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR IMAGING WELLS USING PHASED ARRAY ULTRASOUND
Methods and devices for imaging wells using phased array ultrasound imaging devices is described. The devices enable high resolution real-time imaging of a well during various operations in the well, including during completions, fracturing, milling, fishing and drilling operations. The phased array ultrasound imaging devices may be integrated with other well tools, such as a bottom hole assembly (BHA), fishing tools, milling tools, fracturing tools, and drilling tools, in order to integrate imaging capabilities into such tools.
E21B 47/16 - Moyens pour la transmission de signaux de mesure ou signaux de commande du puits vers la surface, ou de la surface vers le puits, p. ex. pour la diagraphie pendant le forage utilisant des ondes acoustiques le long du train de tiges ou du tubage
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
B06B 1/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par effet piézo-électrique ou par électrostriction
E21B 47/09 - Localisation ou détermination de la position d'objets dans les trous de forage ou dans les puitsIdentification des parties libres ou bloquées des tubes
A method and instruction memory for processing acoustic images of a tubular to determine the surface of the tubular. The images may be acquired by an acoustic logging tool deployed into a pipe or well. A Machine Learning model is trained to recognize regions of the acoustic images that are internal to the tubular or not, in order to determine surface pixels. The surface pixels may be rendered to create visualizations of the tubular where noise and non-surface features are filtered out automatically.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
A method and instruction memory for processing acoustic images of a tubular to determine the surface of the tubular. The images may be acquired by an acoustic logging tool deployed into a pipe or well. A Machine Learning model is trained to recognize regions of the acoustic images that are internal to the tubular or not, in order to determine surface pixels. The surface pixels may be rendered to create visualizations of the tubular where noise and non-surface features are filtered out automatically .
A device and method used to image conduits, such as pipes, wellbores and tubulars, with imaging sensors, such as cameras and ultrasound arrays. The speed and location of the device are determined using one or more speed sensor modules. Images are then registered to more precise axial locations along the conduit than are normally possible using wireline encoders or other methods. The conduit may be visualized to proper scale for improved analysis of defects.
G01S 15/00 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes acoustiques, p. ex. systèmes sonar
G01S 15/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la trajectoire ou de la vitesseSystèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 15/86 - Combinaisons de systèmes sonar avec des systèmes lidarCombinaisons de systèmes sonar avec des systèmes n'utilisant pas la réflexion des ondes
H04N 7/18 - Systèmes de télévision en circuit fermé [CCTV], c.-à-d. systèmes dans lesquels le signal vidéo n'est pas diffusé
A device and method used to image conduits, such as pipes, wellbores and tubulars, with imaging sensors, such as cameras and ultrasound arrays. The speed and location of the device are determined using one or more speed sensor modules. Images are then registered to more precise axial locations along the conduit than are normally possible using wireline encoders or other methods. The conduit may be visualized to proper scale for improved analysis of defects.
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
G01S 15/60 - Systèmes de détermination de la trajectoire ou de la vitesseSystèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement dans lesquels l'émetteur et le récepteur sont montés sur l'objet mobile, p. ex. pour déterminer la vitesse par rapport au sol, l'angle de dérive, le trajet au sol
G03B 37/00 - Photographie panoramique ou à grand écranPhotographie de surfaces étendues, p. ex. pour la géodésiePhotographie de surfaces internes, p. ex. de tuyaux
55.
Measuring sealing quality of connections in downhole casings
A method and system for inspecting casings in a wellbore to determine a mechanical or sealing quality of casing connections. Casing connections may become mechanically weak or start to leak after some period of use in harsh conditions. A radial array of ultrasound transducers images the casing in-situ to create an ultrasound image, which is analyzed to detect the casing connector then analyzed a sealing band of the connector. Machine learning and image processing methods may be used to analyze the images.
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
E21B 47/007 - Mesure des contraintes dans le cuvelage ou la tige de forage
G01M 3/00 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
G06F 16/215 - Amélioration de la qualité des donnéesNettoyage des données, p. ex. déduplication, suppression des entrées non valides ou correction des erreurs typographiques
G06F 16/587 - Recherche caractérisée par l’utilisation de métadonnées, p. ex. de métadonnées ne provenant pas du contenu ou de métadonnées générées manuellement utilisant des informations géographiques ou spatiales, p. ex. la localisation
G06F 18/214 - Génération de motifs d'entraînementProcédés de Bootstrapping, p. ex. ”bagging” ou ”boosting”
G06N 3/04 - Architecture, p. ex. topologie d'interconnexion
G06T 7/73 - Détermination de la position ou de l'orientation des objets ou des caméras utilisant des procédés basés sur les caractéristiques
G06V 10/44 - Extraction de caractéristiques locales par analyse des parties du motif, p. ex. par détection d’arêtes, de contours, de boucles, d’angles, de barres ou d’intersectionsAnalyse de connectivité, p. ex. de composantes connectées
G06V 10/82 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant les réseaux neuronaux
A device and method for imaging, measuring and identifying multiphase fluid flow in wellbores using phased array Doppler ultrasound. The device includes a radially-configured or ring-shaped ultrasound transducer that when deployed in a well in Doppler mode can measure the velocity of radially flowing fluids in the wellbore and generate a 3D image of radial flow in the wellbore, including flowback into the wellbore after fracturing operations, or flow leaving the wellbore during water injection operations. The ring-shaped ultrasound transducer can also simultaneously operate in a B-mode to generate a B-mode image of the wellbore liner upon which the Doppler image can be overlaid. The device may also include a forward facing ultrasound transducer either instead of or in place of the ring-shaped transducer for obtaining information and images on axial flow in the wellbore in Doppler mode, and the location of phase boundaries and phase locations in B-mode.
E21B 47/107 - Localisation des fuites, intrusions ou mouvements du fluide utilisant des moyens acoustiques
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
G01S 15/88 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques
G01F 1/663 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p. ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons en mesurant le décalage de fréquence Doppler
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
A system, device and method for imaging, measuring and identifying surface features in a tubular, such as a casing, wellbore, or pipe. The device comprises an ultrasound transducer for sonifying an area of the surface of the tubular, with a pulse intercepting axial locations of the sonified area at different times. Reflected signals are processed using their time of flight to interpret the reflected signals as axial locations of features on the surface of the tubular. Multiple sonified areas are partially overlapped in the axial direction to capture features redundantly. Reflections from the multiple areas are combined to remove noise and strengthen reflections from real features. A geometric model of the surface of the tubular is rendered and displayed. Capturing larger areas per frame increases the logging rate and oversampling improves the resolution and signal to noise ratio.
A device, system and method to process acoustic images of tubulars and wellbores. Corrections for real-world logging are calculated and stored in correction Look Up Tables (LUT), which are used to display projections or create geometric models of the wellbore or tubular. The user interface allows the user to interact with the projections to update the LUTs to operate on the images. This process helps correct for real-world challenges such as tool eccentricity, tool rotation, tool angle, and speed of sound differences in order to create a more intuitive rendering.
A device, system and method to process acoustic images of tubulars and wellbores. Corrections for real-world logging are calculated and stored in correction Look Up Tables (LUT), which are used to display projections or create geometric models of the wellbore or tubular. The user interface allows the user to interact with the projections to update the LUTs to operate on the images. This process helps correct for real-world challenges such as tool eccentricity, tool rotation, tool angle, and speed of sound differences in order to create a more intuitive rendering.
E21B 47/085 - Mesure du diamètre ou des dimensions correspondantes des trous de forage utilisant des moyens de radiation, p. ex. des moyens acoustiques, radioactifs ou électromagnétiques
60.
Using an acoustic device to identify external apparatus mounted to a tubular
A method, apparatus and system for locating external apparatus mounted to a tubular in a wellbore. The identification of apparatus, such as cable clamps, enables other tools in the string to operate more precisely. A computer model is used to locate the apparatus from acoustic images, which images are acquired using a downhole device having an acoustic sensor or acoustic array. The model may be a classifier, which may be machine trained to classify whether an apparatus is present, its location and its orientation. Automating this locating enables very long wellbores to be processed quickly.
G06T 7/73 - Détermination de la position ou de l'orientation des objets ou des caméras utilisant des procédés basés sur les caractéristiques
G01S 15/88 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques
G06F 16/587 - Recherche caractérisée par l’utilisation de métadonnées, p. ex. de métadonnées ne provenant pas du contenu ou de métadonnées générées manuellement utilisant des informations géographiques ou spatiales, p. ex. la localisation
G06F 16/215 - Amélioration de la qualité des donnéesNettoyage des données, p. ex. déduplication, suppression des entrées non valides ou correction des erreurs typographiques
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
G06N 3/04 - Architecture, p. ex. topologie d'interconnexion
G06F 18/214 - Génération de motifs d'entraînementProcédés de Bootstrapping, p. ex. ”bagging” ou ”boosting”
G06V 10/82 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant les réseaux neuronaux
G06V 10/44 - Extraction de caractéristiques locales par analyse des parties du motif, p. ex. par détection d’arêtes, de contours, de boucles, d’angles, de barres ou d’intersectionsAnalyse de connectivité, p. ex. de composantes connectées
Luu et al. Identifying External Apparatus ABSTRACT A method, apparatus and system for locating external apparatus mounted to a tubular in a wellbore. The identification of apparatus, such as cable clamps, enables other tools in the string to operate more precisely. A computer model is used to locate the apparatus from acoustic images, which images are acquired using a downhole device having an acoustic sensor or acoustic array. The model may be a classifier, which may be machine trained to classify whether an apparatus is present, its location and its orientation. Automating this locating enables very long wellbores to be processed quickly. 23 Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-05
E21B 47/095 - Localisation ou détermination de la position d'objets dans les trous de forage ou dans les puitsIdentification des parties libres ou bloquées des tubes par détection d'anomalies acoustiques, p. ex. à l'aide de pulsations de pression de boue
An acoustic transducer array and method of making same. A first metal layer is deposited on a first side of a piezoelectric composite to form a common electrode and a second metal layer is provided over the obverse side. Portions of the second metal layer are removed to create a plurality of individual electrodes. A third metal layer may be deposited onto the plurality of individual electrodes, the third metal layer being thicker than the second metal layer. The individual electrodes extend beyond the piezoelectric composite in the elevation direction to create electrode leads. Metal layers may be provided by lithography, a wireframe or a foil sheet.
G01H 11/08 - Mesure des vibrations mécaniques ou des ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores par détection des changements dans les propriétés électriques ou magnétiques par des moyens électriques utilisant des dispositifs piézo-électriques
A61B 8/00 - Diagnostic utilisant des ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores
E21B 47/085 - Mesure du diamètre ou des dimensions correspondantes des trous de forage utilisant des moyens de radiation, p. ex. des moyens acoustiques, radioactifs ou électromagnétiques
G01S 7/52 - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
63.
Surface extraction for ultrasonic images using path energy
A system and method used to image cylindrical fluid conduits, such as pipes, wellbores and tubulars, with ultrasound transducers then process the ultrasound images to detect edges and surfaces. The device and method compute monotonic paths through high energy pixels. Functions are used for dropping, extending and selecting an optimal path based on certain criteria, such as path length, path continuity and path energy. The selected path may be used to model and visualize the tubular along with key features, components and defects in 2D and 3D.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation de l'intérieur, p. ex. microscopie acoustique
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
G06V 10/22 - Prétraitement de l’image par la sélection d’une région spécifique contenant ou référençant une formeLocalisation ou traitement de régions spécifiques visant à guider la détection ou la reconnaissance
64.
Intelligent localized high-resolution imaging of tubulars
A device and method used to image wells and other fluid-carrying tubulars having localized features of interest. The device scans large areas of the tubular first in a low-resolution mode, then identifies areas that contain those localized features with some probability. The device images the identified areas in a high-resolution mode and stores the images for further image processing. The device may comprise two sensors axially spaced-apart on the device, which sensors may be electromagnetic, acoustic, or cameras.
H04N 23/951 - Systèmes de photographie numérique, p. ex. systèmes d'imagerie par champ lumineux en utilisant plusieurs images pour influencer la résolution, la fréquence d'images ou le rapport de cadre
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
G01S 7/52 - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation de l'intérieur, p. ex. microscopie acoustique
G01N 29/265 - Dispositions pour l'orientation ou le balayage en déplaçant le capteur par rapport à un matériau fixe
G01N 29/26 - Dispositions pour l'orientation ou le balayage
G01N 29/07 - Analyse de solides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
G01N 29/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonoresVisualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet Détails
G01N 29/44 - Traitement du signal de réponse détecté
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
G01N 21/88 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures
H04N 23/45 - Caméras ou modules de caméras comprenant des capteurs d'images électroniquesLeur commande pour générer des signaux d'image à partir de plusieurs capteurs d'image de type différent ou fonctionnant dans des modes différents, p. ex. avec un capteur CMOS pour les images en mouvement en combinaison avec un dispositif à couplage de charge [CCD] pour les images fixes
A device and method used to image wells and other fluid-carrying tubulars having localized features of interest. The device scans large areas of the tubular first in a low- resolution mode, then identifies areas that contain those localized features with some probability. The device images the identified areas in a high-resolution mode and stores the images for further image processing. The device may comprise two sensors axially spaced-apart on the device, which sensors may be electromagnetic, acoustic, or cameras.
A device and method used for inspecting and measuring coiled tubing, production tubing or drill pipe as it enters the well. Defects such as internal and external wall loss, cracking and deformation can be detected and quantified. The axial motion of the tubing can be measured allowing for depth measurements that are more accurate and reliable than what can be obtained using an encoder wheel system.
E21B 19/22 - Manipulation de tubes ou de tiges enroulés, p. ex. de tubes de forage flexibles
B06B 1/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par effet piézo-électrique ou par électrostriction
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation de l'intérieur, p. ex. microscopie acoustique
G01N 29/26 - Dispositions pour l'orientation ou le balayage
G01N 29/28 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonoresVisualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet Détails pour établir le couplage acoustique
67.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COILED TUBING INSPECTION BY ULTRASOUND
A device and method used for inspecting and measuring coiled tubing, production tubing or drill pipe as it enters the well. Defects such as internal and external wall loss, cracking and defomiation can be detected and quantified. The axial motion of the tubing can be measured allowing for depth measurements that are more accurate and reliable than what can be obtained using an encoder wheel system.
Methods and devices for imaging wells using phased array ultrasound imaging devices is described. The devices enable high resolution real-time imaging of a well during various operations in the well, including during completions, fracturing, milling, fishing and drilling operations. The phased array ultrasound imaging devices may be integrated with other well tools, such as a bottom hole assembly (BHA), fishing tools, milling tools, fracturing tools, and drilling tools, in order to integrate imaging capabilities into such tools.
E21B 47/16 - Moyens pour la transmission de signaux de mesure ou signaux de commande du puits vers la surface, ou de la surface vers le puits, p. ex. pour la diagraphie pendant le forage utilisant des ondes acoustiques le long du train de tiges ou du tubage
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
B06B 1/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par effet piézo-électrique ou par électrostriction
E21B 47/09 - Localisation ou détermination de la position d'objets dans les trous de forage ou dans les puitsIdentification des parties libres ou bloquées des tubes
A device and method used to image cylindrical fluid conduits, such as pipes, wellbores and tubulars, with ultrasound transducers then compress that data for storage or visualization. The compressed images may be stored on the tool and/or transmitted over telemetry, enabling the device to inspect and record long pipes or wells in high resolution on a single trip. This allow the ultrasound imaging tool to record much longer wells in higher resolution than would otherwise be possible. An outward-facing radial array of ultrasound transducers captures cross-sectional slices of the conduit to create frames from scan lines. The frames are compressed by applying a demodulation process and spatial conversion process to the scan lines. Video compression is applied to the to the demodulated, spatially converted ultrasound images to return compressed images.
A device and method used to image cylindrical fluid conduits, such as pipes, wellbores and tubulars, with ultrasound transducers then compress that data for storage or visualization. The compressed images may be stored on the tool and / or transmitted over telemetry, enabling the device to inspect and record long pipes or wells in high resolution on a single trip. This allow the ultrasound imaging tool to record much longer wells in higher resolution than would otherwise be possible. An outward-facing radial array of ultrasound transducers captures cross-sectional slices of the conduit to create frames from scan lines. The frames are compressed by applying a demodulation process and spatial conversion process to the scan lines. Video compression is applied to the to the demodulated, spatially converted ultrasound images to return compressed images.
E21B 47/18 - Moyens pour la transmission de signaux de mesure ou signaux de commande du puits vers la surface, ou de la surface vers le puits, p. ex. pour la diagraphie pendant le forage utilisant des ondes acoustiques à travers le fluide du puits
G01N 29/44 - Traitement du signal de réponse détecté
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
H04N 19/70 - Procédés ou dispositions pour le codage, le décodage, la compression ou la décompression de signaux vidéo numériques caractérisés par des aspects de syntaxe liés au codage vidéo, p. ex. liés aux standards de compression
A device and method to compress and store ultrasound data from an ultrasound logging device. The logging device is deployed in a well or pipe to be logged with one or more ultrasound transducers, preferably an array of transducers. On-board the device, are processors and memory units for convolving the ultrasound data with a wavelet transformation to generate wavelet coefficients and then compress the wavelet coefficients to generate compressed wavelet coefficients. The compressed wavelet coefficients are stored on the memory units and transferred to a remote computer once the device leaves the well or pipe.
E21B 47/14 - Moyens pour la transmission de signaux de mesure ou signaux de commande du puits vers la surface, ou de la surface vers le puits, p. ex. pour la diagraphie pendant le forage utilisant des ondes acoustiques
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
E21B 17/10 - Protecteurs contre l'usureDispositifs de centrage
A device and method to compress and store ultrasound data from an ultrasound logging device. The logging device is deployed in a well or pipe to be logged with one or more ultrasound transducers, preferably an array of transducers. On-board the device, are processors and memory units for convolving the ultrasound data with a wavelet transformation to generate wavelet coefficients and then compress the wavelet coefficients to generate compressed wavelet coefficients. The compressed wavelet coefficients are stored on the memory units and transferred to a remote computer once the device leaves the well or pipe.
E21B 47/107 - Localisation des fuites, intrusions ou mouvements du fluide utilisant des moyens acoustiques
E21B 47/14 - Moyens pour la transmission de signaux de mesure ou signaux de commande du puits vers la surface, ou de la surface vers le puits, p. ex. pour la diagraphie pendant le forage utilisant des ondes acoustiques
G01V 1/40 - SéismologieProspection ou détection sismique ou acoustique spécialement adaptées au carottage
A system, device and method for imaging, measuring and identifying surface features in a tubular, such as a casing, wellbore, or pipe. The device comprises an ultrasound transducer for sonifying an area of the surface of the tubular, with a pulse intercepting axial locations of the sonified area at different times. Reflected signals are processed using their time of flight to interpret the reflected signals as axial locations of features on the surface of the tubular. Multiple sonified areas are partially overlapped in the axial direction to capture features redundantly. Reflections from the multiple areas are combined to remove noise and strengthen reflections from real features. A geometric model of the surface of the tubular is rendered and displayed. Capturing larger areas per frame increases the logging rate and oversampling improves the resolution and signal to noise ratio.
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation de l'intérieur, p. ex. microscopie acoustique
G01N 29/07 - Analyse de solides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
G01N 29/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonoresVisualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet Détails
A device and method used to correct beamforming of an acoustic phased array in cases of eccentricity of the acoustic device in a tubular. A processor calculates the eccentricity from multiple scan lines and create a geometric model of a well or pipe relative to the device. The processor may correct each scan line's focus and/or angle of incidence at a surface of the well or pipe based on the observed eccentricity.
E21B 47/14 - Moyens pour la transmission de signaux de mesure ou signaux de commande du puits vers la surface, ou de la surface vers le puits, p. ex. pour la diagraphie pendant le forage utilisant des ondes acoustiques
E21B 47/085 - Mesure du diamètre ou des dimensions correspondantes des trous de forage utilisant des moyens de radiation, p. ex. des moyens acoustiques, radioactifs ou électromagnétiques
G01V 11/00 - Prospection ou détection par des méthodes combinant des techniques spécifiées dans les groupes
75.
CORRECTING FOR ECCENTRICITY OF ACOUSTIC SENSORS IN WELLS AND PIPES
A device and method used to correct beamforming of an acoustic phased array in cases of eccentricity of the acoustic device in a tubular. A processor calculates the eccentricity from multiple scan lines and create a geometric model of a well or pipe relative to the device. The processor may correct each scan line's focus and/or angle of incidence at a surface of the well or pipe based on the observed eccentricity.
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
E21B 47/007 - Mesure des contraintes dans le cuvelage ou la tige de forage
E21B 47/085 - Mesure du diamètre ou des dimensions correspondantes des trous de forage utilisant des moyens de radiation, p. ex. des moyens acoustiques, radioactifs ou électromagnétiques
A device and method used to increase the resolution when imaging, measuring and inspecting wells, pipes and objects located therein. The device comprises an array of acoustic transducers that both transmit and receive acoustic signals. Scan lines may be overlapped by interlacing transmission and receiving windows thus increasing either the resolution or logging speed drastically compared to conventional approaches. The sequence of the scan lines making up an imaging frame is created by stratifying physically close lines and randomly selecting from within each stratum, preventing interference from neighboring transducers, signals and acoustic artifacts that fundamentally limit logging speed and resolution using conventional methods.
A device and method for manipulating a robotic end effector in a well. Actuators manipulate the end effector independently through multiple degrees of freedom to improve the perspective of the end effector. An imaging sensor may be used to image, measure and identify features of a well and objects located therein. The sensor may be an ultrasound transducer, camera or x-ray sensor arranged radially, axial or distributed over a 2D surface. The end effector may be connected to a tool, such as a fishing tool, a welder, a milling tool, or a repair tool.
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
E21B 47/017 - Protection des instruments de mesure
G01N 23/203 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de rayonnement [ondes ou particules], p. ex. rayons X ou neutrons, non couvertes par les groupes , ou en utilisant la diffraction de la radiation par les matériaux, p. ex. pour rechercher la structure cristallineRecherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de rayonnement [ondes ou particules], p. ex. rayons X ou neutrons, non couvertes par les groupes , ou en utilisant la diffusion de la radiation par les matériaux, p. ex. pour rechercher les matériaux non cristallinsRecherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de rayonnement [ondes ou particules], p. ex. rayons X ou neutrons, non couvertes par les groupes , ou en utilisant la réflexion de la radiation par les matériaux en mesurant la rétrodiffusion
G01V 3/34 - Transmission de données aux appareils d'enregistrement ou de traitementEnregistrement de données
E21B 47/107 - Localisation des fuites, intrusions ou mouvements du fluide utilisant des moyens acoustiques
B25J 9/02 - Manipulateurs à commande programmée caractérisés par le mouvement des bras, p. ex. du type à coordonnées cartésiennes
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation de l'intérieur, p. ex. microscopie acoustique
G01N 29/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonoresVisualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet Détails
G01N 29/26 - Dispositions pour l'orientation ou le balayage
G01V 5/12 - Prospection ou détection au moyen de rayonnement ionisant, p. ex. de la radioactivité naturelle ou provoquée spécialement adaptée au carottage en utilisant des sources de radiation nucléaire primaire ou des rayons X en utilisant des sources de rayons gamma ou de rayons X
78.
DEVICE AND METHOD TO POSITION AN END EFFECTOR IN A WELL
A device and method for manipulating a robotic end effector in a well. Actuators manipulate the end effector independently thru multiple degrees of freedom to improve the perspective of the end effector. An imaging sensor may be used to image, measure and identify features of a well and objects located therein. The sensor may be an ultrasound transducer, camera or x-ray sensor arranged radially, axial or distributed over a 2D surface. The end effector may be connected to a tool, such as a fishing tool, a welder, a milling tool, or a repair tool.
E21B 23/00 - Appareils pour déplacer, mettre en place, verrouiller, libérer ou retirer, les outils, les packers ou autres éléments dans les trous de forage
E21B 47/01 - Dispositifs pour supporter des instruments de mesure sur des trépans, des tubes, des tiges ou des câbles de forageProtection des instruments de mesure dans les trous de forage contre la chaleur, les chocs, la pression ou similaire
79.
DEVICE AND METHOD TO POSITION AN END EFFECTOR IN A WELL
A device and method for manipulating a robotic end effector in a well. Actuators manipulate the end effector independently thru multiple degrees of freedom to improve the perspective of the end effector. An imaging sensor may be used to image, measure and identify features of a well and objects located therein. The sensor may be an ultrasound transducer, camera or x-ray sensor arranged radially, axial or distributed over a 2D surface. The end effector may be connected to a tool, such as a fishing tool, a welder, a milling tool, or a repair tool.
E21B 23/00 - Appareils pour déplacer, mettre en place, verrouiller, libérer ou retirer, les outils, les packers ou autres éléments dans les trous de forage
E21B 47/00 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
E21B 47/017 - Protection des instruments de mesure
80.
OVERLAPPED SCHEDULING AND SORTING FOR ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER PULSES
A device and method used to increase the resolution when imaging, measuring and inspecting wells, pipes and objects located therein. The device comprises an array of acoustic transducers that both transmit and receive acoustic signals. Scan lines may be overlapped by interlacing transmission and receiving windows thus increasing either the resolution or logging speed drastically compared to conventional approaches. The sequence of the scan lines making up an imaging frame is created by stratifying physically close lines and randomly selecting from within each stratum, preventing interference from neighboring transducers, signals and acoustic artifacts that fundamentally limit logging speed and resolution using conventional methods.
E21B 47/085 - Mesure du diamètre ou des dimensions correspondantes des trous de forage utilisant des moyens de radiation, p. ex. des moyens acoustiques, radioactifs ou électromagnétiques
F17D 5/00 - Protection ou surveillance des installations
G01S 15/00 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes acoustiques, p. ex. systèmes sonar
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
37 - Services de construction; extraction minière; installation et réparation
42 - Services scientifiques, technologiques et industriels, recherche et conception
Produits et services
(1) Machines for wirelining, inspecting defects, surfaces and obstructions and welding in pipes and wellbores; Tools and devices, namely robots for measuring, characterizing, logging, imaging, and monitoring of boreholes, wells, wellbores, above-ground pipes, tubulars, and near wellbore fractures.
(2) Software for processing data collected from a wellbore via downhole telepresence robots and inspection instruments; Downhole telepresence robots and software for measuring, characterizing, logging, imaging, locating defects, logging while drilling, and monitoring of boreholes, wells, wellbores, above-ground pipes, tubes, and near wellbore fractures; Downhole telepresence robots and software for inspecting defects, surfaces and obstructions in the field of oil, gas, hydrocarbon formations, and water infrastructure; Software for imaging wellbores, pipes, tubulars, and objects and defects therein; Cement bond logging instruments, namely wellbore downhole survey and measurement equipment; Ultrasound imaging machine to image perforations, sliding sleeves, slotted liners, fibre cable protectors, and sand screens for use with wellbores. (1) Cement bond logging services, namely cementing services for oil and gas wells.
(2) Engineering and consulting services in the fields of oil and gas drilling engineering, well integrity engineering, and fracturing engineering; Engineering and consulting services in the fields of oil and gas wellbore inspection, wellbore evaluation, locating obstructions, defects in pipes and tubulars, and logging while drilling; Technological services, namely providing technology information in the fields of oil and gas exploration, fracture analysis, well completion, well repair, and well production in the oil and gas industry; Wellbore operations in the fields of fishing, inspection, and welding, namely wellbore wirelining, wellbore logging and wellbore testing; Software for visualizing wellbores, pipes, tubulars, and objects or defects therein, namely software for processing sensor data collected from wellbores, pipes, tubulars, for measuring, characterizing, logging, imaging, locating defects, and monitoring of pipes, tubulars for inspecting defects, surfaces and obstructions in the fields of oil, gas, hydrocarbon formations, and water infrastructure; Nonmedical ultrasound imaging services for oil and gas exploration, well completion and well production, namely computer aided imaging of wellbores; Cement bond logging services, namely materials testing and evaluation of wellbores.
42 - Services scientifiques, technologiques et industriels, recherche et conception
Produits et services
Engineering and consulting services thereto; Engineering and consulting services thereto in the fields of oil and gas wellbore inspection, wellbore evaluation, locating obstructions, defects in tubulars; Wellbore operations, namely, performing oil well diagnostics related to fishing and inspection; Providing online non-downloadable software for visualizing wellbores, tubulars, and objects or defects therein; Nonmedical ultrasound imaging services in connection with oil and gas, well completion and well production; Providing engineering information about wellbore conditions, perforation characterization, and oil production
83.
Devices and methods for imaging wells using phased array ultrasound
Methods and devices for imaging wells using phased array ultrasound imaging devices is described. The devices enable high resolution real-time imaging of a well during various operations in the well, including during completions, fracturing, milling, fishing and drilling operations. The phased array ultrasound imaging devices may be integrated with other well tools, such as a bottom hole assembly (BHA), fishing tools, milling tools, fracturing tools, and drilling tools, in order to integrate imaging capabilities into such tools.
E21B 47/16 - Moyens pour la transmission de signaux de mesure ou signaux de commande du puits vers la surface, ou de la surface vers le puits, p. ex. pour la diagraphie pendant le forage utilisant des ondes acoustiques le long du train de tiges ou du tubage
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
B06B 1/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par effet piézo-électrique ou par électrostriction
E21B 47/09 - Localisation ou détermination de la position d'objets dans les trous de forage ou dans les puitsIdentification des parties libres ou bloquées des tubes
Methods and devices for imaging wells using ultrasound is described. The devices include a modular imaging device having a telemetry module and a radial imaging module and/or forward imaging module. The radial imaging module includes a ring shaped phased array ultrasonic transducer array for generating images on the length of a wellbore. Various lens and housing configurations for the radial imaging module are described. The forward imaging module includes an ultrasonic transducer comprising one or more elements and having an adjustable viewpoint for generating images of obstructions found in a wellbore. Advanced imaging modes for a radial imaging module include multiple aperture and spiral wave imaging mode.
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
B06B 1/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par effet piézo-électrique ou par électrostriction
G01N 29/024 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
A device and method for imaging, measuring and identifying multiphase fluid flow in wellbores using phased array Doppler ultrasound. The device includes a radially-configured or ring-shaped ultrasound transducer that when deployed in a well in Doppler mode can measure the velocity of radially flowing fluids in the wellbore and generate a 3D image of radial flow in the wellbore, including flowback into the wellbore after fracturing operations, or flow leaving the wellbore during water injection operations. The ring-shaped ultrasound transducer can also simultaneously operate in a B-mode to generate a B-mode image of the wellbore liner upon which the Doppler image can be overlaid. The device may also include a forward facing ultrasound transducer either instead of or in place of the ring-shaped transducer for obtaining information and images on axial flow in the wellbore in Doppler mode, and the location of phase boundaries and phase locations in B-mode.
E21B 47/10 - Localisation des fuites, intrusions ou mouvements du fluide
E21B 47/107 - Localisation des fuites, intrusions ou mouvements du fluide utilisant des moyens acoustiques
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
G01S 15/88 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p. ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
E21B 47/002 - Relevés dans les trous de forage ou dans les puits par inspection visuelle
Methods and devices for imaging wells using phased array ultrasound imaging devices is described. The devices enable high resolution real-time imaging of a well during various operations in the well, including during completions, fracturing, milling, fishing and drilling operations. The phased array ultrasound imaging devices may be integrated with other well tools, such as a bottom hole assembly (BHA), fishing tools, milling tools, fracturing tools, and drilling tools, in order to integrate imaging capabilities into such tools.
E21B 47/095 - Localisation ou détermination de la position d'objets dans les trous de forage ou dans les puitsIdentification des parties libres ou bloquées des tubes par détection d'anomalies acoustiques, p. ex. à l'aide de pulsations de pression de boue
Methods and devices for imaging wells using phased array ultrasound imaging devices is described. The devices enable high resolution real-time imaging of a well during various operations in the well, including during completions, fracturing, milling, fishing and drilling operations. The phased array ultrasound imaging devices may be integrated with other well tools, such as a bottom hole assembly (BHA), fishing tools, milling tools, fracturing tools, and drilling tools, in order to integrate imaging capabilities into such tools.
E21B 47/095 - Localisation ou détermination de la position d'objets dans les trous de forage ou dans les puitsIdentification des parties libres ou bloquées des tubes par détection d'anomalies acoustiques, p. ex. à l'aide de pulsations de pression de boue
Methods and devices for imaging wells using ultrasound is described. The devices include a modular imaging device having a telemetry module and a radial imaging module and/or forward imaging module. The radial imaging module includes a ring shaped phased array ultrasonic transducer array for generating images on the length of a wellbore. Various lens and housing configurations for the radial imaging module are described. The forward imaging module includes an ultrasonic transducer comprising one or more elements and having an adjustable viewpoint for generating images of obstructions found in a wellbore. Advanced imaging modes for a radial imaging module include multiple aperture and spiral wave imaging mode.
E21B 47/085 - Mesure du diamètre ou des dimensions correspondantes des trous de forage utilisant des moyens de radiation, p. ex. des moyens acoustiques, radioactifs ou électromagnétiques
G01V 1/20 - Aménagements d'éléments récepteurs, p. ex. oscillogrammes géophoniques
Methods and devices for imaging wells using ultrasound is described. The devices include a modular imaging device having a telemetry module and a radial imaging module and/or forward imaging module. The radial imaging module includes a ring shaped phased array ultrasonic transducer array for generating images on the length of a wellbore. Various lens and housing configurations for the radial imaging module are described. The forward imaging module includes an ultrasonic transducer comprising one or more elements and having an adjustable viewpoint for generating images of obstructions found in a wellbore. Advanced imaging modes for a radial imaging module include multiple aperture and spiral wave imaging mode.
E21B 47/085 - Mesure du diamètre ou des dimensions correspondantes des trous de forage utilisant des moyens de radiation, p. ex. des moyens acoustiques, radioactifs ou électromagnétiques
G01V 1/20 - Aménagements d'éléments récepteurs, p. ex. oscillogrammes géophoniques
A device and method for imaging, measuring and identifying multiphase fluid flow in wellbores using phased array Doppler ultrasound. The device includes a radially- configured or ring-shaped ultrasound transducer that when deployed in a well in Doppler mode can measure the velocity of radially flowing fluids in the wellbore and generate a 3D image of radial flow in the wellbore, including flowback into the wellbore after fracturing operations, or flow leaving the wellbore during water injection operations. The ring-shaped ultrasound transducer can also simultaneously operate in a B-mode to generate a B-mode image of the wellbore liner upon which the Doppler image can be overlaid. The device may also include a forward facing ultrasound transducer either instead of or in place of the ring-shaped transducer for obtaining information and images on axial flow in the wellbore in Doppler mode, and the location of phase boundaries and phase locations in B-mode.
A device and method for imaging, measuring and identifying multiphase fluid flow in wellbores using phased array Doppler ultrasound. The device includes a radially- configured or ring-shaped ultrasound transducer that when deployed in a well in Doppler mode can measure the velocity of radially flowing fluids in the wellbore and generate a 3D image of radial flow in the wellbore, including flowback into the wellbore after fracturing operations, or flow leaving the wellbore during water injection operations. The ring-shaped ultrasound transducer can also simultaneously operate in a B-mode to generate a B-mode image of the wellbore liner upon which the Doppler image can be overlaid. The device may also include a forward facing ultrasound transducer either instead of or in place of the ring-shaped transducer for obtaining information and images on axial flow in the wellbore in Doppler mode, and the location of phase boundaries and phase locations in B-mode.
