Manipulation of multi-component geophone data to identify downhole conditions
AssigneeWeatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
InventorsBrian Rochford, John Arbeau, Jim Rangel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for using multi-component geophones and/or multi-component geophone arrays to measure flow-induced acoustic energy produced in wellbores are provided. With the use of the multi-component geophones, the measured acoustic energy may be resolved into its directional components. The computed directional energy components may be mathematically compared to numerically highlight ambient flow conditions (e.g., leaks in casing or other conduit, points of fluid entry/exit/restrictions between the casing and the formation). The use of an array of multi-component geophones allows for the use of geophone move-out curves to further identify acoustic energy source locations.
Claims21
A method for detecting a presence of a leak in a conduit disposed in a wellbore, comprising:
- measuring one or more first noise values at a plurality of locations in the wellbore using one or more geophones, each geophone having a body and a movable arm configured to extend and retract with respect to the body, wherein:
- the arm is positioned in a first position such that the geophone is relatively less acoustically coupled to the conduit to measure the first noise values;
- and
- the body comprises at least one sensory component of the geophone disposed internal to the body;
- measuring one or more second noise values at the plurality of locations in the wellbore using the one or more geophones, wherein the arm of each geophone is positioned in a second position such that the geophone is relatively more acoustically coupled to the conduit to measure the second noise values;
- and
- detecting the presence of the leak based on differences between the first and second noise values.
A processing system for detecting a presence of a leak in a conduit disposed in a wellbore, configured to:
- receive one or more first noise values measured by one or more geophones at a plurality of locations in the wellbore, each geophone having a body and a movable arm configured to extend and retract with respect to the body, wherein:
- the arm is positioned in a first position such that the geophone is relatively less acoustically coupled to the conduit;
- and
- the body comprises at least one sensory component of the geophone disposed internal to the body;
- receive one or more second noise values measured by the one or more geophones at the plurality of locations in the wellbore, wherein the arm of each geophone is positioned in a second position such that the geophone is relatively more acoustically coupled to the conduit;
- and
- detect the presence of the leak based on differences between the first and second noise values.
A system for detecting a presence of a leak in a conduit disposed in a wellbore, comprising:
- one or more geophones, wherein:
- each geophone has a body and a movable arm configured to extend and retract with respect to the body;
- the body comprises at least one sensory component of the geophone disposed internal to the body;
- and
- each geophone is configured to:
- measure one or more first noise values at a plurality of locations in the wellbore, wherein the arm of each geophone is positioned in a first position such that the geophone is relatively less acoustically coupled to the conduit to measure the first noise values;
- and
- measure one or more second noise values at the plurality of locations in the wellbore, wherein the arm of each geophone is positioned in a second position such that the geophone is relatively more acoustically coupled to the conduit to measure the second noise values;
- and
- a processing unit configured to detect the presence of the leak based on differences between the first and second noise values.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.