Sonar sand detection
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorEspen Johansen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for detecting particles flowing in a fluid within a conduit involve analysis of acoustic pressure signals detected with an array of at least two pressure sensors. The analysis can include monitoring for attenuation in power of the acoustic disturbances within the fluid and/or a reduction in a speed of sound in the fluid. This attenuation in power or reduction in the speed of sound can be detected to provide an output or otherwise indicate that particles are present in the fluid.
Claims21
A method of detecting particles in a fluid within a conduit, comprising:
- measuring acoustic disturbances within the fluid with at least two pressure sensors in order to produce a pressure signal data set;
- and
- monitoring the data set to detect a change relative to a control set, wherein the change indicates that particles are present in the fluid and the change is at least one of a reduction in power of the acoustic disturbances within the fluid relative to the control set and a reduction in a speed of sound in the fluid relative to the control set.
A system for detecting particles in a fluid within a conduit, comprising:
- at least two sensors disposed along the conduit, the sensors for detecting acoustic disturbances within the fluid;
- a processor for converting pressure signals from the at least two sensors into a data set indicative of power of the acoustic disturbances;
- an analyzer for assessing the data set and determining whether the power of the acoustic disturbances is attenuated relative to a control set;
- and
- an output to indicate presence of particles in the fluid when the data set is attenuated relative to the control set.
A method of detecting particles in a fluid within a conduit, comprising:
- measuring acoustic disturbances within the fluid with at least two pressure sensors to produce pressure signals;
- converting the pressure signals to provide a data set indicative of power of the acoustic disturbances;
- assessing the data set and determining whether the power of the acoustic disturbances is attenuated relative to a control set;
- and
- determining if particles are in the fluid based on whether the data set is attenuated relative to the control set indicating that particles are present.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.