System and method for acoustic imaging using a transducer array
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorRALPH M. D'ANGELO
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Abstract
An apparatus for acoustic imaging includes an array with a number of acoustic transducers. Each acoustic transducer transmits and receives acoustic signals. The apparatus also includes a control unit that is coupled to the array and selectively powers a number of acoustic transducers based upon standoff distance between the array and an object-of-interest (e.g., a borehole wall). In some embodiments, the control unit also varies the frequency of acoustic signals transmitted from the array using the standoff distance between the array and the object-of-interest.
Claims20
A borehole tool comprising:
- an array including a plurality of acoustic transducers, each acoustic transducer being configured to transmit and receive acoustic signals;
- and
- a control unit coupled to the array and configured to selectively power a number of acoustic transducers using standoff distance between the array and a borehole wall.
A method for acoustically imaging a borehole wall, the method comprising:
- disposing an array including a plurality of acoustic transducers within a borehole;
- selecting a number of the plurality of transducers using standoff distance between the array and the borehole wall;
- and
- using the selected acoustic transducers to transmit acoustic signals towards the borehole wall.
A logging-while-drilling tool comprising:
- an array including a plurality of acoustic transducers, each acoustic transducer being configured to transmit acoustic signals;
- and
- a control unit coupled to the array and configured to (i) selectively power a number of acoustic transducers and (ii) vary frequency of acoustic signals transmitted from the array using standoff distance between the array and a borehole wall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.