Transducers and acoustic emitters for fiber-optic-based acoustic sensing
AssigneeWeatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
InventorsAndre R. VINCELETTE, Domino TAVERNER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Mechanical acoustic actuators and methods for using these actuators to generate controlled acoustic signals to measure silent or quiet parameters are provided. One example method includes using fluid flows (whistle) and/or mechanical shocks between solids (bells) to stimulate the actuators, either proportionally from the parameter targeted for measurement or artificially modulated to create emitters. Some aspects provide for usage of the actuators within an oil and gas well or a fluid conduit, including in combination with arrays of acoustic sensors, to perform sonar array processing monitoring of acoustic wave propagation to derive properties of the media traversed.
Claims24
A method of measuring a non-acoustic parameter, comprising:
- sensing the non-acoustic parameter with a mechanical transducer configured to generate an acoustic signal related to the non-acoustic parameter;
- detecting the generated acoustic signal with an acoustic sensing system;
- and
- determining a value of the non-acoustic parameter based on the detected acoustic signal.
An apparatus for measuring a non-acoustic parameter, comprising:
- means for mechanically sensing the non-acoustic parameter with and generating an acoustic signal related to the non-acoustic parameter;
- means for detecting the generated acoustic signal with;
- and
- means for determining a value of the non-acoustic parameter based on the detected acoustic signal.
A system for measuring a non-acoustic parameter, comprising:
- a mechanical transducer configured to sense the non-acoustic parameter and generate an acoustic signal in relation to the non-acoustic parameter;
- an acoustic sensing device configured to detect the generated acoustic signal;
- and
- at least one processor configured to analyze the detected acoustic signal to determine a value of the non-acoustic parameter.
(canceled)
22-23. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.