MEMS-based transducers on a downhole tool
US10365389B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 15, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/1429
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for taking acoustic/ultrasonic wave measurements of a wellbore using a downhole tool equipped with microelectromechanical (MEM) transducers are provided. The MEM transducers may include a plurality of MEM transmitters (e.g., MEM speakers) and a plurality of separate MEM receivers (e.g., MEM microphones). These MEM transducers may be disposed in arrays proximate an outer surface of the downhole tool to collect acoustic/ultrasonic wave measurements of the full circumference of a wellbore. Due to their small size, large numbers of MEM transducers may be distributed radially around the downhole tool. Such an arrangement of sensors may enable the downhole tool to perform measurements of the entire wellbore without the downhole tool needing to be rotated, leading to an increased signal-to-noise ratio of the measurements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.