Asymmetrical lateral-force seismic source transducer
US4706228A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 1986 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S181/401
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A spark discharge acoustic pulse transducer for borehole operation provides an insulating ceramic barrier which contains a small cross-section aperture separating two bodies of electrolyte through which the two zones of liquid make contact. An electrical arc discharge is caused to occur through the aperture to produce a transient pressure pulse and associated acoustic pulse which is coupled to the geologic formation at the borehole wall. The specific shape and geometry of the aperture channel in the insulating barrier being exponentially shaped provides a means for controlling the waveform and frequency spectrum of the acoustic pulse. The transducer has an elastic outer housing and an elastic inner housing with hydraulic fluid between the inner and outer housings. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid may be increased to expand the outer housing against a borehold prior to a spark discharge. The transducer is also provided with a system for venting gas produced as a result of the spark discharge. The transducer is designed to produce asymmetrical forces on the borehole wall in the azimuthal plane about the discharge chamber axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.