Microscopy imaging of earth formations
US5663559A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B49/10
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Images of rock formations below the earth's surface can be obtained on a microscopic scale. A borehole tool uses a seal to isolate an interval of the formation from borehole fluids which are outside the seal. A probe of the tool engages a wall of the formation and then draws formation fluid from the formation into the interior of the tool. The tool then produces an optical image of the formation which indicates rock texture. The seal can comprise a pad, inflatable packers, compressional packers, or cement plugs. The images of the formation can be obtained with electro-optic imagers such as charge-coupled devices (CCD) or a camera operating in the visible and/or near infrared range, or with ultrasonic transducers operating in the sub-MHz to mid GHz range, for example. The near infrared range provides an optical image of the formation through opaque fluids such as oil based muds or oil itself.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.