Axially extended downhole seismic source
US6478107B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V1/133
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An axially extended downhole seismic source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the seismic source includes multiple pressure storage chambers, each having an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The inlet valve is coupled between the pressure storage chamber and the interior of the drill string, and the outlet valve is similarly coupled between the pressure storage chamber and the annular space around the drill string. A compressible fluid may be provided in the pressure storage chambers, and pistons may be positioned to contact the compressible fluid. For each pressure storage chamber, an inlet piston contacts the compressible fluid and fluid inside the drill string, while an outlet piston contacts the compressible fluid and fluid in the annular space around the drill string. When the outlet valve is closed, the inlet valve can be opened to allow pressure inside the drill string to compress the compressible fluid inside the pressure storage chamber. Subsequently closing the inlet valve and opening the outlet valve causes fluid to be ejected into the annular space, thereby generating seismic waves. The use of multiple pressure storage chambers allows the pressure front from the seismic s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.