Systems, devices and methods for borehole gravimetry
US9939551B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V7/04
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gravimeter, a gravimeter system, and a method for measuring gravitational acceleration within a borehole are described herein. The gravimeter includes a proof mass that is constrained by springs and an optical interferometer for measuring displacement of the proof mass. The optical interferometer generates a light path from a light source to a reflective surface on the proof mass. Spatial displacement of the proof mass from a reference position to a position of gravitational equilibrium is determined by measuring a change in length of the light path. In turn, gravitational acceleration can be determined from the spatial displacement of the proof mass. A number of such gravimeters can be used in a gravimeter system to make measurements of gravitational acceleration in variety of different directions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.