RU2365752C2 - Integrated sonic transducing component - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: instrument engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention concerns acoustic well logging equipment, namely to sonic transducers. A sonic transducer comprises a core, a sonic transducing element, an electronics package connected to the sonic transducing element, and a switch connected to the electronics package and the transducing element so that the transducing element can be activated selectively to receive or emit sound energy. The sonic transducing element has first and second surfaces, and the electronics package is coupled with the second surface of the transducing element and designed to process a signal of the sonic transducing element. The sonic transducing element and the electronics package are enclosed in a sealing material. The sonic transducing element, the electronics package and the switch are arranged within the core of sonic transducer.

EFFECT: higher precision of measurements.

24 cl, 27 dwg

Description

Cross references to related applications

Pursuant to § 119 of Section 35 of the U.S. Code of Law on this invention, the priority of provisional application for US patent registration number 60/535062, filed January 8, 2004, and provisional application for US patent registration number 60/534900, filed January 8, 2004, are claimed.

Technical field

The present invention relates to acoustic transducers. More specifically, the invention relates to improved acoustic sources and sensors intended for use underground.

State of the art

In the oil and gas industry, to determine the characteristics of underground deposits, they are usually probed using downhole logging tools. It has been established that among these instruments, acoustic logging probes provide valuable information regarding the acoustic properties of the geological environment, which can be used to obtain images or to judge the characteristics of deposits.

Acoustic waves are periodic oscillatory disturbances caused by acoustic energy that propagates through a medium, for example, through an underground layer. Typically, acoustic waves are characterized by values of frequency, amplitude and propagation velocity. The acoustic properties of the formations of interest may include longitudinal wave velocity, shear wave velocity, borehole modes, and formation slowness. In addition, acoustic images can be used to describe the state of the walls of the well and other geological features at a distance from the well. These acoustic measurements are used in seismic correlation, in petrophysics, rock mechanics, and in other fields.

Records of acoustic properties depending on depth are known as acoustic logs. Information obtained from acoustic logs can be useful in a wide range of applications, including correlation of well properties, determination of porosity, determination of rock mechanical or elastic parameters for lithology detection, detection of zones with abnormally high reservoir pressure and conversion of seismic time lines to deep tracks based on the measured sound velocity in the formation.

For acoustic logging of underground formations, an acoustic logging tool or device is lowered into a well intersecting the formation. Typically, an instrument contains one or more acoustic sources (i.e., emitters) for emitting acoustic energy into underground formations, and one or more acoustic sensors or receivers for receiving acoustic energy. The emitter is periodically excited to emit pulses of acoustic energy into the well and through the well into the formation. After propagation through the well and the formation, some of the acoustic energy passes to the receivers, where it is detected. The various parameters of the detected acoustic energy are related to the characteristics of the geological environment of interest.

Figure 1 shows a known borehole acoustic logging probe. The probe 10 is located in the well 12 crossing the subterranean formation 20. The well 12 is usually filled with flushing fluid (“drilling fluid”), which is used in the process of drilling the well. As is known from the prior art, the probe 10 is typically made in a tubular support portion 13, which in the case of a drill pipe includes an internal flushing channel 13A for the drilling fluid 14 reaching the downhole turbine engine and / or a drill bit in the lower part of the drill string (not shown). The logging probe 10 contains one or more acoustic emitters 16 and a large number of acoustic receivers 18 located on the pipe 13. The receivers 18 are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the probe 10 by a predetermined distance h. One of the receivers 18, closest to the emitter 16, is axially spaced a distance a from it. The probe 10 also houses one or more computer modules 21, including microprocessors, a storage device, and signal processing software. As you know, the computer module / modules 21 can be placed inside the probe, on the earth's surface (figure 1) or in two ways. Acoustic waves 22 propagate in the borehole. Known borehole acoustic logging probes are described in US Pat.

Known acoustic logging probes are provided with acoustic transducer elements, for example, piezoelectric elements. In general, an acoustic transducer converts energy between electrical and acoustic forms and is configured to function as a source or sensor. Acoustic transducers are usually installed on the body of the logging probe (figure 1). Well-known sources of sound waves and sensors used in downhole probes are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,466,513, 5,852,587, 5,866,303, 5,796,677, 5,469,736 and 6,084,826. For various reasons, including spatial limitations, these transducers typically contain numerous components housed compactly in a housing, mounted on the probe along with electronics for pre-processing, and circuits located at a distance from the transducer elements.

In addition, acoustic transducers are included in circuit board designs. US Pat. No. 6,501,211 describes an ultrasonic transducer made on a printed circuit board and designed to be attached to bolt heads. The proposed converters are connected to a remote computer to identify the bolts by using a converter. US Pat. No. 4,525,644 describes a mechanism for increasing the articulation forces between pads and connectors when using piezoelectric devices located after the pads of a printed circuit board. EP 1467060 A1 describes flexible piezoelectric transducers for use with downhole telemetry instruments for acoustic signals through instruments. The disadvantages of the known acoustic transducer systems are poor sensitivity and the need for bulky electronic modules (for example, in large cascades of pre-amplifiers) located remotely.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide improved acoustic transducer assemblies with integrated electronics and processing means without compromising performance and sensitivity.

According to one aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by creating an acoustic transducer assembly for underground use comprising a frame, an acoustic transducer element located on the frame, and an electronic module located on the frame and connected to the acoustic transducer element, the electronic module being configured to process the transducer signal item.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an acoustic transducer assembly for underground use comprising a disk-shaped acoustic transducer having a first surface opposite to the second surface, an electronic module coupled to a second surface of the transducer and adapted to process a signal of the acoustic transducer, the electronic module having at least one signal output connected to it, acoustic damping a material located around the electronic module and the acoustic transducer element, wherein the acoustic transducer element, the electronic module and the damping material are enclosed in a sealing material such that at least one lead is left open.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling an acoustic transducer, which includes placing an acoustic transducer element on a chassis, placing an electronic module on a chassis, connecting the acoustic transducer to an electronic module, wherein the electronic module digitizes the signal of the transducer and covers the transducer and electronic module with liquid-free sealing material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is further explained in the description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 depicts a layout of a known borehole acoustic logging probe;

2 is a diagram of an acoustic transducer assembly according to the invention;

figure 3 is a General view of a sealed acoustic transducer node according to the invention;

4 is a diagram of a multi-element Converter node according to the invention;

5 is a side view of a damped transducer assembly according to the invention;

6 is a top view of a group of segmented converting nodes according to the invention;

7 is a side view of a reinforced converting node according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a diagram of an electronic module of a conversion unit and a multiplexer module according to the invention;

Fig.9 is a diagram of the placement of acoustic transducer nodes in the downhole pipe according to the invention;

figure 10 - diagram of the Converter node "glass" type according to the invention;

11A is a diagram of a borehole pipe containing azimuthally converting nodes according to the invention;

11B is a diagram of a borehole pipe containing axial directions of the Converter nodes according to the invention;

figs is a diagram of a downhole pipe containing the Converter nodes of the glass type according to the invention;

figa is a General view located in azimuth of the Converter node according to the invention;

12B is a plan view of an azimuthal transducer assembly according to the invention;

figs is a top view of the Converter node located in azimuth around the contour of the pipe according to the invention;

13 is a diagram of an axial transducer assembly located on a pipe according to the invention;

Fig. 14 is a side view of an attached transducer assembly located on a pipe according to the invention;

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a converter assembly located on a pipe according to the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sheathed transducer assembly according to the invention; FIG.

Fig is a General view of a pipe made with the possibility of placing the Converter node according to the invention;

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a converter assembly located on a pipe according to the invention;

figa is a General view of the protective element of the Converter node according to the invention;

figv is a General view of another protective element of the Converter node according to the invention;

FIG. 20 is a general view of yet another embodiment of a protective element of a converter assembly according to the invention; FIG.

Fig - a General view of a pipe made with converting elements and protective elements according to the invention;

Fig is a diagram of a downhole tool containing a transducer assembly according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Acoustic transducer nodes contain electronic means adapted to the effects of harsh environmental conditions, for example, in an underground well. Compared with the known constructions, the converter units according to the invention can be made with a reduced number of elements and electronic circuits. The circuits are extremely shortened, and it is preferable so that the obtained data is digitized in the vicinity of the converter unit.

To measure the modes of acoustic waves propagating in the well, such as monopole, dipole, quadrupole and higher order modes, the transducers used as groups of acoustic receivers for measuring acoustic waves in wells should be small and preferably individual. Similarly, these acoustic transducer nodes must operate on different modes to filter out unwanted modes. For example, in dipole or quadrupole measurements, the best measurement quality can be obtained by removing the monopole mode. Embodiments of the invention include active sensors with integrated electronics that are independent and adaptable to underground conditions.

The transducer assembly 30 (FIG. 2) includes an electronic module 32 for pre-processing, comprising analog and digital circuits 34 integrated with the acoustic transducer 36 and located on the chassis 38. The connection between the electronic module 32 and the acoustic transducer 36 will be described below . Transducer element 36 may consist of piezoelectric devices, devices of lead titanate (TC), of lead zirconate titanate (PZT), of a type 1-3 piezocomposite, or of any other known suitable materials. To increase reliability and improve performance, the transducer elements 36 may be located on the frame 38 together with the known transducer elements.

The frame 38 is made in the form of a two-dimensional or flat surface. In some embodiments, the carcass 38 may be in the form of a strip, also called a flexible circuit (disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 6,351,127, 6690170, 6667620, 6380744). The frame in the form of a flexible circuit can be made of any suitable non-conductive material or in the form of a dielectric film, for example a polyimide film or a polyester film having a thickness that allows bending or bending (for example, to surround the pipe or to be installed inside the cavity in the pipe). Methods for making strips for forming flexible frames are disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,080,031. In addition to flexible frames 38, other options with single-layer or multi-layer printed circuit boards can be implemented. As is known in the art, the conductors on the chassis 38 can be formed from narrow strips of copper or other suitable materials located on it. The conversion unit can be made waterproof by coating or sealing the units of the module and the converter with a suitable polymer or compound 40 (Fig. 3), for example, with a rubber layer. One or more of the pins 42 connected to the electronic module 32 are left open for signal output and power supply.

In addition, the invention can be implemented in the form of a plurality of transducer elements 36 placed on one frame 38. Fig. 4 shows a group of acoustic transducer assemblies spaced from each other, for example, by several centimeters. The group of transducer units may contain “n” elements 36 mounted on the frame 38. As a receiver, the multi-element transducer unit 30 can be used to measure any acoustic modes in the well. Preferably, in the multi-element embodiment 36, the converter unit comprises an electronic multiplexer module 44 for transmitting signals to / from the converter element 36. Conductors 46 and circuit elements form signal paths between the elements. For ease of understanding, conductors and circuit elements are not shown in all drawings. In this case, the number of acoustic channels for each group of transducer units can be increased, since they can be digitally compressed.

In addition, to eliminate unwanted vibrations, the transducer units 30 may be provided with acoustic damping material. Figure 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of a transducer assembly comprising a damping element 48 located on one side of the transducer element 36. The damping element 48 may be made of a material with a large effective mass (for example, tungsten) or any other suitable material known . When the transducer element 36 is excited as an acoustic source, the damping element 48 helps to reduce vibrations on the B side of the transducer element, thereby increasing the directivity of sound from the A side. In FIG. 5, the damping material 48 is shown on one side of the transducer element 36, but other options when the damping material is otherwise located, for example, completely surrounds the transducer element, while side A remains clean. The acoustic transducer / damping element assembly may be located on the surface of the carcass 38, in a cavity or in a cutout of the carcass, or entirely enclosed in a rubber shell forming the carcass (key 40 in FIG. 3).

FIG. 6 shows a converter assembly 30 according to another embodiment of the invention. To form an extended group of converter nodes, a plurality of frames 38 are connected via terminals 42. To obtain an acoustic group of “n” digital channels, each frame 38 may contain a large number of converter elements 36 and electronic modules 32. The group may contain one or more digital multiplexer modules 44, located on one or more frames 38, for efficient separation of signals related to the conversion elements / electronic modules. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 includes a connector 50 (also called an “I / O head”) connected to the assembly to provide one signal / power supply. Conventional known connectors 50 may be used.

Structural reinforcement of the transducer assemblies can be achieved by reinforcing the chassis (s) 38. FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the transducer assembly 30 comprising a substrate 52 forming a rigid substrate for the converter elements of electronic modules. The substrate 52 is made of any suitable material, for example metal. The substrate 52 can be attached to the frame 38 by means of glue, fixing means, or any known suitable means. The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 comprises an assembly of converter elements 36, electronic modules 32, and multiplexer (s) 44, molded with a rubber compound similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. The substrate 52 is attached to the bottom side of the rectangular transducer assembly. If desired, the substrate 52 can be enclosed in a rubber shell. Some embodiments may be provided with a plurality of substrates 52 attached to other surfaces of the transducer assembly (e.g., upper and lower), or optionally segmented substrates 52 for a particular embodiment (not shown). In addition, the substrate 52 with a large effective mass can provide vibration damping and promote acoustic directivity, as in the embodiment described with reference to FIG.

The electronic module 32 (Fig. 8) in the converter unit includes a pre-amplifier stage 100, a filter stage 102, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) stage 104, and a power amplifier stage 106. Module 32 is connected to a multiplexer unit 44 having n inputs and 1 output, configured to mix “n” signals into a single channel for transmission through terminal 42. A switch 108 connected to the converter element 36 switches between position 1 and position 2. B In position 1, the converter element 36 is driven by a power amplifier stage 106 and the converter unit is implemented as an emitter. In the case where the switch 108 is in position 2, an analog signal of the acoustic wave energy detected by element 36 is supplied to the pre-amplifier stage 100, and for the implementation of the receiver it passes through the module 32. Due to the compact design and small power of the electronic module 32, combined with converter element 36, power consumption is minimized and noise reduction is improved since digital signals are freer from noise than analog signals. In addition, if desired, the digitized signal data can be transmitted over long distances for additional processing, to eliminate unwanted noise.

Converting nodes of dual purpose, i.e. source-sensor, according to the invention provide the ability to measure pulsed reflected signals. As is known from the prior art, the result of measuring the double travel time of a pulse echo signal reflected from the wall of the well 12 can be used to determine the geometry of the well, for example, its radius. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the invention operating in a pulse echo mode. The downhole pipe 13 is provided with several transducer assemblies 30 distributed along the axis and azimuth according to the invention. For conducting 12 measurements of pulse reflected signals in the borehole, the transducer element (s) 36 can be switched between modes using the electronic module 32. The measured data of the acoustic signals can be processed in a known manner.

10 shows an acoustic transducer assembly 30 according to another embodiment of the invention. The assembly of the transducer assembly is in the form of a “cup” with a disk-shaped transducer element 36 having a first surface A and a second surface B. The transducer element 36 may consist of a piezoelectric device, a device made of lead titanate (TC), lead zirconate titanate (PZT), and a piezocomposite synthetic material type 1-3 or any other known suitable materials. An electronic module 58, comprising a cascade of the charge amplifier, is adjacent to the surface B of the transducer element, which converts the energy of the acoustic waves detected on the surface A of the transducer assembly into voltage signals proportional to the detected sound pressure.

For the converter unit to operate in pulsed echo signals or as a digital receiver, the signals / power are transmitted through one or more pins 60 connected to the electronic module 58. Damping material 62 surrounds the assembly of the electronic module and the converter unit, forming a glass, with surface A the converter unit remains clean. Any suitable known damping material may be used. In general, the assembly is enclosed or sealed with a suitable material 64 (for example, rubber compound) to protect the sensor from water to form a “washer” with unprotected lead (s) 60. The converter assembly according to this embodiment is much smaller than the known converter nodes this type, which makes it possible to use it on pipes of any size. For example, the converter assembly 30 in the form of a cup can be implemented so that the dimensions are 2.54 cm in diameter and 1.3 cm in height. In addition, for implementation in the form of a source or sensor, the electronic module 58 of the converter unit 30 may be configured with switching means and processing circuits 59 shown in FIG.

The small size, high sensitivity, directivity and low power consumption provided according to the invention make it possible to use converting units in the environment in various fields. 11 (A) -11 (C) shows three downhole pipes 13, similar to the pipe in figure 1, equipped with acoustic transducer nodes 30 according to the invention. Figure 11 (A) shows the azimuthal group of the transducer nodes, figure 11 (B) shows the axial group of the transducer nodes. In converter units 30 of this type, frames 38 in the form of flexible circuits, individual frames 38 in the form of printed circuit boards, or the combined frames 38 disclosed above can be used. 11 (C) shows a matrix using an embodiment of a beaker transducer assembly 30 (FIG. 10). In such a configuration, the small cup-shaped transducer assembly 30 is a point source. Any of these groups can be used for multipolar acoustic measurements. Other embodiments of the invention can be implemented in the form of any combination of converter nodes of these configurations. For example, the pipe may be provided with axial transducer assemblies and cup-shaped transducer assemblies, shown in FIGS. 11 (B) and 11 (C). In addition, in addition to the ability to perform multiple measurements in this configuration, backup sources and sensors are provided for failures.

12 (A) shows the azimuthal band of the transducer nodes for the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 (A). The converter units 30 are located in a shallow recess 66 formed in the pipe. 12 (B) shows a top view of the transducer assemblies 30 in the recess 66. The transducer assemblies 30 can be fixed to the pipe using any known suitable means, for example, by sealing them with a rubber compound, since they are water resistant and can be opened into the well . In addition, a protective element 68 may be worn on the pipe 13 to cover and protect the converter assemblies 30 from abrasion. The protective elements 68 may be made of metal, plastic compounds (eg, PEEK ™) or any suitable materials known from the prior art . US Pat. No. 6,780,065 describes various pipes made with recesses and designs of security elements that can be used to implement embodiments of the invention. In order to allow drilling fluids to pass into the gap between the protective element (s) and the surface of the transducer assembly 30, it is preferable that the protective elements 68 are made with cavities or cutouts (for example, with holes or slots). The protective element (s) 68 can be mounted on the pipe 13 using known fastening means or any suitable means.

The azimuthal groups of the transducer assemblies 30 (Fig. 11 (A) and 12 (A)) can be located around the entire circumference of the pipe 13, in separate sectors (Fig. 12 (B)) or in a stepped manner on the azimuthal sectors along the longitudinal axis of the pipe (not shown). 12 (C) shows a top view of a group of transducer assemblies 30 arranged around the circumference of the pipe 13. In comparison with the transducer assemblies of known structures, the small dimensions of the transducer assemblies 30 according to the invention make it possible to place them in smaller recesses in the pipes 13. This allows you to create devices with increased mechanical strength and with improved acoustic characteristics. The small size of the transducer assemblies 30 allows them to be placed on the pipe with a minimum interval between the transducer elements 36. For example, a downhole tool equipped with an axial group of transducer assemblies 30 spaced several centimeters apart (for example, 5-16 cm) (Fig. 13) , can be used to emit / receive a denser envelope of acoustic waves at the desired length along the well. With such measurements, higher quality images will be obtained and the possibilities of reservoir analysis will expand.

FIG. 13 shows an axial group of converter units, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 (B). One transducer assembly 30 or a series of transducer assemblies 30 (Fig. 6) can be placed in a shallow channel or in a recess 70 formed in a pipe. To protect against abrasion, protective elements 72 may be applied over the transducer assembly (s) 30. The protective elements 72 may be formed of any suitable material and it is preferable that they be formed with one or more holes 74. The hole / holes 74 may be formed on various sections of the protective elements 72. In Fig. 13, from left to right, the first protective element 72 is made with two half-moon holes 74 formed at the edges of the protective element. The middle protective element 72 is made with a hole 74 formed in the center of the protective element. And the right protective element 72 is made with holes 74 formed at opposite ends of the protective element. It is provided (for clarity, not shown in all the drawings) the signal / power transmission to and from the converter nodes by using any known suitable means.

On Fig shows a side view where the recess 70 is formed with a slope 76 at one end, and a series of connected transducer nodes 30 is located in the recess. To cover the Converter nodes 30 can be used one-piece protective element 72 or several individual protective elements (Fig.13). The Converter nodes 30 are connected to each other as described above, and the signals / power are transmitted through the connector 50 (Fig.6). To transmit a signal / power supply between the converter units 30 and other elements (e.g., electronic circuits, telemetry means, a memory device, etc.) through one or more terminals 82, the connector 50 is connected to a channel 80, also called a through connection or jumper.

On Fig shows a cross section of the transducer assembly located inside the pipe 13. In this embodiment, the acoustic transducer element 36 is enclosed in or pressed into the rubber compound 40 (Fig. 3) in the form of a rectangle. The mixture 40 has a stepped or elevated central part, as a result of which shoulders 84 are formed. A rectangular protection element 72 covers the converter assembly. The protective element 72 is adjacent to the mixture 40 by means of protrusions 85, which are mounted on top of the shoulders 84 to form a surface flush with the outside of the pipe 13. The recess 70 in the pipe 13 serves to accommodate the conversion unit and the protective element and is formed with protruding parts or jaws 86, which hold the protective element 72 therein. If desired, in addition to the rubber composition 40, a substrate 52 can be used (FIG. 7). Although FIG. 15 shows one converter element 36, the converter node may be implemented as a group of converter nodes or segmented converter nodes (FIG. 6). On Fig shows how the rubber composition 40 and the protective element (s) 72 are advanced with sliding along the slope 76 into the recess 70 under the jaws 86. After placement in the recess 70, the protective element (s) 72 can be attached to the pipe 13 by fixing means ( e.g. screws) or any other suitable means.

FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the transducer assembly 30. One or more transducer elements 36, electronic modules 32, and optional multiplexers 44 are placed on the chassis 38, which are sealed with a rubber compound 40 to form an elongated substantially rectangular transducer assembly (FIG. 3 ) A large number of elongated protrusions 41 are made on opposite lateral surfaces of the rectangular assembly; if desired, the converter assembly 30 can be implemented with a substrate 52 (not shown). For clarity of illustration, the findings for signal / power are not shown.

On Fig presents a downhole pipe 13, made with a recess 70 to accommodate the transducer node 30 (Fig.16). The recess 70 is stepped, with a lower groove 75 for supporting the transducer assembly 30. A series of recesses 77 are formed on the sides of the lower groove 75 to interface with the protrusions 41 extending from the side surfaces of the transducer assembly 30. After the transducer assembly is located in the lower groove 75, the protrusions 41 prevent radial and axial movement. In addition, the recess 70 is made with protruding parts or jaws 86 extending on opposite sides of the channel. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe shown in FIG. 17 with a converter assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

The protective element 72 (Fig. 18) is located on top of the transducer assembly 30 inside the recess 70. The protective element 72 is made with overhangs 85 and, as described above, forms a surface located flush with the outside of the pipe 13. The overhangs 85 on the protective element 72 are squeezed the rubber protrusions 41 on the transducer assembly 30, securing the transducer assembly 30 in the recess 70. The pressure on the protrusions 41 also creates a reaction force, and the protective element 72 is pressed against the jaws 86, which prevents its bounce. 19 (A) shows a security element according to an embodiment of the invention. 19 (B) shows a security element with shortened overhangs 85 according to another embodiment. As described above, the protective elements 72 can be made with one or more holes 74.

On Fig one segment of the recess 70 is made with a narrow channel C in comparison with another segment with a channel of width D. A wider segment of the recess 70 is made with enlarged recesses 78 formed on opposite sides of the channel. In such an embodiment, the transducer assembly 30 is simply lowered into the recess 70, which facilitates repair and replacement. After the transducer assembly 30 is located in the recess 70 and the corresponding signal / power circuit connections are made, the protective element 72 is simply lowered into a wider segment of the recess 70 and advanced with sliding under the jaws 86 to a predetermined position above the transducer assembly 30. Depending on the length of the transducer node 30 to cover the Converter node along the entire length, you can use one or more protective elements 72.

20 shows a security element 79 according to another embodiment of the invention. The protective element 79 is similar to the protective elements shown in Fig. 19 (A) and Fig. 19 (B), except that it is formed without flange overhangs 85 (Fig. 19 (A), 19 (B)) and contains sockets 81, elongated from its side surfaces. The protective element 79 is made of suitable width for sliding fit into the wider channel segment D and, as described above, can also be made with one or more holes 74. The protective element 79 can be made of any suitable material. If desired, the protective elements 72, 79 can be designed with smooth (i.e., flat) or with rounded surfaces and they can be formed from suitable materials known from the prior art (for example, metals, plastics, synthetic compounds, composites).

FIG. 21 shows a pipe 13 provided with a pair of axial transducer assemblies 30 according to embodiments of the invention (FIG. 11 (B)). As described above, a large number of individual protective elements 72 are inserted into the recess 70 to cover the converter assembly / units 30. Each row of protective elements 72 is prevented from slipping out of the recess 70 by the protective element 79 (FIG. 20). The protective elements 79 are fixed to the pipe 13 by means of fixing means (for example, a screw, rivet) inserted through the slots 81 into the corresponding holes 87 (Fig. 17) formed in the pipe.

In contrast to the known acoustic transducer units (for example, transducer units with oil compensation), the installation and holding on the pipe of compact and integrated circuits of the transducer units 30 is achieved by using various known means. For example, when used in downhole tools or in other applications, when abrasion is not a critical factor, the transducer assemblies 30 can simply be placed on a suitable compound in the recess of the device.

The assembly process of the acoustic transducer assembly includes placing the acoustic transducer element on the chassis described in this application. Then, an electronics module is arranged on the frame, configured to digitize the signal of the transducer element, and connected to an acoustic transducer element. After that, the converter element and the electronic module are coated with a sealing material to obtain a waterproof assembly.

On Fig shows another variant embodiment of the invention, which includes the Converter nodes 30 glass type (figure 10), installed in the downhole tool 90, located in the borehole 12, which passes through the subterranean formation. The transducer assemblies 30 are arranged so that the transducer elements 36 are open to the well. The device 90 also includes a multi-axis electromagnetic antenna 91 for underground measurements and electronics 92, 93 with corresponding circuits. The tool 90 is suspended in the well 30 on a wireline 95 in the case of a downhole system or on a drill string 95 in the case of a logging system. In the case of using a logging cable, the tool 90 is lifted and lowered into the well 30 using a winch 97, which is controlled by the ground equipment 98. The logging cable or drill string 95 includes conductors 99 that connect the downhole electronics 92, 93 to the ground equipment for signal transmission and management. Alternatively, as is known in the art, these signals can be processed or recorded in a device 90, and the processed data can be transmitted to a surface equipment 98. The conversion units can be installed in known downhole tools by using various well-known methods. The electrical leads from the converter units can be routed as required since the electronic modules / multiplexers can run on long cables. To implement the indicated embodiments of the converting units, known electronic units, connecting elements (for example, fiber optic) can be used together with measuring and connecting equipment.

Specialists in the art should understand that the present invention is applicable to and can be implemented in any field in which acoustic transducer assemblies are used, it is not limited to underground applications. It should also be understood that the operation of the converter nodes is not limited to any particular frequency or frequency range.

Claims (25)

1. An acoustic transducer for underground use, comprising a frame made with substantially flat surfaces, an acoustic transducer element located on the frame, an electronic module located on the frame connected to the acoustic transducer element and configured to process the signal of the acoustic transducer, a switch connected to an electronic module and a converting element, so that the converting element can be selectively brought into action A component for receiving or emitting acoustic energy. 2. The Converter according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic module is configured to digitize the signal of the converter element. 3. The Converter according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronics module is configured to process an analog signal. 4. The Converter according to claim 1, characterized in that the conversion element is configured to emit acoustic energy. 5. The Converter according to claim 1, characterized in that the conversion element is configured to receive acoustic energy. 6. The Converter according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a multiplexer module connected to an electronic module. 7. The transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that the acoustic transducer element is selected from the group consisting of piezoelectric devices, devices from lead titanate, devices from lead zirconate-titanate and devices from a piezo-composite type 1-3. 8. The Converter according to claim 1, characterized in that the converter element, the electronic module and the frame are coated with a sealing material to protect against external fluids. 9. The Converter according to claim 8, characterized in that the sealed unit does not contain liquids. 10. The Converter according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame is formed of a flexible material. 11. The Converter according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame is made in the form of a circuit board. 12. The Converter according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains many individual frames connected to each other, on which electronic modules and acoustic transducer elements are placed. 13. The method of assembly of the acoustic transducer, which consists in placing the acoustic transducer element on a frame made with substantially flat surfaces, placing an electronic module on the frame, connecting the acoustic transducer element to an electronic module, while the electronic module is configured to process the signal of the acoustic transducer place the switch on the frame for connection with the electronic module and the converter element, so that the converter ment can be selectively activated to receive acoustic energy or radiation. 14. An acoustic transducer for underground use comprising an acoustic transducer element having a first surface and a second surface, an electronic module coupled to a second surface of the transducer element and adapted to process a signal of the acoustic transducer element, wherein the acoustic transducer element and the electronic module are enclosed in a sealing material. 15. The transducer of claim 14, wherein the acoustic transducer is selected from the group consisting of piezoelectric devices, devices made of lead titanate, devices made of lead zirconate-titanate and devices made of a type 1-3 piezocomposite. 16. The Converter according to 14, characterized in that the electronic module is configured to amplify a signal related to acoustic energy received on the first surface of the acoustic transducer element. 17. The Converter according to 14, characterized in that the electronic module contains a circuit board. 18. The Converter according to 17, characterized in that the electronic module is configured to digitize the signal of the converter element. 19. The Converter according to 14, characterized in that it further comprises a switch connecting the electronic module and the conversion element, so that the conversion element can be selectively activated to receive or emit acoustic energy through the first surface. 20. The transducer of claim 14, wherein the acoustic transducer element is in the form of a disk. 21. The transducer according to 14, characterized in that the acoustic transducer element has the shape of a rectangle. 22. The Converter according to 14, characterized in that it further comprises an acoustic damping material located around the acoustic transducer element. 23. The Converter according to 14, characterized in that it further comprises an acoustic damping material located around the acoustic module and the acoustic transducer element, while the damping material is placed around the acoustic transducer element, and the electronic module is enclosed in a sealing material. 24. The Converter according to 14, characterized in that at least one output of the electronic module is left open.
Priority on points: 01/08/2004 according to claims 1-24.

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