EP1977049A1 - Automated-precision pressure meter - Google Patents

Automated-precision pressure meter

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Publication number
EP1977049A1
EP1977049A1 EP06841957A EP06841957A EP1977049A1 EP 1977049 A1 EP1977049 A1 EP 1977049A1 EP 06841957 A EP06841957 A EP 06841957A EP 06841957 A EP06841957 A EP 06841957A EP 1977049 A1 EP1977049 A1 EP 1977049A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pressure
liquid
pressuremeter
tank
kpi
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP06841957A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1977049B1 (en
Inventor
Francis Cour
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
DATC Europe SAS
Original Assignee
DATC Europe SAS
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by DATC Europe SAS filed Critical DATC Europe SAS
Publication of EP1977049A1 publication Critical patent/EP1977049A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1977049B1 publication Critical patent/EP1977049B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D1/00—Investigation of foundation soil in situ
    • E02D1/02—Investigation of foundation soil in situ before construction work
    • E02D1/022—Investigation of foundation soil in situ before construction work by investigating mechanical properties of the soil
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B49/00—Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
    • E21B49/006—Measuring wall stresses in the borehole

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to logging techniques.
  • the invention relates to a pressuremeter for the evaluation of a geotechnical property of the subsoil, the pressuremeter comprising, as subassemblies, a downhole tool intended to be introduced into a borehole, equipment surface, and connecting means at least adapted to connect the tool to the equipment, these subassemblies themselves comprising at least a first inflatable sleeve carried by the bottom tool, a substantially indeformable reservoir containing volumes.
  • a source of gas under pressure a first conduit connecting the gas source to the gas volume of the reservoir, a second conduit connecting the liquid volume of the reservoir to the first inflatable sleeve, flow control means interposed on the first conduit, a pressure sensor adapted to provide a signal related to the pressure of the liquid in the reservoir, and a volume sensor adapted to provide a signal al related to the volume of the liquid in the tank.
  • the pressuremeter makes it possible to evaluate the mechanical parameters of the soil in situ.
  • each inflatable sleeve is subjected to increasing pressure in stages, in number from six to fourteen, for example, and following an arithmetic progression.
  • the volume of liquid introduced into the first sleeve from the reservoir is measured, typically 15 seconds, 30 seconds and one minute after the end of pressurization.
  • the result of these measurements is expressed by two loading graphs, or pressuremeter curves, one of which gives the variation of volume, measured at one minute, as a function of the pressure, and the other of which corresponds to the volume variations between 30 seconds and a minute, depending on the pressure.
  • the pressuremeter of the invention is essentially characterized in that the reservoir is carried by the bottom tool, in that the means flow control apparatus comprises a nozzle and a valve, in that the surface equipment further comprises pressure control means in which a plurality of increasing pressure setpoints are stored, a successive application program in the time of these instructions, and a correspondence law connecting at least these instructions at corresponding respective time intervals, and in that these pressure control means are designed to selectively open the valve, for the application of each new pressure set according to the program, during the time interval corresponding to this setpoint.
  • the pressure control means are connected to the pressure sensor and are furthermore designed to open the valve during a period of time. predefined time in response to a deficit of the pressure signal relative to a set pressure, when this deficit appears during a plateau at this set pressure and when it exceeds a predetermined threshold.
  • the pressure control means comprise, for example, a control unit actuating the valve and a computer in which the pressure instructions, the program and the correspondence law are stored, this computer being connected to the control unit and controlling it. .
  • the flow control means may comprise a solenoid valve carrying both the nozzle and the valve.
  • the volume sensor comprises a liquid level detector housed in the reservoir, and that the connection means comprise a transmission link connecting the level detector. to surface equipment. Thanks to this arrangement, the volume is measured simply and reliably without the measurement obtained being disturbed by various artefacts, such as the weight of the liquid column between the surface and the bottom, the deformation of the liquid conduit which, in the existing pressuremeters, generally connects the first sleeve to the reservoir disposed on the surface, or the inertia that opposes this conduit to the flow of liquid between the surface and the bottom.
  • the reservoir is advantageously disposed above the first inflatable sleeve, that is to say closer to the surface of the ground than the first sleeve.
  • the volume signal is electrical in nature, the transmission link then comprising a power line.
  • the liquid has a relatively low electrical resistivity
  • the level detector comprises at least one resistive element connected to a generator of electrical energy and partially immersed in the liquid
  • the resistive element has an elongated shape according to the height of the reservoir and a relatively high electrical resistivity, and that the liquid and the resistive element partially shunted by the liquid form for the generator a resistive load having a resistance depending on the level of this liquid in the tank.
  • the electrical energy generator preferably delivers an alternating current to avoid parasitic polarizations.
  • the reservoir may be of cylindrical shape, the resistive element may itself extend along the central axis of the reservoir.
  • the bottom tool of the pressuremeter of the invention may further comprise second and third inflatable sleeves, and a third conduit connecting the volume of gas from the reservoir to these second and third sleeves.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a pressuremeter according to the invention and in use.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view in vertical section of a functional detail of this pressuremeter.
  • the invention relates to a pressuremeter for the evaluation of a geotechnical property of the subsoil.
  • Such an apparatus comprises, as subassemblies, a bottom tool 1 intended to be introduced into a borehole F, a surface equipment 2, and connection means, such as 30 to 33, making it possible in particular to connect the tool 1 to equipment 2.
  • the bottom tool 1 generally comprises three inflatable sleeves, namely a main and central sleeve 11, and two auxiliary sleeves 12 and 13, adjacent to the central sleeve 11 and located on either side of the latter.
  • the main sleeve 11 is essentially formed by an annular elastic membrane that can be inflated by injection of a liquid L under pressure, for example water, coming from a tank 4 and conveyed by a duct 32.
  • the reservoir 4 for example made in a metal cylinder substantially indeformable at the pressures considered, contains, above the liquid L, a propellant gas G such as pressurized nitrogen, the liquid and the gas occupying respective and complementary volumes Vl and Vg of this tank 4.
  • a propellant gas G such as pressurized nitrogen
  • the surface equipment 2 typically comprises a source 21 of clean gas for delivering the gas G under pressure and connected to the volume of gas Vg of the tank 4 by a supply duct 31.
  • the surface equipment 2 also comprises flow control means, such as 220-222, which are interposed on the conduit 31 and which make it possible to control the passage of the gas G from the source 21 to the tank 4, thus the passage of the liquid L of the reservoir 4 towards the sleeve 11 through the conduit 32.
  • flow control means such as 220-222, which are interposed on the conduit 31 and which make it possible to control the passage of the gas G from the source 21 to the tank 4, thus the passage of the liquid L of the reservoir 4 towards the sleeve 11 through the conduit 32.
  • the pressuremeter of the invention further comprises, in a conventional manner, a pressure sensor 5 and a volume sensor 6, the pressure sensor 5 being designed to provide a signal Sp related to the pressure of the liquid L in the tank 4, and the volume sensor 6 being designed to provide a signal Sv related to the volume Vl of the liquid in the tank 4.
  • the tank 4 is carried by the bottom tool 1 and for example disposed above the central inflatable sleeve 11 when the bottom tool 1 is in place in a bore F.
  • the surface equipment 2 further comprises pressure control means, and the flow control means comprise a nozzle 221 and a valve 222, for example integrated with a solenoid valve 220.
  • the pressure control means comprise a control unit 7 adapted to actuate the valve 222, and a computer 8 connected to the control unit 7 and the driver.
  • the computer 8 is provided with a memory in which are stored a plurality of pressure instructions of increasing values Kpi, a program PROG of successive application in time of these instructions Kpi, and a correspondence law CORR for determining, at least on the basis of Kpi instructions, corresponding respective time intervals Tpi.
  • the purpose of the PROG program is to determine at which instants the different pressure levels should be applied, the Kpi instructions defining the values of the different pressures that will have to be reached and maintained during these different pressure levels.
  • the correspondence law CORR is defined so that at each new pressure level, that is to say when applying each new pressure setpoint Kpi according to the program PROG, this pressure setpoint can be reached by the opening of the valve 222, by the means 7 and 8 of pressure control, during the time interval Tpi corresponding to this setpoint Kpi.
  • this pressure setpoint can be reached by the opening of the valve 222, by the means 7 and 8 of pressure control, during the time interval Tpi corresponding to this setpoint Kpi.
  • Poiseuille essentially represented by a linear function of this duration, the minor incidence of variations in the difference between the pressures existing upstream and downstream of the nozzle can also be taken into account and corrected thanks to the prior knowledge of the pressure upstream of the nozzle 221 and the setpoint Kpi to reach.
  • the correspondence law CORR can be determined or refined experimentally by preliminary calibration.
  • the CORR law can finally be stored in the form of a mathematical relationship, or more simply in the form of one or more charts.
  • the pressure in the reservoir 4 should be maintained at the value of the set pressure of that stage until the instant when another pressure level should be reached.
  • the sleeve 11 may, during the duration of a pressure bearing, radially push back the wall of the borehole F and thus increase in volume, the pressure in the tank 4 may decrease during this period and must therefore be compensated.
  • the computer 8 receives the pressure signal Sp from the pressure sensor 5 to which it is connected and compares this pressure signal Sp, permanently or periodically at high frequency, to the reference pressure Kpi which must be maintained during the current pressure level. In the case where the pressure signal Sp has, with respect to this reference pressure Kpi, a deficit greater than a predetermined tolerance threshold, the computer 8 transmits to the control unit 7 the order to open the valve 222 for a predefined time interval TO.
  • the time interval TO is chosen so that the mass of gas passing through the nozzle 221 during this time interval is at least slightly greater than the mass of gas required, in the worst case, to compensate for the deficit of pressure corresponding to the tolerance threshold.
  • the time interval TO take therefore itself a low value, the adequate compensation of the pressure deficit during a pressure bearing being achieved by automatically adjusting the opening frequency of the valve 222 as a function of the speed of the pressure drop in the reservoir 4.
  • the computer 8 which receives the volume signal Sv, also records this signal Sv and the pressure signal Sp correlated in time, for the subsequent processing of these signals.
  • the volume sensor 6 comprises a liquid level detector 61 housed in the tank 4.
  • a transmission link 30 is then provided to connect the level detector 61 to the surface equipment 2, this link being constituted for example by an electric line in the advantageous case where the volume signal Sv is of an electrical nature.
  • the level detector 61 is of the resistive type.
  • the liquid L is chosen to have a relatively low electrical resistivity. It is in particular it is possible to use, as liquid L, ionized water by the presence of impurities, salt or, more preferably, antifreeze.
  • the level detector 61 is composed of, for example, a resistive element 610 and a pure conductor such as a copper bar, the resistive element and the conductor being connected to an electrical energy generator 60 and partially immersed in the liquid L of the tank 4.
  • the generator delivers for example an alternating current of constant amplitude and frequency equal to 270 Hz.
  • the resistive element 610 has an elongated shape along the height of the tank 4 and, by definition, a relatively strong electrical resistivity that is to say at least a hundred times greater than that of the liquid L.
  • the resistive element 610 is for example wound around the conductive bar 611 without being in direct galvanic contact with this bar. Under these conditions, the resistive element 610 and the conductive bar 611 are galvanically connected to each other by the liquid L in the immediate vicinity of the level of this liquid in the tank, the resistive element 610 being shunted by the liquid over its entire submerged length.
  • the liquid L, the resistive element 610, and incidentally the conductive bar 611, form for the current generator 60 a resistive load CR whose electrical resistance depends on the level of this liquid in the tank 4, therefore the volume of liquid L in this tank.
  • the volume signal Sv can thus be represented by the output signal of a phase detection voltmeter 62 installed in parallel on the current generator 60.
  • the wall of the tank 4 also supposed to be conductive, can be used in place of the conductive bar 611 to close the current loop.
  • the pressure sensor 5 can itself be placed in the gaseous phase of the contents of the tank 4, and in particular in the gas supply duct 31, as shown in FIG. auxiliary inflatable sleeves 12 and 13 are selectively inflated by the gas G, and for this purpose connected, via a conduit 33, to the volume Vg of gas G of the reservoir 4.
  • the invention as described therefore also includes all the steps of implementation of the pressuremeter as just described.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Paleontology (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
  • Control Of Fluid Pressure (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure meter particularly comprising, in the form of a probe (1) and of a piece of surface equipment (2), an inflatable sleeve (11), a non-deformable reservoir (4) containing a gas (G) and a liquid (L), a pressurized-gas source (21), various ducts (31, 32), gas-flow control means (220-222), a pressure sensor (5), and a volume sensor. According to the invention, the reservoir (4) is supported by the probe, the gas flow is controlled by a nozzle (221) and a valve (222), and this pressure meter additionally comprises pressure control means (7, 8) designed to open the valve (222), when establishing each new pressure level at a setpoint pressure (Kpi), for a time period (Tpi) corresponding to this setpoint.

Description

PRESSIOMETRE DE PRECISION AUTOMATISE AUTOMATED PRECISION PRESSIOMETER
L'invention concerne, de façon générale, les techniques de diagraphie.The invention relates generally to logging techniques.
Plus précisément, l'invention concerne un pressiomètre destiné à permettre l'évaluation d'une propriété géotechnique du sous-sol, ce pressiomètre comprenant, en tant que sous-ensembles, un outil de fond destiné à être introduit dans un forage, un équipement de surface, et des moyens de raccordement au moins propres à relier l'outil à l'équipement, ces sous-ensembles comprenant eux-mêmes au moins un premier manchon gonflable porté par l'outil de fond, un réservoir sensiblement indéformable contenant des volumes complémentaires de gaz et de liquide, une source de gaz sous pression, un premier conduit reliant la source de gaz au volume de gaz du réservoir, un deuxième conduit reliant le volume de liquide du réservoir au premier manchon gonflable, des moyens de contrôle de débit interposés sur le premier conduit, un capteur de pression propre à fournir un signal lié à la pression du liquide dans le réservoir, et un capteur de volume propre à fournir un signal lié au volume du liquide dans le réservoir.More specifically, the invention relates to a pressuremeter for the evaluation of a geotechnical property of the subsoil, the pressuremeter comprising, as subassemblies, a downhole tool intended to be introduced into a borehole, equipment surface, and connecting means at least adapted to connect the tool to the equipment, these subassemblies themselves comprising at least a first inflatable sleeve carried by the bottom tool, a substantially indeformable reservoir containing volumes. complementary gas and liquid, a source of gas under pressure, a first conduit connecting the gas source to the gas volume of the reservoir, a second conduit connecting the liquid volume of the reservoir to the first inflatable sleeve, flow control means interposed on the first conduit, a pressure sensor adapted to provide a signal related to the pressure of the liquid in the reservoir, and a volume sensor adapted to provide a signal al related to the volume of the liquid in the tank.
Des dispositifs de ce type sont très bien connus de l'homme du métier depuis leur invention par L. Ménard en 1955.Devices of this type are very well known to those skilled in the art since their invention by L. Ménard in 1955.
Le pressiomètre permet d'évaluer in situ les paramètres mécaniques des sols.The pressuremeter makes it possible to evaluate the mechanical parameters of the soil in situ.
Une fois l'outil de fond, ou "sonde", introduit dans un forage, chaque manchon gonflable est soumis à une pression croissante par paliers, en nombre de six à quatorze par exemple, et suivant une progression arithmétique.Once the bottom tool, or "probe", introduced into a borehole, each inflatable sleeve is subjected to increasing pressure in stages, in number from six to fourteen, for example, and following an arithmetic progression.
A chaque palier, le volume de liquide introduit dans le premier manchon à partir du réservoir est mesuré, typiquement 15 secondes, 30 secondes et une minute après la fin de la mise en pression Le résultat de ces mesures est traduit par deux graphiques de chargement, ou courbes pressiométriques, dont l'une donne la variation de volume, mesurée à une minute, en fonction de la pression, et dont l'autre correspond aux variations de volume entre 30 secondes et une minute, en fonction de la pression.At each stage, the volume of liquid introduced into the first sleeve from the reservoir is measured, typically 15 seconds, 30 seconds and one minute after the end of pressurization. The result of these measurements is expressed by two loading graphs, or pressuremeter curves, one of which gives the variation of volume, measured at one minute, as a function of the pressure, and the other of which corresponds to the volume variations between 30 seconds and a minute, depending on the pressure.
Les pressiomètres existants souffrent de plusieurs défauts qui limitent très sérieusement la précision des résultats qu'ils fournissent. L'invention, qui s'inscrit dans ce contexte, a justement pour but de pallier ces imperfections et de proposer un pressiomètre de précision.Existing pressuremeters suffer from several defects that seriously limit the accuracy of the results they provide. The invention, which is part of this context, is precisely intended to overcome these imperfections and to propose a precision pressuremeter.
A cette fin, le pressiomètre de l'invention, par ailleurs conforme à la définition générique qu'en donne le préambule ci-dessus, est essentiellement caractérisé en ce que le réservoir est porté par l'outil de fond, en ce que les moyens de contrôle de débit comprennent un ajutage et un clapet, en ce que l'équipement de surface comprend en outre des moyens de pilotage de pression dans lesquels sont mémorisés une pluralité de consignes de pression de valeurs croissantes, un programme d'application successive dans le temps de ces consignes, et une loi de correspondance reliant au moins ces consignes à des intervalles de temps respectifs correspondants, et en ce que ces moyens de pilotage de pression sont conçus pour ouvrir sélectivement le clapet, en vue de l'application de chaque nouvelle consigne de pression conformément au programme, pendant l'intervalle de temps correspondant à cette consigne. Grâce à cet agencement, la pression du liquide est contrôlée de façon rigoureuse, sans intervention humaine, et sans subir ni l'influence de l'écoulement du gaz sur la mesure de la pression, ni celle du retard d'établissement de la pression dans le réservoir. De préférence, les moyens de pilotage de pression sont reliés au capteur de pression et sont en outre conçus pour ouvrir le clapet pendant un intervalle de temps prédéfini en réponse à un déficit du signal de pression par rapport à une pression de consigne, lorsque ce déficit apparaît pendant un palier à cette pression de consigne et lorsqu'il dépasse un seuil prédéterminé. Les moyens de pilotage de pression comprennent par exemple une unité de commande actionnant le clapet et un ordinateur dans lequel sont mémorisés les consignes de pression, le programme, et la loi de correspondance, cet ordinateur étant relié à l'unité de commande et la pilotant.To this end, the pressuremeter of the invention, moreover in conformity with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the reservoir is carried by the bottom tool, in that the means flow control apparatus comprises a nozzle and a valve, in that the surface equipment further comprises pressure control means in which a plurality of increasing pressure setpoints are stored, a successive application program in the time of these instructions, and a correspondence law connecting at least these instructions at corresponding respective time intervals, and in that these pressure control means are designed to selectively open the valve, for the application of each new pressure set according to the program, during the time interval corresponding to this setpoint. Thanks to this arrangement, the pressure of the liquid is rigorously controlled, without human intervention, and without undergoing the influence of the gas flow on the measurement of the pressure, or that of the pressure setting delay in The reservoir. Preferably, the pressure control means are connected to the pressure sensor and are furthermore designed to open the valve during a period of time. predefined time in response to a deficit of the pressure signal relative to a set pressure, when this deficit appears during a plateau at this set pressure and when it exceeds a predetermined threshold. The pressure control means comprise, for example, a control unit actuating the valve and a computer in which the pressure instructions, the program and the correspondence law are stored, this computer being connected to the control unit and controlling it. .
Dans un mode de réalisation aisé de l'invention, les moyens de contrôle de débit peuvent comprendre une électrovalve portant à la fois l'ajutage et le clapet.In an easy embodiment of the invention, the flow control means may comprise a solenoid valve carrying both the nozzle and the valve.
Pour augmenter encore la précision du pressiomètre de l'invention, il est possible de prévoir que le capteur de volume comprenne un détecteur de niveau de liquide logé dans le réservoir, et que les moyens de raccordement comprennent un lien de transmission reliant le détecteur de niveau à l'équipement de surface. Grâce à cet agencement, le volume est mesuré de façon simple et fiable sans que la mesure obtenue soit perturbée par divers artefacts, tels que le poids de la colonne de liquide entre la surface et le fond, la déformation du conduit de liquide qui, dans les pressiomètres existants, relie généralement le premier manchon au réservoir disposé en surface, ou encore l'inertie qu'oppose ce conduit à la circulation de liquide entre la surface et le fond.To further increase the precision of the pressuremeter of the invention, it is possible to provide that the volume sensor comprises a liquid level detector housed in the reservoir, and that the connection means comprise a transmission link connecting the level detector. to surface equipment. Thanks to this arrangement, the volume is measured simply and reliably without the measurement obtained being disturbed by various artefacts, such as the weight of the liquid column between the surface and the bottom, the deformation of the liquid conduit which, in the existing pressuremeters, generally connects the first sleeve to the reservoir disposed on the surface, or the inertia that opposes this conduit to the flow of liquid between the surface and the bottom.
En configuration opérationnelle de l'outil de fond dans un forage, le réservoir est avantageusement disposé au-dessus du premier manchon gonflable, c'est-à-dire plus proche de la surface du sol que ce premier manchon.In operational configuration of the downhole tool in a borehole, the reservoir is advantageously disposed above the first inflatable sleeve, that is to say closer to the surface of the ground than the first sleeve.
De préférence, le signal de volume est de nature électrique, le lien de transmission comprenant alors une ligne électrique. Dans le mode de réalisation privilégié de l'invention, il est prévu que le liquide présente une résistivité électrique relativement faible, que le détecteur de niveau comprenne au moins un élément résistif relié à un générateur d'énergie électrique et partiellement immergé dans le liquide, que l'élément résistif présente une forme allongée suivant la hauteur du réservoir et une résistivité électrique relativement forte, et que le liquide et l'élément résistif partiellement shunté par le liquide forment pour le générateur une charge résistive présentant une résistance dépendant du niveau de ce liquide dans le réservoir.Preferably, the volume signal is electrical in nature, the transmission link then comprising a power line. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the liquid has a relatively low electrical resistivity, that the level detector comprises at least one resistive element connected to a generator of electrical energy and partially immersed in the liquid, that the resistive element has an elongated shape according to the height of the reservoir and a relatively high electrical resistivity, and that the liquid and the resistive element partially shunted by the liquid form for the generator a resistive load having a resistance depending on the level of this liquid in the tank.
Par ailleurs, le générateur d'énergie électrique délivre de préférence un courant alternatif pour éviter les polarisations parasites.Moreover, the electrical energy generator preferably delivers an alternating current to avoid parasitic polarizations.
Pour simplifier la mesure et son interprétation, le réservoir peut être de forme cylindrique, l'élément résistif pouvant lui-même s'étendre suivant l'axe central du réservoir. Comme dans le cas des pressiomètres connus, l'outil de fond du pressiomètre de l'invention peut comprendre en outre des deuxième et troisième manchons gonflables, et un troisième conduit reliant le volume de gaz du réservoir à ces deuxième et troisième manchons. D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront clairement de la description qui en est faite ci-après, à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :To simplify the measurement and its interpretation, the reservoir may be of cylindrical shape, the resistive element may itself extend along the central axis of the reservoir. As in the case of known pressuremeters, the bottom tool of the pressuremeter of the invention may further comprise second and third inflatable sleeves, and a third conduit connecting the volume of gas from the reservoir to these second and third sleeves. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limitative, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe verticale d'un pressiomètre conforme à l'invention et en cours d'utilisation; et- Figure 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a pressuremeter according to the invention and in use; and
- la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe verticale d'un détail fonctionnel de ce pressiomètre.FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view in vertical section of a functional detail of this pressuremeter.
Comme annoncé précédemment, l'invention concerne un pressiomètre destiné à permettre l'évaluation d'une propriété géotechnique du sous-sol. Un tel appareil comprend, en tant que sous-ensembles, un outil de fond 1 destiné à être introduit dans un forage F, un équipement de surface 2, et des moyens de raccordement, tels que 30 à 33, permettant notamment de relier l'outil 1 à l'équipement 2.As previously announced, the invention relates to a pressuremeter for the evaluation of a geotechnical property of the subsoil. Such an apparatus comprises, as subassemblies, a bottom tool 1 intended to be introduced into a borehole F, a surface equipment 2, and connection means, such as 30 to 33, making it possible in particular to connect the tool 1 to equipment 2.
L'outil de fond 1 comprend en général trois manchons gonflables, à savoir un manchon principal et central 11, et deux manchons auxiliaires 12 et 13, adjacents au manchon central 11 et situés de part et d'autre de ce dernier.The bottom tool 1 generally comprises three inflatable sleeves, namely a main and central sleeve 11, and two auxiliary sleeves 12 and 13, adjacent to the central sleeve 11 and located on either side of the latter.
Le manchon principal 11 est essentiellement formé par une membrane élastique annulaire susceptible d'être gonflée par injection d'un liquide L sous pression, par exemple de l'eau, provenant d'un réservoir 4 et acheminé par un conduit 32.The main sleeve 11 is essentially formed by an annular elastic membrane that can be inflated by injection of a liquid L under pressure, for example water, coming from a tank 4 and conveyed by a duct 32.
Le réservoir 4, par exemple réalisé dans un cylindre métallique sensiblement indéformable aux pressions considérées, contient, au-dessus du liquide L, un gaz G de propulsion tel que de l'azote pressurisé, le liquide et le gaz occupant des volumes respectifs et complémentaires Vl et Vg de ce réservoir 4.The reservoir 4, for example made in a metal cylinder substantially indeformable at the pressures considered, contains, above the liquid L, a propellant gas G such as pressurized nitrogen, the liquid and the gas occupying respective and complementary volumes Vl and Vg of this tank 4.
L'équipement de surface 2 comprend typiquement une source 21 de gaz propre à délivrer le gaz G sous pression et reliée au volume de gaz Vg du réservoir 4 par un conduit d'alimentation 31.The surface equipment 2 typically comprises a source 21 of clean gas for delivering the gas G under pressure and connected to the volume of gas Vg of the tank 4 by a supply duct 31.
L'équipement de surface 2 comprend également des moyens de contrôle de débit, tels que 220-222, qui sont interposés sur le conduit 31 et qui permettent de contrôler le passage du gaz G de la source 21 vers le réservoir 4, donc le passage du liquide L du réservoir 4 vers le manchon 11 à travers le conduit 32.The surface equipment 2 also comprises flow control means, such as 220-222, which are interposed on the conduit 31 and which make it possible to control the passage of the gas G from the source 21 to the tank 4, thus the passage of the liquid L of the reservoir 4 towards the sleeve 11 through the conduit 32.
Le pressiomètre de l'invention comprend encore, de façon classique, un capteur de pression 5 et un capteur de volume 6, le capteur de pression 5 étant conçu pour fournir un signal Sp lié à la pression du liquide L dans le réservoir 4, et le capteur de volume 6 étant conçu pour fournir un signal Sv lié au volume Vl du liquide dans le réservoir 4.The pressuremeter of the invention further comprises, in a conventional manner, a pressure sensor 5 and a volume sensor 6, the pressure sensor 5 being designed to provide a signal Sp related to the pressure of the liquid L in the tank 4, and the volume sensor 6 being designed to provide a signal Sv related to the volume Vl of the liquid in the tank 4.
Selon l'invention, le réservoir 4 est porté par l'outil de fond 1 et par exemple disposé au-dessus du manchon gonflable central 11 lorsque l'outil de fond 1 est en place dans un forage F.According to the invention, the tank 4 is carried by the bottom tool 1 and for example disposed above the central inflatable sleeve 11 when the bottom tool 1 is in place in a bore F.
L ' équipement de surface 2 comprend en outre des moyens de pilotage de pression, et les moyens de contrôle de débit comprennent un ajutage 221 et un clapet 222, par exemple intégrés à une électrovalve 220.The surface equipment 2 further comprises pressure control means, and the flow control means comprise a nozzle 221 and a valve 222, for example integrated with a solenoid valve 220.
Dans le mode de réalisation illustré, les moyens de pilotage de pression comprennent une unité de commande 7 propre à actionner le clapet 222, et un ordinateur 8 relié à l'unité de commande 7 et la pilotant. L'ordinateur 8 est doté d'une mémoire dans laquelle sont stockés une pluralité de consignes de pression de valeurs croissantes Kpi, un programme PROG d'application successive dans le temps de ces consignes Kpi, et une loi de correspondance CORR permettant de déterminer, au moins sur la base des consignes Kpi, des intervalles de temps respectifs correspondants Tpi.In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure control means comprise a control unit 7 adapted to actuate the valve 222, and a computer 8 connected to the control unit 7 and the driver. The computer 8 is provided with a memory in which are stored a plurality of pressure instructions of increasing values Kpi, a program PROG of successive application in time of these instructions Kpi, and a correspondence law CORR for determining, at least on the basis of Kpi instructions, corresponding respective time intervals Tpi.
Le programme PROG a pour fonction de déterminer à quels instants devront être appliqués les différents paliers de pression, les consignes Kpi définissant quant à elles les valeurs des différentes pressions qui devront être atteintes et maintenues au cours de ces différents paliers de pression.The purpose of the PROG program is to determine at which instants the different pressure levels should be applied, the Kpi instructions defining the values of the different pressures that will have to be reached and maintained during these different pressure levels.
La loi de correspondance CORR est définie de manière qu'à chaque nouveau palier de pression, c'est-à-dire lors de l'application de chaque nouvelle consigne de pression Kpi conformément au programme PROG, cette consigne de pression puisse être atteinte par l'ouverture du clapet 222, par les moyens 7 et 8 de pilotage de pression, pendant l'intervalle de temps Tpi correspondant à cette consigne Kpi. En pratique, comme le gaz G est admis dans le réservoir G à travers l'ajutage 221, il s'écoule de façon laminaire .The correspondence law CORR is defined so that at each new pressure level, that is to say when applying each new pressure setpoint Kpi according to the program PROG, this pressure setpoint can be reached by the opening of the valve 222, by the means 7 and 8 of pressure control, during the time interval Tpi corresponding to this setpoint Kpi. In practice, since the gas G is admitted into the tank G through the nozzle 221, it flows laminarly.
La masse de gaz G admise dans le réservoir pendant une durée déterminée est donc, conformément à la loi deThe mass of gas G admitted into the tank for a determined period of time is therefore, in accordance with the law of
Poiseuille, essentiellement représentée par une fonction linéaire de cette durée, l'incidence mineure des variations de la différence entre les pressions existant en amont et en aval de l'ajutage pouvant en outre être prise en compte et corrigée grâce à la connaissance préalable de la pression en amont de l'ajutage 221 et de la consigne Kpi à atteindre.Poiseuille, essentially represented by a linear function of this duration, the minor incidence of variations in the difference between the pressures existing upstream and downstream of the nozzle can also be taken into account and corrected thanks to the prior knowledge of the pressure upstream of the nozzle 221 and the setpoint Kpi to reach.
En variante, ou de façon cumulative, la loi de correspondance CORR peut être déterminée ou affinée expérimentalement par un calibrage préliminaire.Alternatively, or cumulatively, the correspondence law CORR can be determined or refined experimentally by preliminary calibration.
La loi CORR peut enfin être mémorisée sous forme d'une relation mathématique, ou plus simplement sous forme d'une ou plusieurs abaques.The CORR law can finally be stored in the form of a mathematical relationship, or more simply in the form of one or more charts.
Une fois qu'un nouveau palier de pression a été atteint de la façon indiquée ci-dessus, il convient de maintenir la pression dans le réservoir 4 à la valeur de la pression de consigne de ce palier jusqu'à l'instant où un autre palier de pression devra être atteint.Once a new pressure level has been reached in the manner indicated above, the pressure in the reservoir 4 should be maintained at the value of the set pressure of that stage until the instant when another pressure level should be reached.
Comme cependant le manchon 11 peut, pendant la durée d'un palier de pression, refouler radialement la paroi du forage F et donc augmenter de volume, la pression dans le réservoir 4 peut décroître pendant cette durée et doit donc être compensée.As, however, the sleeve 11 may, during the duration of a pressure bearing, radially push back the wall of the borehole F and thus increase in volume, the pressure in the tank 4 may decrease during this period and must therefore be compensated.
Pour ce faire, l'ordinateur 8 reçoit le signal de pression Sp en provenance du capteur de pression 5 auquel il est relié et compare ce signal de pression Sp, en permanence ou périodiquement à fréquence élevée, à la pression de consigne Kpi qui doit être maintenue pendant le palier de pression en cours. Dans le cas où le signal de pression Sp présente, par rapport à cette pression de consigne Kpi, un déficit supérieur à un seuil de tolérance prédéterminé, l'ordinateur 8 transmet à l'unité de commande 7 l'ordre d'ouvrir le clapet 222 pendant un intervalle de temps prédéfini TO. En pratique, l'intervalle de temps TO est choisi de manière que la masse de gaz traversant l'ajutage 221 pendant cet intervalle de temps soit au moins légèrement supérieure à la masse de gaz nécessaire, dans le pire cas, pour compenser le déficit de pression correspondant au seuil de tolérance.To do this, the computer 8 receives the pressure signal Sp from the pressure sensor 5 to which it is connected and compares this pressure signal Sp, permanently or periodically at high frequency, to the reference pressure Kpi which must be maintained during the current pressure level. In the case where the pressure signal Sp has, with respect to this reference pressure Kpi, a deficit greater than a predetermined tolerance threshold, the computer 8 transmits to the control unit 7 the order to open the valve 222 for a predefined time interval TO. In practice, the time interval TO is chosen so that the mass of gas passing through the nozzle 221 during this time interval is at least slightly greater than the mass of gas required, in the worst case, to compensate for the deficit of pressure corresponding to the tolerance threshold.
Dans le cas où la précision souhaitée sur le maintien de la pression au cours d'un palier est élevée, c'est-à- dire dans le cas où la valeur donnée au seuil de tolérance est faible, l'intervalle de temps TO prendra donc lui-même une valeur faible, la compensation adéquate du déficit de pression au cours d'un palier de pression étant réalisée par adaptation automatique de la fréquence d'ouverture du clapet 222 en fonction de la vitesse de la chute de pression dans le réservoir 4. Par ailleurs, l'ordinateur 8, qui reçoit le signal de volume Sv, assure également l'enregistrement de ce signal Sv et du signal de pression Sp de manière corrélée dans le temps, en vue du traitement ultérieur de ces signaux.In the case where the desired precision on maintaining the pressure during a step is high, that is to say in the case where the value given at the tolerance threshold is low, the time interval TO take therefore itself a low value, the adequate compensation of the pressure deficit during a pressure bearing being achieved by automatically adjusting the opening frequency of the valve 222 as a function of the speed of the pressure drop in the reservoir 4. Furthermore, the computer 8, which receives the volume signal Sv, also records this signal Sv and the pressure signal Sp correlated in time, for the subsequent processing of these signals.
Pour augmenter encore la précision du pressiomètre de l'invention, il est possible de prévoir que le capteurde volume 6 comprenne un détecteur 61 de niveau de liquide logé dans le réservoir 4.To further increase the accuracy of the pressuremeter of the invention, it is possible to provide that the volume sensor 6 comprises a liquid level detector 61 housed in the tank 4.
Un lien de transmission 30 est alors prévu pour relier le détecteur de niveau 61 à l'équipement de surface 2, ce lien étant par exemple constitué par une ligne électrique dans le cas avantageux où le signal de volume Sv est de nature électrique.A transmission link 30 is then provided to connect the level detector 61 to the surface equipment 2, this link being constituted for example by an electric line in the advantageous case where the volume signal Sv is of an electrical nature.
Dans un mode de réalisation efficace de l'invention, le détecteur de niveau 61 est de type résistif. Pour ce faire, le liquide L est choisi pour présenter une résistivité électrique relativement faible. Il est notamment possible d'utiliser, en tant que liquide L, de l'eau ionisée par la présence d'impuretés, de sel ou, plus avantageusement encore, d'antigel.In an efficient embodiment of the invention, the level detector 61 is of the resistive type. To do this, the liquid L is chosen to have a relatively low electrical resistivity. It is in particular it is possible to use, as liquid L, ionized water by the presence of impurities, salt or, more preferably, antifreeze.
Le détecteur de niveau 61 est quant à lui composé par exemple d'un élément résistif 610 et d'un conducteur pur tel qu'une barre de cuivre, l'élément résistif et le conducteur étant reliés à un générateur d'énergie électrique 60 et partiellement immergés dans le liquide L du réservoir 4. Le générateur délivre par exemple un courant alternatif d'amplitude constante et de fréquence égale à 270 Hz.The level detector 61 is composed of, for example, a resistive element 610 and a pure conductor such as a copper bar, the resistive element and the conductor being connected to an electrical energy generator 60 and partially immersed in the liquid L of the tank 4. The generator delivers for example an alternating current of constant amplitude and frequency equal to 270 Hz.
L'élément résistif 610 présente une forme allongée suivant la hauteur du réservoir 4 et, par définition, une résistivité électrique relativement forte c'est-à-dire au moins cent fois supérieure à celle du liquide L.The resistive element 610 has an elongated shape along the height of the tank 4 and, by definition, a relatively strong electrical resistivity that is to say at least a hundred times greater than that of the liquid L.
L'élément résistif 610 est par exemple enroulé autour de la barre conductrice 611 sans être en contact galvanique direct avec cette barre. Dans ces conditions, l'élément résistif 610 et la barre conductrice 611 sont galvaniquement reliés l'un à l'autre par le liquide L au voisinage immédiat du niveau de ce liquide dans le réservoir, l'élément résistif 610 étant shunté par le liquide sur toute sa longueur immergée.The resistive element 610 is for example wound around the conductive bar 611 without being in direct galvanic contact with this bar. Under these conditions, the resistive element 610 and the conductive bar 611 are galvanically connected to each other by the liquid L in the immediate vicinity of the level of this liquid in the tank, the resistive element 610 being shunted by the liquid over its entire submerged length.
En d'autres termes, le liquide L, l'élément résistif 610, et accessoirement la barre conductrice 611, forment pour le générateur de courant 60 une charge résistive CR dont la résistance électrique dépend du niveau de ce liquide dans le réservoir 4, donc du volume de liquide L dans ce réservoir.In other words, the liquid L, the resistive element 610, and incidentally the conductive bar 611, form for the current generator 60 a resistive load CR whose electrical resistance depends on the level of this liquid in the tank 4, therefore the volume of liquid L in this tank.
Le signal Sv de volume peut ainsi être représenté par le signal de sortie d'un voltmètre à détection en phase 62 installé en parallèle sur le générateur de courant 60. En variante, la paroi du réservoir 4, également supposée conductrice, peut être utilisée à la place de la barre conductrice 611 pour refermer la boucle de courant.The volume signal Sv can thus be represented by the output signal of a phase detection voltmeter 62 installed in parallel on the current generator 60. Alternatively, the wall of the tank 4, also supposed to be conductive, can be used in place of the conductive bar 611 to close the current loop.
Des détecteurs de niveau de ce type sont par exemple décrits dans le brevet US 4 188 826.Level detectors of this type are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,188,826.
Comme le montre la figure 1, le capteur de pression 5 peut quant à lui être disposé dans la phase gazeuse du contenu du réservoir 4, et notamment dans le conduit 31 d'alimentation en gaz G. Comme le montre encore la figure 1, les manchons gonflables auxiliaires 12 et 13 sont sélectivement gonflés par le gaz G, et à cette fin reliés, par un conduit 33, au volume Vg de gaz G du réservoir 4.As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure sensor 5 can itself be placed in the gaseous phase of the contents of the tank 4, and in particular in the gas supply duct 31, as shown in FIG. auxiliary inflatable sleeves 12 and 13 are selectively inflated by the gas G, and for this purpose connected, via a conduit 33, to the volume Vg of gas G of the reservoir 4.
L'invention telle que décrite inclut donc également toutes les étapes de mise en oeuvre du pressiomètre tel qu'il vient d'être décrit. The invention as described therefore also includes all the steps of implementation of the pressuremeter as just described.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 - Pressiomètre destiné à permettre l'évaluation d'une propriété géotechnique du sous-sol, ce pressiomètre comprenant, en tant que sous-ensembles, un outil de fond (1) destiné à être introduit dans un forage (F) , un équipement de surface (2) , et des moyens (30-33) de raccordement au moins propres à relier l'outil à l'équipement, ces sous-ensembles comprenant eux-mêmes au moins un premier manchon gonflable (11) porté par l'outil de fond (1), un réservoir (4) sensiblement indéformable contenant des volumes complémentaires (Vg, Vl) de gaz (G) et de liquide (L) , une source de gaz sous pression (21) , un premier conduit (31) reliant la source de gaz (21) au volume de gaz (Vg) du réservoir (4), un deuxième conduit (32) reliant le volume de liquide (Vl) du réservoir (4) au premier manchon gonflable (11), des moyens de contrôle de débit (220-222) interposés sur le premier conduit (31), un capteur de pression (5) propre à fournir un signal (Sp) lié à la pression du liquide dans le réservoir (4), et un capteur de volume (6) propre à fournir un signal (Sv) lié au volume (Vl) du liquide dans le réservoir (4), caractérisé en ce que le réservoir (4) est porté par l'outil de fond (1), en ce que les moyens de contrôle de débit (220-222) comprennent un ajutage (221) et un clapet (222), en ce que l'équipement de surface (2) comprend en outre des moyens (7, 8) de pilotage de pression dans lesquels sont mémorisés une pluralité de consignes (Kpi) de pression de valeurs croissantes, un programme (PROG) d'application successive dans le temps de ces consignes (Kpi) , et une loi de correspondance (CORR) reliant au moins ces consignes (Kpi) à des intervalles de temps respectifs correspondants (Tpi) , et en ce que ces moyens (7, 8) de pilotage de pression sont conçus pour ouvrir sélectivement le clapet (222), en vue de l'application de chaque nouvelle consigne de pression (Kpi) conformément au programme (PROG), pendant l'intervalle de temps (Tpi) correspondant à cette consigne.1 - A pressuremeter for evaluating a geotechnical property of the subsoil, said pressuremeter comprising, as subassemblies, a bottom tool (1) intended to be introduced into a borehole (F), an equipment surface (2), and connecting means (30-33) at least adapted to connect the tool to the equipment, these subassemblies themselves comprising at least a first inflatable sleeve (11) carried by the bottom tool (1), a substantially indeformable reservoir (4) containing complementary volumes (Vg, Vl) of gas (G) and liquid (L), a source of pressurized gas (21), a first conduit (31), ) connecting the gas source (21) to the gas volume (Vg) of the tank (4), a second pipe (32) connecting the liquid volume (Vl) of the tank (4) to the first inflatable sleeve (11), flow control means (220-222) interposed on the first conduit (31), a pressure sensor (5) adapted to provide a signal (Sp) related to the pressure liquid in the tank (4), and a volume sensor (6) adapted to provide a signal (Sv) related to the volume (Vl) of the liquid in the tank (4), characterized in that the tank (4) is carried by the bottom tool (1), in that the flow control means (220-222) comprises a nozzle (221) and a valve (222), in that the surface equipment (2) comprises furthermore, pressure control means (7, 8) in which a plurality of increasing value setpoints (Kpi) of pressure are stored, a program (PROG) of successive application in time of these setpoints (Kpi), and a correspondence law (CORR) connecting at least these setpoints (Kpi) at corresponding respective time intervals (Tpi), and in that these pressure control means (7, 8) are designed to selectively open the valve (222). ) for the application of each new pressure reference (Kpi) in accordance with in the program (PROG) during the time interval (Tpi) corresponding to this instruction.
2 - Pressiomètre suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens (7, 8) de pilotage de pression sont reliés au capteur de pression (5) et en ce qu'ils sont en outre conçus pour ouvrir le clapet (222) pendant un intervalle de temps prédéfini (TO) en réponse à un déficit du signal de pression (Sp) par rapport à une pression de consigne (Kpi) , lorsque ce déficit apparaît pendant un palier à cette pression de consigne (Kpi) et lorsqu'il dépasse un seuil prédéterminé.2 - Pressuremeter according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure control means (7, 8) are connected to the pressure sensor (5) and in that they are furthermore designed to open the valve (222) during a predefined time interval (TO) in response to a deficit of the pressure signal (Sp) relative to a set pressure (Kpi), when this deficit appears during a plateau at this set pressure (Kpi) and when exceeds a predetermined threshold.
3 - Pressiomètre suivant la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les moyens (7, 8) de pilotage de pression comprennent une unité de commande (7) actionnant le clapet (222) et un ordinateur (8) dans lequel sont mémorisés les consignes de pression (Kpi) , le programme (PROG) , et la loi de correspondance (CORR) , cet ordinateur (8) étant relié à l'unité de commande (7) et la pilotant. 4 - Pressiomètre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de contrôle de débit (220-222) comprennent une électrovalve (220) portant à la fois l'ajutage (221) et le clapet (222) . 5 - Pressiomètre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le capteur de volume (6) comprend un détecteur de niveau de liquide (61) logé dans le réservoir (4), et en ce que les moyens de raccordement (30-33) comprennent un lien de transmission (30) reliant le détecteur de niveau (61) à l'équipement de surface (2).3 - Pressuremeter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means (7, 8) of pressure control comprises a control unit (7) actuating the valve (222) and a computer (8) in which are stored the pressure instructions (Kpi), the program (PROG), and the correspondence law (CORR), this computer (8) being connected to the control unit (7) and driving it. 4 - pressuremeter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow control means (220-222) comprises a solenoid valve (220) carrying both the nozzle (221) and the valve (222). 5 - Pressuremeter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume sensor (6) comprises a liquid level detector (61) housed in the reservoir (4), and in that the connection means ( 30-33) comprise a transmission link (30) connecting the level detector (61) to the surface equipment (2).
6 - Pressiomètre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le réservoir (4), en configuration opérationnelle de l'outil de fond (1) dans un forage (F) , est disposé au-dessus du premier manchon gonflable (11) . 7 - Pressiomètre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes combinée à la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le signal de volume (Sv) est de nature électrique et en ce que le lien de transmission (30) comprend une ligne électrique.6 - pressuremeter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (4), in operational configuration of the bottom tool (1) in a borehole (F), is disposed above the first inflatable sleeve (11). 7 - Pressuremeter according to any one of the preceding claims combined with claim 5, characterized in that the volume signal (Sv) is electrical in nature and in that the transmission link (30) comprises a power line.
8 - Pressiomètre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le réservoir (4) est cylindrique.8 - Pressuremeter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (4) is cylindrical.
9 - Pressiomètre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes combinée à la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le liquide (L) présente une résistivité électrique relativement faible, en ce que le détecteur de niveau (61) comprend au moins un élément résistif (610) relié à un générateur d'énergie électrique (60) et partiellement immergé dans le liquide (L), en ce que l'élément résistif (610) présente une forme allongée suivant la hauteur du réservoir (4) et une résistivité électrique relativement forte, et en ce que le liquide (L) et l'élément résistif (610) partiellement shunté par le liquide (L) forment pour le générateur (60) une charge résistive (CR) présentant une résistance dépendant du niveau de ce liquide dans le réservoir (4) .9 - Pressuremeter according to any one of the preceding claims combined with claim 5, characterized in that the liquid (L) has a relatively low electrical resistivity, in that the level detector (61) comprises at least one resistive element ( 610) connected to an electrical energy generator (60) and partially immersed in the liquid (L), in that the resistive element (610) has an elongate shape depending on the height of the reservoir (4) and a relatively high electrical resistivity strong, and in that the liquid (L) and the resistive element (610) partially shunted by the liquid (L) form for the generator (60) a resistive load (CR) having a resistance depending on the level of this liquid in the tank (4).
10 - Pressiomètre suivant la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que le générateur d'énergie électrique (60) délivre un courant alternatif.10 - Pressuremeter according to claim 9, characterized in that the electric power generator (60) delivers an alternating current.
11 - Pressiomètre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'outil de fond (1) comprend en outre des deuxième et troisième manchons gonflables (12, 13) , et un troisième conduit (33) reliant le volume (Vg) de gaz du réservoir (4) aux deuxième et troisième manchons (12, 13). 11 - Pressuremeter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom tool (1) further comprises second and third inflatable sleeves (12, 13), and a third conduit (33) connecting the volume ( Vg) of gas from the tank (4) to the second and third sleeves (12, 13).
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE442490T1 (en) 2009-09-15
WO2007080283A1 (en) 2007-07-19
EP1977049B1 (en) 2009-09-09
CA2633430A1 (en) 2007-07-19
DE602006009152D1 (en) 2009-10-22
US20080295589A1 (en) 2008-12-04
FR2895011A1 (en) 2007-06-22
FR2895011B1 (en) 2008-03-07
MA30150B1 (en) 2009-01-02

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