GB2496576A - Method And Apparatus For Determining Topography Within Awellb re Environment - Google Patents
Method And Apparatus For Determining Topography Within Awellb re Environment Download PDFInfo
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- GB2496576A GB2496576A GB1117337.4A GB201117337A GB2496576A GB 2496576 A GB2496576 A GB 2496576A GB 201117337 A GB201117337 A GB 201117337A GB 2496576 A GB2496576 A GB 2496576A
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- target region
- environment
- topography
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- probe
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title abstract description 171
- 238000012876 topography Methods 0.000 title abstract description 104
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 abstract description 89
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 abstract description 24
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 26
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 15
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 14
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 14
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 7
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- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011960 computer-aided design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000004677 hydrates Chemical class 0.000 description 2
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- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 2
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Classifications
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- 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
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/002—Survey of boreholes or wells by visual inspection
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01V—GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS
- G01V8/00—Prospecting or detecting by optical means
- G01V8/10—Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers
-
- 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
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
-
- 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
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/08—Measuring diameters or related dimensions at the borehole
-
- 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
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/08—Measuring diameters or related dimensions at the borehole
- E21B47/085—Measuring diameters or related dimensions at the borehole using radiant means, e.g. acoustic, radioactive or electromagnetic
-
- 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
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/09—Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wells, e.g. the position of an extending arm; Identifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B11/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
- G01B11/30—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring roughness or irregularity of surfaces
- G01B11/303—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring roughness or irregularity of surfaces using photoelectric detection means
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Geophysics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
Abstract
A method for determining topography within a wellbore environment comprises locating a probe in a wellbore, directing a beam of light from the probe onto a plurality of positions of a target region within a wellbore environment, detecting light reflected from a plurality of positions of the target region and analysing the detected light to determine a topography of the target region. Light may be directed onto the plurality of positions of the target region at the same time and/or at different times. Such a method may permit features in the wellbore environment to be monitored, or may permit a requirement for maintenance of the wellbore environment to be identified and/or a life-span of the wellbore environment to be predicted. An apparatus for determining topography within a wellbore environment is also disclosed.
Description
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING TOPOGRAPHY WITHIN A
WELLBORE ENVIRONMENT
FIELD
The present invenhon relates to a method and apparatus for determLiing topography within a wellbore environment and, Li particular, though not exclusively, for determining topography within and/or adjacent to a weDbore.
9ACKGROUND It is often desirable to measure the geometry and/or dimensions of tubular infrastructure and components in the oil and gas industry. It is, in particular, often desirable to measure the inner diameters of pipes, risers, casings, valves and the like when located in a weHbore environment Such measurements can be used tar scheduUng maintenance and/or predicting lifetimes of tubuar infrastructure and components and may, in particuiar, permit an operator to make informed decisions for the costeffective operation of oil and/or gas wells.
Mechanical cailipers, photographic and/ar video imaging techniques have traditionaHy been used to measure the geometry of a wellbore. However: the use of caffipers may be limited to round or neaNround webore geometries, while the nature of photographic or video imaging means no accurate dimensional information is generated. Furthermore, such techniques may be slow and/or relatively expensive to implement. This is particularly important when performing such measurements as part of a wefl intervention which may require interruption of production of oil and/or gas through the wellbore. In addition, it may be difficult or timeconsuming to analyse or interpret video images especially when the video images are taken though a turbid fluid which may be present in a weilbore environment. Furthermore, high resolution video images often comprise relatively high volumes of data requiring a relatively large data store in the weUbore or requiring the transmission of reiatively high data volumes to surface.
ft is known to use laser scanning techniques to determine the topography of objects such as machine parts, the exterior of industrial plants, the exterior surfaces of buildings and the walls of subterranean caverns. The use of laser scanning is also known in submarine applications. All of these known uses of laser scanning techrnques involve scanning objects with a laser beam in air or water at relativeiy low pressures and at relatively low temperatures.
SUMMARY
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for determining topography within a welibore environment, comprising: boating a probe in a wefi bore; threcting a beam of light from the probe onto a pluraty of positions of a target region within a welibore environment; detecting fight reflected from a plurafity of positions of the target regbn; and analysing the detected light to determine a topography of the target region.
The plurality of positions of the target region from which reflected light is detected may be the same plurafity of positions of the target region onto which the beam o light is directed.
The plurality of positions of the target region from which reflected fight is detected may be selected from the piurefity of positions of the target region onto which the beam of fight is directed.
The method may comprise analysing the detected light to determine a plurafity of distances from the probe to a plurality of positions of the target region from which reflected light is detected.
The plurality of positions of the target region to which the distance from the probe is determined may be the same plurality of positions of the target region from which reflected light is detected.
The plurality of positions of the target region to which the distance from the probe is determined may be selected from the plurality of positions of the target region from which reflected light is detected.
The method may comprise anaiysing the detected light to determine at east one of a profile, geometry, size and shape of at least a portion of the target region.
Such a method may permit a quantitative 3D profile of the target region to be determined from the detected light.
The method may comprise using the probe to detect Ught reflected from a plurality of positions of the target region.
The method may comprise using a detector external to the probe to detect light reflected from a plurafity of positions of the target region.
The method may comprise using a detector remote from the probe to detect light reflected from a pEuraty of positions of the target region.
The method may comprise anaiy&ng the detected Ught to determine a propeiy of a surface of the target region. For example, the method may comprise analysing the detected ght to determine a surface feature, surface roughness, pitting depth or the like of the target region.
The method may comprise monitoring changes in the topography of the target region by repeatedly determining the topography of the target region at thfferent times.
The method may comprise checking compance of the target region topography with a predetermined topography. Such a method may be used to check that the topography of the target region remains within a predetermined specification and/or within predetermined tolerances.
The method may comprise comparing the determined topography of the target region with a previous topography of the target regkm.
The method may comprise comparing the determined topography of a target region of a wefibore component such as a weUbore tubular with an original topography of the weUbore component determined before location of the wefibore component in the weilbore environment.
The original topography of the weflbore component may be determined by measuring the weUbore component before location of the weUbore component in the weHbore environment. The original topography of the weUbore component may be determined from Computer Aided Design (CAD) data of the w&lbore component.
The method may comprise monitoring corrosion, erosion, wear, cavitation or any other material removal process of the target region by repeatedly determining the topography of the target region at different times.
The method may comprise monitoring deposition of one or more substances in the target region by repeatedly determining the topography of the target region at different times. Such a method may permit monitoring of build up of scaina, hydrates, particulates, aggregates? gravel, siurry, mud or the like in the weilbore environment.
Such buUd up may have a detrimental affect on the performance of an oil and/or gas well.
The method may comprise conducting a maintenance operation in the weilbore erMronment For example, the method may comprise conducting a maintenance operation of the weUbore environment, conducting a maintenance operation on an object located in the weilbore environment and/or conducting a maIntenance operation on a weflbore component defining at least a portion of the wehbore. The method may comprise reaming, removing buid up from, pigging, cleaning, reworking, rep!acement of, arid/or lining of the weHbore envfronment, of an obct located in the wefibore envftonment and/or of a weHbore component defining at least a portion of the welibore.
The method may comprise conducting a maintenance operation in the w&bore environment after determining the topography of the target region. The method may comprise determining a requirement for a maintenance operation from the determined topography of th.e target region. The method may comprise scheduling a maintenance operation in the welibore environment in response to detected changes in the topography of the target region.
The method may comprise monitoring the topography of the target region during a maintenance operation in the webore environment. Such a method may permit improved control of a maintenance operation.
The method may comprise completing a maintenance operation in the wellbore environment before determining the topography of the target region. Such a method may permit the effectiveness of a maintenance operation to be determined.
The method may comprise injecting a substance such as a fluid, cement, mud, a chemical a proppant and/or the Ike into the weilbore environment. Such a method may be advantageous during a weli completion and/or a well interventbn operation.
The method may comprise injecting a substance into the welibore environment after determining the topography of the target region. The method may comprise injecting a substance into the weHbore environment in response to detected changes in the topography of the target region.
The method may comprise monitoring the topography of the target region whkt injecting a substance into the weflbore environment. Such a method may permit improved control of injection of a substance into the weUbore environment.
The method may comprise injecting a substance into the welibore environment before determining the topography of the target region. Such a method may permit the effect at injecting the substance into the welibore environment to be determined.
The method may comprise perforating a ca&ng, tubular or the like in the weUhore environment.
The method may comprise perforating a casing, tubuiar or the like in the w&lbore environment after detemiining the topography of the target region The method may comprise perforating a casing, tubur or the ike in the webore environment in response to detected changes in the topography ci the target region -The method may comprise monitoring the topography of the target reon whilst perforating a casing, tubular or the ike in the wefibore environment, Such a method may permit improved control of a perforating operation in the webore environment.
The method may comprise perforating a ca&ng, tubular or the ke in the welibore environment before determining the topography of the target region. Such a method may permit the effect of a perforating operation in the wellbore environment to be determined.
The method may comprise fracturing a subterranean formation in or adjacent to the wellbore environment.
The method may comprise fracturing a subterranean formation in or adjacent to the weflbore environment after determining the topography of the target region. The method may comprise fracturing a subterranean formation in or adjacent to the wellbore environment in response to detected changes in the topography of the target region.
The method may comprise monitoring the topography of the target region whilst fracturing a subterranean formation in or adjacent to the welibore environment. Such a method may permit improved control of a fracturing operation.
The method may comprise fracturing a subterranean formation in or adjacent to the wellbore environment before determining the topography of the target region. Such a method may permit the effect of a fracturing operation to be determined. The method may comprise predicting a life--span of the wefibore environment, predicting a lifespan of an object located in the weilbore environment and/or predicting a ifespan of a webore component defining at least a portion of the weilbore in response to detected changes in the topography of the target region.
The method may comprise determining a position of the probe within the weilbore environment. For example, the method may comprise using a depth gauge, a gyroscope, a Hail Effect sensor and/or an RFD tag to determine a position of the probe within the weilbore environment. Determining a position of the probe within the weHbore environment may be necessary to permit a comparison of the determined topography with a previou&y determined topography of the target region.
The wefibore may define or form part of at least a portion of an oil or gas well.
The weUbore may define a fluid connecton between a hydrocarbon reservoir or hydrocabonbearing formation and a weUhead. The wefibore may define a fluid connection between a subterranean formation and a wehead The weUhead may be located subsea.
The weUhead may be located at ground leveL The webore may be an open hole, a lined hole, a compieted hole, a hoe ned with cement, or the hke.
The webore may be defined by or within a tubular member. For example, the webore may be defined by or within a pipe, a riser, a casing, production tubing or the like.
The welibore may be defined by or within a tubular member configured for connection within a tubing string. For example, the wetore may be dened by or within a tubular joint, weld, coupling, valve, flapper valve, Blowout Preventer (BOP) or the Uke.
The wefibare environment may comprise an environment within the wetore and/or an environment adjacent to the wefibore, The weHbore environment may contain t]thd.
The weUbore environment may contain fluid at pressures of up to 15,000 PSI, at pressures of up 10000 PSI or at pressures of up 5,000 PSL The wefibore environment may contain fluid at temperatures of up to 200°C, at temperatures of up to 150°C or at temperatures of up to 125°C.
The target region may comprise at least part of a feature within the weHbore environment.
The target regbn may be defined by the weilbore.
The target region may comprise a sidewall of the wetore, The target region may comprise a feature of the weflbore.
The target region may be defined within the weilbore.
The target region may comprise at least a portion of an object located in the weUbore.
The target region may comprise at east a portion of an obstruction in the weilbore.
The target region may comprise at least a porfion of a blockage, a &ug, a plug, or an object which has become stuck or has been dropped frito the weflhore.
The target region may comprise a restriction or a constriction within the wetore.
The target region may comprise scaling, hydrates, particulates. aggregates, qraveL slurry, mud or the like.
The target region may comprise at least a portion of a valve member or a member such as a shearing member of a BOP.
The target region may comprise at least a portion of a feature of a tubular member which defines the weHbore or of a tubular member within which the weUbore is defined.
The target region may comprise at east a portion of a perforation, a port, a crack, a fracture and/or the ke of a tubular member which defines the wellbore or of a tubular member wfthin which the weflbore is defined, The target region may comprise at least a portion of a feature of a subteffanean formation.
The target region may comprise a natural and/or a manmade feature.
The target region may comprise at east a portion of a fissure, crack, fracture, perforafion and/or the ike of a subterranean formation.
The method may comprise: incorporating the probe into a tool; and running the tool into the weflbore.
The method may comprise incorporating the probe into the weUbore environment. For example, the method may comprise incorporating the probe into a tubular member which defines the wellbore or into a tubular member within which the weUbore is defined. The method may comprise incorporating the probe into the wefibore environment so as to permit monitoring of a critical component in the weilbore environment such as a critical valve or the like, The method may comprise generating light from a laser source, a superluminescent diode or an LED.
The method may comprise generating visible, infrared and/or ultraviolet light.
The method may comprise generaUng light having a single frequency.
The method may comprise generating ght having a plurality of discrete frequencies.
The method may comprise generating light having a continuous range of frequencies.
The method may comprise locating a light source for generating the beam of light within the probe.
The method may comprise generating the beam of dight remotely from the probe, for example generating the beam of!ight remot&y from the wefibore, and delivering light to the probe.
The method may comprise using a Ught guide, waveguide, optical fibre or the like to deUver light to the probe from a light source located remotely from the probe.
The method may comprise detecting Ught scattered from the target region.
The method may comprise direcUng ght from the probe to a position of incidence on the target region along a direction of incidence and detecting light scattered from the position of incidence in a soUd angle defined around a direction of reflection, wherein the direction of reflection and the direction of incidence are substanhay coflinear. Such a collinear technique may permit the topography of narrow and/or deep recesses to be determined. For example. such a coinear technique may permit the topography of narrow and/or deep holes, cracks.
perforations, fissures and the like to be determined.
The beam of light may have a generally circular or a generally elliptical cross-section. Such a beam may be scanned across the target region to obtain a point cloud.
The beam of light may have an elongated or extended crosssection. For example, the beam of light may have a generally linear cross-section. The beam of Hght may have a cross-section of which at least a portion is curved, Beams of light having extended cross-sections may be directed upon the target region so as to iHuminate a generally extended portion of the target region when vwed along a direction of incidence. Use of such beams may permit the topography of the target region to be determined more rapidly.
The beam of light may be structured. For example, the beam of light may have a oross-section& intensity distribution comprising a pluraty of discrete features. The beam of light may have a cross-sectional intensity distribution comprising a plurality of spots, a plurSty of hnes and/or a grid of lines, Use of such structured beams may permit the topography of the target region to be determined more rapidly.
The method may comprise directing the beam of light from the probe onto a plurality of positions of the target region at the same time. Such a method may avoid the need to scan a beam across the target region to determine a topography of the target region.
The method may comprise directing the beam of light from the probe onto a plurality of positions of the target region at different times, The probe may comprise a scanner and the method may comprise using the scanner to scan the beam of light across a plurality of positions of the target region.
The method may comprise scanning a beam of light having an extended cross section such as a near crosssection across the target regon. The method may comprise scanning a structured beam of 9ht across the target region. Scanning a beam of Ught having an extended crosssection or a structured beam of ght across the target region may permit the topography of the target region to be determined more rapidly.
The method may comprise using conoscopic holography. The method may, for example, comprise using a conoscopic scanner such as a 3D conoacopic optical scanner. Such a method may be coffinear. Such a method may be suitable for harsh wefibore environments. Such a method may be performed using a Ught source having lower coherence compared with the coherence of light sources required for use in other three dimensional scanning techniques.
The method may comprise: directing ght scattered from the target region through a birefringent crystal; interfering light transmitted by the birefringent crystal to produce an interferogram; and detecting an intensity distribution of the interferogram.
The method may comprise determining a position of incidence of light from the scanner on the target region from the intensity distribution of an interferogram.
The method may comprise: polarising the Ught scattered from the target region on an input side of the birefringent crystal so that a first porhon of the light travSs at a first velocity through the birefringent crystal and a second portion of the light travels at a second velocity through the birefringent crystaL The method may comprise; recombining the first and second portions of the light after transmission through the crystal to produce an interferogram.
The method may comprise using blangthation. For example, the method may comprise using a triangulation scanner such as a triangulation 3D wanner.
The method may comprise: defining a fixed aperture; and determining a direction of light which is scattered from the target region and which passes through the aperture.
The method may comprise: directing light which passes through the aperture to a detection position in a detection pne according to the direction a? the fight which passes through the aperture; determining the detection position in the detection plane; and determining the direction of ght which is scattered from the target region and which passes through the aperture from the determined detection position.
The method may comprise: imaging light so as to define an aperture and so as to direct fight which passes through the aperture to a detection position in a detection plane according to the direction of the light which passes through the aperture.
The method may comprise a time-of4light range finding method. The method may comprise using a timeof4light 3D scanner.
The method may comprise: directing fight pulses onto the target region; measuring a time taken by the light pulses to travel from the scanner to the target region and back to the scanner; and determining a distance from the scanner to the target region from the measured time.
A timeof4light range finding method may permit the determination of a topography of a target region with greater accuracy at longer distances when compared with conoscopic or triangulation range finding methods. Furthermore, unlike a triangulation range finding method, a timeof$hght range finding method may be cal inear.
The method may comprise directing the beam of light from the probe along a generaUy axial direction of the welibore.
The method may comprise directing the beam of light from the probe along a generally radial direction of the webore.
The method may comprise directing the beam of light from the probe along a generally axial direction of the welibore at a first time and directing the beam of light from the probe along a generafly radial direction of the weilbore at a second time.
Such a method may permit the topography of different features in the weilbore environment to he determined irrespective of the position of the features relative to the probe.
The method may comprise directing the beam of light along a direction between axial and radial directions of the wefibore.
The method may compdse dfrecting the beam of HghL from the probe over a range of directions between axia and radial directions of the wefibore, Such a method S may permit the topography of a hemispherical or parthemispherical target region within the weUbore environment to be determined.
The method may comprise varying an orientation of the probe relative to the welibore environment, For example, the method may comprise rotating the probe around an axis of the wefibore environment, Such a method may permit scanning of the beam of light across the target region when the probe is non-scanning.
The method may comprise scanning the beam of light over the target region with a first angular resolution; and scanning the beam of light over the target region with a second angular resolufion which is higher than the first angular resolution, The method may comprise scanning the beam of ght over the target region with the second angular resolution in response to the topography of the target region determined using the first angular resolution.
The method may comprise capturing an image of a region of the w&Ibore environment, The method may comphse illuminating a region of the wellbore environment using a light source different to a light source used to provide the beam of light.
The method may comprise illuminating the target region of the weilbore environment using a whte light source.
The method may comprise capturing a video or still image of the target region of the weilbore environment.
The method may comprise determining the topography of the target region in response to one or more features observed in a captured image of the target region.
The captured image may, for example, be a relatively high resolution image of a relatively large region of the webore environment.
The method may comprise: identifying a feature of interest in the captured image: directing the beam of light from the probe across the feature of interest; detecting light reflected from the feature of interest; and analysing the detected light to determine a topography of the feature of interest.
The method may comprSe directkig the beam of light over the target region of the weflbore environment in response to one or more measurements of the target region of the webore environment made using mechanical caffipers or the like.
The method may comprise capturing an image of the target region in response to the determined topography of the target region.
The method may compSe: comparing the determined topography of the target region to a reference topography; and capturing an image of the target region according to the resthts of the comparison.
The reference topography may, for example, comphse a previously determined topography or define an expected topography, a specified topography or a topographic toisrance or mit. The captured image of the target region may provide further information for diagnostic purposes.
1-5 Topographical data determined using the apparatus may contain less information than a captured image data such as a video data. Thus, the topographical data may require ess memory for storage than video data, This may be advantageous where it is necessary to store the topographical data in memory within a downhole tool which is subsequently recovered to surface for analysis of the topographical data.
Furthermore, topographical data may be more readily and more rapidiy analysed than captured image data. Thus, it may advantageous to analyse the topographical data first and, depending on the results of the analysis of the topographical data, capture and analyse image data at a later time to provide further diagnostic information of a feature of interest identified from the topographical data.
The method may comprise: monitoring the light reflected from the target region over a period of time; and determining a change in an optical property of the welibore environment from the monitored light.
Such a method may be used to monitor changes in the optical transmission of a fluid in the weHbore environment and may be indicative of changes in the composition and/or flow rate of the fluid.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for determining topography within a weilbore environment, comprising a probe configured for location in a weUbore so as to direct a beam of light onto a plurahty of positions of a target region within a welibore environment, a detector configured to receive light reflected from a plurallty of positions of the target region, and a controller configured for communication with the probe and the detector and to analyse the detected llght to determine a topography of the target region.
The probe may comprise the controller, The controller may be ocated adjacent the probe.
The controller may be located remotely from the probe.
The controller may be located in the wellbore, The controller may be located at surface, The controller may he configured for wirellne or wireless commurilcatbns with ID the probe and/or the detector.
The probe may comprise the detector.
The detector may be located adjacent the probe.
The detector may be located remotely from the probe.
The detector may be located in the wellbore.
The detector may be located at surface.
The detector may be configured for optical communication with the weflbore environment. For example, the apparatus may comprise a llghtguide. optical waveguide, optical fibre or the like arranged to dellver ght from the wellbore environment to the detector.
The aDparatus may comprise a housing.
The housing may contain the probe.
The housing may contain the controller.
The housing may protect the probe and/or the controller from an environment external to the housing.
The housing may isolate the probe and/or the controller from an environment external to the housing.
The housing may define a cavity which contains the probe and/or the controller.
The housing may be configured to define an internal environment within the cavity which is different to an environment external to the housing. For example, the housing may be configured to define an internal environment having a lower temperature and/or a lower pressure compared to an environment external to the housing.
The housing may be configured to define an internal environment within the cavty which is dry.
The housing may be configured to permit operafion of the probe rd/or the controller independently of the environment external to the housing for a range of environmental conditions of the environment external to the housing.
The housing may comprise one or more optical windows to permit light to travel S from the probe to the target region and/or to permit Ught to travel from the target region to the probe.
The housing may be conligured to permit operation of the probe and/or the controller for temperatures external to the housir.g of up to 200°C, up to 150°C or up to 125°C.
The housing may be configured to prevent fluid ingress into the cavity for temperatures external to the housing of upto 200°C, up to 150°C or up to 125°C.
The housing may be configured to permit operation of the scanner and/or the controller for pressures external to the housing of up to 15000 PSi, up to 12500 PSi or upto 10000 PSI.
The housing may be configured to prevent fluid ingress into the cavity for pressures external to the housing up to 15000 PSI; up to 12500 PSI or up to 10000 P3k The housing may be configured to provide rnechanica protection for the probe and/or the controller.
The apparatus may comprise one or more image sensors configured to assist during deployment of the apparatus downhole. For exampe, the apparatus may comprise one or more video cameras, vision systems or the ike. Such image sensors may provide images of the downhole environment permitting an operator to control deployment of the apparatus according to the images.
The one or more image sensors may be located at a front or distal downhoie end of the apparatus which, in use, is inserted or lowered into the weflbore first.
The apparatus may comprise a light source.
The probe may comprise the light source.
The light source may be located remotely from the probe; The light source may be located in the webore.
The light source may be located at ethace.
The probe may be configured for optical communication with the llght source.
For example, the apparatus may comprise a ightguide, optical waveguide, optical fibre or the hke arranged to dever light from the light source to the probe.
The probe may comprise a scanning beam re-direction arrangement or a scanning beam steering arrangement. The probe may comprise a scanning mirror arrangement. Such an apparatus may permit scanning of a ght beam across a hemispherical field of view of a weilbore environment or a portion of a hemispherical
field of view of a wefibore environment,
The apparatus may comprise an actuator configured to vary an orientation of the probe rSative to the weilbore environment. For example, the apparatus may comprise an actuator configured to rotate the probe around an axis of the wellbore environment. The actuator may be configured to vy an orientation of the probe and the hou&ng together rative to the wefibore environment. The actuator may be configured to vary en orientation of the probe relative to the housing. Such an apparatus may penrit scanning of the beam of llght across the target region when the probe is non-scanning.
The probe may comprise a display such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitung Diode (LED) display or a digital micro mirror displayS Such a probe may permit the formation of structured light beams having cross-sectional intensity distributions comprising a pluraRty of discrete features. Such structured light beams may be focussed to a plurality of points, to a plurality of parael ines and/or to a grid such as a rectangular or square grid on the target region at any given instant in time for faster data acquisition.
The probe may comprise The probe may comprise a conoscopic 3D scanner, a triangulation 3D scanner or a time-of-flight 3D scanner.
The probe may comprise a beam re-direction arrangement such as a mirror or a periscope.
The probe may comprise a beam redirection arrangement which is configured to re-direct the beam of light from the scanner through 90 degrees. Such a probe may enable measurements along a generally radial direction of the weilbore using a generally axially directed light beam or vice versa. The probe may comprise a beam redirection arrangement which is configured to direct a llght beam from the probe along a first direction at a first time and to direct the light beam from the probe along a second direction at a second time.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a well intervention method comprising: locating a probe in a webore; directing a beam of ght from the probe onto a pluraHty of poetons of a target region wfthin a wellbore environment: detecting ght reflected from a pluraHty of positions of the target region; analy&ng the detected light to determine a topography of the target reon; and conducting a maintenance operation in the welibore environment.
It shoud be understood that one or more of the optional features disclosed in relaUon to the first or second aspects may apply alone or in any combination in. relation to the third aspect.
The method may comprS conducting a maintenance operation of the wellbore environment, conducting a maintenance operation on an object located in the webore environment and/or conducting a maintenance operation on a wefibore component defining at least a portion of the wefibore.
The method may comprise reaming, removing build up from, pigging, cleaning, reworking, replacement of, and/or fining of the webore environment, of an object 16 located in the welibore environment and/or of a webore component defining at least a portion of the weilbore.
The method may comprise conducting a maintenance operation in the weUbore environment after determining the topography of the target region. The method may comprise determining a requirement for a maintenance operation from. the determined topography of the target region. The method may comprise scheduling a maintenance operation in the welibore environment in response to detected changes in the topography of the target region.
The method may comprise monitoring the topography of the target region during a maintenance operation in the welibore environment. Such a method may permit improved control of a maintenance operation.
The method may comprise completing a maintenance operation in the weUbore environment before determining the topography of the target region. Such a method may permit the effectiveness of a maintenance operation to be determined.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a weH intervention method compring: locating a probe in a wefibore; directing a beam of light from the probe onto a pkrality of positions of a target region within a weilbore environment; detecting light reflected from a plurality of positions of the target region; analysing the detected light to determine a topography of the target region; and injecting a substance into the welibore environment.
R should be understood that one or more of the optional features disclosed in relation to any of the first to third aspects may apply alone or in any combination in relation to the fourth aspect.
The method may comprise inJecting a fluid, cement, mud; a chemical, a proppant and/or the like into the weilbore environment. Such a method may he useful for fracturing a subterranean formation.
The method may comprise injecting a substance into the weilbore environment after determining the topography of the target region. The method may comprise injecting a substance rita the weHbore envfronment in response to detected changes in the topography of the target region. Such a method may be useful where detected changes in the topography of the target region indicate a need for weD intervention, The method may comprise monitoring the topography of the target region whst injecting a substance into the weDbore environment. Such a method may permit improved control of injecUon of a substance into the weHbore environment.
The method may comprise injecting a substance into the weDbore environment before determining the topography of the target region. Such a method may permit the effect of injecting a substance into the weUhore envfronment to be determined.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a weD completion method comprising: locating a probe in a weDbore; directing a beam of light from the probe onto a plurality of positions of a target region within a weflbore environment; detecting light reflected from a plurality of positions of the target region; an&ysing the detected light to determine a topography of the target region; and injecting a substance into the welibore environment.
It should be understood that one or more of the opUonal features disclosed in relation to any of the first to fourth aspects may apply alone or in any combination in relation to the fifth aspect.
The method may comprise injecting a fluid, cement, mud, a chemical and/or the like into the weilbore environment.
The method may comprise injecting a substance into the welibore environment after determining the topography of the target region. The method may comprise injecting a substance into the welibore environment in response to detected changes in the topography of the target region.
The method may comprise monitoring the topography of the target region whilst injectina a substance into the weilbore environment, Such a method may permit improved control of injection of a substance into the welihore environment, The method may comprise injecting a substance into the weilbore environment before determining the topography of the target region. Such a method may permit the effect of injecting a substance into the welibore environment to be determined.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a well completion method comprising: locatng a probe in a wefibore; in directing a beam of light from the probe onto a plurality of positions of a target region within a weilbore environment; detecting light reflected from a plurality of posiflons of the target region; analysing the detected light to determhie a topography of the target region; and perforating a casing, tubular or the like in the welibore environment, It should be understood that one or more of the optional features disclosed in relation to any of the first to fifth aspects may appiy alone or in any combination in r&etion to the sixth aspect.
The method may comprise perforating a casing, tubular or the like in the weilbore environment after determining the topography of the target region.
The method may comprise perforating a casing, tubular or the like in the wehore environment in response to detected changes in the topography of the target region.
The method may comprise monitoring the topography of the target region whilst perforating a casing, tubular or the like in the wellbore environment. Such a method may permit improved control of a perforating operation in the wellbore environment.
The method may comprise perforating a casing, tubular or the like in the wellbore environment before determining the topography of the target region. Such a method may permit the effect of a perforating operation in the wellbore environment to be determined.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a well intervention method comprising: locating a probe in a weilbore; directing a beam of ght from the probe onto a plurality of positions of a target region within a weilbore environment; detecting light reflected from a piurallty of positions of the target region; analysthg the detected ght to determine a topography of the target region; and fracturing a subterranean formation in or adjacent to the webore environment, It should be understood that one or more of the optional features disclosed in relation to any of the first to sixth aspects may apply alone or in any combination in S relation to the seventh aspect.
The method may corprise fracturing a subterranean formation in or adjacent to the weUbore environment after determining the topography of the target region. The method may comprise fracturing a subterranean formation in or adjacent to the weilbore environment in response to detected changes in the topography of the target region.
The method may comprise monoring the topography of the target region whist fracturing a subterranean formation in or adjacent to the weUbore environment. Such a method may permit improved control of a fracturing operation.
The method may comprise fracturing a subterranean formation in or adjacent to the weHbore environment before determining the topography of the target region. Such a method may permit the effect of a fracturing operation to be determined.
The method may comprise injecting a fluid, cement, mud, a chemicaL a proppant andlor the ike into the we-Ubore environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention wW now be described by way of nonhmiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 shows an exterior of an apparatus for determining topography within a welibore environment; and Figure 2(a) shows a first example of an interior of an apoaratus for determining lopography within a weHbore environment; Figure 2(b) shows a second example of an interior of an apparatus for determining topography within a weUbore environment; and Figure 2(c) shows a third example of an interior of an apparatus for determining topography within a weilbore environment.
DETAILED DECSRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referrhig initially to Figure 1 there is shown an apparatus generafly designated 1 located within a weflbore 2 for determining topography within a weilbore environment generaHy designated 3 defined within and generafly adjacent to the wellbora 2. The apparatus I comprises a generafly tubular steel housing 4 which defines a sealed cavity (not shown in Figure 1) and is configured to prevent ingress of fluid from the wefibore envfronment 3 into the sealed cavity at temperatures in the watore environment 3 of up to 125CC and pressures in the weubore environment 3 of up to 10000 PSI.
The apparatus comprises a connection member B which provides an interface for connection of the housing 4 to surface via a cable (not shown). The housing 4 comprises a window 10 formed in a front distal end 12 thereof. The window 10 is configured to transmit light from within the housing 4 to the webore environment 3 and to transmit light reflected from the wefibore environment 3 back into the housing 4.
Three different exampes of an apparatus for determining topography within a welibore environment are shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(c). Figure 2(a) shows an apparatus generally designated 101 located within a webore 102 which defines a weflbore environment 103. The apparatus 101 comprises a generafly tubular steel housing 104 which defines a sealed cavity 106. The apparatus 101 comprises a window 110 formed in afront distal end 112 thereot The window 110 is configured to transmit light from within the hou&ng 104 to the weflbore environment 103 and to transmit light reflected from the weilbore environment 103 back into the housing 104.
The apparatus 101 comprises a probe in the form of a conoscopic holographic laser scanner 120.
In use. the laser scanner 120 scans a beam of ight 122 over a region 124 of the waUbore environment 103 which may include an otect such as a spanner as shown in Figure 2(a). The scanner 120 detects scattered light 128 reflected from the target region 124. A remote controfler (not shown) is configured to analyse the detected light to determine a topography of the target region 124.
Similarly, Figure 2(b) shows an apparatus generaily designated 201 located within a w&lbore 202 which defines a weUbore environment 203 which extends both within the wellbore 202 and adjacent to the wellbore 202 and inciudes a fissure or crack 205 which extends from the wellbore 202. The apparatus 201 comprises a generally tubular steel houng 204 which defines a sealed cavity 206. The apparatus 201 comprises a window 210 formed in a side 213 thereof. The window 210 is configured to transmit llght from within the housing 204 to the wellbore erMronment 203 and to transmit Nght reflected from the wellbore environment 203 back into the housing 204. The apparatus 201 comprises a conoscopic holographic aser scanner 220 and a beamre4irection arrangement in the form of a periscope 221.
In use, the periscope 221 may re-direct a beam of llght 222 from an axis direction to a generally rathal direcfion with respect to the w&Ebore 202. The scanner 220 is operated to scan the beam of llght 222 over a region 224 of the wellbore environment 203 induding the fissure or crack 205. The scanner 220 detects scattered Hght 226 reflected from the target region 224. A remote controller (not shown) is configured to analyse the detected light to determine a topography of the target region 224. One skilled in the art may appreciate that the periscope 221 may be adftistable so as to permit generally axial scanning of the weilbore environment 203 at a first time and generally radia' scanning of the weflbore environment 203 at a second time, Figure 2(c) sho an apparatus generally designated 301 located within a welibore 302 which defines a wdllbore envfronment 303. The apparatus 301 comprises a generally tubular steel housing 304 which defines a sealed cavity 306. The apparatus 301 comprises two windows 310 and 311 formed in a side 313 thereof The window 310 is configured to transmit ight from within the housng 304 to the weflbore environment 303. The window 311 is configured to transmit light reflected from the weflbore environment 303 back into the housing 304 along a different path to the light transmitted from the housing 304. The apparatus 301 comprises a triangulation laser scanner 320.
In use, the scanner 320 is operated to scan a beam of light 322 over a region 324 of a sidewafl 330 of the wellbore 302. The scanner 320 detects scattered Ught 326 reflected from the target region 324. A remote controller (not shown) is configured to analyse the detected light to determine a topography of th.e target region 324.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications of the apparatus for determining topography within a wellbore environment are possible. For example. the apparatus for determining topography within a wellbore environment may comprise any kind of optical range finder such as a time-of-flight laser range finder. The apparatus may comprise a scanner that scans a beam of light having a linear cross-section across the target region, Such a scanner may permit more rapid acquisition of the topography of the target region compared with the case where the beam is focussed to a single point of the target region. The apparatus may comprise a probe that directs a structured beam of light onto a target region of the weUbore environment to permit more rapid acquieWon of the topography of the target region. The structured beam of light may have a cross-sectional intensity distribution comprising a plurality of spots, a pluraty of lines and/or a grid of lines. When using such a structured beam of light, the probe may be scanning or non-scanning The probe may comprise a display such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display or a digital micro mirror dispay for generation of the structured beam of light.
The apparatus may comprise a controller contained within a housing of the apparatus. The controer may be configuied for communication with a surface receiver.
The apparatus may comprise a camera such as a video camera and a light source for capturing an image or images of the wellbore environment, The apparatus may be configured to capture video images of the weflbore environment in response to the determined topography of the target region.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1117337.4A GB2496576A (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2011-10-07 | Method And Apparatus For Determining Topography Within Awellb re Environment |
| PCT/GB2012/052494 WO2013050791A1 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2012-10-08 | Method and apparatus for determining topography within a wellbore environment |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1117337.4A GB2496576A (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2011-10-07 | Method And Apparatus For Determining Topography Within Awellb re Environment |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201117337D0 GB201117337D0 (en) | 2011-11-23 |
| GB2496576A true GB2496576A (en) | 2013-05-22 |
Family
ID=45091699
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1117337.4A Withdrawn GB2496576A (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2011-10-07 | Method And Apparatus For Determining Topography Within Awellb re Environment |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2496576A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2013050791A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9703005B2 (en) | 2015-11-30 | 2017-07-11 | Jp3 Measurement, Llc | Downhole sensing via swept source lasers |
| WO2021179092A1 (en) | 2020-03-13 | 2021-09-16 | Geonomic Technologies Inc. | Method and apparatus for measuring a wellbore |
| US20230041700A1 (en) * | 2021-08-04 | 2023-02-09 | Defiant Engineering, Llc | LiDAR TOOL FOR OIL AND GAS WELLBORE DATA ACQUISITION |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4779201A (en) * | 1985-07-22 | 1988-10-18 | Shimizu Construction Co., Ltd. | Borehole scanner and sonde position locator for spectral analysis of wall |
| US4899277A (en) * | 1987-10-30 | 1990-02-06 | Shimizu Construction Co., Ltd. | Bore hole scanner with position detecting device and light polarizers |
| US5099115A (en) * | 1989-06-29 | 1992-03-24 | Universal Vision Company | Tubular members inspection apparatus having an inspection window and means for correllating reflected light to window damage |
| US20070153626A1 (en) * | 2005-12-16 | 2007-07-05 | Hayes John A | Method and apparatus for investigating a borehole with a caliper |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5988862A (en) * | 1996-04-24 | 1999-11-23 | Cyra Technologies, Inc. | Integrated system for quickly and accurately imaging and modeling three dimensional objects |
-
2011
- 2011-10-07 GB GB1117337.4A patent/GB2496576A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2012
- 2012-10-08 WO PCT/GB2012/052494 patent/WO2013050791A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4779201A (en) * | 1985-07-22 | 1988-10-18 | Shimizu Construction Co., Ltd. | Borehole scanner and sonde position locator for spectral analysis of wall |
| US4899277A (en) * | 1987-10-30 | 1990-02-06 | Shimizu Construction Co., Ltd. | Bore hole scanner with position detecting device and light polarizers |
| US5099115A (en) * | 1989-06-29 | 1992-03-24 | Universal Vision Company | Tubular members inspection apparatus having an inspection window and means for correllating reflected light to window damage |
| US20070153626A1 (en) * | 2005-12-16 | 2007-07-05 | Hayes John A | Method and apparatus for investigating a borehole with a caliper |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201117337D0 (en) | 2011-11-23 |
| WO2013050791A1 (en) | 2013-04-11 |
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| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |