Acoustic Surveillance
At ScanWell, we specialize in advanced acoustic technologies tailored to monitor, detect, and analyze sound/pressure waves in wellbore environments. Our proprietary solutions are designed to deliver precise and actionable insights.
Features
- Specialized Equipment: High-performance microphones and sensors capture sound and pressure waves from the wellbore.
- Customized Pulse Generators: Engineered for both manned and unmanned operations, enabling versatile deployment.
- State-of-the-Art Software: Advanced signal processing tools analyzing the data for clear and reliable results.
Key Steps in Acoustic Measurement
- Sound Wave Generation:
- A pulse generator emits an acoustic signal (sound wave) into the wellbore.
- These pulses are carefully calibrated to travel efficiently through the fluid or material in the wellbore.
- Wave Propagation:
- The sound wave travels down the wellbore, interacting with various interfaces like wellbore geometry, fluid levels, gas/liquid boundaries, or solid surfaces.
- Echo Reflection:
- When the sound wave encounters a change in medium or change in cross-sectional area, part of the wave reflects back toward the source.
- The strength and characteristics of the reflected signal depend on the acoustic impedance difference between the two materials.
- Signal Detection:
- Microphones or sensors at the surface detect the reflected waves (echoes).
- Time-of-Flight Measurement:
- The time taken for the sound wave to travel to the interface and back (round trip) is recorded. This is known as the time of flight.
- The distance to the interface is calculated using the formula: Distance = (speed of sound in the medium x Time of flight)/2
- Data Analysis:
- Specialized software enabling the required tools to process the detected echoes and uncover the desired results.
Advantages of Acoustic Surveillance:
- Interventionless: Requires no physical contact with the measured interfaces, hence no intervention into the wellbore.
- Highly Accurate and repeatable: Provides accurate and repeatable measurements.
- Versatile: Works in various wellbore conditions, including high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Delivers immediate feedback for operational adjustments.
The echo-sounding principle is a cornerstone of modern acoustic wellbore measurements, offering reliability and adaptability for complex subsurface diagnostics.
Applications of Acoustic Surveillance in Wellbore Operations
- Downhole Fluid Level Monitoring
Track fluid levels during drilling activities for optimal operational performance. - Gas/Liquid and Liquid/Solid Interface Detection
Identify and distinguish fluid and solid phase boundaries in the wellbore. - Acoustic Static Gradient Surveys
Conduct intervention-less pressure gradient measurements with precision acoustic tools. - Downhole Leak Investigations
Pinpoint and evaluate leaks for effective mitigation strategies. - ESP Monitoring and PCP Optimization
Enhance the performance of Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) and Progressive Cavity Pumps (PCP) through acoustic monitoring. - Determination of Top of Cement (TOC)
Evaluate the top of cement depth in wellbore completions. - Transient Pressure Testing
Use acoustics to evaluate downhole pressure and well shut-in dynamics. - CCUS Surveillance Wells Monitoring & BHP Verification
Support Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) industry by monitoring surveillance wells and verifying bottom-hole pressures (BHP).
