Acoustic Surveillance
Technology
At ScanWell, we specialize in advanced acoustic technologies tailored to monitor, detect, and analyze sound and pressure waves in wellbore environments. Our proprietary solutions are designed to deliver precise and actionable insights, utilizing:
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).
Acoustic Surveillance
Acoustic Metering System
- Interventionless
- Highly accurate and repeatable
- Versatile
- Real-time
- Advanced analysis software