Visuray Intech Ltd (bvi)

Visuray Intech Ltd

Philip Teague

Melissa Spannuth

Dimitrios Pirovolou

Ådne Voll

David Ponce

Henning Torsteinsen

Kambiz A Safinya

Spencer Gunn

Andrii Sofiienko

Morteza Esmaeili

Payel Ghosh

Mauro Arrambide

A method for well integrity assessment using machine-trained prediction of physical characteristics related to well integrity across a depth interval of a cased wellbore having one or more casing strings. The method includes collecting scattered X-ray signals from a plurality of X-ray detectors arranged within a well logging tool, learning trained weights to predict wellbore characteristics from the scattered X-ray signals, collecting further scattered X-ray signals from the X-ray detectors, using the trained weights to quantitatively predict the wellbore characteristics from the further X-ray signals, and using the predicted wellbore characteristics to assess well integrity.

Method for predicting cased wellbore characteristics using machine learning

An x-ray-based cased wellbore environment imaging tool is provided, the tool including at least an x-ray source; a radiation shield to define the output form of the produced x-rays; a direction controllable two-dimensional per-pixel collimated imaging detector array; sonde-dependent electronics; and a plurality of tool logic electronics and PSUs. A method of using an x-ray-based cased wellbore environment imaging tool to monitor and determine the integrity of materials within wellbore environments is also provided, the method including at least: producing x-rays in a shaped output; measuring the intensity of backscatter x-rays returning from materials surrounding the wellbore; controlling two-dimensional per-pixel collimated imaging detector arrays; and converting image data from said detectors into consolidated images of the wellbore materials.

Methods and means for casing, perforation and sand-screen evaluation using backscattered x-ray radiation in a wellbore environment

An x-ray-based casing imaging tool, defined by a combination of source collimators, located cylindrically around an X-ray source and a rotatable two-dimensional per-pixel collimated imaging detector array, is provided, the tool including at least an x-ray source; a radiation shield to define the output form of produced x-rays; a direction controllable two-dimensional per-pixel collimated imaging detector array; an imaging window within the tool housing that reduces attenuation of x-rays passing through said tool housing; sonde-dependent electronics; and a plurality of tool logic electronics and PSUs. A method of using an x-ray-based casing imaging tool to determine the integrity of well casing or tubing is also provided, the method including at least: producing x-rays in a shaped output; measuring the intensity of backscatter x-rays returning from materials surrounding the wellbore; controlling two-dimensional per-pixel collimated imaging detector arrays; and converting image data from said detectors into consolidated images of the wellbore materials.

Methods and means for casing integrity evaluation using backscattered x-ray radiation in a wellbore environment

An x-ray-based reservoir evaluation tool for the measurement of the shale density anticipated at shale-creep barrier within a cased borehole is disclosed, wherein the tool includes an internal length comprising a sonde section, wherein the sonde section further includes an x-ray source; a plurality of radiation measuring detectors; sonde-dependent electronics; and a plurality of tool logic electronics and PSUs. A method of using an x-ray-based shale-seal evaluation tool for measuring the shale density anticipated at shale-creep barrier within a cased borehole is also disclosed, the method including: using x-rays to illuminate the formation surrounding the cased borehole; using detectors to directly measure the density of the formation; using detectors to directly measure the effects on the measurement from tool stand-off or production liner attenuation; and compensating for the production liner and liner-annular region when computing the saturated formation density within the production interval.

Methods and means for evaluating and monitoring formation creep and shale barriers using ionizing radiation

A borehole fracture evaluation tool for imaging radiation emitted by radioactive materials injected into the formation during hydraulic fracturing operations, the tool including at least one collimated imaging detector used to record x-ray backscatter images; sonde-dependent electronics; and a plurality of tool logic electronics and power supply units. A method for fracture evaluation imaging, the method including at least injecting radioactive tracer materials into the formation fractures; controlling the imaging direction of an imaging array detector; imaging the fracture structures; creating a composite image of the fractures versus the formation; and determining the size and position of the fractures.

Methods and means for fracture mapping in a well bore

Methods and means for casing, perforation and sand-screen evaluation using backscattered X-ray radiation in a wellbore environment

An apparatus and associated method for obtaining a three-dimensional representation of a target object within a fluid-carrying conduit, such as a hydrocarbon exploration or production well, using high energy photons is provided. The representation is essentially a three-dimensional image that achieves visualization of the shape of the target object despite the intervening opaque fluids located between the imaging tool and the object. In one specific though non-limiting embodiment, a narrow, pencil-shaped beam of radiation is scanned in coordination with a similarly narrow detector field-of-view in order to sample the radiation-scattering properties of only a small volume of material at any given time. The result is a clearer visualization with a greater viewing depth.

X-ray backscatter imaging of an object embedded in a highly scattering medium

Methods of reconstructing the surface topography of an object embedded in a scattering medium are provided, with example methodologies including: imaging an object embedded in a signal scattering medium using a scattered signal detector; detecting changes in the magnitude of a plurality of scattered signals obtained from multiple fields of view within the medium; and constructing an image of the surface topography of the object based on said plurality of detected signal magnitude changes. A plurality of system, apparatus, control means, evaluation methods, and materials and components useful for practicing the methods are also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Melissa Spannuth