Flexible piezoelectric for downhole sensing, actuation and health monitoring
First Claim
1. A method for converting between electrical energy and acoustic energy in a borehole tubular member, comprising:
- bonding at least one major planar surface of a flexible piezoelectric device having a length, width and thickness, the length and width defining the at least one major planar surface as manufactured, to a curved surface of a borehole tubular member, the flexible piezoelectric device having a mechanical response aligned with one of the length and width, andproducing and/or detecting compression forces in the wellbore tubular member aligned with the surface of the wellbore tubular member with the flexible piezoelectric device.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Thin flexible piezoelectric transducers are bonded to or imbedded into oilfield tubular members or structural members. The transducers may be used to telemeter data as acoustic waves through the members. By proper spacing of transducers and phasing of driving signals, the transmitted signals can be directionally enhanced or encoded to improve transmission efficiency. The transducers may be used for health monitoring of the tubular or structural members to detect cracks, delaminations, or other defects. The flexible transducers are very thin so that overall dimensions of tubular or structural members are essentially unchanged by incorporation of the transducers.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for converting between electrical energy and acoustic energy in a borehole tubular member, comprising:
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bonding at least one major planar surface of a flexible piezoelectric device having a length, width and thickness, the length and width defining the at least one major planar surface as manufactured, to a curved surface of a borehole tubular member, the flexible piezoelectric device having a mechanical response aligned with one of the length and width, and producing and/or detecting compression forces in the wellbore tubular member aligned with the surface of the wellbore tubular member with the flexible piezoelectric device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for telemetering data in a borehole, comprising:
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bonding a major planar surface of a first flexible piezoelectric device having a length, width and thickness, the length and width defining the major planar surface as manufactured, to a curved surface of a tubular member adapted for use in a borehole, the first flexible piezoelectric device having a mechanical response aligned with one of the length and width, and coupling electrical signals to an electrical connection of the first flexible piezoelectric device. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for monitoring mechanical health of a structural member in an oil production system, comprising:
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bonding a major planar surface of a flexible piezoelectric transducer having a length, width and thickness, the length and width defining the major planar surface, to a structural member adapted for use in an oil production system, the flexible piezoelectric device having a mechanical response aligned with one of the length and width, and producing and/or detecting compression forces in the structural member aligned with said one of the length and width with the flexible piezoelectric transducer. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for detecting the flow of material through a tubular element in a hydrocarbon production system, comprising:
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bonding a major planar surface of a flexible piezoelectric transducer having a length, width and thickness, the length and width defining the major planar surface as manufactured, to a curved surface of a tubular element adapted for flowing materials in an oil production system, the flexible piezoelectric device having a mechanical response aligned with one of the length and width, and producing and/or detecting compression forces in the tubular element aligned with said one of the length and width with the flexible piezoelcetric transducer. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for transmitting and receiving acoustic waves in a tubular element in a hydrocarbon production system, comprising:
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bonding a major planar surface of a first flexible piezoelectric transducer having a length, width and thickness, the length and width defining the major planar surface as manufactured, to a curved surface of a tubular element adapted for use in a hydrocarbon production system, said first flexible piezoelectric transducer having a mechanical response aligned with one of the length and width, the mechanical response of the first flexible piezoelectric transducer positioned at a first angle relative to the axis of the tubular element, and bonding a major planar surface of a second flexible piezoelectric transducer having a length, width and thickness, the length and width defining the major planar surface as manufactured, to a curved surface of the tubular element, said second flexible piezoelectric transducer having a mechanical response aligned with one of the length and width, the mechanical response of the second flexible piezoelectric transducer positioned at a second angle relative to the axis of the tubular element, the second angle being different from the first angle. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification