Devices and methods for imaging wells using phased array ultrasound

Abstract

Methods and devices for imaging wells using phased array ultrasound imaging devices is described. The devices enable high resolution real-time imaging of a well during various operations in the well, including during completions, fracturing, milling, fishing and drilling operations. The phased array ultrasound imaging devices may be integrated with other well tools, such as a bottom hole assembly (BHA), fishing tools, milling tools, fracturing tools, and drilling tools, in order to integrate imaging capabilities into such tools.

1 . A method for imaging a wellbore during recovery, milling or drilling operations comprising the steps of:
 a) deploying a recovery, milling or drilling tool having at least one integrated phased array ultrasound imaging system into the wellbore;   b) moving the recovery, milling or drilling tool through the wellbore while activating the at least one imaging system to generate images of the area in the wellbore in which recovery, milling or drilling operations are occurring.   
     
     
         2 . The method as in  claim 1  wherein the at least one imaging system has a forward-facing transducer array and the generated images are of the area downhole of the tool. 
     
     
         3 . The method as in  claim 1  wherein the at least one imaging system has a radial or ring-shaped transducer array and the generated images are of the area radial to the tool. 
     
     
         4 . The method as in  claim 1  wherein the recovery, milling or drilling operations are fishing operations and the tool is a fishing tool. 
     
     
         5 . The method as in  claim 4  wherein the at least one imaging system is activated while a fish is being recovered to enable better placement of the fishing tool relative to the fish. 
     
     
         6 . The method as in  claim 1  wherein the recovery, milling or drilling tool is a casing swage. 
     
     
         7 . The method as in  claim 6  wherein the at least one imaging system is activated while casing is being swaged to obtain an image of the casing during swaging operations. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the tool is a milling tool. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the milling tool is a taper mill or a junk mill. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the tool is a bottom hole assembly (BHA) adapted for operative connection to a drill string for drilling operations. 
     
     
         11 . A device for imaging a wellbore during recovery, milling or drilling operations comprising:
 a recovery, milling or drilling tool adapted for movement through the wellbore and for recovery, milling or drilling operations in the wellbore; and   at least one phased array ultrasound imaging system operatively connected to the recovery, milling or drilling tool for generating images within the wellbore.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the at least one phased array ultrasound imaging system comprises a ring-shaped or radial transducer array for obtaining images of the wellbore as the device is moved through the wellbore. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the at least one phased array ultrasound imaging system comprises a forward-facing transducer array. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  wherein the forward-facing transducer array is at a downhole end of the tool for obtaining images of the volume located downhole of the device. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the tool is a fishing tool or a casing swage. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15  wherein the fishing tool is a magnetic fishing tool, a junk basket, a fishing spear, or an overshot fishing tool. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the tool is a milling tool. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the milling tool is a taper mill or a junk mill. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the tool is a bottom hole assembly adapted for operative connection to a drill string.