Journal Published Online: 01 March 1997
Volume 20, Issue 1

Ultrasonic Method for Evaluation of Annular Seals for Wells and Instrument Holes

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

An ultrasonic testing method employing the pulse-echo inspection technique was developed to assess the integrity of annular seals surrounding casings (i.e., instrument tubes or well casings). This nondestructive testing method permits testing a seal from inside a casing without disturbing the casing, seal, or formation. Seals constructed with cement-based and bentonite-based sealants surrounding various types and sizes of casings can be evaluated using the method. An evaluation is conducted by sending and receiving ultrasonic waves using a single piezoelectric transducer and commercially available hardware (a pulser receiver and a waveform analyzer). A probe was designed and constructed for downhole testing. Differences in the ultrasonic responses of the materials in contact with a casing are analyzed to determine the presence of different materials (seal or defects filled with air or water in a seal) outside a casing.

Author Information

Yesiller, N
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Edil, TB
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Benson, CH
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Pages: 12
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ11417J
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ11417J