IP Library Granted Patent US 10,612,969
Granted Patent B2
US 10,612,969 · App. 16/444,646 · Granted Apr 7, 2020

Determining structural tomographic properties of a geologic formation

Inventors: Howard K. Schmidt (Dhahran, SA); Jesus Manuel Felix Servin (Dhahran, SA); Frode Hveding (Dhahran, SA); Daniele Colombo (Dhahran, SA)
Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
G01H9/004E21B41/0085E21B47/12G01D5/35358G01V11/00G01D5/35393G01V1/226G01V3/26H02J7/00H02N2/18
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,612,969
App. No.
16/444,646
Granted
Apr 7, 2020
Kind
B2
Abstract

A variable-frequency light source is configured to emit a light beam and modulate a frequency of the light beam. A fiber optic cable is attached to the variable frequency light source. The fiber optic cable is configured to receive the light beam at an inlet and pass the light beam to an exit. Multiple optical detectors are attached to the fiber optic cable. Each of the optical detectors is configured to detect a specified frequency of light that is backscattered through the fiber optic cable. An actuation mechanism is attached to the fiber optic cable. The actuation mechanism is configured to deform the fiber optic cable in response to a stimulus.

Claims (29)

1. A sub-surface detection device comprising:

a variable-frequency light source configured to emit a light beam and modulate a frequency of the light beam;

a fiber optic cable attached to the variable frequency light source, the fiber optic cable configured to receive the light beam at an inlet and pass the light beam to an exit;

a plurality of optical detectors attached to the fiber optic cable, each of the optical detectors configured to detect a specified frequency of light that is backscattered through the fiber optic cable; and

an actuation mechanism attached to the fiber optic cable, the actuation mechanism configured to deform the fiber optic cable in response to a stimulus.

2. The sub-surface detection device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of optical detectors is configured to detect a different frequency of light.

3. The sub-surface detection device of claim 1 , wherein the actuation mechanism comprises:

an antenna configured to detect changes in an electromagnetic field; and

an electromechanical transducer that is connected to the antenna, the electromechanical transducer configured to deform the fiber optic cable in response to detecting changes in the electromagnetic field.

4. The sub-surface detection device of claim 3 , wherein the electromechanical transducer comprises a piezoelectric element.

5. The subsurface detection device of claim 3 , further comprising:

a filtering circuit configured to filter out noise detected by the antenna;

an amplifier configured to amplify the filtered signal; and

an energy storage device configured to supply power to at least one of the amplifier or the filtering circuit.

6. The subsurface detection device of claim 5 , wherein the energy storage device comprises a battery or capacitor.

7. The subsurface detection device of claim 6 , wherein the energy harvesting device comprises:

an antenna configured to harvest electromagnetic energy within the borehole;

a rectification circuit coupled to the antenna, the rectification circuit configured to condition the harvested energy for storage; and

an energy storage device coupled to the rectification circuit, the energy storage device configured to store the harvested energy.

8. The subsurface detection device of claim 6 , wherein the energy harvesting device comprises:

a piezoelectric device configured to harvest mechanical energy within the borehole;

a rectification circuit coupled to the piezoelectric device, the rectification circuit configured to condition the harvested energy for storage; and

an energy storage device coupled to the rectification circuit, the energy storage device configured to store the harvested energy.

9. The subsurface detection device of claim 1 , wherein the actuation mechanism comprises:

a hydrophilic gel configured to expand in the presence of moisture; and

a diaphragm connected to the hydrophilic gel and the fiber optic cable, wherein an expansion in the hydrophilic gel induces the diaphragm to deform the fiber optic cable.

10. The subsurface detection device of claim 1 , further comprising:

an energy harvesting device configured to harvest energy from an ambient environment; and

an energy storage device configured to store the harvested energy.

Assignments (3)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE THE ASSIGNMENT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 063849 FRAME: 0968. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Oct 12, 2023
From: IDEMIA AMERICA CORP.
To: X-CARD HOLDINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 065220/0705 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE PROPERTY TYPE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 063849 FRAME: 0968. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Oct 9, 2023
From: X-CARD HOLDINGS, LLC
To: IDEMIA AMERICA CORP.
Reel/Frame 065180/0890 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 19, 2019
From: SCHMIDT, HOWARD K.; FELIX SERVIN, JESUS MANUEL; HVEDING, FRODE; COLOMBO, DANIELE
To: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
Reel/Frame 049514/0797 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 15833782 · Dec 6, 2017
Related Publication 20190301925A1 · Oct 3, 2019