Apparatus and method for kick detection using acoustic sensors

摘要

A method and apparatus for detecting a kick in a wellbore using acoustic transducers. In one embodiment, a system for detecting a kick in a wellbore includes a drill string having a plurality of sections of drill pipes and a plurality of kick detection subs disposed between the sections of drill pipes. Each of the kick detection subs includes an acoustic transducer and kick detection circuitry coupled to the acoustic transducer. The kick detection circuitry is configured to detect gas bubbles in the wellbore based on acoustic signals received by the acoustic transducer. The kick detection circuitry is also configured to determine whether a kick is present in the wellbore based on the detected gas bubbles. The kick detection circuitry is further configured to transmit information indicating whether a kick is present to the surface.

主权项

1. A method for kick detection, comprising:
distributing kick detection subs along a drill string at longitudinal positions separated by at least one whole drill pipe, each of the kick detection subs comprising an acoustic transducer arranged to detect gas bubbles in drilling fluid about the drill string; drilling a borehole with the drill string; and during the drilling:
via an acoustic transmitter of the acoustic transducer that is disposed at a first azimuthal angle, transferring an acoustic signal into the drilling fluid adjacent the acoustic transmitter;via an acoustic receiver of the acoustic transducer that is disposed in the at a second azimuthal angle, receiving an acoustic signal propagated through the drilling fluid adjacent the acoustic receiver;detecting whether gas bubbles are present in the drilling fluid via the transferring and the receiving; andtransmitting information derived from the detecting to the surface.