Patent ID: 9097820
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: E21B,G01V

Abstract:
1. A look ahead tool comprising a tool body with means for attaching the tool body for rotation directly or indirectly to drill-bit for axial movement along a well passage comprising: at least one housing supporting at least one acoustic source and an acoustic receiver or integrated transducer directed outwardly toward a downhole end of said tool body and projecting at an angle (φ) of at least 0.25° and less than 89.75° relative to a central axis of the tool body wherein the source or the transducer transmits sound and wherein the receiver or transducer receives acoustic signature velocities from a formation; and at least one microprocessor for processing said acoustic signature velocities using said at least one acoustic source, receiver or transducer to increase hydrocarbon recovery by optimizing wellbore trajectory based on formation data acquired by said acoustic source and said receiver or said transducer before the formation has been penetrated by the drill-bit wherein said at least one acoustic source, acoustic receiver or integrated transducer are received within said housing of said tool body, said housing having an open mouth wherein said housing comprises a protective covering or protective layers made of a hardened material.