Inspection tool, system, and method for downhole object detection, surveillance, and retrieval

Abstract

A downhole inspection tool for observing conditions in the harsh environment of a well bore. An embodiment of the tool comprises a high frequency camera, which operates in the millimeter wave frequency range with the capability of seeing through opaque environments. In use, the tool system provides pictures of conditions downhole for use by operators attempting to repair and/or remove broken downhole equipment by being able to observe the actual downhole conditions that exist. Furthermore, the system can be used to inspect the inside of a well casing or tubing for the presence of cracks, frac holes, slots, slits, protruding structures, stuck hardware, environmental conditions, etc.

1 . A system for creating and transmitting images from written boreholes comprising:
 a camera for creating electronic images of selected portions of boreholes extending from the surface into the earth and having axes;   the camera utilizing millimeter technology and operating in the frequency range of between about 20 GHz and about 300 GHz;   means for causing the camera to direct electronic radiation into selected portions of the interior of a borehole and for receiving radiation reflected therefrom;   means for rotating the camera relative to the axes of the borehole;   means for tilting the camera relative to the axis of the borehole;   the rotating means and the tilting means together comprising means for causing the camera to direct radiation onto and to receive radiation form said selected portions of the borehole; and   means located at the surface of the earth for receiving and processing images received from said selected portion of the borehole.