Ultrasound image reconstruction and enhancement for structural diagnostics of wells and pipes

拟议的研究项目旨在开发新的成像算法，用于高效的多维超声数据采集和处理。这些将用于流体填充威尔斯和管道内部的无损结构诊断。计划开展的研究活动将应对两个主要挑战：1）从原始信号重建图像（反射回波），其由多元件换能器在发射操纵的超声波束以声穿透感兴趣的无害介质部分之后获取，以及2）增强这样的图像以获得成像部分的高分辨率反射率图，以揭示局部结构缺陷（如果存在），如裂缝、孔洞、腐蚀和障碍物。由此产生的图像重建和增强算法（将被纳入合作伙伴的专有成像产品）将有助于早期检测，表征和修复任何潜在的结构完整性问题。这些对于提高上述威尔斯和管道的环境安全性和运营效率至关重要。拟议的联盟伙伴关系预计将加强工业合作伙伴在超声波无损检测领域的全球竞争力。它还将使研究学员获得强大的协作，沟通和解决问题的能力，同时应对复杂的以行业为中心的技术挑战。

The proposed research project aims to develop novel imaging algorithms for efficient multidimensional ultrasound data acquisition and processing. These will be used for nondestructive structural diagnostics of the interior of fluid-filled wells and pipes. The planned research activities will address two main challenges: 1) reconstructing images from raw signals (reflected echoes), acquired by a multi-element transducer after transmitting steered ultrasound beams to insonify an inhomogeneous-medium section of interest, and 2) enhancing such images to obtain a high-resolution reflectivity map of the imaged section to reveal localized structural defects (if present), such as cracks, holes, corrosions, and obstructions. The resulting image reconstruction and enhancement algorithms (to be incorporated into the partner's proprietary imaging products) will facilitate early detection, characterization, and remediation of any potential structural integrity concerns. These are crucial for improving the environmental safety and operational efficiency of the aforementioned wells and pipes.The proposed Alliance partnership is expected to strengthen the industrial partner's global competitiveness in the ultrasonic nondestructive testing sector. It will also allow the research trainees to gain strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills while tackling complex industry-centric technical challenges.