Abstract: Some principles described herein contemplate implementation of downhole imaging for the characterization of formation fluid samples in situ, as well as during flow through production tubing, including subsea flow lines, for short term investigation, permanent, and/or long term installations. Various methods and apparatus described herein may facilitate downhole testing. For example, some embodiments facilitate multi-dimensional fluorescence spectrum measurement testing downhole and correlating the fluorescence with other oil properties.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating a velocity profile of a formation surrounding a borehole by checkshot measurements while moving the tool along the borehole. A conveyance and a sensor section are configured to move the sensor section in the borehole. At least one receiver is configured to detect signals generated at or near the surface while the sensor section is moving in the borehole.

Abstract: Protective barriers for small devices, such as sensors, actuators, flow control devices, among others, protect the devices from erosive and/or corrosive fluids, for example, formation fluids under harsh downhole conditions. The protective barriers include protective coatings and fluid diverting structures in the fluid flow which facilitate use of the small devices in high temperature-high pressure applications with erosive and/or corrosive fluids that are often found in downhole environments.

Abstract: Methods and systems for taking measurements related to subterranean formations. The methods and systems provide robust, reliable first arrival data for component signals of interest, which may be used to estimate formation slowness, characterize formation slowness zones, or act as an input to other processes. The methods and systems are capable of automatically providing good first arrival data based on signals received without any human interaction, and without setting or changing any parameters.

Abstract: A method for optically sampling characteristics of subsurface fluids within a wellhole using continuous, non-pulsed light transmitted downhole in optical fibers for both sampling and reference light channels for accurate attenuation compensation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for taking acoustic measurements related to subterranean formations. The methods and systems provide extracting a portion of the acoustic measurements based on predetermined parameters for selecting reflected arrival waves in the acoustic measurements; generating time projection of the extracted acoustic measurements versus borehole depth; and generating an indication or imaging of acoustic reflectors in the formation based on the time projected acoustic measurements.

Abstract: Techniques for processing sonic waveform data include processing the data based on an initial set of formation-borehole parameters, to produce initial coherence peak attributes, wherein the processing is performed in a borehole; sending the initial coherence peak attributes uphole via telemetry; and correcting the initial coherence peak attributes, based on a second set of formation-borehole parameters, to produce corrected coherence peak attributes.

Abstract: A method for processing acoustic data comprising applying a dynamic filter band. The method and apparatus may be particularly adapted to processing sonic data to measure formation slowness in a borehole.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for microseismic hydraulic fracture monitoring in real-time. The methods and systems of the present invention may include continuous map migration of recorded microseismic signals. The methods and systems provide robust automated simultaneous detection and location of microseismic events.

Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis tool capable of fluid analysis during production logging that includes a phase separator and a plurality of sensors to perform analysis on the fluids collected at a subsurface location in a borehole.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying sonic logging data that provide highly reliable, visual quality-control (QC) indicators. One aspect herein is directed to a display of sonic logging data corresponding to a slowness frequency analysis (SFA) projection log.

Abstract: A method for determining on a real time logging while drilling (LWD) basis the top of cement location between casing transition zones in a borehole using at least one sonic attributes of coherent energy, attenuation and slowness as a function of at least one of depth and time.

Abstract: A seismic sensor comprising a coil assembly suspended in a magnet field produced by a magnet assembly, and a locking mechanism for preventing the coil assembly from moving freely until a seismic event is initiated at the surface or within an earth formation to collect seismic data.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing real-time analysis of a subterranean formation fluid includes a light source configured to transmit at least a sample signal through a sample of the subterranean formation fluid and a reference signal, at least one photodetector configured to continuously detect the sample and reference signals, and an electronics assembly configured to compensate for drift in the detected sample signal in real-time based on the value of the detected reference signal.

Abstract: A method for acquiring and analyzing time-series data using singularities is described. This method allows for the analysis of data over a wide spectrum of frequencies. Once the data is acquired in an oil field, singularities of the data are extracted; and the extracted singularities are utilized to interpret the formation properties related to the data.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for securing a sonde to the inner wall of a well casing (3). The sonde (2) comprises a clamp (2) expandable from a contracted position to an expanded position in which the clamp can engage the inner wall. The securing apparatus comprises a member (5,6) for releasably engaging with the clamp (2) to hold the clamp in the contracted position; a spring (7) connected to the member such that when the spring is in a compressed state, the member is constrained into engagement with the clamp to hold the clamp in the contracted position; and a mechanism (8,9,10) for holding the spring (7) in its compressed state during a 10 first mode of operation and, in a second mode of operation, for releasing the spring (7) from its compressed state thus disengaging the member (5,6) from the clamp to permit the clamp to expand into its expanded position, the mechanism including a material (11) which in the first mode of operation, is in a solid state and, in the second mode of operation, is in a liquid state.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for sensing subsurface data. One embodiment of the invention comprises a shuttle attached to a conveyance where the conveyance and shuttle are adapted to be spooled downhole into a borehole for sensing seismic data. The shuttle contains a sensor package that is preferably acoustically isolated in the shuttle. The sensor package includes a sensor array and a magnet clamp. A sensor section can contain several shuttles, each shuttle containing at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can be a fiber optic sensor. The magnet clamp is operable to controllably clamp and acoustically couple together the sensor package, the shuttle, and the adjacent structure which is typically the borehole casing. The magnet clamp is likewise operable to unclamp and uncouple the shuttle from the adjacent structure so as to be retracted uphole for subsequent use.

Abstract: The principles described herein relate to methods for soldering electrode terminals, pins or lead-frames of commercial electric components for high temperature reliability. In one embodiment, prior to soldering the electric components, a pre-plated solder layer is removed from the lead frame or pins, and nickel and/or gold films are formed with electroless plating. The removal of the pre-plated solder layer avoids excess pre-plated Sn with high-Pb solder that lowers the melting point to between 180° C. and 220° C. and weakens solder joints. The nickel layer formed with an electroless plating acts as a barrier to the interdiffusion of tin from solder with copper of the lead frame material, which may otherwise occur at high temperatures. Interdiffusion forms an intermetallic compound layer of copper and tin and degrades solder joint strength. The novel soldering processes improve high temperature reliability of solder joints and extend electronics life-time.

Abstract: A method for in-situ calibrating acoustic receivers while the tool is in an open or cased borehole or during a logging run in a borehole. The method and system facilitate calibrating the acoustic receivers while they are mounted to a downhole acoustic tool. Calibrating the acoustic receivers in situ provides more accurate results than previously available. The method and system provide separate compensation factors for the acoustic receivers at different frequencies and for different transmission sources. The separate compensation factors facilitate more accurate signal acquisition over a wider range of conditions.

Abstract: In-sea seismic energy sources, deployed at or near the seabed, generate seismic waves in earth formations beneath the seabed when activated by a triggering mechanism at a precise time synchronized with seismic data acquisition by sensors deployed at predetermined locations around a well drilled for oil and gas exploration. Seismic waves generated at the seabed travel with more direct and predictable ray-paths through the earth to the sensors. Acquired data, including a precise time and location of the seismic events, are used to provide enhanced borehole and sea-bottom seismic surveys.