Abstract: A method and system for the production of a gas hydrate including the steps of drilling into a subterranean gas hydrate formation and at least partially depressurizing the gas hydrate formation to permit separation of gas and water from the hydrate form. The gas and water is then pumped from the formation and recovered from the well. At least a portion of water pumped from the well is water that is introduced into the well from the surface or reintroduced by a feed back loop from the production operation.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for measuring contents of a fluid or gas at high pressure and/or high temperature, for use, for example, in a wellbore for hydrocarbon applications, is provided. The sensor includes: a bulkhead-like electrode assembly including a cylindrical housing and a cylindrical electrode structure. The cylindrical electrode structure includes a cylindrical conductive pin extending from a high pressure region to a low pressure region and an electrode connected to one end of the pin at the high pressure region and having an electrode surface for exposure to a flow path of the fluid or gas in the high pressure region. At least a part of the surface of the pin is protected from direct contact with the fluid or the gas by an insulating coating impermeable to the fluid or gas. The pin may include an alternating pattern of protruding and receded portions.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a formation property includes determining at least two slowness values from at least two datasets each characterizing an acoustic wave having a different frequency traversing a formation; and deriving an indicator based on the at least two slowness values. A system for monitoring a formation property includes a process and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program having instructions for: determining at least two slowness values from at least two datasets each characterizing an acoustic wave having a different frequency traversing a formation; and deriving an indicator based on the at least two slowness values.

Abstract: Single fiber optical telemetry systems and methods are disclosed. The methods and systems facilitate input and output via a single fiber optic interface. The optical telemetry systems and methods also facilitate faster data transmission rates between surface and downhole equipment in oilfield applications.

Abstract: Spectral analysis system for downhole applications is provided utilizing an inorganic replica-type grating that is configured to operate as a diffractive element that provides broad spectral coverage in high temperature downhole environments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downhole analysis of formation fluids by isolating the fluids from the formation and/or borehole in a pressure and volume control unit that is integrated with a flowline of a fluid analysis module and determining fluid characteristics of the isolated fluids. Parameters of interest may be derived for formation fluids in a static state and undesirable formation fluids may be drained and replaced with formation fluids that are suitable for downhole characterization or surface sample extraction. Isolated formation fluids may be circulated in a loop of the flowline for phase behavior characterization. Real-time analysis of the fluids may be performed at or near downhole conditions.

Abstract: Acoustic transducers configured with transducer elements disposed on an arch or arcuate shaped member adapted to fit in juxtaposition around a tubular. The arcuate shaped member is adapted with conductors to provide a voltage to the transducer elements. One embodiment uses a metallic arcuate shaped member. Embodiments implemented as sources are used to excite borehole acoustic modes. Some embodiments provide phased array acoustic energy excitation/signal reception. The transducers are covered with a sealer in a liquid-free configuration and shields are used to protect the transducers.

Abstract: A method for determining a property of formations surrounding an earth borehole being drilled with a drill bit at the end of a drill string, using drilling fluid that flows downward through the drill string, exits through the drill bit, and returns toward the earth's surface in the annulus between the drill string and the periphery of the borehole, including the following steps: obtaining, downhole near the drill bit, a pre-bit sample of the mud in the drill string as it approaches the drill bit; obtaining, downhole near the drill bit, a post-bit sample of the mud in the annulus, entrained with drilled earth formation, after its egression from the drill bit; implementing pre-bit measurements on the pre-bit sample; implementing post-bit measurements on the post-bit sample; and determining a property of the formations from the post-bit measurements and the pre-bit measurements.

Abstract: A coring bit, including an outer hollow coring shaft, and a rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve disposed inside the outer hollow coring shaft. The rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve may be a non-rotating internal sleeve. The rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve may be a free-floating internal sleeve.

Abstract: A formation evaluation tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The formation evaluation tool includes a cooling system adapted to pass a cooling fluid near electronics in the formation evaluation tool whereby heat is dissipated therefrom, the electronics has at least one gauge, a fluid communication device having an inlet adapted to receive the formation fluid and a flowline operatively connected to the fluid communication device and the gauge for placing the formation fluid in fluid communication therewith whereby properties of the formation fluid are determined. The formation evaluation tool may also be provided with a plurality of sample chambers operatively connected to the flowline for collecting at least a portion of the formation fluid and a pressure compensator in fluid communication with the wellbore and operatively connected to the plurality of sample chambers for applying pressure to the sample chambers whereby pressure is balanced therebetween.

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: Systems and methods for optically determining casing collar and/or corrosion locations within boreholes, using the diffraction effect of Faraday crystals through which depolarized continuous light is transmitted within optical fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides packaging for MEMS devices and other sensors for downhole application. The MEMS devices and/or other sensors may aid in characterizing formation fluids in situ. The packaging facilitates high temperature, high pressure use, which is often encountered in downhole environments.

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: An apparatus and method for characterizing a subsurface formation is provided. The apparatus includes a tool body, a probe assembly carried by the tool body for sealing off a region of the borehole wall, an actuator for moving the probe assembly between a retracted position for conveyance of the tool body and a deployed position for sealing off a region of the borehole wall and a perforator extending through the probe assembly for penetrating a portion of the sealed-off region of the borehole wall. The tool may be provided with first and second drilling shafts with bits for penetrating various surfaces. The method involves sealing off a region of a wall of an open borehole penetrating the formation, creating a perforation through a portion of the sealed-off region of the borehole wall and testing the formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for integrating electrodes (12) characterizing the flow of a multiphase fluid in a tubing (10). The device includes a tube section (14) made out of an electrically insulating material and bearing the electrodes on its external surface. A metal compensation sheath (16) encircles the section (14), being separated from the latter by an insulating and incompressible fluid. An annular chamber (18) outside the sheath communicates with the inside of the tubing (10). The sheath (16) is fixed on seal rings (29) inserted at the ends of the section (14), by reinforcement for example.

Abstract: A fluid analysis system for use downhole comprises an input light signal that is directed through a fluid sample housed in a sample cell. The input light signal may originate from a plurality of light sources. An output light signal from the sample cell is then routed to one or more spectrometers for measurement of the represented wavelengths in the output light signal. The output of the spectrometers is then compared to known values for hydrocarbons typically encountered downhole. This provides insight into the composition of the sample fluid. Additionally, the light from the light sources can be routed directly to the one or more spectrometers to be used in calibration of the system in the high temperature and noise environment downhole.

Abstract: A sampling while drilling tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The tool includes a drill collar, at least one sample chamber, at least one flowline and at least one cover. The drill collar is operatively connectable to a drill string of the sampling while drilling tool. The drill collar has at least one opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. The drill collar has a passage therein for conducting mud therethrough. The sample chamber is positionable in the cavity of the drill collar. The flowline in the drill collar, the at least one flowline operatively connectable to the sample chamber for passing a downhole fluid thereto. The cover is positionable about the at least one opening of the drill collar whereby the sample chamber is removably secured therein.

Abstract: Wellbore apparatus including an elongated tubular adapted for disposal within the wellbore. The tubular having an elongated recess formed on its exterior surface along the longitudinal axis. The recess is adapted to accept and house a component therein. A shield disposed within the recess and adapted to slide to a selected position therein, covering a housed component. The sliding shield and housed component are retained within the recess by a retainer system using minimal fasteners.

Abstract: Acoustic transducers configured with integrated electronics technology are adapted to digitize signal data close to the transducer. The transducers are packaged with a reduced number of elements and sealed for exposure to harsh environments, without oil compensation. A transducer assembly includes a frame, an acoustic transducer element disposed on the frame, and an electronics module disposed on the frame and linked to the acoustic transducer element. The pressure and temperature tolerant electronics module is adapted to process a signal associated with the transducer element.