Abstract: A downhole acoustic logging tool is used for generating a guided borehole wave that propagates into the formation as a body wave, reflects from an interface and is converted back into a guided borehole wave. Guided borehole waves resulting from reflection of the body wave are used to image a reflector.

Abstract: A downhole device, position verifiable string includes a downhole device; a string in operable communication with downhole device; and a plurality of sensor units each sensing at least one of acceleration and strain in the string and spaced from each other along the string from downhole device to a remote location of the drill string and method.

Abstract: A controllable seismic source is used in a seismic-while-drilling system for obtaining VSP data. Coded information is sent downhole about the signal generated by said controllable source. The information about the seismic source is used for reconstructing the source waveform and processing the VSP data. Optionally, a reference signal measured at one depth of the BHA is used for processing of signals at subsequent depths.

Abstract: Measurements are made continuously with a seismic while drilling (SWD) system and the measured data are stored in a working memory of a downhole processor along with quality control (QC) measurements. The QC data are analyzed and based on the analysis, portions of the data in working memory are recorded in permanent memory for retrieval. Alternatively, QC measurements are made substantially continuously predictions are made when data quality for SWD measurements are likely to be good. Recording of SWD data are then started based on the prediction.

Abstract: A wellbore drilling system utilizes optical fibers to measure parameters of interest and to communicate data. One or more electrical conductors are used to provide power to the components of the drilling system. The acquisition electronics for operating fiber optic sensors can be positioned at the surface and/or in the wellbore. In some embodiments, one optical fiber includes a plurality of sensors, each of which can measure the same or different parameters. A multiplexer multiplexes optical signals to operate such sensor configurations. Optical fiber sensors for acoustic measurements can include a cylindrical member wrapped by one or more optical fibers. The sensors can be configured as needed to provide a 3D representation of the pressure measurements.

Abstract: Measurements are made continuously with a seismic while drilling (SWD) system and the measured data are stored in a working memory of a downhole processor along with quality control (QC) measurements. The QC data are analyzed and based on the analysis, portions of the data in working memory are recorded in permanent memory for retrieval. Alternatively, QC measurements are made substantially continuously predictions are made when data quality for SWD measurements are likely to be good. Recording of SWD data are then started based on the prediction.

Abstract: A controllable seismic source is used in a seismic-while-drilling system for obtaining VSP data. Coded information is sent downhole about the signal generated by said controllable source. The information about the seismic source is used for reconstructing the source waveform and processing the VSP data. Optionally, a reference signal measured at one depth of the BHA is used for processing of signals at subsequent depths.

Abstract: A controllable seismic source is used in a seismic-while-drilling system for obtaining VSP data. Coded information is sent downhole about the signal generated by said controllable source. The information about the seismic source is used for reconstructing the source waveform and processing the VSP data. Optionally, a reference signal measured at one depth of the BHA is used for processing of signals at subsequent depths.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring seismic data while conducting drill string operations in a wellbore. The seismic receiver combination set comprises a combination of orthogonal geophones and accelerometers, and an array of hydrophones.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a control unit and a bottomhole assembly (BHA) coupled to a drill string. The control unit uses measurements from sensors distributed throughout the drill string and BHA to determine the physical condition of the drill string and BHA and to determine whether drilling can be optimized. The drill string sensors are housed in receiver subs and optionally can be positioned on extensible members. The receiver sub also can include a short-hop telemetry module, a processor module, and a clock module. In one embodiment, the receiver subs include seismic sensors for enabling vertical seismic profiling. During operation, the processor visually presents to the operator via one or more graphical user interfaces a dynamically updated pictorial image representing the drilling system. The image is annotated with an appropriate visual signal to indicate a determined physical condition at a given location or component.

Abstract: Measurements are made continuously with a seismic while drilling (SWD) system and the measured data are stored in a working memory of a downhole processor along with quality control (QC) measurements. The QC data are analyzed and based on the analysis, portions of the data in working memory are recorded in permanent memory for retrieval. Alternatively, QC measurements are made substantially continuously predictions are made when data quality for SWD measurements are likely to be good. Recording of SWD data are then started based on the prediction.

Abstract: A controllable seismic source is used in a seismic-while-drilling system for obtaining VSP data. Coded information is sent downhole about the signal generated by said controllable source. The information about the seismic source is used for reconstructing the source waveform and processing the VSP data.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for acquiring seismic data while conducting drill string operations in a wellbore. A seismic receiver is conveyed in a drill string to a location of interest; coded seismic signals are generated by a seismic source near a surface location; the coded seismic signals are detected with at least one sensor in the seismic receiver at least one location of interest in the wellbore as the drill string is operated in the wellbore; an arrival time of the detected seismic signal is computed in the seismic receiver; and the detected seismic signals or computed arrival times are stored in the seismic receiver or transferred to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for acoustic position logging ahead of a drill bit. The method and apparatus comprise a bottomhole assembly (BHA) conveyed on a drilling tubular in a borehole within an earth formation. The BHA has a source array for emitting preselected acoustic signals into the earth formation, and at least one receiver on the BHA for receiving a second acoustic signal produced by an interaction of the preselected acoustic signal with said formation. The source array for acoustic energy may be configured as an axially distributed array of axially or azimuthally directed sources, or an azimuthally distributed array of axially or azimuthally directed sources. The sources may be activated according to preselected time delays. The emitted acoustic signal is differing in spectrum and/or wave mode from the acoustic energy of a rotating drill string.