Patents by Inventor Michael S. Bittar

Michael S. Bittar has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130226461
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to acquire input data to determine properties of a formation, using a combination of down hole transmitters and receivers, to select a portion of the input data using a formation model chosen from a plurality of down hole tool response models in a formation model database, based on a valid sensitive range for the bed boundary distance and a greatest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and to solve for at least resistivity formation parameters in the properties using the chosen formation model and the selected portion of the input data. The database may be updated with boundary distance and the resistivity formation parameters. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenshan Yu, Yumei Tang, Michael S. Bittar
  • Publication number: 20130169278
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of sensing and/or mapping a subterranean reservoir. In various embodiments, arrangements of electromagnetic sensors are disposed relative to a subterranean reservoir such that a signal received by electromagnetic sensors of one arrangement, in response to activation of an electromagnetic transmitter, can be analyzed to map the subterranean reservoir. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Burkay Donderici
  • Publication number: 20130166215
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to operate with respect to environmental measurements. Apparatus and methods include a processing unit to generate a ratio from signals measured relating to an underground environment and to determine parameters of the underground environment based on the generated ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Burkay Donderici
  • Publication number: 20130154650
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to detect and locate conductive bodies and/or provide steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) steering operation. Tools can be configured with receiving sensors (310) arranged to cancel substantially a primary signal associated with a probe signal without rotating the receiving sensors to cancel the primary signal and to capture a secondary signal generated from a conductive body (301) below the earth's surface. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Jing Li
  • Publication number: 20130144530
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of operation with respect to well logging. Apparatus and methods include a tool having an arrangement of transmitters and receivers that are operated at different positions downhole and a processing unit to process collected signals such that the arrangement of transmitters and receivers provides measurements that mimic operation of a different arrangement of transmitters and receivers. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Shanjun Li, Yumei Tang
  • Publication number: 20130141102
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of operation with respect to well logging. Apparatus and methods include a tool having an arrangement of transmitters and receivers to capture a signal from a first region relative to the tool such that signal contributions from a second region relative to the tool are cancelable, based on placement of the transmitters and receivers with respect to each other. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Luis E. San Martin, Michael S. Bittar
  • Publication number: 20130105224
    Abstract: Various logging-while-drilling (LWD) systems and methods provide resistivity logging coupled with deep detection of elongated anomalies at acute angles, enabling effective geosteering without disrupting drilling operations and without requiring intervention in the operations of the existing well. One LWD system embodiment employs a tool having tilted antennas as the transmitter and the receiver, where at least one of the antennas is placed in the vicinity of the bit, making it possible to detect existing wells at distances of 50-100 feet. In some cases, the detection distance is increased by enhancing the visibility of the existing well using a contrast fluid treatment on target well, either to fill the bore or to surround the well with treated cement or fluids that invade the formation. At least one inversion method separates the inversion of formation parameters from the inversion of parameters specifying distance, direction, and orientation of the existing well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Abbas Sami Eyuboglu, Michael S. Bittar, Clive D. Menezes
  • Publication number: 20130099808
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of determining resistivity of fluids downhole in a well. The apparatus and methods may include using a sensor that employs a focused electric dipole as a transmitter and a uses a receiver to detect the electric current strength in the fluid under measurement responsive to the transmitter. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Li, MIchael S. Bittar
  • Publication number: 20130088364
    Abstract: During drilling of an earth borehole, resistance measurements may be made at the drill bit through use of a bottom hole assembly that includes a drill bit having a sensor, such as an electrode, located generally at an exterior surface of the drill bit. The current will be induced in the formation from multiple transmitters, at least one of which will be supported on, or very close to the drill bit. Connection mechanisms are described that enable the releasable engagement of electrical conductors to circuitry within the drill bits. The obtained resistivity measurements at the drill bit can be used for many purposes, including formation imaging and geosteering of the drilling operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Gary Weaver, Vadim Minosvan
  • Publication number: 20130054145
    Abstract: In various embodiments, apparatus and methods are provided to determine formation resistivity associated with a well. Measurements taken using sub-arrays of a tool at different distances of investigation can be used to determine formation resistivity, where the sub-arrays are arranged to make azimuthal related measurements. Separations readings related to resistivity can be generated from signals received from different directions and can be analyzed to characterize validity of a measurement reading. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Roland Edward Chemali
  • Publication number: 20130046474
    Abstract: Various resistivity logging tools, systems, and methods are disclosed. At least some tool embodiments include transmit and receive antennas that measure the electromagnetic response of the formation, at least one of which is tilted to provide a directional sensitivity. A processor converts the response (measured as a function of the tool's rotation angle) into a set of inversion parameters, which are then used to estimate the anisotropic properties of the formation. The set of inversion parameters includes at least one parameter based on an antipodal sum of the response signal, and may further include parameters based on an antipodal difference and an average of the signal response. Antipodal sum and difference values at different rotational orientations can be included in the set of inversion parameters, and they may be normalized to reduce environmental effects. Some tool embodiments collect the relevant formation measurements using parallel or perpendicular tilted antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Haliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Yumei Tang, Shanjun Li
  • Patent number: 8347985
    Abstract: Multimodal geosteering systems and methods are disclosed. Some disclosed tool embodiments include first and second transmitter-receiver arrangements that make geosteering measurements using different forms of energy (such as acoustic and electromagnetic energy) to provide geosteering measurements that at least indicate a boundary direction but may also indicate a boundary distance. Some disclosed method embodiments include: determining a direction to a bed boundary using measurements with different energy types; and adjusting a drilling direction based at least in part on said determination. Combinations of (or selections between) the different measurements may be made based on, inter alia, measurement range, resolution, and contrast. Some disclosed system embodiments include a memory and a processor. The memory stores geosteering display software that configures the processor to generate an image with different regions based on the different types of geosteering measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Jennifer Market, Clive Menezes
  • Publication number: 20120326825
    Abstract: A downhole tool including a transmitter coil assembly and a receiver coil assembly. The coil assembly includes at least one first coil having a first support member with a first single layer of wire wound therearound. The coil assembly further includes at least one second coil. The second coil includes a second support member having a second single layer of wire wound therearound. The first support member is disposed within the second support member, and the first single layer spaced apart from the second single wire by a distance of D.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC
    Inventors: Luis E. San Martin, Evan L. Davies, Michael S. Bittar
  • Publication number: 20120306500
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are electromagnetic resistivity logging systems and methods that employ an antenna configuration having at most two transmitter or receiver antenna orientations that rotate relative to the borehole. The measurements made by this reduced-complexity antenna configuration enable the determination of at least seven components of a coupling matrix, which may be determined using a linear system of equations that express the azimuthal dependence of the measurements. For increased reliability, measurement averaging may be performed in azimuthally spaced bins. The coupling matrix components can then be used as the basis for determining logs of various formation parameters, including vertical resistivity and anisotropy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. BITTAR, Guoyu Hu
  • Publication number: 20120283952
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., from within a borehole. A nearby casing string can be detected by transmitting an electromagnetic signal from a transmit antenna on a downhole logging tool and measuring a parallel response signal with a first receive antenna parallel to the transmit antenna and a perpendicular response signal with a second receive antenna perpendicular to the transmit antenna, both receive antennas on the downhole logging tool. As the tool rotates, the transmitting and measuring are repeated to determine the azimuthal dependence of the parallel and perpendicular response signals. The azimuthal dependence is analyzed to determine a diagonal component of said azimuthal dependence for each response signal. Distance to a casing string can be estimated using the diagonal component of each response signal. At least one of the antennas is preferably tilted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Yumei TANG, Michael S. BITTAR, Shanjun LI
  • Publication number: 20120249149
    Abstract: A retrievable tool for steering through an earth formation includes a first tool assembly and a tilted antenna attached to the first tool assembly. The tool also includes a second tool assembly attached to the first tool assembly and a tilted antenna attached to the second tool assembly. The first tool assembly attaches to the second tool assembly so that the antennas are tilted in predetermined directions. The tilted antennas are transmitter antennas or receiver antennas. Each tool assembly is a tubular cylinder with a longitudinal axis running the length of the cylinder, wherein the tubular cylinder has two ends, each end including a rotational attachment mechanism. The tool assemblies attach to each other through their rotational attachment mechanisms. The rotational attachment mechanism may be a screw-on mechanism, press-fit mechanism, or welded mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. BITTAR, Clive MENEZES, Martin D. PAULK
  • Publication number: 20120234605
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of determining the characteristics of geological formations in a well. One or more transmitters and receivers electrically imitate a moving antenna. The moving antenna produces a distribution of frequencies by utilizing the Doppler effect. Each anomaly in the well produces reflections with different frequency, amplitude and phase information. In various embodiments, location and characteristics of multiple anomalies can be identified simultaneously in a well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Michael S. Bittar
  • Patent number: 8264228
    Abstract: Logging tools having protected tilted antennas are disclosed, along with construction methods therefor. In one method embodiment, a tilted antenna on a retrievable segment of a downhole tool is constructed by: forming an elliptical recess on the segment; forming an antenna within the elliptical recess; and forming an elliptical pattern of windows over and perpendicular to the axis of the elliptical antenna. Some tool embodiments comprise a retrievable segment of a downhole tool having an elliptical recess; an elliptical antenna disposed within the elliptical recess; and an elliptical pattern of windows formed over and perpendicular to the plane of the elliptical antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Randal T. Beste, Vadim Yuryevich Minosyan, Mark A. Sitka
  • Publication number: 20120199394
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of processing and geosteering with respect to well logging. Apparatus and methods may include acquiring signals generated from operating a tool rotating in a borehole of a well, where the tool includes a receiver antenna tilted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool and two transmitter antennas. The acquired signals can be processed with respect to a direction in the rotation of the tool to determine properties associated with a formation and/or to determine a geosignal for geosteering a drilling operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Hsu-Hsiang Wu, Shanjun Li
  • Publication number: 20120186873
    Abstract: A well drilling method utilizing real time response to ahead of bit measurements. A well drilling method includes measuring a property of a portion of the earth prior to drilling a wellbore into the earth portion; and varying a drilling parameter in real time while drilling the wellbore, in response to measuring the property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sara Shayegi, Derrick W. Lewis, Michael S. Bittar, James Randolph Lovorn, Craig W. Godfrey