Abstract: An apparatus for use in a borehole may include a rotor having at least one set of magnetic elements and a cylindrical stator having a winding flowing current in a direction transverse to a long axis of the stator. The polarity of each magnetic element of the rotor may be arranged to alternate along a long axis of the rotor. The stator may be in sliding engagement with the rotor and have a core formed at least partially of laminations aligned along a plane co-planar with the long axis of the stator. Energizing the winding principally causes relative sliding between the rotor and the stator. A method for performing an operation in a borehole includes forming a well tool having at least one linear motor as described above, conveying the linear motor into the borehole, and operating a well tool by activating the linear motor.

Abstract: A system for communicating with subsurface components includes: a surface host connected to a subsurface location; a subsurface host connected to the surface host by a communication link, the subsurface host configured to communicate with the surface host using a communication protocol; and a plurality of tools configured to be disposed in a borehole, the plurality of downhole tools communicatively coupled to the subsurface host via a communication network. The communication network is divided into a plurality of network subsets, each network subset of the plurality of network subsets including one or more downhole tools, all of the one or more downhole tools configured to communicate using a common protocol, each network subset including a network device configured to receive data and translate the data to the common protocol, the common protocol of one network subset being different than the common protocol of at least one other network subset.

Abstract: A flowmeter for use in a wellbore that has vane assemblies that deploy from a rotating segment. The vane assemblies project a variable distance away from the rotating segment, so that the flowmeter adjust to varying flow conditions. The variable distance of the vane assemblies also allows use of the flowmeter in different sized wellbores. An example flowmeter includes vane assemblies of varying length that are selectively deployed depending on operating conditions. Other vane assemblies have vane elements with a pitch that varies in response to wellbore and fluid flow operating parameters.

Abstract: A pumpdown sub for use with a downhole tool during pumpdown operations includes a valve with a valve member that selectively opens and closes. When the valve is open, fluid can flow axially past the pumpdown sub, thus the downhole tool can be moved up and down in the wellbore without flow resistance from the pumpdown sub. When the valve is closed, the valve member blocks substantially the entire cross sectional area of the wellbore, so that when pumpdown fluid is added to the wellbore, the fluid does not flow around the valve, but instead all of the pumped fluid exerts a pumpdown force onto the valve and tool.

Abstract: A downhole string having a series of downhole tools, where the tools are powered by different energy sources. The different energy sources include electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical. Connections between adjacent downhole tools provide for electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical communication between adjacent tools. Thus energy in one part of the downhole string can be converted into another form of energy and communicated for use in another part of the downhole string.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a module used in a borehole may include a plurality of shock protection elements associated with the module. The plurality of shock protection elements cooperatively has a macroscopic non-linear spring response to an applied shock event. The plurality of shock protection elements may include at least an enclosure and a dampener connecting the module with the enclosure. A related method for protecting a module used in a borehole may include enclosing the module within the plurality of shock protection elements; disposing the module in the borehole; and subjecting the module to a shock event. The plurality of shock protection elements cooperatively has a macroscopic non-linear spring response to the shock event.

Abstract: A one trip system for perforating and fracking multiple intervals uses a releasable barrier. The barrier can be an inflatable. A pressure booster system is associated with the BHA so that the existing hydrostatic pressure is boosted when the gun or portions thereof are fired. After firing in one interval, the BHA is raised and the barrier is redeployed and the pattern repeats. Instruments allow sensing the conditions in the interval for optimal placement of the gun therein and for monitoring flow, pressure and formation conditions during the fracturing. Circulation between gun firings cleans up the hole. If run in on wireline a water saving tool can be associated with the BHA to rapidly position it where desired. A multitude of perforation charges mounted in the BHA can be selectively fired by selected corresponding detonator based on a predetermined sequence or surface telemetry command.

Abstract: A one trip system for perforating and fracking multiple intervals uses a releasable barrier. The barrier can be an inflatable. A pressure booster system is associated with the BHA so that the existing hydrostatic pressure is boosted when the gun or portions thereof are fired. After firing in one interval, the BHA is raised and the barrier is redeployed and the pattern repeats. Instruments allow sensing the conditions in the interval for optimal placement of the gun therein and for monitoring flow, pressure and formation conditions during the fracturing. Circulation between gun firings cleans up the hole. If run in on wireline a water saving tool can be associated with the BHA to rapidly position it where desired. A multitude of perforation charges mounted in the BHA can be selectively fired by selected corresponding detonator based on a predetermined sequence or surface telemetry command.

Abstract: A one trip system for perforating and fracking multiple intervals uses a releasable barrier. The barrier can be an inflatable. A pressure booster system is associated with the BHA so that the existing hydrostatic pressure is boosted when the gun or portions thereof are fired. After firing in one interval, the BHA is raised and the barrier is redeployed and the pattern repeats. Instruments allow sensing the conditions in the interval for optimal placement of the gun therein and for monitoring flow, pressure and formation conditions during the fracturing. Circulation between gun firings cleans up the hole. If run in on wireline a water saving tool can be associated with the BHA to rapidly position it where desired. A multitude of perforation charges mounted in the BHA can be selectively fired by selected corresponding detonator based on a predetermined sequence or surface telemetry command.

Abstract: A system and method to determine health prognostics for selection and management of a tool for deployment in a downhole environment are described. The system includes a database to store life cycle information of the tool, the life cycle information including environmental and operational parameters associated with use of the tool. The system also includes a memory device to store statistical equations to determine the health prognostics of the tool, and a processor to calibrate the statistical equations and build a time-to-failure model of the tool based on a first portion of the life cycle information in the database.

Abstract: Methods and systems for regulating use of an asset by a user entity. The user entity may be bound by an asset use agreement providing the user entity a right to use the asset subject to at least one use limitation. Regulating use of the asset may be carried out using at least one processor in communication with a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to sense a condition associated with the asset relating to at least one use limitation. The method may include generating a violation notification message for a managing entity when the at least one processor identifies a violation by the user entity of the at least one use limitation. The managing entity may be the entity responsible for regulating the user entity's use of the asset. The managing entity may be remote from the asset and/or the processor.

Abstract: An apparatus for flowing a tool string along a wellbore tubular may include a flow restrictor having a diametrically expanded position and a diametrically retracted position. The flow restrictor may include at least one sealing element that sealingly engages the wellbore tubular when in the diametrically expanded position. The apparatus also includes an actuator configured to move the at least one sealing element to at least a position intermediate of the open and the closed position. The actuator may be responsive to a control signal that is generated locally or transmitted from a remote location.

Abstract: A method for controlling the electrical power delivered to a downhole system. The downhole system may include a power supply, a downhole tool, and a wire or cable connecting the downhole tool to the power supply. A resistive load, such as a motor, is included with the downhole tool. The power supplied to the downhole tool is dynamically adjustable to match the resistive load voltage and power rating. Dynamically adjusting power is accomplished by varying voltage from the power supply, varying the resistive load requirements, or a combination of both.

Abstract: An induction logging device is provided with additional electrodes. One set of electrodes provides voltages that are indicative of the current distribution in the borehole. The output of the first set of electrodes may be used for estimating formation resistivity. A second set of electrodes may be used to provide an image of the formation.

Abstract: An improved induction tool for evaluating formation resistivity. The tool provides electromagnetic transmitters and sensors suitable for transmitting and receiving magnetic fields in radial directions that are orthogonal to the tool's longitudinal axis with minimal susceptibility to errors associated with parasitic eddy currents induced in the metal components surrounding the transmitter and receiver coils. A magnetic lens is provided to select sensitivity to a desired reservoir formation property.

Abstract: A method for controlling the electrical power delivered to a downhole system. The downhole system may include a power supply, a downhole tool, and a wire or cable connecting the downhole tool to the power supply. A resistive load, such as a motor, is included with the downhole tool. The power supplied to the downhole tool is dynamically adjustable to match the resistive load voltage and power rating. Dynamically adjusting power is accomplished by varying voltage from the power supply, varying the resistive load requirements, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting data through a transmission medium between surface and subsurface transceivers. A surface transceiver and a subsurface transceiver are each configured to selectively transmit over a plurality of transmission channels, each transmission channel having a range of frequencies within the total frequency bandwidth. The surface transceiver is adapted to initialize a channel to determine at least one parameter affecting the current maximum data rate for transmission of information through the channel using a given transmission methodology. At least one of the channels uses carrierless phase/amplitude (CAP) modulation for its transmission methodology. The surface transceiver and the subsurface transceiver adapt to cooperatively periodically test a channel by transmission of a calibration signal from the subsurface transceiver to the surface transceiver.

Abstract: A system for acquiring logging data comprises a controller for causing the generation of a signal in a formation surrounding a wellbore. The controller has a first clock for time-stamping a record of the generated signal. A receiver is deployed in the wellbore and is adapted for detecting the signal. A second clock comprises a double-oven surrounding a crystal oscillator. A controller is operatively coupled to the double-oven to maintain the crystal oscillator temperature substantially at the crystal oscillator turnover temperature. The second clock is synchronized with the first clock before deployment in the wellbore, and the receiver references the second clock in order to record a time-stamp associated with the detected signal.

Abstract: Measurements made with a multicomponent logging instrument when used in a substantially horizontal borehole in earth formations provide diagnostic of the direction of beds relative to the position of the borehole. When the logging instrument is conveyed on a drilling assembly, the drilling trajectory may be maintained to follow a predetermined trajectory or to maintain a desired distance from a boundary such as an oil-water contact.

Abstract: The present invention improves measurement of the formation induction response in the presence of the primary magnetic field generated by a logging tool's transmitter. A structure is provided having a new combination of electrical and mechanical design features which provide logging tool for internal calibration and checking of antenna performance and characteristics before during and after well logging operations.