Abstract: A neutron detection apparatus, method, and system includes a scintillation device that emits photons in response to received neutron energy incident on the device. A gamma radiation source, coupled to the scintillation device and configured to emit a reference energy, is also detected by the scintillation device. The reference energy has a different energy than the neutron radiation. A light sensor is coupled to the scintillation device. The light sensor receives and converts the emitted photons into an electrical signal comprising an indication of both the reference energy and the received neutron energy.

Abstract: Downhole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods that utilize oleophilic nanoparticle may allow for differentiation of light oil and oil-based filtrates. For example, a method may involve drilling a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation using an oil-based drilling fluid that comprises an oil base fluid and a plurality of oleophilic nanoparticles; performing a plurality of NMR measurements at a plurality of depths of investigation (DOI) of a near-wellbore portion of the subterranean formation; and producing an invasion profile of an oil-based drilling fluid filtrate into the near-wellbore portion of the subterranean formation based on the plurality of NMR measurements.

Abstract: A neutron detection apparatus, method, and system includes a scintillation device that emits photons in response to received neutron energy incident on the device. A gamma radiation source, coupled to the scintillation device and configured to emit a reference energy, is also detected by the scintillation device. The reference energy has a different energy than the neutron radiation. A light sensor is coupled to the scintillation device. The light sensor receives and converts the emitted photons into an electrical signal comprising an indication of both the reference energy and the received neutron energy.

Abstract: Downhole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods that utilize oleophilic nanoparticle may allow for differentiation of light oil and oil-based filtrates. For example, a method may involve drilling a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation using an oil-based drilling fluid that comprises an oil base fluid and a plurality of oleophilic nanoparticles; performing a plurality of NMR measurements at a plurality of depths of investigation (DOI) of a near-wellbore portion of the subterranean formation; and producing an invasion profile of an oil-based drilling fluid filtrate into the near-wellbore portion of the subterranean formation based on the plurality of NMR measurements.

Abstract: A pipe conveyed extendable well logging assembly includes a deployment system for extending and retracting a well logging tool relative to the pipe while downhole. The logging tool may be releasably latched to the pipe, and may include position sensors for position feedback and depth correction.

Abstract: Downhole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods that utilize oleophilic nanoparticle may allow for differentiation of light oil and oil-based filtrates. For example, a method may involve drilling a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation using an oil-based drilling fluid that comprises an oil base fluid and a plurality of oleophilic nanoparticles; performing a plurality of NMR measurements at a plurality of depths of investigation (DOI) of a near-wellbore portion of the subterranean formation; and producing an invasion profile of an oil-based drilling fluid filtrate into the near-wellbore portion of the subterranean formation based on the plurality of NMR measurements.

Abstract: Downhole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods that utilize oleophilic nanoparticle may allow for differentiation of light oil and oil-based filtrates. For example, a method may involve drilling a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation using an oil-based drilling fluid that comprises an oil base fluid and a plurality of oleophilic nanoparticles; performing a plurality of NMR measurements at a plurality of depths of investigation (DOI) of a near-wellbore portion of the subterranean formation; and producing an invasion profile of an oil-based drilling fluid filtrate into the near-wellbore portion of the subterranean formation based on the plurality of NMR measurements.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to acquire fluid signature data representing a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance echo trains associated with fluids in a material, to simultaneously invert a plurality of relaxation time models to provide inverted results, and to determine fluid properties using the inverted results. The relaxation time models may be associated with the fluids using the fluid signature data after constraining ratios of T1 relaxation times to T2 relaxation times.

Abstract: A pipe conveyed extendable well logging assembly includes a deployment system for extending and retracting a well logging tool relative to the pipe while downhole. The logging tool may be releasably latched to the pipe, and may include position sensors for position feedback and depth correction.

Abstract: A separator for downhole measuring during sampling in a subterranean formation. The separator allows for mixed fluid phases to be separated while flowing formation fluid therethrough.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to acquire data representing a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) echo trains associated with a material, such as a geological formation. Additional operations may include inverting a model of at least one of the plurality of NMR echo trains to provide an estimated distribution of transverse relaxation time constants, inverting models of selected ones of the plurality of NMR echo trains using the estimated distribution of transverse relaxation time constants to provide an estimated diffusion distribution, and inverting a model of selected ones of the plurality of NMR echo trains, using the estimated distributions of transverse relaxation time constants and diffusion, to provide an apparent and an intrinsic probability density function to identify fluid types in the material.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to acquire fluid signature data representing a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance echo trains associated with fluids in a material, to simultaneously invert a plurality of relaxation time models to provide inverted results, and to determine fluid properties using the inverted results. The relaxation time models may be associated with the fluids using the fluid signature data after constraining ratios of T1 relaxation times to T2 relaxation times.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to acquire data representing a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) echo trains associated with a material, such as a geological formation. Additional operations may include inverting a model of at least one of the plurality of NMR echo trains to provide an estimated distribution of transverse relaxation time constants, inverting models of selected ones of the plurality of NMR echo trains using the estimated distribution of transverse relaxation time constants to provide an estimated diffusion distribution, and inverting a model of selected ones of the plurality of NMR echo trains, using the estimated distributions of transverse relaxation time constants and diffusion, to provide an apparent and an intrinsic probability density function to identify fluid types in the material.

Abstract: A separator for downhole measuring during sampling in a subterranean formation. The separator allows for mixed fluid phases to be separated while flowing formation fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A system and methods for improving the vertical resolution of NMR logs based on data acquisition methods and signal processing techniques that need not apply Phase Alternated Pair Stacking (PAPS). The method is based on reducing the level of coherent non-formation signals, by estimating these signals and removing the estimates from the underlying NMR pulse echo trains. Once the estimated non-formation signal components have been removed, standard NMR processing methods are applied to derive petrophysical properties of the formation being investigated. In a preferred embodiment the NOPAPS method of this invention is practiced along with a data acquisition sequence, which can be used to further increase the logging speed of the tool or vertical resolution of the measurements.

Abstract: A system and methods for improving the vertical resolution of NMR logs based on data acquisition methods and signal processing techniques that need not apply Phase Alternated Pair Stacking (PAPS). The method is based on reducing the level of coherent non-formation signals, by estimating these signals and removing the estimates from the underlying NMR pulse echo trains. Once the estimated non-formation signal components have been removed, standard NMR processing methods are applied to derive petrophysical properties of the formation being investigated. In a preferred embodiment the NOPAPS method of this invention is practiced along with a data acquisition sequence, which can be used to further increase the logging speed of the tool or vertical resolution of the measurements.

Abstract: A well penetrator consists of a number of hydraulic fluid control components and a carriage carrying a hydraulic motor and a mill bit supported in a housing which is moveable down a well casing. The control components cause the carriage carrying the mill bit to be indexed up a predetermined distance relative to the well casing and then extended gradually into contact with the well casing while being rotated by the hydraulic motor. After the mill bit completes a hole through the well casing, the hydraulic components index the mill bit back down to its starting position and align a nozzle on the outer end of a high pressure lance with the opening in the casing to direct fluid from the nozzle as the lance is moved outwardly through the hole in the casing drilled by the mill bit.