Abstract: A downhole perforation system includes a ballistic device having an first end and a second end, the ballistic device carrying an explosive material. The system further includes a shock absorption device coupled to at least one of the first or second end of the ballistic device and configured to absorb at least a portion of impact energy produced from detonation of the explosive material. The shock absorption device includes a shock absorption module which includes a viscoelastic body and a rigid structure molded within the viscoelastic body. The rigid structure is configured to break or deform when impacted by a threshold amount of impact energy. Broken or deformed portions of the rigid structure are contained within the viscoelastic body.

Abstract: A downhole perforation system includes a ballistic device having an first end and a second end, the ballistic device carrying an explosive material. The system further includes a shock absorption device coupled to at least one of the first or second end of the ballistic device and configured to absorb at least a portion of impact energy produced from detonation of the explosive material. The shock absorption device includes a shock absorption module which includes a viscoelastic body and a rigid structure molded within the viscoelastic body. The rigid structure is configured to break or deform when impacted by a threshold amount of impact energy. Broken or deformed portions of the rigid structure are contained within the viscoelastic body.

Abstract: An articulating wireline component includes a first integrally formed member having a base portion, a neck portion and a ball portion having a first diameter, and a second integrally formed member including a base section, a neck portion and a socket portion including an opening having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The ball portion is arranged in the socket portion and the second integrally formed member is formed from a solid material.

Abstract: Apparatus including an assembly associated with a downhole tool and configured to thermally isolate a thermally sensitive component. Components of the assembly include a thermal housing; a chassis interior to the thermal housing; at least one thermally sensitive component mounted on the chassis; and a thermal isolation support connecting the chassis to the tool. The thermal isolation support comprises an elongated thermal isolator having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the thermal isolator connected to the tool at the first end and connected to the chassis at the second end, and a heat sink thermally coupled to the elongated thermal isolator at the second end. The second end of the elongated thermal isolator may comprise the only points of thermal coupling between the heat sink and the components other than the heat sink.

Abstract: An articulating wireline component includes a first integrally formed member having a base portion, a neck portion and a ball portion having a first diameter, and a second integrally formed member including a base section, a neck portion and a socket portion including an opening having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The ball portion is arranged in the socket portion and the second integrally formed member is formed from a solid material.

Abstract: A device for isolating a heat sensitive component includes a heat sink positioned adjacent to the heat sensitive component. The heat sink has a stepped thermal response to an applied heat. The heat sink may include two or more thermally decoupled masses. Thermal decoupling may be achieved by positioning a nanoporous material positioned between the two masses. The heat sensitive component and the heat sink may be positioned inside a container such as a Dewar-like flask and connected to the container with a connector. The connector may function as a thermal isolator that impedes the flow of heat into the interior of the container. In one embodiment, the connector includes at least one bridge portion having a reduced cross-sectional area and/or a longitudinally elongated opening to impede heat flow. Nanoporous material may be positioned in the container at locations that assist in thermally isolating the heat sink and heat sensitive components.

Abstract: A cable includes an optical fiber and a pressure sealed enclosure surrounding the fiber. The enclosure is adapted to be able to be elongated to the maximum expected axial strain on the cable without permanent deformation. In one embodiment, the enclosure is corrugated-wall tube surrounding the optical fiber. The tube contains toroidally shaped rings within the maximum diameter portions of the corrugations in tube wall. The cable includes armor wires wound around the corrugated wall tube. In the preferred embodiment, the tube is surrounded by an elastomeric jacket, and is filled with hydraulic oil or the like to prevent entry of wellbore fluids into the tube under hydrostatic pressure. The cable may be used for well logging operations or for seismic data acquisition.

Abstract: A well logging cable including an optical fiber and a pressure sealed enclosure surrounding the fiber. The enclosure is adapted to be able to be elongated to the maximum expected axial strain on the logging cable without permanent deformation. In one embodiment, the enclosure is a corrugated-wall tube surrounding the optical fiber. The tube contains toroidally shaped rings within the maximum diameter portions of the corrugations in the tube wall. The cable includes armor wires wound around the corrugated-wall tube. In the preferred embodiment, the tube is surrounded by an elastomeric jacket, and is filled with hydraulic oil or the like to prevent entry of wellbore fluids into the tube under hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for substantially synchronously transferring linear motion through a non magnetic barrier from a first movable element to a second movable element. The coupling comprises magnets disposed at spaced apart locations along the first element. The magnets each have a magnetization direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of motion of the first element along the non magnetic barrier. The coupling includes magnets disposed at spaced apart locations along the second element at locations corresponding to locations of the magnets op the first element. Each of the magnets on the second element has a magnetization direction inclined at an oblique angle with respect to the magnetization direction of the corresponding magnet so as to capture magnetic flux from the magnets on the first element when either of the elements is moved along the barrier.

Abstract: A method of determining an amount of dissolved gas in a fluid sample is disclosed. The method includes hydraulically confining and expanding the sample while measuring pressure and volume. A first volume and pressure are determined at which the rate of change in pressure with respect to volume deviates from a linear relationship. A second volume and pressure at which continued expansion of the fluid causes substantially no change in pressure is determined. The first pressure and volume are extrapolated by the linear relationship to intersect an extrapolation from the second volume and pressure at no change in pressure, thereby determining a bubble point comprising a bubble point pressure and a bubble point volume. A third pressure corresponding to measured pressure of the fluid sample at the bubble point volume is determined.

Abstract: The present invention is a well logging cable including first conductor elements, each of the first elements consisting of a steel wire surrounded by copper strands and covered in an electrically insulating material, and at least one second conductor element including at least one optical fiber enclosed in a metal tube, copper strands surrounding the tube and the strands covered by the electrically insulating material. The first elements and the at least one second element are arranged in a central bundle. The second conductor element is positioned within the bundle so as to be helically wound around a central axis of the bundle. The bundle is surrounded by armor wires helically wound externally to the bundle.