Abstract: A method of measuring the conductivity of earth formations penetrated by a wellbore. The method comprises selectively passing an alternating current through transmitter coils inserted into the wellbore. Each of the transmitter coils has a magnetic moment direction different from the magnetic moment direction of the other ones of the transmitter coils. The alternating current includes a first and a second frequency. The amplitude at the first frequency has a predetermined relationship to the amplitude at the second frequency. The relationship corresponds to the first and the second frequencies. The method includes selectively receiving voltages induced in a receiver coil having a sensitive direction substantially parallel to the axis of the corresponding transmitter coil through which the alternating current is passed.

Abstract: A system for evaluating multiphase flow of a fluid downhole in a borehole. Dielectric permittivity electrodes generate a capacitance output signal through the fluid, and conductivity electrodes generate a conductivity output signal through the fluid. The electrodes are powered with an AC generator operating at the same or different frequencies. The capacitance and conductivity output signals can be alternately generated by operating a controller, and such signals can be combined with a multiplexer engaged with the controller. The signal can be processed downhole or can be transmitted to a receiver positioned at the well surface for processing and interpretation of the multiphase data.

Abstract: A current switch for borehole logging tools operating at high temperatures with high load currents, which includes a driver unit that responds to an input digital control signal by holding an output field effect transistor in a turn-off state until its gate electrode is fully charged before allowing the transistor to supply current to an inductive or acoustic load, and by effecting a rapid discharge of the gate electrode to turn the transistor off. A digital coupler is inserted between the source of the input digital control signal and the driver unit to electrically decouple the load current from the source. The effects of spurious noise contaminants including power spikes in the load, fly-back coupling, and Miller's capacitance thereby are minimized and a switching action with minimal transition time is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating phase response of a receiver in an induction well logging instrument. The apparatus includes a source of alternating current selectively coupled to a transmitter. A low-gain antenna is disposed proximal to the transmitter for generating voltage in response to a magnetic field generated by the alternating current in the transmitter. The instrument includes a receiver spaced apart from transmitter. A phase comparator is coupled at one input to the low-gain antenna and at its other input to the source of alternating current. The phase comparator generates a signal corresponding to phase difference between the voltage in the low-gain antenna, and the alternating current. A sample and hold circuit is coupled to phase comparator for retaining the most recent signal from the phase comparator. A time-delay circuit is coupled to the source of alternating current and to the sample and hold circuit.