Indicating The Location, Presence, Or Absence Of Cement Patents (Class 166/253.1)
  • Patent number: 11619222
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable medium to perform operations including: determining, based on at least one dimension of an annulus of a wellbore, a respective downhole position at which to position at least one of an upper sensor and a lower sensor of a downhole pumping tool that includes a pump; positioning the downhole pumping tool in the wellbore such that at least one of the upper sensor and the lower sensor are positioned at the respective downhole position; in response to the upper sensor detecting a first fluid level in the annulus, activating the pump so that the pump pumps fluid from the annulus into a tubing of the wellbore, where the tubing carries the fluid to the surface; and in response to the lower sensor detecting a second fluid level in the annulus, deactivating the pump, where the second fluid level is below the first fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Alwaleed Abdullah Al-Gouhi
  • Patent number: 11466520
    Abstract: A shoe for use with a casing string in a borehole. The shoe may include a first screen positioned within a bore of the shoe or of the casing string near the shoe. The first screen may include orifices sized to prevent the passage of lost circulation material or a material with properties similar to the lost circulation material from outside the shoe through the first screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamal Kumar Sen, Venkata Gopala Rao Palla, Lonnie Carl Helms
  • Patent number: 11448062
    Abstract: Well installations and methods for constructing wireless ready well installations. The installations comprise downhole metallic structure (2) and downhole repeater apparatus (5) for receiving signals and in response transmitting signals onwards. The repeater apparatus (5) are arranged for at least one of receiving the signals by picking up at least one of electrical and acoustic signals from the downhole metallic structure and transmitting the signals onwards by applying at least one of electrical and acoustic signals to the downhole metallic structure. Various arrangement and methods are described to allow provision of well installations ready for wireless communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: METROL TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Steve Martin Hudson, Leslie David Jarvis
  • Patent number: 11137515
    Abstract: Described are tools, systems, and methods for dielectric logging using transient waveforms. In some embodiments, one or more microstrip antennas are employed for the measurements. In various embodiments, the waveforms are processed in the time-domain to determine the dielectric properties of a formation, from which geophysical formation properties can then be derived. Further embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Wilson, Burkay Donderici, Luis Emilio San Martin, Wei-Bin Ewe
  • Patent number: 11131788
    Abstract: Methods of using capture gamma-ray spectroscopy for analyzing gravel-packs, frac-packs, and cement are disclosed herein. The methods can include distinguishing particles placed in a borehole region from particles placed in a subterranean formation outside of the borehole region, by utilizing a slurry comprising a liquid, particles, and a thermal neutron absorbing material to place the particles into the borehole region. The methods can also include obtaining first and second data sets by lowering into a borehole traversing the borehole region a pulsed neutron logging tool comprising a pulsed neutron source and a detector, emitting pulses of neutrons from the pulsed neutron source into the borehole region at intervals of one pulse per about 1,000 ?sec for the first data set and about one pulse per about 100 ?sec for the second data set, and detecting capture gamma rays resulting from nuclear reactions in the borehole and the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11078752
    Abstract: A method and system for completing cementing operations in a subterranean well with a wiper plug assembly includes delivering the wiper plug assembly into a casing, the wiper plug assembly having a wiper plug body with a circular cross section and a resilient wiper element that engages an inner diameter of the casing string. An inclination of the wiper plug assembly is measured in three dimensions with an accelerometer assembly and an azimuth of the wiper plug assembly is measured in three dimensions with a magnetometer. The inclination and the azimuth of the wiper plug assembly are delivered to a control unit in real time. An inclination of the wiper plug assembly is determined in real time. The inclination of the wiper plug assembly is delivered to an earth's surface in real time with a transmitter of the electronics package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Victor Carlos Costa De Oliveira, Ramon Rodriguez Rico, Mario Augusto Rivas Martinez
  • Patent number: 10704377
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a substance in a well can include disposing at least one optical electromagnetic sensor and at least one electromagnetic transmitter in the well, and inducing strain in the sensor, the strain being indicative of an electromagnetic parameter of the substance in an annulus between a casing and a wellbore of the well. A system for monitoring a substance in a well can include at least one electromagnetic transmitter, and at least one optical electromagnetic sensor with an optical waveguide extending along a wellbore to a remote location, the sensor being positioned external to a casing in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Barfoot, Peter J. Boul, Tasneem A. Mandviwala, Leonardo de Oliveira Nunes
  • Patent number: 10605070
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a cure state of cement in a wellbore. A drill device can be used to drill cement in a wellbore. Contact between the drill device and the cement can cause friction or heat, which can produce a gas. A gas detector can be positioned near a wellbore for detecting an amount of gas and a type of gas produced by contact between the drill device and the cement in the wellbore. The cure state of cement in the wellbore can be determined based on the amount of gas and the type of gas detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew Dennis Rowe, Jon Troy Gosney
  • Patent number: 10551523
    Abstract: Methods including taking a gamma spectrum from a wellbore at a target depth, wherein the wellbore penetrates a subterranean formation and has a completion profile comprising a pipe and an annulus between the pipe and the subterranean formation; determining a cement volumetric void space in the wellbore at the target depth; establishing a cement-void-spatial calibration curve based on obtained gamma spectra representing cement spatial void space locations in the annulus of the completion profile, wherein each cement volumetric void space amount in the wellbore has a characteristic cement-void-spatial calibration curve; comparing the wellbore gamma spectrum and the cement-void-spatial calibration curve; and determining a location of the cement volumetric void space in the wellbore at the target depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Yike Hu, Weijun Guo
  • Patent number: 10428647
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is performed by a computer system. The method includes integrating a series of data inputs related to a well. The series of data inputs includes at least one real-time data input and at least one non-real-time data input. The method further includes based, at least in part, on a result of the integrating, facilitating a real-time display of performance data for the well. The real-time display includes information related to at least one of hydraulic surveillance and torque-and-drag surveillance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Petrolink International Ltd.
    Inventor: Rafael Angel Bermudez Martinez
  • Patent number: 10067262
    Abstract: Sonic data, ultrasonic data, density data, cased-hole neutron data, and open-hole neutron data of the wellbore are obtained. The sonic and ultrasonic data provides the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the altered sonic and ultrasonic waves. The far counts, near counts, and energy spectrum are obtained from density data, cased-hole (CH) neutron data, and open-hole (OH) neutron data. The amplitude, frequency, and phase provide the interface densities of the first, second, and third interfaces. The hydrogen index (HI) of the formation and the cased wellbore are obtained from the CH and OH neutron data. The widths of the second and third interfaces are obtained from the HI's and the densities of the second and third interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Luis F. Quintero, Ivo Foianini, Javier Fadul
  • Patent number: 9945974
    Abstract: Sonic data, ultrasonic data, and density data of the annulus are obtained using a sonic tool, an ultrasonic tool, and a density tool, respectively, included in a tool string. A first deconvolution operation is performed to obtain an amplitude, a frequency, and a phase of the modified sonic wave. A first inverse modeling operation results in a first density value of the annular media. A second deconvolution operation is performed to obtain an amplitude, a frequency, and a phase of the modified ultrasonic wave. A second inverse modeling operation results in a second density value of the annular media. A third deconvolution operation is performed to obtain far counts, near counts, and an energy spectrum of gamma rays. A third inverse modeling operation results in a third density value of the annular media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Luis F. Quintero, Ivo Foianini, Javier Fadul
  • Patent number: 9932511
    Abstract: Compositions useful as wellbore fluids are generally disclosed. In some embodiments, the compositions include polymerizable olefinic surfactant compositions, which, under certain conditions, can polymerize via free-radical polymerization to form surfactant polymers. In some embodiments, the compositions are introduced to an oil well as part of the drilling or extraction process, e.g., to assist in flushing hydrocarbon material out of subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Littich, Charles Coburn
  • Patent number: 9822631
    Abstract: A method for measuring parameters related to wellsite operations comprises mixing Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors with a wellbore servicing composition in surface wellbore operating equipment. The MEMS sensors are assigned a unique identified that may be used to track individual MEMS sensor as the MEMS sensors travel through the wellbore and may be used to correlate sensor measurements taken by the MEMS sensors with particular locations in the wellbore. The MEMS sensors may be active and transmit their respective identifiers and sensor data to the surface. Transmitting identifier and sensor data from a MEMS sensor to the surface wellbore operating equipment may be via one or more other MEMS sensors, downhole devices, and surface devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Ravi, Craig W. Roddy, Ricky L. Covington
  • Patent number: 9797218
    Abstract: In one aspect, a wellbore system is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a cement section in the wellbore formed to prevent flow of fluids including hydrocarbons through the cement section, a plug disposed uphole of the cement section to provide a space between the cement section and the plug and a sensor in the space for providing measurements relating to a parameter of interest. In one aspect, the parameter of interest may include one or more of presence and extent of a hydrocarbon, presence of moisture; pressure; and temperature. The system may further include a transmitter that transmits measurements from the sensor via a communication line or wirelessly to a receiver for processing the sensor measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Darin H. Duphorne
  • Patent number: 9488019
    Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical systems lost circulation materials (MEMS-LCMs) of various sizes, shapes, and specific gravities may be used in a drilling fluid to determine the preferred LCMs for use in wellbore strengthening of the wellbore. For example, a method may include drilling at least a portion of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a drilling fluid that comprises a base fluid, a plurality of MEMS-LCMs, and a plurality of LCMs, wherein the MEMS-LCMs and the LCMs are substantially similar in size, shape, and specific gravity; measuring a first concentration of the MEMS-LCMs in the drilling fluid before circulating the drilling fluid through the wellbore; measuring a second concentration of the MEMS-LCMs in the drilling fluid after circulating the drilling fluid through the wellbore; performing a comparison of the first and second concentrations of the MEMS-LCMs; and changing a composition of the drilling fluid based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Dennis Rowe, Clinton Cheramie Galliano, Walter Varney Andrew Graves
  • Patent number: 9488034
    Abstract: A method of opening a conduit cemented in a subterranean well can include flowing a fluid through a passage in the well after the conduit is cemented in the well, and the conduit opening in response to the flow of the fluid through the passage. A well system can include a flow control device cemented in a wellbore, and a conduit positioned adjacent a passage of the flow control device, whereby the conduit opens in response to the passage being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel David Shaw, Paul Robert Terry
  • Patent number: 9359845
    Abstract: A method of completing a subsea wellbore includes providing one or more conductor anchoring assemblies on an outer surface of a conductor; forming the subsea wellbore; positioning the conductor in the subsea wellbore; and energizing the one or more conductor anchoring assemblies into contact with the subsea wellbore, thereby stabilizing the conductor in the subsea wellbore. In yet another embodiment, the method further includes extending the subsea wellbore; positioning a casing inside the conductor, wherein the casing includes a casing anchoring assembly; and energizing the casing anchoring assembly into contact with the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Kristoffer Grodem, Hallvard Svadberg Hatloy, Sean B. Yakeley, Mona Desai, Brad T. Easley, Njaal Hove
  • Patent number: 9222349
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for cementing plug tracking using distributed strain sensing include a downhole cementing apparatus that includes a distributed strain sensor with an optical cable and a first downhole cementing plug coupled to a fixed point on the optical cable. The apparatus further includes a second downhole cementing plug slidably coupled to the optical cable between the first downhole cementing plug and a sensing end of the optical cable. The second downhole cementing plug causes a detectable feature in a strain profile along the optical cable's length that indicates a position of the second downhole cementing plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Joseph LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20150075775
    Abstract: A method for determining along relatively uniformly spaced apart parallel first and second wellbores situated in an underground hydrocarbon-containing formation, regions within the formation, including in particular regions between such wellbores, where injection of a fluid at a pressure above formation dilation pressure may be advantageous in stimulating production of oil into the second of the two wellbores, and subsequently injecting fluid at pressures above formation dilation pressures at the discrete regions along such wellbores determined to be in need. An initial information-gathering procedure is conducted, wherein fluid is supplied under a pressure less than formation dilation or fracture pressure, to discrete intervals along a first wellbore, and sensors in the second wellbore measure and data is recorded regarding the ease of penetration of such fluid into the various regions of the formation intermediate the two wellbores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Brett C. Davidson, Lawrence J. Frederick, Tor Meling
  • Patent number: 8887806
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of servicing a wellbore comprising the steps of preparing a dry cement blend comprising a base cement and a crystalline component wherein the dry cement blend is based on an initial dry cement blend formulation, obtaining a diffraction pattern of a sample of the dry cement blend, generating a model diffraction pattern, refining the model diffraction pattern using a structural refinement method, determining the type and amount crystalline components present in the dry cement blend, generating a final dry cement blend formulation, and comparing the initial dry cement blend formulation to the final dry cement blend formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin John Iverson, Ray Loghry, Christopher Lane Edwards
  • Patent number: 8863836
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for obtaining log data on a cased wellbore concurrently with wellbore cleanout operations. In some such embodiments, a combination of at least one cleaning means and at least one logging tool are integrated or otherwise affixed to a common workstring, such that both wellbore cleanout and logging operations can be accomplished without having to remove the workstring from the well between such operations. In some such embodiments, the one or more logging tool(s) transmit information about the cased wellbore to the surface wirelessly. In some or other such embodiments, such information is transmitted via cable, in real-time or in batch mode. In some or still other such embodiments, such information is stored in memory and accessed subsequent to the workstring being extracted from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Earl J. Coludrovich, III
  • Patent number: 8800653
    Abstract: A method for identifying fluid migration or inflow associated with a wellbore tubular, comprises measuring strain of the wellbore tubular with a system comprising at least one string of interconnected sensors that is arranged such that the sensors are distributed along a length and the circumference of the wellbore tubular; establishing a baseline that is a function of steady state strain measurements within a first time period; and identifying fluid migration or inflow where strain measurements substantially deviate from the baseline within a second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Dennis Edward Dria, Jeremiah Glen Pearce, Frederick Henry Rambow
  • Publication number: 20140182848
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon well (e.g., oil well) may be monitored during to determine whether a fault exists during an operation such as injecting sealant (e.g., cement) into the borehole. RFID tags may be mixed in a wellbore fluid (e.g., drilling mud, cement, etc.), placed into a borehole, and then tracked within the borehole by communication assemblies with RFID sensors. Data may be obtained by interrogating RFID tags in one or more azimuthally oriented regions of an annulus surrounding a casing of the borehole. Fluid distribution in the annulus will be evaluated with respect to azimuthally offset regions of the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark W. Roberson, Scott Goodwin, Craig W. Roddy, Krishna M. Ravi
  • Publication number: 20140076551
    Abstract: Optical analysis systems, methods, and apparatuses for analyzing fluids may be useful for in situ monitoring fluids that relate to cementing operations. For example, a method may include containing a cement fluid composition in a flow path comprising a wellbore; and optically interacting the cement fluid composition with an integrated computational element, thereby generating an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the cement fluid composition, the integrated computational element being coupled to a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Pelletier, Christopher Michael Jones, B. Raghava Reddy, Ashok K. Santra
  • Patent number: 8636063
    Abstract: Various disclosed cement slurry monitoring methods include monitoring one or more parameter of the cement slurry at various positions along the borehole during the curing process and responsively identifying a span over which the slurry extends and whether there are any gaps or voids in that span. At least some system embodiments include a distributed sensing arrangement to provide parameter measurements as a function of position and time during the curing process. A computer analyzes the measurements to determine the span of the cement slurry and whether any gaps exist. Contemplated measurement parameters include temperature, pressure, strain, acoustic spectrum, acoustic coupling, and chemical concentration. Individually or in combination, these measurements can reveal in real time the state of the cement slurry and can enable remedial actions to be taken during or after the curing process if needed to address deficiencies in the annular seal being provided by the cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kris Ravi, Etienne Samson, John L. Maida, William John Hunter
  • Publication number: 20130255937
    Abstract: A method for cement bond logging and targeted intervention, including lowering a cylindrical n×m array of ultrasound (US) transducers into a well, firing the US transducers to transmit US signals into a well casing, converting reflected US signals received by the transducers into electronic form and transmit the converted signals to a control unit, analyzing the converted signals to detect holidays, if a holiday is detected, determining a position and angle of the holiday with respect to the transducers, and applying a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) signal to the well casing to fill the holiday.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicants: SIEMENS CORPORATION, SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC., SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Barnes, Thomas O'Donnell, Theodore James Mallinson
  • Patent number: 8517096
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore, made of a casing and an annulus with a fluid within, comprises a reel or wound optic fiber line fixed to an object within the casing, and a light transmitter/receiver device that is able to generate a signal through the optic fiber line and to measure a change of said signal. The optic fiber line is (a) on a first position fixed to a reference point linked to the light transmitter/receiver device, and is (b) on a second position unwound from the reel. The light transmitter/receiver device is able to measure the change of said signal when occurring at the second position, and the apparatus has a system able to measure the flow rate of the fluid exiting the annulus at the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre Vigneaux, Dominique Guillot
  • Patent number: 8505625
    Abstract: A method of controlling a well operation can include monitoring at least one parameter of cement lining a wellbore, the monitoring being performed via at least one optical waveguide, and modifying the well operation in response to the parameter being outside of a predetermined acceptable range. A well monitoring system can include at least one optical waveguide which is used to sense at least one parameter of cement lining a wellbore, an optical interrogation system optically connected to the at least one optical waveguide, and a control system which controls operation of at least one item of well equipment in response to information received from the optical interrogation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kris Ravi, Etienne M. Samson, John L. Maida, Jr., William Hunter
  • Patent number: 8327933
    Abstract: An apparatus for verifying cement arrival at a target location includes a liner. A sensory structure radially outwardly disposed of the liner at a target arrival location of cement from a cementing operation. The sensory structure configured to sense arrival of cement. A seal configuration automatically responsive to the sensed arrival of cement. Also included is a method for addressing micro annulus formation in a down hole cementing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald D. Lynde, Douglas J. Murray
  • Patent number: 8316936
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in the wellbore, placing a plurality of acoustic sensors in the wellbore, obtaining data from the MEMS sensors and data from the acoustic sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore, and transmitting the data obtained from the MEMS sensors and the acoustic sensors from an interior of the wellbore to an exterior of the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in the wellbore, and obtaining data from the MEMS sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore, wherein one or more of the data interrogation units is powered by a turbo generator or a thermoelectric generator located in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Rick L. Covington, Krishna M. Ravi, Clovis Bonavides, Michael Bittar, Gordon Moake, Batakrishna Mandal
  • Publication number: 20120277997
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for examining a tubular channel, the device comprising a three-way valve, buoyancy means, pressure means, a vent line, at least one sensor and computation means; wherein the three-way valve controls the fluid flow between the pressure means and the buoyancy means and between the buoyancy means and the vent line; the computation means is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and adapted to generate a control signal based on data received from the at least one sensor; and wherein the pressure means is fluidly coupled to the buoyancy means via the three-way valve such that a fluid may flow from the pressure means to the buoyancy means or from the buoyancy means to the surroundings of the device via the vent line; and wherein the computation means is communicatively coupled to the three-way valve and controls said three-way valve via the control signal. Thereby, the invention is able to examine e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Maersk Oil Qatar A/S
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen, Robert Bouke Peters
  • Patent number: 8186432
    Abstract: A well logging fluid, and methods of using the same, include a base fluid selected from water, water-based mud, or oil-based mud, and an additive material selected from silica or cork or alike. The fluid has an impedance substantially different from that of the base fluid. Such a modified impedance helps improve the measurement accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: M-1 LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8162050
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, pumping the wellbore composition into the wellbore at a flow rate, determining velocities of the MEMS sensors along a length of the wellbore, and determining an approximate cross-sectional area profile of the wellbore along the length of the wellbore from at least the velocities of the MEMS sensors and the fluid flow rate. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, pumping the wellbore composition into the wellbore, determining positions of the MEMS sensors relative to one or more known positions along a length of the wellbore, and determining an approximate cross-sectional area profile of the wellbore along the length of the wellbore from at least the determined positions of the MEMS sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Rick L. Covington, Krishna M. Ravi, Clovis Bonavides, Gary Frisch, Batakrishna Mandal
  • Publication number: 20120090836
    Abstract: An apparatus for verifying cement arrival at a target location includes a liner. A sensory structure radially outwardly disposed of the liner at a target arrival location of cement from a cementing operation. The sensory structure configured to sense arrival of cement. A seal configuration automatically responsive to the sensed arrival of cement. Also included is a method for addressing micro annulus formation in a downhole cementing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: GERALD D. LYNDE, DOUGLAS J. MURRAY
  • Patent number: 8157008
    Abstract: A method of preparing a wellbore for production includes running a wellbore clean-out string, including a cement evaluation tool and a wellbore cleaning tool, into a wellbore, acquiring data relating to at least one property of a cement bond of the wellbore, using the cement evaluation tool, and simultaneously cleaning the wellbore, using the wellbore cleaning tool, as the clean-out string is run into the wellbore in order to acquire first and second sets of data while running the string into the wellbore. The first and second sets are combined to form first and second logs of cement bond, which are used to produce an enhanced log of the cement bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventor: Ian James Lilley
  • Publication number: 20110192597
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, pumping the wellbore composition into the wellbore at a flow rate, determining velocities of the MEMS sensors along a length of the wellbore, and determining an approximate cross-sectional area profile of the wellbore along the length of the wellbore from at least the velocities of the MEMS sensors and the fluid flow rate. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, pumping the wellbore composition into the wellbore, determining positions of the MEMS sensors relative to one or more known positions along a length of the wellbore, and determining an approximate cross-sectional area profile of the wellbore along the length of the wellbore from at least the determined positions of the MEMS sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Craig W. RODDY, Rick Covington, Krishna M. Ravi, Clovis Bonavides, Gary Frisch, Batakrishna Mandal
  • Publication number: 20110192598
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in at least a portion of a sealant composition, placing the sealant composition in an annular space formed between a casing and the wellbore wall, and monitoring, via the MEMS sensors, the sealant composition and/or the annular space for a presence of gas, water, or both. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, placing the wellbore composition in the wellbore, and monitoring, via the MEMS sensors, the wellbore and/or the surrounding formation for movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Craig W. RODDY, Krishna M. Ravi, Gary Frisch, Gordon Moake
  • Publication number: 20110186290
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in the wellbore, placing a plurality of acoustic sensors in the wellbore, obtaining data from the MEMS sensors and data from the acoustic sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore, and transmitting the data obtained from the MEMS sensors and the acoustic sensors from an interior of the wellbore to an exterior of the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in the wellbore, and obtaining data from the MEMS sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore, wherein one or more of the data interrogation units is powered by a turbo generator or a thermoelectric generator located in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Craig W. RODDY, Rick Covington, Krishna M. Ravi, Clovis Bonavides, Michael Bittar, Gordon Moake, Batakrishna Mandal
  • Patent number: 7891423
    Abstract: A system for optimizing gravel deposition in a completion interval of a well. The system includes a pumping system that is operable to deliver a gravel pack slurry to the completion interval, an actuator system that is operable to control properties of the gravel pack slurry and a sensor system that is operable to monitor parameters representative of gravel deposition in the completion interval. A dynamic gravel pack model defined in a computer is operable to receive data from the sensor system and provides estimates of gravel deposition in the completion interval. A control system is operable to control the pumping system and the actuator system in relation to a gravel pack deposition plan and the dynamic gravel pack model, wherein the estimates of the dynamic gravel pack model are input into the control system to automatically modify the gravel pack deposition plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason D. Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20100193184
    Abstract: A system and method for releasing a marker within a wellbore is provided. The system and method includes a sensor that detects movement or a position of the marker within the wellbore. The marker may be released in drilling fluid, for example, and may travel from the surface to the drill bit and return to the surface with cuttings. As an example, the markers are used to determine the flow of cuttings within the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Lee Dolman, Louise Bailey, Ashley B. Johnson, Alistair Oag
  • Publication number: 20100181067
    Abstract: An intelligent well system may include a first main bore transmission assembly disposed in a main bore and a first lateral bore transmission assembly disposed in a lateral bore. The first main bore transmission assembly may include a first main bore transmission unit, and the first lateral bore transmission assembly may include a first lateral bore transmission unit. The first main bore transmission unit and the first lateral bore transmission unit may be configured to establish a wireless connection there between, such that at least one of power or telemetry can be wirelessly transmitted. The first main bore transmission assembly may be configured to be communicatively connected to a surface communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Yasser Mahmoud El Khazindar
  • Patent number: 7753119
    Abstract: Many reservoirs of interest include heavy oil. In such reservoirs, partly at normal temperatures, many instruments commonly used for formation evaluation may not be able to distinguish between heavy oil and bound water in the formation. Passive or active heating is used to elevate the temperature of the fluids in the formation. At elevated temperatures, distinguishing between heavy oil and bound water is easier. Of particular interest is the increase in the resolvability of the transverse relaxation time T2 of NMR spin echo measurements. Additionally, the dielectric constant and the loss tangents of water and heavy oil show different temperature and frequency dependence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Songhua Chen, Daniel T. Georgi
  • Publication number: 20100126718
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cement evaluation method and tool. In particular, the invention relates to a method of producing a wellbore cement bond log for evaluating a condition of cement in cased or lined portions of wellbores, and to a corresponding cement bond logging assembly. In an embodiment of the invention, a method of producing a wellbore cement bond log is disclosed which comprises the steps of running a cement evaluation tool (210) and a wellbore cleaning tool (222) into a wellbore (202); acquiring data relating to at least one property of a cement bond (212) of the wellbore using the cement evaluation tool; and generating a log of the acquired data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: SPECIALISED PETROLEUM SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian James Lilley
  • Publication number: 20100044034
    Abstract: Downhole systems and methods including tags configured to provide distinguishable identifiers are set for selective release to a subsurface location. Sources/sensors in the wellbore are activated to detect the tags at a subsurface location, and signal data associated with the detected tags is conveyed to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Louise Bailey, Ashley Bernard, Alistair William Oag, LEE DOLMAN
  • Publication number: 20100044027
    Abstract: An apparatus for verifying cement arrival at a target location including a liner and a sensory structure radially outwardly disposed of the liner at a target arrival location of cement from a cementing operation; the sensory structure capable of sensing arrival of cement. A method for verifying completion of a cementing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gerald D. Lynde, Douglas J. Murray
  • Publication number: 20080262735
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating an occurrence of a water breakthrough in a production well is provided that includes estimating, at least periodically, a measure of water in the fluid produced from one or more production zones and estimating the occurrence of the water breakthrough utilizing at least in part a trend of the estimated measures of the produced fluid. A controller determines one or more actions to be taken to mitigate an effect of the water breakthrough and may automatically initiate one or more such actions. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Brian L. Thigpen, Guy P. Vachon, Garabed Yeriazarian, Jaedong Lee, Chee M. Chok, Clark Sann, Xin Liu
  • Patent number: 7401646
    Abstract: Methods and systems for reverse-circulation cementing in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method is a method of cementing casing in a subterranean well bore, comprising inserting a casing into the well bore, the casing comprising a casing shoe; equipping the casing with a well head, and a casing inner diameter pressure indicator; flowing an equilibrium fluid into the well bore; flowing a cement composition into the well bore after the equilibrium fluid; determining from the well-bore pressure indicator when the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; discontinuing the flow of cement composition into the well bore upon determining that the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; and permitting the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Examples of systems include systems for cementing casing in a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Badalamenti, Karl W. Blanchard, Michael G. Crowder, Ronald R. Faul, James E Griffith, Henry E. Rogers, Simon Turton
  • Patent number: 7389815
    Abstract: Methods and systems for reverse-circulation cementing in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method is a method of cementing casing in a subterranean well bore, comprising inserting a casing into the well bore, the casing comprising a casing shoe; equipping the casing with a well head, and a casing inner diameter pressure indicator; flowing an equilibrium fluid into the well bore; flowing a cement composition into the well bore after the equilibrium fluid; determining from the well-bore pressure indicator when the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; discontinuing the flow of cement composition into the well bore upon determining that the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; and permitting the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Examples of systems include systems for cementing casing in a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Badalamenti, Karl W. Blanchard, Michael G. Crowder, Ronald R. Faul, James E Griffith, Henry E. Rogers, Simon Turton
  • Patent number: 7387159
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method and a system for monitoring the composition of a cement slurry or wellbore service fluid, the method and system including one or more feeder units for solid particulate material; one or more mixing or blending units adapted to receive material from the feeder units; one or more outlet tubes to direct the cement slurry or wellbore service fluid to a storage facility or into a wellbore; and a control unit connected to at least one densitometer to monitor the density of the cement slurry or wellbore service fluid; wherein the densitometer comprises a generator free of radioactive material and capable of generating high-energy photons based on accelerating or decelerating electrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: John Barry Fitzgerald