Determining Position Of Earth Zone Or Marker Patents (Class 166/254.1)
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Patent number: 8646520Abstract: A method for performing a downhole operation includes marking at least one location in a wellbore using a magnetized material. The magnetized material may generate a magnetic field stronger than a magnetic field generated in the wellbore by a surrounding formation.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Songhua Chen
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Publication number: 20130292112Abstract: A particle mixture useful for estimating the locations of rock fractures in rock includes a mixture of particles of proppant with particles of an energetic material having a size, shape, and density that are about the same as for the particles of proppant. Particles of proppant and of an energetic material having the same desired sizes and shapes of the proppant may be obtained by collecting those particles that pass through a sieve of a chosen size but not through a sieve of the next smaller size. The location of rock fractures that contain proppant can be estimated by sending the particle mixture into fractured rock, allowing the energetic particles to release their energy, and afterward estimating the locations in the rock where the energy was released from the particles, thereby providing the locations of fractures in the rock that contain proppant.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventor: Lloyd Lester Davis
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Patent number: 8573297Abstract: Method, devices and systems are provided for measuring deformation in subterranean formations. Such methods include introduction of spaced-apart depth magnetic markers along the longitudinal length of a well bore and measuring the position of each depth marker over time so as to determine deformation of the subterranean formation. In certain embodiments, depth markers comprise rare earth magnets. In further embodiments, orientation of each magnetic bullet is determined over time to determine the change in orientation of each magnetic bullet. Advantages of the methods and devices herein include, but are not limited to, improved accuracy and reliability of deformation measurements and reduced environmental impact due to the avoidance of radioactive markers used by the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, Total E&P Canada Ltd.Inventors: Timothy A. Tomberlin, Bryan A. Vandal, Grant W. Byerley, Zachary L. A. Linkewich
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Patent number: 8528635Abstract: The present disclosure relates to one or more apparatuses and methods to determine fluid movement within a formation. The apparatus includes a first packer configured to selectively engage a wall of a borehole of the formation, an outlet disposed adjacent to the first packer, wherein the outlet is configured to pump a first fluid therefrom and into the formation, and a detecting tool configured to detect the first fluid within the formation. Movement of the first fluid may be determined based upon the detection of the first fluid within the formation.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Allen Ray Harrison, Edward Harrigan
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Patent number: 8499830Abstract: Methods are described using resistivity measurements obtained while drilling one or more offset wells using a drilling mud to guide drilling of one or more uncased intervals of a well to identify a casing point or points in the uncased intervals of the well. Resistivity data is gathered during drilling the offset well and prior to penetrating a region of interest of a known subterranean formation. The drill string in the uncased interval of the well progresses toward the region of interest, using resistivity data at similar depths to identify a casing point while the drill bit advances toward but does not penetrate the region. In certain embodiments resistivity may also be obtained in front of the drill bit in the uncased interval of the well and used in conjunction with the offset well resistivity data to identify casing points in the uncased intervals of the well.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventor: Mark William Alberty
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Publication number: 20130153216Abstract: A method and systems for improving recovery from a hydrocarbon reservoir are described. A method includes identifying an interval within the reservoir that comprises a reduced reservoir quality, wherein the interval includes hydrocarbons. A production chamber is formed in a reservoir interval below the interval of reduced reservoir quality, wherein the production chamber is in contact with the interval of reduced reservoir quality. Hydrocarbons are mobilized in the interval of reduced reservoir quality by contact with a mobilizing agent and a pressure is changed within the interval of reduced reservoir quality to allow hydrocarbon flow from the interval of reduced reservoir quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventor: George R. Scott
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Patent number: 8428924Abstract: A method is disclosed having application notably towards ranking earth models responsive to dynamic heterogeneity. A plurality of earth models representing a subsurface reservoir are provided. Streamline analysis for each of the plurality of earth models is conducted. Flow Capacity (F) vs. Storage Capacity (?) curves are constructed for each of the plurality of earth models based on the streamline analysis. Dynamic heterogeneity for each of the plurality of earth models is computed from the Flow Capacity (F) vs. Storage Capacity (?) curves constructed for each of the plurality of earth models. The plurality of earth models are ranked responsive to dynamic heterogeneity.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: George Michael Shook, Kameron Monroe Mitchell
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Patent number: 8390295Abstract: A system for measuring a resistivity parameter of an earth formation includes: at least one measurement electrode electrically connected to a first electrical source; at least one guard electrode; a shielding electrode interposed between the at least one guard electrode and the at least one measurement electrode, the shielding electrode being electrically connected to a second electrical source independent from the first electrical source, and the guard electrode being electrically connected to a third electrical source independent of the first and second electrical sources; at least one return electrode; insulators positioned between (i) the measurement electrode and the shielding electrode, (ii) the shielding electrode and the guard electrode and (iii) the measurement electrode, the guard electrode and the return electrode; and a processor configured to adjust at least one of the first electrical source and the second electrical source to minimize a current flow through the shielding electrode.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Matthias Gorek, Martin Folberth, Christian Fulda
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Publication number: 20120325465Abstract: A method for estimating a depth from which cuttings have been recovered from a well may include varying a parameter of one or more marking agents added into a drilling fluid circulated into the well and recovering the cuttings from the well. The depth may be estimated by estimating a value associated with the marking agent that marks the cuttings. A system for estimating a depth from which cuttings have been recovered from a well includes at least one marking agent configured to mark the cuttings and a marking agent dispensing device configured to add the at least one marking agent into a drilling fluid circulated into the well. The marking agent dispensing device may be further configured to vary a parameter of the at least one marking agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Aaron C. Hammer, Dennis K. Clapper
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Publication number: 20120285701Abstract: Method for determining one or more optimal well trajectories and a drill center location for hydrocarbon production. A well path and drill center optimization problem (55) is solved in which one constraint is that a well trajectory must intersect a finite size target region (61) in each formation of interest, or in different parts of the same formation. The finite target size provides flexibility for the optimization problem to arrive at a more advantageous solution. Typical well path optimization constraints are also applied, such as anti-collision constraints and surface site constraints (62).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Yao-Chou Cheng, James E. Holl, Joseph D. Dischinger, Jose J. Sequeira, JR.
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Patent number: 8291975Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing into a wellbore a first wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors having a first identifier, and determining positions in the wellbore of the MEMS sensors having the first identifiers.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Rick L. Covington, Krishna M. Ravi, Michael Bittar, Gary Frisch, Batakrishna Mandal, Paul Rodney, William Tapie
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Patent number: 8267170Abstract: A plurality of first barrier wells are formed in a formation for a first barrier. A substantially constant spacing separates adjacent first barrier wells. The formation is analyzed to determine the principal fracture direction of at least one layer of the formation. An offset distance of second barrier wells relative to first barrier wells is determined based on the principal fracture direction to limit a maximum separation distance between a closest barrier well and a theoretical fracture extending between the first barrier and the second barrier along the principal fracture direction to a distance of less than one half of the spacing that separates adjacent first barrier wells. The second barrier wells are offset from the first barrier wells by a distance that is at least substantially the same as the offset distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Thomas David Fowler, Billy John McKinzie
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Patent number: 8210262Abstract: A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning a seismic source and at least one seismic receiver near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir such that the fracturing fluid may include an additive that enhances acoustic impedance between the fracturing fluid and subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located; performing a seismic survey with the seismic source and the at least one seismic receiver during the fracturing operation; and identifying locations of the fracturing fluid within subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventor: Craig J. Beasley
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Patent number: 8172007Abstract: A system and method for releasing a marker within a wellbore. 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: IntelliServ, LLC.Inventors: Lee Dolman, Louise Bailey, Ashley B. Johnson, Alistair Oag
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Patent number: 8141635Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for use for determining orientation of a measurement tool in a cased borehole. The measurement tool is deployed in a cased section of a borehole. The tool includes a volume containing a reference fluid having a first density, and a marker within the fluid having a different density. The position of the marker within volume containing the reference fluid is senses, and orientation information of the measurement tool is determined based at least in part on combining information relating to the position of the marker with prior recorded data representing orientation measurements made while the section of the borehole was not yet cased.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Chung Chang, Henri-Pierre Valero, Jean G. Saint Germain
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Publication number: 20120024524Abstract: The invention relates to the oil industry, in particular to methods for monitoring the development of oil fields. In order to increase the monitoring efficiency of the oil field development by the fuller recording of parameters that characterize a deposit to be developed, for hydraulically unrelated areas with equal values of desirability functions, the method involves additionally measuring the stability of a water-oil emulsion in each well, calculating the mean value of the water-oil emulsion within each area and advising the use of methods for increasing oil recovery at the areas according to the incrementation of the water-oil emulsion value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Mirsaetov Oleg Marsimovich, Yury Viktorovich FEDOROV, Dmitry Vasilievich EMELYANOV, Bulat Gumarovich AHMADULLIN
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Patent number: 8091633Abstract: A tool used for treating and/or maintaining a wellbore that includes acoustic transducers for locating a lateral wellbore that intersects a primary wellbore. The tool includes a sensor to sense water and/or gas, and if the water and/or gas enters the primary wellbore from a lateral wellbore, the lateral to primary intersection can be identified by correlating information from the sensor and acoustic transducers. If needed, the tool can be used to plug the water and/or gas supplying lateral wellbore. The tool may include a bendable sub portion for orienting a portion of the tool for insertion into the lateral wellbore and a plug section for plugging the lateral wellbore after insertion therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Mohammed Najim Al-Khamis
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Patent number: 8037934Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Intelligent Tools IP, LLCInventor: Dennis A. Strickland
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Publication number: 20110220350Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying lost circulation in subterranean wells, in particular, methods for treating the identified lost circulation zones with fluid compositions that are pumped into a wellbore enter voids in the subterranean-well formation through which wellbore fluids escape, and form a seal that limits further egress of wellbore fluid into the lost-circulation zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gérard Daccord, Dominique Guillot
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Patent number: 8016036Abstract: A system for positioning a wellbore tool in a wellbore intersecting a subterranean formation includes a tag embedded in the formation using a tag insertion device. The tag may be configured to transmit a signal that includes information. A wellbore tool may utilize a tag detection device to operatively link with the tag. This operative link may provide an indication of the relative position of the tag detection device or some other information.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Andrew D. Kirkwood, Stephen P. Monroe
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Publication number: 20110192598Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Craig W. RODDY, Krishna M. Ravi, Gary Frisch, Gordon Moake
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Patent number: 7967069Abstract: A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning a seismic source and at least one seismic receiver near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir; performing a seismic survey with the seismic source and the at least one seismic receiver during the fracturing operation; and identifying locations of the fracturing fluid within subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventor: Craig J. Beasley
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Publication number: 20110139446Abstract: A method of identifying a queried fluid cut along a tubular includes, determining a first flow rate of a queried fluid flowing through all open zones, determining a flow rate of liquid through a selected zone, and closing the selected zone, determining a second flow rate of the queried fluid flowing through all open zones, and attributing a queried fluid cut to the selected zone as a percentage that the difference between the first flow rate of the queried fluid and the second flow rate of the queried fluid is of the flow rate of liquid through the selected zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Kai Sun, Jesse James Constantine, JR.
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Publication number: 20110132601Abstract: A formation evaluation system and method. A formation evaluation system includes an assembly interconnected as part of a tubular string and displaceable to multiple positions proximate each of multiple zones intersected by a wellbore. The assembly includes at least one formation evaluation instrument for determining a characteristic of formation fluid, and a pump which draws the fluid into the assembly. A method of evaluating multiple subterranean zones during a single trip into a wellbore includes the steps of: interconnecting a formation evaluation assembly in a coiled tubing string; for each of the multiple zones, displacing the formation evaluation assembly to a position proximate the respective zone, receiving formation fluid from the respective zone into the formation evaluation assembly, and determining at least one characteristic of the formation fluid; and performing the multiple displacing, receiving and determining steps during the single trip of the coiled tubing string into the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Miguel H. PETTINATO, Federico Sorenson, Robert F. Shelley, Saul Plavnik, Ricardo Jorquera
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Patent number: 7946341Abstract: Acoustic monitoring of a conduit, a wellbore or a reservoir associated with hydrocarbon production or transportation and/or carbon dioxide sequestration is carried out using a fibre optic cable extending along or appurtenant to it as a distributed interferometer. Coherent Raleigh noise generated by the transmission of the coherent beam of radiation through the fiber optic is detected and processed to identify an acoustic occurrence.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Arthur H. Hartog, J. Ernest Brown, John Mervyn Cook, Jonathan Elphick, Paul S. Hammond, Ashley Bernard Johnson
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Patent number: 7770639Abstract: Downhole tools attached to a wireline are frequently used to perform well operations at a selected depth. However, the downhole tools may be placed at the incorrect depth if the well operator fails to account for creep, i.e. the movement of downhole tools after the wireline is stopped at the surface. This invention provides a method for determining when the well operator should account for creep. The invention further provides methods for determining the magnitude of creep when it is determined to be present. The subsequent positioning of downhole tools may be adjusted according to the magnitude of creep, thus preventing incorrect placement of downhole tools within the wellbore. The methods use equipment and logging data that are readily available during any wireline operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Teddy M. Pledger
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Patent number: 7761237Abstract: This patent delineates methods for quantifying and mitigating dip-induced azimuthal AVO effects in seismic fracture detection using Azimuthal AVO analysis by accurately accounting for the divergence correction and azimuthal dependence of the reflection angle. Solutions are provided for three cases: (1) dipping isotropic reservoirs; (2) anisotropic reservoirs with fractures aligned in arbitrary direction; and (3) anisotropic reservoirs where vertical fractures are aligned perpendicular to the dip direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co.Inventors: Wenjie Dong, Chih-Ping Lu
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Publication number: 20100163224Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: INTELLIGENT TOOLS IP, LLCInventor: Dennis A. Strickland
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Patent number: 7725266Abstract: According to a first preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided an efficient method of computing a 3D frequency domain waveform inversion based on 3D time domain modeling. In the preferred arrangement, 3D frequency domain wavefields are computed using 3D time-domain modeling and a discrete Fourier transformation that is preferably computed “on the fly” instead of solving the large systems of linear equations that have traditionally been required by direct frequency domain modeling. The instant invention makes use of the theory of gradient-based waveform inversion that estimates model parameters (for example velocities) by matching modeled data to field data sets. Preferably the modeled data are calculated using a forward modeling algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: Laurent Sirgue, John T. Etgen, Uwe Albertin, Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl
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Patent number: 7703515Abstract: A system for passing an electromagnetic signal through a casing comprises a tool body that can be positioned inside the casing; means for magnetically saturating the casing in the vicinity of the tool; a transmitter for transmitting an electromagnetic signal from the tool antenna to the outside of the casing for reception at one or more sensors equipped with an antenna and electronic circuits located outside the casing; and a detector for detecting an electromagnetic signal at the tool from the sensor located outside the casing.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Christian Chouzenoux, Veronique Nouaze
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Publication number: 20100096125Abstract: A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning a seismic source and at least one seismic receiver near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir; performing a seismic survey with the seismic source and the at least one seismic receiver during the fracturing operation; and identifying locations of the fracturing fluid within subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventor: Craig J. Beasley
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Patent number: 7676326Abstract: A method and system of detecting and mapping a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir includes determining ratio data for a plurality of orthogonal spectral components of naturally occurring low frequency background seismic data. The ratio data may be compared, plotted, contoured and displayed as a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir map or a hydrocarbon potential map. The ratio data may represent a vertical spectral component of the seismic data over a horizontal spectral component of the seismic data. The subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir map may include contouring the ratio data over a geographical area associated with the seismic data.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Spectraseis AGInventors: Yuri Podladchikov, Marc-André Lambert, Rodolphe Dewarrat, Stefan Schmalholz
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Patent number: 7644760Abstract: A sensor assembly that responds to temperature of fluids within an annulus formed by an outer surface of a borehole instrument and the wall of a borehole. The sensor assembly is removably installed preferably in the wall of the borehole instrument. Installation and removal are from outside of the borehole instrument thus eliminating the need to disassemble the borehole instrument. The sensor assembly comprises a temperature transducer that is hermetically sealed within a housing designed to obtain maximum thermal exposure of the transducer. Power to the temperature transducer is supplied from a separate electronics package in the borehole instrument through a rotary connector within the sensor housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Precision Energy Services, LTDInventor: Scott Woloson
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Publication number: 20100000729Abstract: Methods are described using resistivity measurements obtained while drilling one or more offset wells using a drilling mud to guide drilling of one or more uncased intervals of a well to identify a casing point or points in the uncased intervals of the well. Resistivity data is gathered during drilling the offset well and prior to penetrating a region of interest of a known subterranean formation. The drill string in the uncased interval of the well progresses toward the region of interest, using resistivity data at similar depths to identify a casing point while the drill bit advances toward but does not penetrate the region. In certain embodiments resistivity may also be obtained in front of the drill bit in the uncased interval of the well and used in conjunction with the offset well resistivity data to identify casing points in the uncased intervals of the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: BP Corporation North America, Inc.Inventor: Mark William Alberty
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Patent number: 7627430Abstract: A method for managing information associated with an oilfield operation of an oilfield, the oilfield having a subterranean formation with geological structures and reservoirs therein. The method includes specifying a first site of interest, where a first data source includes data stored at the first site of interest, designating a first abstract role for the first data source, where the first abstract role corresponds to one of a plurality of information lifecycle roles, designating a first abstract stream for the first data source, where the first abstract stream corresponds to one of a plurality of categories of information, and generating a first output associated with the first data source, where the first output includes the first site of interest, the first abstract role, and the first abstract stream. The method further includes presenting the first output, where the oilfield operation is adjusted based on the first output.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Steve Hawtin
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Publication number: 20090166035Abstract: Methods of generating radial survey images of a borehole and methods of orienting downhole operational tools are disclosed. The disclosed techniques are used to generate a radial survey of the borehole in the form of one or more rose-plots and/or a radial image of the borehole and surrounding area that can be used to properly orient downhole operational tools in the desired direction. The tool string includes, from the top to bottom, a telemetry module, a non-rotating centralizer, a motor module, an imaging sonde used to survey the borehole, a rotating centralizer and a downhole operational tool. The motor module can be used to rotate the imaging sonde to generate the radial survey and then rotate the downhole operational tool to the desired direction based upon a review of the radial survey.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventor: James S. Almaguer
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Publication number: 20090159276Abstract: A system for passing an electromagnetic signal through a casing comprises a tool body that can be positioned inside the casing; means for magnetically saturating the casing in the vicinity of the tool; a transmitter for transmitting an electromagnetic signal from the tool antenna to the outside of the casing for reception at one or more sensors equipped with an antenna and electronic circuits located outside the casing; and a detector for detecting an electromagnetic signal at the tool from the sensor located outside the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2005Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Christian Chouzenoux, Veronique Nouaze
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Publication number: 20090151938Abstract: A method for preparing a formation surrounding a wellbore to bear hydrocarbons through a borehole is disclosed. In one step, a bottomhole assembly is inserted into the borehole. The formation is drilled with the bottomhole assembly. The formation may be characterized with logging tools, probes, sensors, seismic system and/or the like to create first information. One or more fractures are placed in the formation without removal of the bottomhole assembly from the wellbore. Further, continuous drilling of the formation is performed with the bottomhole assembly after/during placing the fractures. Further characterizing of the formation with the probes, sensors/systems or the like is performed to produce second information. Another fracture is placed with feedback from the second information. Repeating the drilling, characterizing and placing of fractures as necessary during the formation preparing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Don Conkle, Ashley Johnson, J. Ernest Brown, Trevor McLeod, Matthew Miller, Philip Sullivan, Dean Willberg
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Patent number: 7543637Abstract: Methods relate to tubulars that may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Annabel Green, Lev Ring, Colin McHardy, Simon Harrall, Gary Johnston, Neil A. A. Simpson
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Patent number: 7546209Abstract: A method of drilling a well. The method includes calculating an estimated formation dip angle, wherein said estimated formation dip angle being based on offset well data, seismic data, core data, pressure data. Next, the method includes drilling a well with a logging while drilling means so that real time logging data is generated along with drilling data and calculating an instantaneous formation dip angle. Next, real time logging data is obtained and a target formation window is projected ahead of the well path that includes a top of formation and a bottom formation. The method includes monitoring the real time logging and drilling data and drilling the well through the target formation window. The method further includes changing the estimated instantaneous formation dip based on the obtained data and adjusting the target formation top and bottom window.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Inventor: Danny T. Williams
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Publication number: 20090107669Abstract: A method of analyzing a subterranean formation. The method includes specifying a volume of interest in the subterranean formation, specifying an injector wellsite that penetrates the volume of interest, specifying a first producer wellsite and a second producer wellsite, each of which penetrates the volume of interest, calculating a first Injectivity-Productivity Index (IPI) for a first injector-producer wellsite pair which includes the injector wellsite and the first producer wellsite, calculating a second IPI for a second injector-producer wellsite pair which includes the injector wellsite and the second producer wellsite, determining whether the first IPI is substantially equal to the second IPI to obtain an analysis result, and adjusting a wellsite operation based on the analysis result.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Jonathan Elphick
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Patent number: 7516788Abstract: A method of localizing the source of a particulate produced with a fluid through a wellbore is provided, the method comprising the steps of: (A) providing marking composition comprising at least one marker that: (i) is capable of binding with a particulate; and (ii) has a detectable property distinguishable from the particulate; (B) introducing the marking composition: (i) through a wellbore; and (ii) into contact with at least a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by the wellbore; (C) obtaining a fluid produced through the wellbore; and (D) analyzing a particulate produced with the produced fluid for the presence of the marker.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Daniel D. Gleitman, Christopher Jones
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Patent number: 7438128Abstract: A method for identifying annular gas sources in a wellbore is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a set of parameters, wherein the set of parameters corresponds to depths in the wellbore. In addition, the method comprises analyzing annular gas in the wellbore to provide isotopic data of the annular gas. The method further comprises correlating the isotopic data to the set of parameters to identify the annular gas source.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Drozd, Louis W. Elrod, Patrick Jacobs
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Publication number: 20080236836Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for determining injected fluid vertical placement in a formation. The apparatus includes a borehole drilled through a formation, and an injection conduit within the borehole. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a fiber optic cable within the borehole wrapped helically around the injection conduit such that the fiber optic cable reads temperatures at specific depths and radial angles throughout the borehole. The apparatus includes a thermal insulation layer interposed between the injection conduit and the fiber optic cable such that the fiber optic cable detects the formation temperature rather than the injection conduit temperature. The apparatus includes a computer programmed to determine the vertical placement of the injected fluid within the formation based on the temperature readings. The apparatus detects an induced hydraulic fracture height, and detects whether an induced hydraulic fracture has deviated from the plane of the borehole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventor: Xiaowei Weng
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Publication number: 20080230221Abstract: A method for measuring formation property includes obtaining a set of measurements indicative of wellbore pressures for a selected duration after a pressure perturbation is created in a wellbore; obtaining at least one additional set of measurements indicative of formation pressures for the selected duration after the pressure perturbation; and deriving the formation property based on the set of measurements indicative of the wellbore pressures and the at least one additional set of measurements indicative of formation pressures. A system for measuring formation property includes a first pressure sensor disposed proximate a wellbore for measuring pressures in the wellbore; a second pressure sensor disposed in a formation at a predetermined distance from the wellbore; and a flow rate measuring device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Mohammad Zafari, Younes Jalali
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Publication number: 20080210421Abstract: A proppant composition comprises a non-radioactive, detectable tracer at least partially embedded in a ceramic composition. The composition may be prepared by agglomerating granules of the ceramic material and granules of the non-radioactive, detectable material to produce the particle by compression. Backflow of proppants in a fractured subterranean formation into which a plurality of particles of the proppant composition have been introducted may be tracked by analyzing a sample of the backflow by detecting for presence of the tracer in the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2005Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: CARBO CERAMICS INCORPORATEDInventors: Brett A. Wilson, Duenckel Robert, Thomas C. Palamara
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Publication number: 20080202747Abstract: A method of localizing the source of a particulate produced with a fluid through a wellbore is provided, the method comprising the steps of: (A) providing marking composition comprising at least one marker that: (i) is capable of binding with a particulate; and (ii) has a detectable property distinguishable from the particulate; (B) introducing the marking composition: (i) through a wellbore; and (ii) into contact with at least a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by the wellbore; (C) obtaining a fluid produced through the wellbore; and (D) analyzing a particulate produced with the produced fluid for the presence of the marker.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Daniel D. Gleitman, Christopher Jones
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Publication number: 20080115934Abstract: A formation evaluation system and method. A formation evaluation system includes an assembly interconnected as part of a tubular string and displaceable to multiple positions proximate each of multiple zones intersected by a wellbore. The assembly includes at least one formation evaluation instrument for determining a characteristic of formation fluid, and a pump which draws the fluid into the assembly. A method of evaluating multiple subterranean zones during a single trip into a wellbore includes the steps of: interconnecting a formation evaluation assembly in a coiled tubing string; for each of the multiple zones, displacing the formation evaluation assembly to a position proximate the respective zone, receiving formation fluid from the respective zone into the formation evaluation assembly, and determining at least one characteristic of the formation fluid; and performing the multiple displacing, receiving and determining steps during the single trip of the coiled tubing string into the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Miguel H. Pettinato, Federico Sorenson, Robert F. Shelley, Saul Plavnik, Ricardo Jorquera
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Patent number: 7363967Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well bore comprises an onboard navigation system for determining the location of the tool within the well bore, wherein the tool is moved along at least a partial length of the well bore via an external force. A method of locating a downhole tool in a well bore comprises deploying the tool along at least a partial length of the well bore via an external force, and self-determining the location of the tool without receiving communications from the surface. In an embodiment, the tool is a well bore zonal isolation device.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Wesley J. Burris, II, Kenneth L. Schwendemann, Phillip M. Starr, Michael L. Fripp, John J. Goiffon, John H. Hales, John Rodgers, Darrin N. Towers
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Patent number: 7357180Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a subsurface formation. The method includes providing one or more explosives into portions of one or more wellbores selected for the explosion in the formation. The wellbores are formed in one or more zones in the formation. The explosives are controllably exploded in one or more of the wellbores such that at least some of the formation surrounding the selected wellbores has an increased permeability. One or more heaters are provided in the one or more wellbores.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Taixu Bai, Frederick Henry Kreisler Rambow, Dong Sub Kim