Abstract: This invention provides a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) downhole assembly for use in drilling boreholes which utilizes directional formation evaluation devices on a rotating assembly in conjunction with toolface orientation sensors. The data from the toolface orientation sensors are analyzed by a processor and toolface angle measurements are determined at defined intervals. Formation evaluation sensors operate substantially independently of the toolface orientation sensors and measurements of the formation evaluation sensors are analyzed in combination with the determined toolface angle to obtain formation parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for horizontally drilling for detecting subsurface features and avoiding such features during closed-loop control of an underground drilling machine. A horizontal drilling system includes a base machine capable of propelling a drill pipe rotationally and longitudinally underground. A cutting tool system is coupled to the drill pipe, and a control system controls the base machine. A detector is employed to detect a subsurface feature. A communication link is utilized for transferring data between the detector and the control system. The control system uses the data generated by the detector to modify control of the base machine in response to detection of the subsurface feature.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for use in operating an electric downhole tool on a non-conductive support line (slickline) by converting a battery voltage to an output voltage suitable for operating the tool. In response to receiving a trigger signal, the output voltage signal is applied to the tool. The tool is controlled by varying the output voltage signal according to a power control sequence. Accordingly, electric tools typically requiring surface intervention by an operator via an electric cable (wireline) may be operated on slickline.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a trajectory of a directional drill includes two length measurement devices deployed along a surface of the drill string and a controller capable of determining the heading of the drill string from two lengths of the drill string measured by the two length measurement devices. A method includes determining at least two lengths along a surface of a drill string; and determining a heading of the drill string using the at least two determined lengths.

Abstract: This invention provides a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) downhole assembly for use in drilling boreholes which utilizes directional formation evaluation devices on a rotating assembly in conjunction with toolface orientation sensors. The data from the toolface orientation sensors are analyzed by a processor and toolface angle measurements are determined at defined intervals. Formation evaluation sensors operate substantially independently of the toolface orientation sensors and measurements of the formation evaluation sensors are analyzed in combination with the determined toolface angle to obtain formation parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of orienting perforating gun strings conveyed on a tool string. One embodiment of the present invention provides an orienting weight provided in a portion of the perforating device, such as the shaped charge, the loading tube or the gun housing. An adapter is provided intermediate the tool string that facilitates conveyance of the gun string downhole. Additionally, the adapter enables the gun string to rotate independent of the tool string.

Abstract: A tool positioning assembly for positioning downhole tools at desired locations within a wellbore. The current invention further provides methods for using a tool positioning assembly. The tool positioning assembly and methods for using the same reduce the number of downhole trips required to perform downhole operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling and/or powering downhole components without the need for control and/or power lines extending from the components to the surface of the well and without the need for power or control lines to be inserted into the wellbore along with the components. In one aspect of the invention, a borehole is lined with a casing, the casing having at least one aperture disposed. Adjacent the aperture, on the outer surface of the casing, is a docking station, which is permanently attached to the casing and includes a socket. After the casing is installed in the borehole, a downhole component can be lowered into the wellbore. The downhole component is equipped with a connector extending from an outer surface thereof. The connector assembly is disposable through the aperture in the casing and, the connector assembly can be connected to the socket of docking station.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a shot indication device that indicates the orientation of a downhole tool that is inside of a wellbore at a particular time. The shot indication device can also be used to determine the orientation of a perforating gun with shaped charges at the instant the shaped charges are detonated. The shot indication device is comprised of an indicator housing secured within the downhole tool. Formed within the indicator housing is an annulus whose axis is parallel to the axis of the downhole tool. Disposed inside of the annulus is an indicator element that freely moves about the circumference of the annulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of orienting perforating gun strings. One embodiment of the present invention provides an orienting weight provided in a portion of the perforating device, such as the shaped charge, the loading tube or the gun housing. Additional weight may be provided as separate components and attached to the gun components.

Abstract: This invention provides a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) downhole assembly for use in drilling boreholes which utilizes directional formation evaluation devices on a rotating assembly in conjunction with toolface orientation sensors. The data from the toolface orientation sensors are analyzed by a processor and toolface angle measurements are determined at defined intervals. Formation evaluation sensors operate substantially independently of the toolface orientation sensors and measurements of the formation evaluation sensors are analyzed in combination with the determined toolface angle to obtain formation parameters.

Abstract: A steering tool for extended-reach directional drilling in three dimensions comprises a mud pulse telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft and a deflection actuator for applying hydraulic pressure along the length of the shaft for bending the shaft when making inclination angle adjustments during steering. The rotary section comprises a rotator housing coupled to the deflection housing for rotating the deflection housing for making azimuth angle adjustments during steering. The onboard mud pulse telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals during steering for use in controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section for steering the tool along a desired course.

Abstract: A reduced debris milled multilateral window. In a described embodiment, a window joint is constructed in a manner which reduces debris created when a window is milled therethrough. The window joint includes a generally tubular body having a sidewall, a window portion of the sidewall being configured for forming a window therethrough, and a thickness of the sidewall being reduced in the window portion.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a pitch measurement of a horizontal underground bore location system includes providing a probe having a pitch sensor that measures deviation between a predetermined orientation and a measurement axis. A receiver has an antenna that detects a signal radiated by the probe and has receiver circuitry that detects the deviation from the received signal. A bore head is aligned with the predetermined orientation. The probe is placed in the bore head. The receiver detects the deviation when the bore head is aligned with the predetermined orientation. The receiver offsets deviation measurements thereafter detected from the probe by the measured deviation.

Abstract: A method and system for activating a device at a particular orientation in a casing are disclosed. The casing has a bias, for example a lower side due to tilt, that defines a default angle in the casing, for example a point along a wall of the casing where objects will rest due to gravity. The method includes providing a magnetic sensor at a known angle in the device relative to the angle at which a device function occurs. For example, the angle at which a perforating gun perforates the casing is a device function angle. The method further includes lowering the device into the casing. The method further includes determining the offset of the device from the casing at the known angular position from an output of the magnet sensor. The device can then be activated.

Abstract: An autonomous system for performing a well operation at a predetermined location in a wellbore comprises a tool string having at least one well tool, a motive device for traversing the wellbore, and a control system adapted to position the tool string near the predetermined location. The control system comprises (i) a sensing system for detecting mass irregularities in the wellbore and (ii) a processor system having a processor with memory for storing at least one well log. The processor acts under programmed instructions to compare sensor signals to the stored well log to determine a tool string position in the wellbore. The control system also contains circuits for controlling the operation of the well tool and the motive device.

Abstract: A system for perforating a well includes a perforating gun 10 and a swivel 12 suspended from a wireline 50. An orientation sub 14 is provided above the gun 10 and a rotational latching mechanism 90 rotationally connects the wireline to the perforating gun in one direction, while allowing the swivel to rotationally disconnect the gun from the wireline in an opposing direction. According to the method of the invention, the gun may be lowered in the well from the wireline to a depth greater than the desired firing depth until the gun is rotated to its desired azimuthal position, and the gun then raised by the wireline to the desired firing depth with a rotational latching and swivel mechanisms maintaining the gun at its desired azimuthal position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for perforating a casing in a wellbore wherein the casing has control means attached thereto, which method and apparatus includes inserting a detectable source with the control means extending a selected length of the control means; inserting a sensing means in the casing for sensing the detectable source; sensing the location of the detectable source at selected levels in the casing; recording the direction of the detectable source at the selected levels in the casing; inserting perforating means in the casing, the perforating means for perforating the casing, the perforating means having orienting means for selectively positioning the perforating means relative to the recorded direction of the detectable source at the selected levels in the casing; and perforating the casing at a selected orientation relative to the sensed detectable source at the selected levels in the casing.

Abstract: A system for perforating a well includes a perforating gun 10 and a swivel 12 suspended from a wireline 50. An orientation sub 14 is provided above the gun 10 and a rotational latching mechanism 90 rotationally connects the wireline to the perforating gun in one direction, while allowing the swivel to rotationally disconnect the gun from the wireline in an opposing direction. According to the method of the invention, the gun may be lowered in the well from the wireline to a depth greater than the desired firing depth until the gun is rotated to its desired azimuthal position, and the gun then raised by the wireline to the desired firing depth with a rotational latching and swivel mechanisms maintaining the gun at its desired azimuthal position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using that apparatus to orient a perforating gun or system to minimize or eliminate the damage which may be caused to exterior control conduits, conductors or devices, or to adjacent interior well control lines, conduits or tubing by attaching the perforating system to a device which has a resilient cam or guide which engages a slot formed on the interior of a specially fabricated tubular member attached at a spaced distance from the perforating systems blast and which is so oriented as to permit the attachment of the lines or conduits or devices in the opposite radial direction from the blast of the perforating system.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes orienting shaped charges of a perforating gun to extend partially around a longitudinal axis of the gun. The perforating gun is oriented in the well to direct the shaped charges away from a water boundary. In response to this orientation of the perforating gun, the shaped charges are fired. The perforating gun and shaped charges may also be oriented in a deviated well to compensate for the anisotropic permeability of a formation.

Abstract: A system and method for steering a rotating downhole drilling tool is provided. The downhole tool includes an inclinometer having directional accelerometers capable of measuring drilling parameters, such as angular position and centripetal acceleration, of the downhole tool. An offset accelerometer is further included for determining centripetal acceleration of the downhole tool. Collar rotation rate and the toolface may be determined from the drilling parameters. Filters, analog to digital converters and processor devices may be used to process the signals and send commands in response thereto for steering the tool.

Abstract: This invention provides a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) downhole assembly for use in drilling boreholes which utilizes directional formation evaluation devices on a rotating assembly in conjunction with toolface orientation sensors. The data from the toolface orientation sensors are analyzed by a processor and toolface angle measurements are determined at defined intervals. Formation evaluation sensors operate substantially independently of the toolface orientation sensors and measurements of the formation evaluation sensors are analyzed in combination with the determined toolface angle to obtain formation parameters.

Abstract: A structure is positioned on the outer surface of a casing or liner to enable cutting the casing in substantially any azimuth over a given length of casing without damaging the structure. After placing the casing in a wellbore, the position of the structure on the casing may be determined with reference to an orienting slot in an indexing coupling. Thereafter, a non-colliding region on the casing may be identified for cutting the casing.

Abstract: A steering tool for extended-reach directional drilling in three dimensions comprises a mud pulse telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft and a deflection actuator for applying hydraulic pressure along the length of the shaft for bending the shaft when making inclination angle adjustments during steering. The rotary section comprises a rotator housing coupled to the deflection housing for rotating the deflection housing for making azimuth angle adjustments during steering. The onboard mud pulse telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals during steering for use in controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section for steering the tool along a desired course.

Abstract: In the method of providing for well tubular member magnetization, the steps include providing a magnetizing structure comprising an electrical coil defining an axis, relatively displacing the member and the structure, with the coil positioned and guided in close, centered proximity to the member, while supplying electric current to flow in the coil, thereby creating magnetic flux passage through the member and core to magnetize the member, or a part of the member, and displacing the member in a wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of orienting perforating gun strings conveyed on a tool string. One embodiment of the present invention provides an orienting weight provided in a portion of the perforating device, such as the shaped charge, the loading tube or the gun housing. An adapter is provided intermediate the tool string that facilitates conveyance of the gun string downhole. Additionally, the adapter enables the gun string to rotate independent of the tool string.

Abstract: An internally oriented perforating apparatus and associated method of perforating provide increased reliability in orienting perforating charges to shoot in desired directions in a well. In a described example, a perforating gun includes a tubular gun carrier, multiple perforating charges, multiple charge mounting structures and multiple rotating supports. The rotating supports are attached between the charge mounting structures, or at least between the perforating charges.

Abstract: A sonde (transmitter) housing having a one-piece design for improved housing rigidity. The housing includes a mechanically-adjustable mounting configuration adaptable to a variety of sonde applications. A method of making the sonde housing in a one-piece design and infinitely orienting the sonde clocking electronics.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which utilizes multiple overlapping surveys to estimate a position in a wellbore and related position uncertainty. Multiple surveys are often taken over the same portion of a wellbore either concurrently or sequentially and/or using various instruments. Each survey generates an estimated survey position and related uncertainty for a given location in the wellbore. By combining the estimated survey positions and uncertainties for these overlapping surveys, a resultant position and related ellipsoid of uncertainty is estimated. This resultant position estimates a position in the wellbore by incorporating the estimated survey positions and uncertainties of multiple overlapping surveys.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a shot indication device that indicates the orientation of a downhole tool that is inside of a wellbore at a particular time. The shot indication device can also be used to determine the orientation of a perforating gun with shaped charges at the instant the shaped charges are detonated. The shot indication device is comprised of an indicator housing secured within the downhole tool. Formed within the indicator housing is an annulus whose axis is parallel to the axis of the downhole tool. Disposed inside of the annulus is an indicator element that freely moves about the circumference of the annulus.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well that has a casing includes an apparatus that is associated with production of fluid from the well and is located downhole in the well in a passageway of the casing. The system also includes a sensor that is located downhole near the apparatus in the passageway and is adapted to measure a characteristic of the formation fluids and rock located outside of the casing.

Abstract: The reference member provides a permanent reference for the depth and orientation of all well operations and includes a body with an engaging surface for an attaching engagement to the interior surface of an existing casing in a borehole and an orienting surface for orienting well tools within the cased borehole. No sealing engagement is required with the casing. The engaging surface on the body has a first non-engaged position where the engaging surface does not engage the casing and an engaged position where the engaging surface does engage the casing which causes adequate engagement between the body and the casing to permanently dispose the well reference member within the casing. The well reference member further includes an actuation member for actuating the engaging surface from the non-engaged position to the engaged position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing well planning and design includes performing a general-level design. The general-level design involves generating a proposed well configuration based on inputs from a user. The proposed configuration, generated by a software module, includes a well trajectory, the reservoir-wellbore interface, and completion equipment. The proposed configuration is refined by an optimizer based on a performance measure or a target constraint.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an underground boring tool involves the use of one or more of a gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer sensor provided in or proximate the boring tool. The location of the boring tool is detected substantially in real-time. A controller produces a control signal substantially in real-time in response to the detected boring tool location and sensed parameters of a boring tool driving apparatus. The control signal is applied to the driving apparatus to control one or both of a rate and a direction of boring tool movement along the underground path. The gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometers may be of a conventional design, but are preferably of a solid-state design. Telemetry data is communicated electromagnetically, optically or capacitively between the navigation sensors at the boring tool and the controller via the drill string or an above-ground tracker unit.

Abstract: A steering tool for extended-reach directional drilling in three dimensions comprises a mud pulse telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft and a deflection actuator for applying hydraulic pressure along the length of the shaft for bending the shaft when making inclination angle adjustments during steering. The rotary section comprises a rotator housing coupled to the deflection housing for rotating the deflection housing for making azimuth angle adjustments during steering. The onboard mud pulse telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals during steering for use in controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section for steering the tool along a desired course.

Abstract: An orienter, particularly on coiled tubing or small diameter drill pipe, includes a motor, turbine, or other device for selectively converting the rotational kinetic energy produced from fluid flow through the device to mechanical power, and applying the mechanical power to a downhole tool through a gear train for orienting the downhole tool. The orienter is utilized during directional drilling and other operations such as well intervention, fishing, and multilateral re-entry operations. The downhole tool preferably includes a steerable mud motor. In one embodiment, the direction of the borehole is controlled by azimuthal rotation of the orienter of the present invention in response to downlink commands from the surface by changing fluid flow rate through the orienter in a predefined series of steps.

Abstract: A cavity positioning tool is provided that includes a head piece adapted to receive a downhole string having a longitudinal axis. A plurality of blunt arms are coupled to the head piece. The blunt arms are operable to be radially extended outward from a first position of substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis to a second extended position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for location, or location and entry, of a lateral wellbore from a main wellbore of a multilateral hydrocarbon well, the method being characterized by unique operation of a controllably bent sub. The invention further relates to a system for location, or location and entry of a lateral wellbore, including a specialized controllably bent sub, and most preferably, to a controllably bent sub designed for efficient lateral wellbore location and/or entry.

Abstract: An autonomous downhole oilfield tool having its own mobility and decision making capability so that it may be deployed in a downhole environment to monitor and control said environment by modifying operations of other devices and maintaining downhole structures.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for perforating a casing in a hydrocarbon well so as to avoid perforating in a direction where a cable resides. A mass of metallic material is clamped to the casing at a predetermined offset angle with respect to the cable. The angular position of the metallic mass is detected using a detector placed inside the casing. Then, a perforating gun is oriented based on the detected angular position of the metallic mass and the predetermined offset angle. Finally, the casing is perforated so as to avoid damage to the cable. The cable comprises a number of electrical conductors and is used to communicate with permanent sensors located on the cable in the vicinity of the casing to be perforated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for location, or location and entry, of a lateral wellbore from a main wellbore of a multilateral hydrocarbon well, the method being characterized by unique operation of a controllably bent sub. The invention further relates to a system for location, or location and entry of a lateral wellbore, including a specialized controllably bent sub, and most preferably, to a controllably bent sub designed for efficient lateral wellbore location and/or entry.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an underground boring tool involves the use of one or more of a gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer sensor provided in or proximate the boring tool. The location of the boring tool is detected substantially in real-time. A controller produces a control signal substantially in real-time in response to the detected boring tool location and sensed parameters of a boring tool driving apparatus. The control signal is applied to the driving apparatus to control one or both of a rate and a direction of boring tool movement along the underground path. The gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometers may be of a conventional design, but are preferably of a solid-state design. Telemetry data is communicated electromagnetically, optically or capacitively between the navigation sensors at the boring tool and the controller via the drill string or an above-ground tracker unit.

Abstract: A stinger is fabricated with an orientating key. The stinger is lowered into a wellbore and remains atop a downhole assembly. The angular orientation of stinger with respect to the downhole assemble is also adjustable prior to entering the wellbore. The stinger acts as a guide for coupling an alignment skirt. The alignment skirt is fabricated with an alignment slot for receiving the orientation key. The alignment skirt is lowered onto the stinger and, as inclines on the skirt engage the orientation key, the alignment skirt is rotated until the alignment slot receives the orientation key. The alignment skirt and stinger are then fully coupled. The angular orientation of the orientation key can be determined by coupling an alignment skirt to the stinger, where a directional tool is affixed to the alignment skirt and performs a directional survey.

Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.

Abstract: A method for locating placement of a guide stock in a multilateral well wherein the guide stock is properly aligned with the lateral borehole. The method employs an impression packer with a scribed reference line to provide information at the surface regarding the lateral borehole's exact location and orientation with respect to the originally installed whipstock packer. This information is then employed to make up a guide stock and orientation sub to properly orient the diverter face of the guide stock with the lateral borehole. There are tool embodiments for inflating the impression packer to a preset relatively low internal pressure. In one embodiment, the inflation fluid is carried downhole in the tool and is released to the packer on set down pressure, the fluid being drawn back out of the packer upon pick up. In another embodiment, the impression packer is outfitted with an automatically closing valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of drilling and lining a lateral borehole, the apparatus comprising first and second casing sections joined at an obliquely angled rotatable joint allowing the two sections to be rotated relative to one another so that the longitudinal axis of the first section extends through a window on the second section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shifting apparatus and method for use with a tubular string set in a well for unlocking, selective orientation and relocking of sections of the tubular string below the shifting apparatus of this invention, while the tubular string sections above the shifting apparatus of this invention remain substantially unchanged in their orientation in the well including a lower tubular wall member connected to the tubular string above the shifting apparatus, an upper tubular wall member connected to the lower tubular wall member for controlled movement and orientation between the lower tubular wall member and the upper tubular wall member and connected to the tubular string below the shifting apparatus, and an internal tool located inside the upper and lower tubular wall members for releasablely and selectively locking into the upper and lower tubular wall members for holding the upper and lower tubular walls engaged until orientation of the tubular string below the shifting apparatus is desi

Abstract: A method and apparatus of orienting a tool in a wellbore includes running an orientation string into the wellbore, the orienting string including a positioning device, a measurement device (e.g., a gyroscope), and the tool. The orientation string is positioned in a predetermined interval in the wellbore. The azimuthal orientation of the orientation string is measured with the measurement device. The orientation string is removed from the wellbore, and a tool string is run into the wellbore, the tool string including substantially similar components as the orientation string such that the tool string follows substantially the same path as the orientation string.