With Signaling, Indicating, Testing Or Measuring Patents (Class 175/40)
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Publication number: 20140262515Abstract: An environmental severity measurement tool measures acceleration along 3 axes to determine shock and vibration affecting a downhole tool in which the environmental severity measurement tool is disposed. The environmental severity measurement tool includes a replaceable battery and electronics disposed within an external housing. A pin provides a way to ensure the environmental severity measurement tool is oriented in a known orientation. Data sampled by the tool can be downloaded from the tool to an external device through a connector port of the electronics. Software in the tool controls the operation of the tool and can he configured from an external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Chris Konschuh, Mike Crowther, Landon Steiger
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Publication number: 20140262511Abstract: In one aspect, a drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a plurality of elements that extend and retract from a surface of the drill bit, wherein the plurality of such elements are in fluid communication with each other to compensate for differing forces applied to such elements during drilling operations. In another aspect, a method of drilling a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes: conveying a drill string having a drill bit at an end thereof, wherein the drill bit includes a plurality of elements that extend and retract from a surface of the drill bit, wherein the plurality of such elements are in fluid communication with each other to compensate for differing forces applied to such elements during drilling operations; and drilling the wellbore using the drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Juan Miguel Bilen
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Publication number: 20140262512Abstract: Present embodiments are directed toward a drilling system that includes a conduit configured to route a pressurized gas to a top drive of a drilling rig. The drilling system also includes one or more cables disposed in the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: TESCO CORPORATIONInventor: Alan Ross Kingsley
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Patent number: 8833487Abstract: A mechanical specific energy downhole drilling assembly having a bottomhole assembly including drill pipe and a drill bit, a weight on bit and torque sub for sensing torque, weight on bit and revolutions per minute of the drill bit; a command and control sub for receiving input from the weight on bit and torque sub for determining instantaneous mechanical specific energy of the downhole drilling assembly and an anti-stall tool responsive to real time mechanical specific energy information from the command and control sub to adjust the weight on the drill bit to maximize rate of penetration of the drill bit.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: WWT North America Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Rudolf Ernst Krueger, IV, Philip Wayne Mock, Norman Bruce Moore
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Patent number: 8838390Abstract: A system for creating a log during gas detection and monitoring is disclosed herein. The system can include a gas detection and well logging device for sensing and transmitting data, which can include a processor in communication with a monitoring device. The monitoring device can monitor, acquire, and transmit data associated with a drilling operation. The processor can receive the data, calibrate the data, and log the data into files. The processor can capture sensed data based on a time event and a depth event. The processor can scale the data and form a geological-hydrocarbon log for transmission. A client device can be in communication with the gas detection and well logging device, and can have computer instructions for querying the geological hydrocarbon log, the data, and the files to obtain real time streaming data for instant display.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
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Patent number: 8833472Abstract: A system for signal transmission along a drill string is disclosed. A first drill pipe section and a second drill pipe section each comprise an inner pipe. A first repeater sub is coupled to the first drill pipe section and the second drill pipe section at a first position along the drill string. The first repeater sub comprises a first toroid corresponding to the first drill pipe section and a second toroid corresponding to the second drill pipe section. A signal transmitted through the first drill pipe section, an inner mandrel of the repeater sub and the inner pipe of the first drill pipe section is received by the first toroid. The first repeater sub processes the signal received by the first toroid to generate a processed signal and transmits the processed signal to the second drill pipe through the second toroid.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Richard T. Hay
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Patent number: 8833489Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transferring signals through a drill pipe system during drilling of a subsurface well. The drill pipe system comprises a first pipe (1) provided concentric inside a second pipe (2) by means of hanging devices (3, 3a). The first pipe (1) is electrically insulated from the second pipe (2). A first signal transceiver is electrically connected to the top of the drill pipe system. A second signal transceiver is electrically connected along or in the bottom of the drill pipe system. The first and second signal transceivers are electrically connected to the first and second pipes (1, 2) for transferring the signals through the drill pipe system.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Reelwell ASInventors: Tore Hogset, Espen Alhaug
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Publication number: 20140251687Abstract: Wellbore drilling apparatus and methods are provided. The apparatus includes a reaming subassembly including one or more reamers configured to ream a wellbore. The reaming subassembly defines a cutting aggressiveness that is variable while the reaming subassembly is disposed in a wellbore. The apparatus also includes an actuator coupled with the reaming subassembly and configured to vary the cutting aggressiveness of the reaming subassembly in response to an actuation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: BP Corporation North America IncInventor: James McKay
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Patent number: 8827006Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for transmitting measurements while drilling are adapted for use with a drill string equipped with a mud motor. The drill string may comprise a plurality of interconnected drill pipe joints or a plurality of interconnected casing joints. The apparatus comprises a measurement-while-drilling tool adapted for placement in the drill string beneath the mud motor. The measurement-while-drilling tool has a system for transmitting telemetry signals, such as mud-pulse telemetry signals, upwardly through the mud motor and the drill string. In particular embodiments, the measurement-while-drilling tool has a system for transmitting mud-pulse telemetry signals upwardly through the mud motor and the drill string at frequencies below approximately 1 Hz, although other frequencies may be employed to advantage. The apparatus may further comprise a rotary steerable system for placement in the drill string beneath the mud motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Keith A. Moriarty
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Publication number: 20140246235Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a bit body having a cutting section, a shank attached to the cutting section and a neck section and at least one sensor in contact with a surface of the shank and wherein the at least one sensor provides a signal in response to a bending moment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Richard Yao
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Publication number: 20140246237Abstract: A downhole signal transmission system provides electric radiofrequency signals that are coupled to electrically conductive or non-conductive fluids through electrical insulators. A plurality of signal repeaters are tuned to the frequencies of the radiofrequency signals, and a plurality of transmission lines terminated by resonance circuits are also provided such that the terminating resonance circuits resonate on the frequencies of the electric radiofrequency signals. The plurality of signal repeaters and plurality of transmission elements are arranged to be redundant such that a failure of one or more of the signal repeaters or a failure of one or more of the transmission elements does not substantially affect the operation of the data transmission system. The signal repeaters and transmission elements also are arranged such that a failure of any of the signal repeaters or a failure of any of the transmission elements is communicated to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventor: Manfred G. Prammer
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Publication number: 20140246238Abstract: A well advisor system for monitoring and managing well drilling and production operations. The system may be accessed through one or more workstations, or other computing devices, which may be located at a well site or remotely. The system is in communication with and receives input from various sensors. It collects real-time sensor data sampled during operations at the well site, which may include drilling operations, running casing or tubular goods, completion operations, or the like. The system processes the data, and provides nearly instantaneous numerical and visual feedback through a variety of graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”), which are presented in the form of operation-specific consoles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: Fereidoun Abbassian, Martin Albertin, Per Arild Andresen, Mark Shelton Aston, Christopher Jeremy Coley, Stephen Tean Edwards, Paulo Jorge Da Cunha Gomes, Mark Adrian Honey, Thomas Jakobsen, Nigel Charles Last, Christopher Francis Lockyear, Colin James Mason, James McKay, Michael Lyle Payne, Sankarrappan Periyasamy, Randall Vashishta Sant, Edward James Streeter, Emmanuel Claude Therond, Trond Waage, Nicholas Adam Whiteley, Warren Jeffrey Winters
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Publication number: 20140246236Abstract: Expandable reamer assemblies include an expandable reamer module and an activation module. An outer tubular body of the activation module is rigidly coupled to a tubular body of the expandable reamer module, and an activation member of the activation module is coupled to a sleeve of the expandable reamer module, the sleeve coupled to at least one blade and configured to move the at least one blade into an extended position. The sleeve moves axially responsive to axial movement of the activation member. Bottom-hole assemblies include an expandable reamer module and an activation module. The activation module is coupled to the expandable reamer module and configured to provide a motive force to the sleeve to move the sleeve opposite a direction of flow of drilling fluid. Methods of using expandable reamer modules include pairing two substantially identical expandable reamer modules and two respective different activation modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Marcus Oesterberg, Khoi Q. Trinh, Timothy Miller, Shyam Anandampillai, Chad T. Jurica, Wolfgang Eduard Herberg, Carsten Haubold, Christopher Jakubeit, Michael Wiegmann, Jens Behnsen, Hans-Juergen Faber
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Patent number: 8820436Abstract: A method for operating a coring tool includes moving a handling piston of a coring tool from a first position to a second position with respect to the coring tool where the handling piston moving through a coring bit to the second position. The method also includes measuring the distance of the movement of the handling piston between the first position and the second position to determine a core length, comparing the measured distance with a predetermined threshold, and operating a coring bit of the coring tool to obtain a core sample in response to determining that the measured distance is less than the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Lennox E. Reid, Jr., Rachel Agnes Lavaure
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Publication number: 20140238742Abstract: A device for supplying lubricant to a lubrication point in a machine, a tunnel boring machine, for example, includes a lubrication pump unit and a control unit. The lubrication pump unit is configured to supply a quantity of the lubricant to the lubrication point, and the control unit is configured to regulate the quantity of lubricant based on a sensor measurement signal. The sensor measurement signal may be based on a temperature measured in a region of the lubrication point, a pressure measured in a region of the lubrication point, a measured viscosity of the lubricant, a measured dielectricity of the lubricant, a measured water content of the lubricant, a vibration intensity measured at a part of the machine, or a measured rotational speed of a part of the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: SKF Lubrication Systems Germany AGInventors: Andreas Borek, Juergen Kreutzkaemper, Sefan Frank, Stefan Schuermann
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Patent number: 8813870Abstract: An arrangement in a rock drill rig 10 has an inlet valve 31 arranged upstream from a displacement compressor 32 that is used for supplying an air flow 34 to at least one flushing hole 23 in the surface of a drill bit 20. The rock drill rig 10 also has an air regulator 35 arranged to regulate the system pressure in the air flow path 34 downstream from the compressor and a detector for detecting air flow through the at least one flushing hole 23 in the surface of the drill bit. The detector has a pressure sensor 36, arranged between the air regulator 35 and the inlet valve 31, for measuring the reduced system pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignees: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB, Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions LLCInventors: Deyi Jiao, Per Krainer
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Patent number: 8813869Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for measuring and analyzing refracted acoustic energy. A plurality of receivers mounted are on a downhole tool, and are arranged and adapted to receive refracted acoustic energy from a downhole formation. Measurements of refracted acoustic energy is analyzed such that information relating to an azimuthal direction relative to the downhole tool of an interface within the downhole formation can be estimated. The receivers can be mounted on a drill collar as part of a LWD tool and steering of the drilling trajectory can be based in part on the estimated formation information.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Nicholas Bennett, Jakob Brandt Utne Haldorsen, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Nobuyasu Hirabayasbi, Takeshi Endo, Richard Timothy Coates
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Publication number: 20140231139Abstract: A method and a drilling system that may include a drilling element for drilling a hole in a geological formation; a sensor module arranged to collect information about the drilling; a transmitter that is arranged to receive the information from the sensor module, amplify the information by a super-capacitor amplifier to provide amplified information and to provide the amplified information to a first element and to a second element of an antenna, the first and second elements of the antenna are located at two opposite sides of a band gap; wherein the antenna is arranged to transmit the amplified information via the geological formation; wherein the super-capacitor amplifier comprises a plurality of switched capacitor converters, each switched capacitor converter comprises a plurality of converter stages, each converter stage comprises capacitors and switches that are arranged to perform a current amplification of an input signal; wherein each converter stage is arranged to operate with alternating charge cyclType: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventors: Vladimir Rozenblit, Vadim Buryakovsky, Lawrence Chang-Yung Wang, Yevgeniy Filipp Fiterman
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Publication number: 20140231140Abstract: A well tool actuator can include a series of chambers which, when opened in succession, cause the well tool to be alternately actuated. A method of operating a well tool actuator can include manipulating an object in a wellbore; a sensor of the actuator detecting the object manipulation; and the actuator actuating in response to the sensor detecting the object manipulation. A drilling isolation valve can comprise an actuator including a series of chambers which, when opened in succession, cause the isolation valve to be alternately opened and closed. A method of operating a drilling isolation valve can include manipulating an object in a wellbore, a sensor of the drilling isolation valve detecting the object manipulation, and the drilling isolation valve operating between open and closed configurations in response to the sensor detecting the object manipulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Neal G. SKINNER, Michael L. FRIPP
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Publication number: 20140231136Abstract: A method and system for steering a rotary steerable tool in a borehole. A method includes rotating a deflection sleeve about a steerable shaft. A deflection ramp is aligned to deflect the shaft in a predetermined direction by the rotating. The deflection sleeve is axially displaced along the steerable shaft. The steerable shaft is deflected by the displacing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Daniel Winslow
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Publication number: 20140231142Abstract: A drill bit includes a plurality of blades. The blades provide a plurality of cutting elements or teeth arranged on a leading face of the blade. At least one temperature sensor is provided adjacent at least one of the teeth of at least one blade to sense a local temperature of the blade adjacent that tooth. Multiple temperature sensors may be provided adjacent different teeth of a blade or adjacent the teeth of at least two blades, or adjacent multiple teeth of multiple blades. Another temperature sensing element may be provided on a proximal portion of the blade distant from the cutting elements or on the shank of the bit to provide a reference temperature for the drill bit or for the blade. Information obtained by the temperature sensing elements is used to provide information regarding at least one of the drill bit, the drilling environment and the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
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Publication number: 20140236357Abstract: A method can include acquiring data via a receiver mounted in a drill string during tripping of the drill string downward into a wellbore (e.g., including a casing and a cement annulus about the casing) where the acquired data can be for evaluation of at least one characteristic of cement; buffering at least a portion of the acquired data to a memory device mounted in the drill string; and while pumping drilling fluid through a passage in the drill string, as disposed in the wellbore, transmitting at least a portion of the buffered data via mud-pulse telemetry. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Jean-Marie Degrange
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Patent number: 8810428Abstract: A rotary coupler for transferring electrical power and data between members is presented wherein the coupler has a first member having an internal surface, a first inductor positioned on the internal surface, a second member and a second inductor carried on a portion of the second member and positioned internal of the first inductor, wherein one of the inductors rotates relative to the other inductor.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Raghu Madhavan, Frederic Latrille
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Patent number: 8803527Abstract: A multicomponent induction logging tool uses a nonconducting mandrel. A central conducting member including wires that electrically connect at least one of the antennas to another of the antennas. Electrodes disposed about the transmitter antenna form a conductive path through a borehole fluid to the central conducting member.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Michael B. Rabinovich, Alexandre N. Bespalov, Stanislav W. Forgang
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Publication number: 20140216816Abstract: An apparatus for performing a wellbore operation includes a drill string having a rigid tubular section formed of a plurality of jointed tubulars and a plurality of valves positioned along the rigid tubular section. Each valve may have a radial valve controlling flow through a wall of the rigid tubular section and a signal relay device configured to convey information-encoded signals. Wellbore operations may be performed by transmitting signals using the signal relay devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Joerg Lehr
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Patent number: 8789620Abstract: The invention provides a method of receiving and/or transmitting information in a well drilled in a geological formation between a first location and a second location, the well comprising a casing communicating with the geological formation. The method comprises placing a first transducer at a first location, placing a second transducer at a second location. Transmitting an electric signal between the first and second transducers.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Erwan Lemenager, Martin Luling, Yves Mathieu, Christian Chouzenoux
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Patent number: 8791832Abstract: Aspects of the inventions generally provide a method and apparatus for coupling a communication sub to a wired drill pipe. In one aspect, a surface of a coupler head is non threaded and configured to provide a retaining force. In another aspect, a coupler head is coupled to a body, and a support mechanism is coupled to the body and configured to secure the coupler head within a receiving end of the wired drill pipe. In another aspect, a method of placing a communication sub involves inserting the communication sub into the receiving end of the wired drill pipe, adjusting the position of the communication sub until an indication of signal communication between the communication sub and the wired drill pipe is observed, and after the indication of signal communication is observed, retaining the communication sub within the receiving end until removal of the communication sub is desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Andrew Hawthorn, Goke Akinniranye, Benjamin Jeffryes
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Patent number: 8789890Abstract: An abrasion detecting apparatus is configured to detect the abrasion of a component of a cutter head of a tunnel boring machine, which is configured to excavate ground using a cutter to bore a tunnel. The abrasion detecting apparatus includes an abrasion detection probe located rearward of a front end of the cutter by a predetermined distance and located forward or rearward of a front end of the component, whose abrasion is to be detected, of the cutter head by a predetermined distance, where the abrasion detection probe includes an abrasion detecting portion at a front end portion thereof. The abrasion detecting portion abrades away by contact with the ground to be excavated. The abrasion detecting apparatus also includes a detecting device configured to detect an abrasion of the abrasion detecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyoshi Iwata, Yasunori Kondo, Yoshio Sakai, Taso Aimi
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Patent number: 8788210Abstract: Job monitoring methods and apparatus for logging-while-drilling equipment are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes identifying a downhole scenario based on a property of an underground geological formation, selecting a first telemetry frame type based on the identified downhole scenario, conveying an identifier representative of the selected first telemetry frame type to a downhole fluid sampling tool, and receiving a first telemetry data frame from the downhole fluid sampling tool, the telemetry data frame containing fluid analysis parameters for a fluid, and being constructed in accordance with the selected first telemetry frame type.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Sylvain Ramshaw, Julian J. Pop, Peter Swinburne, Kai Hsu, Steven Villareal
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Patent number: 8783342Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing controlled vibrations within a borehole. In one example, the system includes a movement mechanism and a vibration control mechanism. The movement mechanism is configured to use mechanical energy provided by a mechanical energy source to enable translational movement of a first surface relative to a second surface to allow the first surface to repeatedly impact the second surface to produce a plurality of vibration beats, where the vibration beats will occur whenever the mechanical energy is provided by the mechanical energy source unless the provided mechanical energy is dampened to prevent the translational movement. The vibration control mechanism is configured to selectively control an amplitude of the vibration beats to encode information therein, where the amplitude of a vibration beat is selectively controlled by dampening the provided mechanical energy to regulate the impact of the first surface and the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Hunt Advanced Drilling Technologies, LLCInventor: Todd W. Benson
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Publication number: 20140198827Abstract: A temperature sensor comprises a body of polycrystalline superhard material comprising a plurality of intergrown grains and a binder phase, the polycrystalline material defining a plurality of interstices between the grains, the binder phase being distributed in a plurality of the interstices; and two or more electrodes attached to or embedded in the body of polycrystalline material arranged to measure bulk resistance of the polycrystalline superhard material between the electrodes, the measured resistance being indicative of the temperature of the body of polycrystalline material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Element Six Abrasives S.A.Inventor: John Hewitt Liversage
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Publication number: 20140190748Abstract: A plurality of cutting faces is attached sequentially at a distal end of a drill string. The forward most cutting face that is distal to the top of the hole is exposed and used for drilling until worn to a point of inefficiency. The forward most or distal cutting face is then detached, exposing the next cutting face in the sequence. Detachment of the forward most cutting face is performed by remote actuation at the top of the drill string and/or outside the hole. A new cutting face is provided without the necessity of removing the drill string. The detachment process is repeated as long as drilling is continued and cutting faces remain.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventor: John Bloomfield
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Patent number: 8775087Abstract: The system includes a gas processor with gas processor data storage and computer instructions to receive in various device protocols simultaneously information from rig based sensors and gas analysis devices drilling data, calibrate the devices and graphically present the data using both time events and depth events. Computer instructions scale the data and form the geological-hydrocarbon executive dashboard for transmission to various client devices to present real time streaming data, real time calibration information, real time alarms while enabling users to add and remove detection devices and sensors, including rig servers and remote servers, online without shutting down the entire monitoring and analysis system.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
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Patent number: 8775088Abstract: The method uses a gas processor, various data collection devices each having a unique device protocol to receive drilling data, calibrate the devices and graphically present the data using both time events and depth events. The method includes computer implemented steps to scale the data and form the geological-hydrocarbon executive dashboard for transmission to various client devices to obtain real time streaming data, real time calibration information, while adding and removing detection devices and sensors online without shutting down the entire monitoring and analysis system for instant display.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
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Publication number: 20140182934Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of balancing weight and hydraulic energy distribution between downhole cutting tools. One system includes a drill bit arranged at a distal end of the bottom-hole assembly, a first sensor sub arranged proximate to the drill bit and configured to monitor weight-on-bit, a reamer axially-offset from the drill bit on the bottom-hole assembly, a second sensor sub arranged proximate to the reamer and configured to monitor weight-on-reamer, and a communications module communicably coupled to both the first and second sensor subs and configured to receive and process the weight-on-bit and the weight-on-reamer and adjust a hydraulic energy input to at least one of the drill bit and the reamer when a ratio between the weight-on-bit and the weight-on-reamer surpasses a predetermined operating threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Robello Samuel
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Publication number: 20140182935Abstract: A disclosed method for obtaining a core sample includes directing light at a core sample being collected, receiving reflected light from the core sample, and analyzing the received reflected light to determine one or more characteristics of the core sample and/or form an image of the core sample. Characteristics include rock type, hydrocarbon type, water concentration, porosity, and permeability. The light may be infrared (IR), visible, and/or ultraviolet (UV). The received reflected light may be passed through one or more multivariate optical elements (MOEs). Measurements made at two different positions on the core sample may be used to determine a coring rate. A described coring bit includes a barrel to receive a core sample, a light source illuminating the core sample as it enters the barrel, a detector system that receives reflected light from the core sample, and an optical transmission system communicating light to and from the core sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Gary E. Weaver, Clive D. Menezes
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Publication number: 20140174825Abstract: A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Benjamin John Medeiros
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Patent number: 8757290Abstract: A method of monitoring the wear of drill bits for drilling wells in earth formations, several embodiments of an improved drill bit for drilling a well in an earth formation, and methods of manufacture. In one embodiment, the bit is assembled by forming the bit, including a bit body and a plurality of cutting components; introducing a wear detector into the bit; and providing a module to monitor the wear detector and generate an indication of bit wear. The wear detector may be a witness material that may change a characteristic of at least a portion of the bit. The module may detect when the witness material is separated from the bit. The wear detector may be introduced during or after formation of the bit. The bit wear may be displayed for an operator.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sorin G. Teodorescu, Terry Hunt
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Publication number: 20140166361Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring drilling fluid components in real time. One system includes solids control equipment fluidly coupled to a borehole and configured to receive drilling fluid from the borehole, the solids control equipment having a first optical computing device arranged adjacent the inlet and configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid as it enters the solids control equipment and thereby generate a first output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the drilling fluid, a second optical computing device arranged adjacent the outlet and configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid as it exits the solids control equipment and thereby generate a second output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the drilling fluid, and a signal processor communicably coupled to the first and second optical computing devices and configured to receive the first and second output signals and provide a resulting output signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Stephen W. Almond
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Publication number: 20140166364Abstract: An apparatus for continuously flowing drilling fluid along a drill string includes a continuous circulation device having at least a first fluid path in fluid communication with a top drive and a second fluid path in communication with a diverter. The diverter is in selective fluid communication with a pipe stand associated with the drills string. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor that estimates at least one operating parameter associated with the continuous circulation device. A related method includes using a continuous circulation device as described to manipulate the drill string and controlling the continuous circulation device using at least one sensor configured to estimate at least one operating parameter associated with the continuous circulation device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: D. Duncan Blue, Charles A. Brecher, John D. Macpherson, Volker Krueger
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Patent number: 8752648Abstract: Predicting a drill string stuck pipe event. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: receiving a plurality of drilling parameters from a drilling operation; applying the plurality of drilling parameters to an ensemble prediction model comprising at least three machine-learning algorithms operated in parallel, each machine-learning algorithm predicting a probability of occurrence of a future stuck pipe event based on at least one of the plurality of drilling parameters, the ensemble prediction model creates a combined probability based on the probability of occurrence of the future stuck pipe event of each machine-learning algorithm; and providing an indication of a likelihood of a future stuck pipe event to a drilling operator, the indication based on the combined probability.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Landmark Graphics CorporationInventors: Thomas Goebel, Roberto Valerio Molina, Ricardo Vilalta, Kinjal Dhar Gupta
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Publication number: 20140158429Abstract: Present embodiments relate to systems and methods for providing cooling to temperature sensitive components of a downhole tool with an intermittent power supply. To provide one example, a downhole tool may include a temperature sensitive component, an enclosure, a cooling unit, and a heat exchanger. The enclosure may be designed to provide thermal insulation to the temperature sensitive component. The cooling unit may intermittently provide active cooling while the downhole tool is being operated. The heat exchanger may facilitate heat transfer from the temperature sensitive component to the cooling unit when the cooling unit is providing the active cooling. The heat exchanger may also disable heat transfer between the temperature sensitive component and the cooling unit when the cooling unit is not providing the active cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Kamal Kader, Mari Yoshida
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Publication number: 20140157860Abstract: A method for calibrating sensors in a drilling apparatus provided with a movable carrier, a frame, a boom assembly mounted to rotate about a turning axis vertical to the frame, and an angle sensor for measuring the turning angle of the boom assembly and gravity-based inclination sensors for measuring inclination. When the boom assembly is turned in relation to the frame, the value of the turning angle and the inclination values provided by the inclination sensors are measured, and on the basis of the measured values, deviation of the values of the inclination sensors from the real inclination angle value are determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION OYInventor: Ari Tuunanen
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Publication number: 20140158428Abstract: A method includes oscillating, with a first acceleration profile, at least a portion of a drill string using a top drive at least indirectly coupled to the drill string and includes oscillating, with a second acceleration profile different from the first acceleration profile, at least a portion of the drill string using the top drive. The method also includes oscillating, with a third acceleration profile, at least a portion of the drill string using the top drive, wherein the third acceleration profile is optimized based on feedback associated with the oscillation with the first acceleration profile and feedback associated with the oscillation with the second acceleration profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.Inventors: Scott G. Boone, Colin Gillan
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Patent number: 8749399Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing electromagnetic (EM) measurement-while-drilling (MWD) telemetry capabilities using an existing mud-pulse MWD tool. An EM tool intercepts the output from the mud-pulse tool and generates an EM signal that mimics a mud-pulse pressure signal. The EM signal is intercepted at the surface by a receiver module that conditions the signal and inputs the signal into the existing pulse tool receiver. Since the EM signal mimics a mud-pulse signal, the pulse tool receiver does not require software or hardware modifications in order to process an EM telemetry mode. The EM tool can be adapted to also provide dual telemetry by incorporating a conventional pressure pulser that would normally be used with the pulse tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Mostar Directional Technologies Inc.Inventors: John Petrovic, Victor Petrovic, Matthew R. White, Neal P. Beaulac
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Publication number: 20140151122Abstract: An apparatus for reducing vibration includes: a damping assembly configured to be fixedly attached to a downhole component, the downhole component configured to rotate within a borehole in an earth formation, the damping assembly having a damping frequency that is tuned relative to a selected natural vibration frequency of the rotating downhole component to reduce vibration due to component rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Suresh Venugopal, Jayesh R. Jain, Hanno Reckmann, Bernhard Meyer-Heye
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Patent number: 8739868Abstract: A technique physically amplifies strain to facilitate measurement of strain/displacement. A strain amplifying mechanism is mounted to a component being monitored for strain and comprises an input port and an output port. The strain amplifying mechanism is attached to the component such that the input port moves when the component undergoes strain. Movement of the input port causes movement of the output port over a distance greater than the physical movement of the input port. A strain sensor is coupled to the output port to detect its movement over the greater distance.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Firas Zeineddine
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Publication number: 20140149096Abstract: A method for selecting at least one drill bit that includes characterizing an application; checking for at least one drill bit with an equivalent characterization in a data store; when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization exists, selecting the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization; and when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization does not exist, recommending at least one drill bit, making an analysis request, analyzing the at least one recommended drill bit based on the analysis request, generating analysis results, and selecting at least one drill bit based on the analysis results is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: Sujian J. Huang
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Patent number: 8733431Abstract: A method and system for transmitting electromagnetic waves from a wellbore. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising production tubing in a wellbore, the production tubing extends beyond a casing in the wellbore, and the production tubing beyond the casing comprises a first conductive portion, and a second conductive portion mechanically coupled to and electrically isolated from the first conductive portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Malcolm Upshall
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Patent number: RE44956Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely controlling the rotation of a drill string. A sensor monitors the rotation of the drill string and transmits the rotational information to a computer. The computer controls the rotation of the motor driving the drill string and rotates the drill string through an angle input by the operator. The computer may also utilize the sensor's rotational information to oscillate the drill string between two predetermined angles. The computer may also receive orientation information from a downhole tool sensor. The downhole tool information may be combined with the rotational information to enable the computer to accurately reorient the downhole tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.Inventors: Allan S. Richardson, Beat Küttle