Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The method of the formation fluid invasion moment identification consists in the sinking of an apparatus for the sampling of the fluid mixture into the uncased wellbore; the apparatus consists of the body, standard probe, hydraulic system, sample storage chamber and pumping module. Then the fluid mixture is pumped out and simultaneously the temperature of the fluids being pumped out is measured using at least one temperature transducer positioned in the sampling apparatus hydraulic system. Based on the values obtained the graph of the derivative temperature of the pumped out fluids as function of time is built up and the formation fluid invasion moment is identified.

Abstract: Stoneley-wave data acquired in the LWD environment are used to characterize/estimate formation permeability. Real-time Stoneley-wave time-delay/slowness and center-frequency/attenuation data are used to indicate/characterize formation permeability even during drilling. The use of stabilizers mounted at the tool ends helps maintain the tool position from severe decentralization, reducing ambiguities in the permeability characterization/estimation.

Abstract: A downhole drilling vibration analysis involves measuring orientation data in at least two orthogonal axes downhole while drilling with a drilling assembly. For example, two orthogonal magnetometers can be used. A toolface of the drilling assembly is determined using the measured sensor data, and velocity (RPM) values for the toolface for a plurality of revolutions of the drilling assembly are determined. From these determined values, a coefficient of variation for the toolface velocity (RPM) values for the revolutions of the drilling assembly is calculated. When a pattern in found in the toolface velocity (RPM) and/or the calculated coefficient of variations exceed one or more thresholds, the processing device determines that detrimental vibrations are occurring in the drilling assembly.

Abstract: The present invention recites a method, system and apparatus, wherein said method, system and apparatus comprises a gauge pad for a rotary component received within a borehole, the gauge pad comprising an exterior surface dimensioned for rotation in close proximity to the borehole, a pocket extending through the exterior surface, the pocket in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source, and wherein the exterior surface is dimensioned such that when a pressurized fluid is discharged through the pocket, the velocity of the fluid through a gap between the exterior surface and borehole creates a pressure drop sufficient to pull the rotary component toward the gauge pad.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a desired downhole pressure during a drilling operation can include measuring a parameter with a sensor, communicating actual parameter values from the sensor to a predictive device, training the predictive device to output predicted parameter values in response to input of the actual parameter values, and outputting the predicted parameter values from the predictive device when the predictive device ceases receiving the actual parameter values. A well drilling system can include a predictive device which outputs predicted parameter values in response to input of actual parameter values to the predictive device. The predictive device continues to output the predicted parameter values, even when the predictive device fails to receive valid actual parameter values. Another well drilling system includes a data validator which communicates valid actual parameter values to the predictive device, but does not communicate invalid actual parameter values to the predictive device.

Abstract: A system and method for designing and constructing an optimized underground crossing through the earth is provided. The underground crossing allows one or more delivery line to pass through the earth. The method involves forming an investigation bore path along a preliminary path of the underground crossing and collecting geological data along the investigation bore path. The method involves determining a selected bore path for the underground crossing and finalizing a design for the construction of the underground crossing. The finalized design is based upon the collected geological data. The method involves obtaining one or more permits for the underground crossing based on the finalized design.

Abstract: A wellbore drilling system utilizes optical fibers to measure parameters of interest and to communicate data. One or more electrical conductors are used to provide power to the components of the drilling system. The acquisition electronics for operating fiber optic sensors can be positioned at the surface and/or in the wellbore. In some embodiments, one optical fiber includes a plurality of sensors, each of which can measure the same or different parameters. A multiplexer multiplexes optical signals to operate such sensor configurations. Optical fiber sensors for acoustic measurements can include a cylindrical member wrapped by one or more optical fibers. The sensors can be configured as needed to provide a 3D representation of the pressure measurements.

Abstract: A steering tool configured for making azimuthal and non-azimuthal formation evaluation measurements is disclosed. In one embodiment a rotary steerable tool includes at least one formation evaluation sensor deployed in the steering tool housing. The steering tool may include, for example, first and second circumferentially opposed formation evaluation sensors or first, second, and third formation evaluation sensors, each of which is radially offset and circumferentially aligned with a corresponding one of the steering tool blades. The invention further includes methods for geosteering in which a rotation rate of the steering tool housing in the borehole (and therefore the rotation rate of the formation evaluation sensors) is controlled. Steering decisions may be made utilizing the formation evaluation measurements and/or derived borehole images.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a drill bit, a tip on a bit body configured to contact a formation when the drill bit is utilized to cut into the formation, and a spring coupled to the tip. The apparatus also includes a sensor coupled to the spring and configured to provide signals corresponding to the displacement of the tip when the tip is in contact with the formation.

Abstract: Temperature and pressure measurements that are made downhole are used to predict a compressional wave velocity for pure water under downhole conditions. The predicted velocity and a measured compressional velocity of a formation brine are used in a non-iterative method to estimate a value of the formation brine salinity that is between 0 and 1.

Abstract: A system and method of drilling and/or perforating uses a laser beam to remove material, such as to perforate the casing, cement and formation or drill a well bore. The system and method can further or alternately encompass material analysis that can be performed without removing the material from the well bore. The analysis can be performed apart from or in connection with drilling operations and/or perforating the casing, cement and formation. The analysis can be used in a feed back loop to adjust material removal, adjust material analysis, determine the location of future material removal, and for other uses.

Abstract: A method for determining fracture geometry of a subterranean formation from radiation emitted from a fracture in the formation, including measuring gamma-radiation emitted from the fracture; subtracting background radiation from the measured gamma-radiation to obtain a peak-energy measurement; comparing the peak-energy measurement with a gamma-ray transport/spectrometer response model; and determining formation fracture geometry of the fracture in accordance with values associated with the response model.

Abstract: A measurement package for disposal on an apparatus such as a downhole tool or a tool like device. The measurement package including an enclosure, a first acoustic transducer housed within the enclosure, a second acoustic transducer housed within the enclosure and electronics housed within the enclosure that is in communication with the first and second transducers. Further, an acoustic transmitter and receivers can be disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure. The enclosure can contain attenuative material surrounding the transmitter and receivers, and electronics for controlling the transmitter and receivers and communicating with the downhole tool.

Abstract: The disclosure has application for use in conjunction with an operation of drilling an earth borehole using: a drilling rig, a drill string having its generally upper end mechanically coupleable with and suspendable from the drilling rig, and a bottom hole assembly adjacent the lower end the drill string, the bottom hole assembly including a drill bit at its lower end.

Abstract: A method for imaging a geologic deposit using data collected from a borehole includes: selecting an instrument for performing electromagnetic (EM) measurements, the instrument including at least one transmitter and at least one orthogonally oriented receiver; obtaining EM measurement data from the borehole with the instrument; transforming the EM measurement data to acoustic data; and estimating at least one of a direction and a distance from the instrument to the deposit from the data. A computer program product and a system are provided.

Abstract: Method of drilling a well, including one method comprising determining a first value indicative of a relative position of a geological bed boundary with respect to a drilling assembly, determining a second value indicative of an optical property of a formation fluid proximate the drilling assembly, and controlling a well trajectory based on the first and second value.

Abstract: A pipe conveyed well logging assembly is provided that includes a pipe string; a carrier assembly connected to the pipe string; and a memory logging tool carried by the carrier assembly and movable from a removably latched retracted position, protected within the carrier assembly, to a removably latched extended position, at least partially protruding from a lower end of the carrier assembly.

Abstract: A pipe conveyed well logging assembly is provided that includes a pipe string; a carrier assembly connected to the pipe string and having an inner housing and an outer housing; and a memory logging tool carried by the carrier assembly and movable from a retracted position, protected within the inner housing; and an extended position, at least partially protruding from a lower end of the carrier assembly.

Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, a method for drilling a well is described. The method includes identifying a field having hydrocarbons. Then, one or more wells are drilled to a subsurface location in the field to provide fluid flow paths for hydrocarbons to a production facility. The drilling is performed by (i) estimating a drill rate for one of the wells; (ii) determining a difference between the estimated drill rate and an actual drill rate; (iii) obtaining mechanical specific energy (MSE) data and other measured data during the drilling of the one of the wells; (iv) using the obtained MSE data and other measured data to determine one of a plurality of limiters that limit the drill rate; (v) adjusting drilling operations to mitigate one of the plurality of limiters; (vi) and iteratively repeating steps (i)-(v) until the subsurface formation has been reached by the drilling operations.

Abstract: Earth formations are characterized by using an array of electrodes which can measure streaming potentials in the formation, and by interpreting the data obtained by the electrodes. The electrodes are placed on a wireline tool, a LWD tool, or in a fixed manner about a completed wellbore. The measured streaming potentials are generated by drilling with an overbearing pressure, slitting the mudcake in a borehole, acid injection, or any of various other manners which causes fluid movement. The data obtained is interpreted to locate fractures, measure formation permeability, estimate formation pressure, monitor drilling fluid loss, detect abnormal pressure, etc. Particularly, a streaming potential voltage transient having a double peak profile signifies the presence of a formation fracture.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods of contacting carbon dioxide with an aqueous mixture. In practicing methods according to certain embodiments, a subterranean brine may be contacted with carbon dioxide to produce a reaction product, which may or may not be further processed as desired. Also provided are methods in which a brine or minerals are contacted with an aqueous composition. Aspects of the invention further include compositions produced by methods of the invention as well as systems for practicing methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods are described using resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well using a drilling mud. Resistivity data ahead of the bit is gathered during drilling and prior to penetrating a region of interest of a target subterranean formation using the drill bit and the drilling mud. The drill string progresses at target dip and azimuth angles toward the region on interest. The resistivity data is used to determine the top of the region of interest while the drill bit advances toward but does not penetrate the region. A core bit is then installed and a whole core of the region of interest obtained. Resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well may also be compared with conventional resistivity measurements obtained from one or more offset wells.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. A retainer is configured to absorb lateral loading of the sample chamber within the cavity.

Abstract: A flow adapter includes an adapter body which defines a central axial flow bore and one or more lateral flow openings for fluid communication between the central flow bore and a production tubing flowbore surrounding the adapter. The central axial flow bore of the flow adapter provides a flow restriction which creates a pressure drop across the flow adapter. The flow restriction may be in the form of a conically tapered flowbore wherein the downstream end of the flowbore has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the upstream end of the flowbore.

Abstract: A low maintenance adjustable system for sampling gas from a well using a gas analyzer; a conditioning and filtering device; a gas trap having a plurality of couplings, a plurality of hammer unions, a plurality of base manifold pipes, a base manifold flow line, a chimney pipe connected to the base manifold flow line, a controllable valve, a reducer connected to the chimney, an expansion chamber component connected to the reducer, a restrictor mounted to the expansion chamber component, and a conduit connection connected to the restrictor for engaging a conduit to flow a gas sample from the gas trap to a gas analyzer.

Abstract: A method of logging a wellbore comprises drilling a first wellbore to a depth using a drilling rig and drilling a second wellbore to a depth using the drilling rig. While the second wellbore is being drilled a logging operation is conducted in the first wellbore using the drilling rig. The logging operation can be conducted in the first wellbore via a wireline logging tool.

Abstract: A drilling system and method for drilling underground boreholes is provided. The drilling system comprises a tool body, a downhole motor, a drill bit mounted on the body to be driven by the motor, a mechanism for driving the tool body axially along the borehole so as to apply weight on the drill bit when drilling, and an electrical cable extending from the surface to the tool body to provide power for the drilling motor. The tool body includes a conduit connected to the drill bit such that drilled material passes from the drill bit through the conduit, and sensors are provided in the conduit for measuring properties of the drilled material.

Abstract: A telecommunications chassis is disclosed herein. The chassis includes a housing defining a front end, a rear end and an interior, the chassis housing telecommunications equipment within the interior, cables connected to the telecommunications equipment configured to exit through the rear end. The housing is configured for mounting to a telecommunications rack and being movable relative to the rack between a closed position and an open position. A cable management structure is mounted between the housing and the rack, the cable management structure configured to move the cables exiting the rear of the housing upwardly, out of the way of the housing when the housing is moved from the open position toward the closed position.

Abstract: A system for logging with wired drill pipe includes a logging tool string; an interface sub in operable communication with the logging tool string; and a wired pipe in operable communication with the interface sub and method for logging with wired drill pipe.

Abstract: Acoustic velocities measured downhole are used to predict a rock strength using results of a regression analysis that include grain size. The grain size can be obtained from drill cuttings or from NMR measurements. The determined rock strength is used in drilling operations.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described relating to monitoring particulates downhole at in-situ conditions. Solid particles being carried in the fluid as the fluid is produced from the reservoir formation are monitored. The downhole solid particle monitoring can include measuring the quantity (e.g., volume fraction, weight fraction, or the like) of solid particles, measuring the distribution of sizes of the solid particles, and/or measuring the shape of the particles. The solid particles can be monitored using one or more of sensors such as optical spectrometers, acoustic sensors, video cameras, and erosion probes. A sanding prediction is generated based at least in part on the monitoring of the solid particles, and the sanding prediction is then used to design a completion, lift system, and surface facilities for the wellbore and/or select operating conditions so as to control sanding during production.

Abstract: In an underbalanced drilling system and method, a change is induced in flowing bottom hole pressure in a wellbore. Data of the surface flow rate of effluent is then measured in response to the induced change. This measured data is obtained using a multi-phase flow meter before a separator of the underbalanced drilling system. Algorithms in computer software analyze the flowing bottomhole pressure and the measured surface flow rate data and determine both permeability and formation pressure for a portion of the wellbore in real-time during the underbalanced drilling operation. Ultimately, portion of the wellbore is characterized with the determined permeability and formation pressure.

Abstract: A subsurface formation monitoring system comprises a conductive piping positioned within a borehole extending into the formation, a surface installed power and communication module, a downhole installed conductive casing or tubing sub comprising sensor(s) mounted on the sub, a data communication module for wireless communication of sensor measurements to the surface module, and a battery for providing power to the data communication module and the sensor. The surface module is coupled to the conductive piping and to a grounded return electrode coupled to the formation, and comprises an alternate current generator that defines an ingoing signal path along the conductive piping and sub, the ingoing signal flowing from the surface module to the sub and transmitting power from the generator to the sub. A return signal comprising sensor measurements is transmitted through a return signal path flowing from the sub to the surface module.

Abstract: A method for surveying a wellbore may include deploying a deployable wellbore survey tool into the wellbore, collecting survey data as the deployable survey tool traverses the wellbore, and determining wellbore position information based on the survey data. In one example the method may include landing the deployable wellbore survey tool on a component of a bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A downhole tool, configured to be suspended in a borehole traversing an earth formation, includes a downhole data acquisition system placed in the tool body and electrically connected to an electric power generator at the formation surface. The downhole data acquisition system includes a sensor for detecting local conditions in the borehole, and a transducer for transducing the voltage of an input signal from high to low or low to high. The transducer having a gallium nitride or silicon carbide based discrete semiconductor device.

Abstract: An integrated electrode resistivity and EM telemetry tool and obtaining both formation resistivity and telemetry data from the integrated tool. An integrated electrode resistivity and EM telemetry tool having a drill collar including a first portion and a second portion separated by an insulated gap and telemetry cartridge carrying telemetry circuitry including a voltage source generating a voltage drop across the insulated gap and an axial current on a drill string that returns through an earthen formation includes an insulated measure electrode connected to the first portion, and resistivity measurement circuitry functionally connected to the measure electrode and the telemetry circuitry.

Abstract: A system for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well includes a downhole tool configured to be coupled to a work string that includes a tool body having a longitudinal bore for circulating a fluid and at least one aperture configured to receive at least one module. The system further includes a plurality of modules that are each configured to engage the at least one aperture and at least one cavity configured for receiving a probe, and a plurality of probes that each include at least one orifice configured for testing the formation, wherein a first of the plurality of probes has a first configuration and a second of the plurality of probes has a second configuration.

Abstract: A system and method of closed loop control whereby groupings of surface sonic transmitters disposed along the planned path of a well send sonic wave energy to a downhole sonic receiver (or alternatively a downhole sonic transmitter signalling to grouping of surface sonic receivers) in a manner that facilitates the downhole positioning of the well. Subsequent offset well positioning, relative to the first well, may be achieved in a similar manner.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. A retainer is configured to absorb axial loading of the sample chamber within the cavity.

Abstract: An interchangeable sleeve for a downhole tool includes a substantially cylindrical body configured to circumferentially engage the downhole tool, a blade extending radially from the body, and a transducer disposed within the blade. A drilling assembly includes a drill collar, an interchangeable blade configured to couple to the drill collar, and a transducer disposed within the blade. A size of the blade and a size of the transducer are selected based on a diameter of a borehole in which the downhole tool is to be used. A method of manufacturing an interchangeable sleeve for a downhole tool includes forming a blade on a body of the sleeve such that the blade extends radially from the body, disposing a transducer within the blade, and configuring the sleeve to circumferentially engage the downhole tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used to transmit information to the surface from a subsurface location during the process of drilling a bore hole is described. A novel pressure pulse generator or “pulser” is coupled to a sensor package, a controller and a battery power source all of which reside inside a short section of drill pipe close to the bit at the bottom of the bore hole being drilled. The assembled apparatus or “MWD Tool” can be commanded from the surface to make a measurement of desired parameters and transmit this information to the surface by encoding data in pressure pulses generated by a pulser valve that includes a stator and a rotor which may be open and closed to create pressure pulses.

Abstract: A walkaway VSP survey is carried out using a receiver array. Using a vertical VSP survey and arrival times of surface multiples on the walkaway VSP, vertical interval velocities and the anisotropy parameters ? and ? are estimated. This may then be used to process surface seismic data to do a prestack depth migration of surface seismic data and used for interpretation. For multi-azimuthal walkaway or 3D VSP data, we determine two VTI parameters ? and ? for multi-azimuth vertical planes. Then we determine five anisotropic interval parameters that describe P-wave kinematics for orthorhombic layers. These orthorhombic parameters may then be used to process surface seismic data to give a stacked image in true depth and for the interpretation purposes.

Abstract: A steering tool configured for making azimuthal and non-azimuthal formation evaluation measurements is disclosed. In one embodiment a rotary steerable tool includes at least one formation evaluation sensor deployed in the steering tool housing. The steering tool may include, for example, first and second circumferentially opposed formation evaluation sensors or first, second, and third formation evaluation sensors, each of which is radially offset and circumferentially aligned with a corresponding one of the steering tool blades. The invention further includes methods for geosteering in which a rotation rate of the steering tool housing in the borehole (and therefore the rotation rate of the formation evaluation sensors) is controlled. Steering decisions may be made utilizing the formation evaluation measurements and/or derived borehole images.

Abstract: An exemplary system for managing the deployment of a seismic data acquisition system uses a module configured to execute a plurality of task in the field by receiving one or more seismic devices. The module may include a power source that provides electrical power to the seismic devices. The module may also include a processor programmed to retrieve data stored in the seismic devices, perform diagnostics, facilitate inventory and logistics control, configure seismic devices and update data or pre-programmed instructions in the seismic device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for displaying a formation model while drilling a wellbore in the formation includes operating a well logging instrument at a measurement point in the formation along a wellbore while the wellbore is being drilled. Measurement data regarding the formation are obtained from the well logging instrument. An actual orientation of a geological structure is determined from the measurement data. A trajectory of the wellbore is displayed in three dimensions as it is being drilled through the formation. While drilling the wellbore, the geological structure is displayed along the trajectory of the wellbore according to the determined actual orientation of the geological structure. The actual orientation reflects an azimuth angle of planes corresponding to the geological structure. The trajectory of the wellbore is changed in response to displaying the determined actual orientation of the geological structure relative to the trajectory.

Abstract: Method for processing a set of seismic cubes corresponding to the same acquisition zone and at different source/receiver offset and/or angle of incidence values, characterized in that at least one seismic cube is determined, which is an estimation of the component common to at least two seismic cubes corresponding to different offset and/or angle of incidence values.