Using Electrode Arrays, Circuits, Structure, Or Supports Patents (Class 324/347)
  • Patent number: 11944026
    Abstract: An agricultural implement has implement settings for soil engaging tools that are controlled based on measured temporal and long-term soil properties in a field. A controller receives data from various soil and optical sensors and provides decision support for adjusting the implement settings. The soil sensors include a square or modified square electrical array that includes two independent, isolated disk coulters running side-by-side followed by two independent, isolated soil engaging runners. One runner has an optical sensor for organic matter, and the other runner has a temperature and moisture sensor. Above-ground optical sensors can be used to measure soil and plant material ahead of and behind the soil engaging tool. The controller can provide real time alerts to an operator that adjustments to the implement settings are needed, or the adjustments can be made automatically based on operator set thresholds, factory settings, or historical individual or global grower adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Veris Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lund, Chase Maxton, Kyle Jensen, Tyler Lund, Paul Drummond
  • Patent number: 11913324
    Abstract: An apparatus for downhole multi-dimensional imaging includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a formation resistivity signal, an ultrasonic echo signal and an orientation signal regularly; a sector calculation unit configured to calculate, based on said orientation signal, a sector where a currently acquired signal is from; and a multi-dimensional imaging unit, configured to calculate, based on the signals acquired by the acquisition unit, data of resistivity, distance from a drilling tool to a borehole wall and ultrasonic echo amplitude, and distribute said data into all sectors for feature recognition and extraction, thus obtaining key features characterizing a current formation being drilled, said key features being transmitted to ground for guiding drilling process. The structural complexity and the length of the downhole imaging measurement instrument can be reduced, and feature recognition can be directly performed on the imaging data underground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORPORATION, SINOPEC RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
    Inventors: Yijin Zeng, Wei Zhang, Weining Ni, Xin Li, Lipeng Yan, Jinping Wu, Yuefa Hu, Lishuang Wang, Zuyang Zhu, Jintai Mi
  • Patent number: 11732579
    Abstract: A method of designing a cement blend for a wellbore isolation barrier based on the analysis of a stress state of the wellbore isolation barrier from the injection of CO2 into a porous formation. The analysis software may determine an optimized cement blend for a future CO2 injection schedule. The analysis software may determine a current near wellbore stress state for a current CO2 injection schedule. The analysis software may optimize a CO2 injection schedule based on the analysis of a future near wellbore stress state of the wellbore isolation barrier. The near wellbore stress state of the isolation barrier may be determined by at least one model accessed by the analysis software. The inputs into the model comprise periodic CO2 injection pressure and flowrate datasets, cement properties, and formation properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Siva Rama Krishna Jandhyala, Katherine Evans, Florence Mazouzi, Kalyan Saikia
  • Patent number: 11497154
    Abstract: An agricultural implement has implement settings for soil engaging tools that are controlled based on measured temporal and long-term soil properties in a field. A controller receives data from various soil and optical sensors and provides decision support for adjusting the implement settings. The soil sensors include a square or modified square electrical array that includes two independent, isolated disk coulters running side-by-side followed by two independent, isolated soil engaging runners. One runner has an optical sensor for organic matter, and the other runner has a temperature and moisture sensor. Above-ground optical sensors can be used to measure soil and plant material ahead of and behind the soil engaging tool. The controller can provide real time alerts to an operator that adjustments to the implement settings are needed, or the adjustments can be made automatically based on operator set thresholds, factory settings, or historical individual or global grower adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Veris Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lund, Chase Maxton, Kyle Jensen, Tyler Lund, Paul Drummond
  • Patent number: 11372127
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include downhole electromagnetic reservoir monitors, and systems and methods to monitor downhole reservoirs. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic reservoir monitor includes a galvanic transmitter deployed proximate a wellbore casing and having a source electrode and a return electrode, where a current flowing from the source electrode, through a formation, to the return electrode is altered by a fluid reservoir of the formation, and where an altered component of the current induces a secondary magnetic field. The electromagnetic reservoir monitor also includes a magnetic receiver having a tilted coil deployed proximate the wellbore casing, the tilted coil having an orientation relative to a cross sectional plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the wellbore casing, and the tilted coil operable to detect a component of the secondary magnetic field, where the secondary magnetic field is indicative of at least one property of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilker R. Capoglu, Burkay Donderici
  • Patent number: 11150181
    Abstract: A system and method for encapsulating commercially significant attributes of a hydrocarbon product into a single digital signature are presented. The digital signature may be generated from a physical product sample using optical techniques such as NIR spectroscopy. Digital signatures may be expressed in the form of composition, principle components derived from the spectra, or other properties derived from the original spectra which characterize, and help visualize, the variation present within the signals. Other physical property measurements and contaminant measurements may also be included in the digital signature and may be derived from the same measurement device or separate measurement devices whose output is integrated into a single digital signature. Embodiments of the invention may be used to confirm the identity of a hydrocarbon product, or to verify the composition of a hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: JP3 Measurement, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Paul Little, III, Matthew Thomas, Gregg Williams, James Stephen Dixson, III
  • Patent number: 11061079
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a grounding monitoring device, method, system and computer readable storage medium, which relates to the field of coal mine safety. The device includes: a measurement power source for supplying power to the grounding monitoring device; a resistance measurement device connected between the measurement power source and a grounding electrode, the resistance measurement device, the measurement power source and the grounding electrode forming a current detection circuit via the ground, wherein a resistance of a grounding resistor is determined according to a current flowing through the grounding electrode in the current detection circuit to determine a monitoring result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Shanxi Quan'an New Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chunping Guo
  • Patent number: 11015440
    Abstract: A stabilizer apparatus for applying an electrical signal to a drill string antenna, comprising: an elongate member; and a fin extending radially from the elongate member, the fin having an angled leading face and an electrode face that opposes the elongate member, the electrode face including an electrode to apply electrical signals to a conductive member of the drill string antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Carter, Brian Allen Mohon
  • Patent number: 10983489
    Abstract: Systems and methods for harmonic analysis of soil are provided herein. Some methods include converting a first frequency of an operating signal into a second, higher frequency relative to the first frequency to create a stimulating signal, transmitting the stimulating signal into soil, and determining attenuation based on a comparison of a responsive signal and the operating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: FarmX Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Jennings, Zachary Gentry
  • Patent number: 10914860
    Abstract: A method of creating a well image log of a cased well is provided. A passive cased well image logging tool assembly including a logging tool body, a plurality of gamma ray radiation sensor assemblies and a spatial positioning device is moved through at least a portion of the wellbore. Corrected gamma ray radiation data is vertically sampled. Based on the sampled data, a well image log is prepared. A passive cased well image logging tool assembly for use in a cased well is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: ROCK VISUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan Godard Kuespert
  • Patent number: 10877177
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating a time series representation of passive electromagnetic (EM) fields via towed streamer measurements without dependence on water-bottom measurement equipment. Such techniques may include storing records of respective time series measurements of passive EM fields measured by individual receivers as the individual receivers pass over a first measurement point, where the respective time series measurements correspond to respective measurement intervals, and where the respective time series measurements are synchronized with respect to a reference clock. The records of the respective time series measurements may be combined to generate a time series representation of passive EM fields observed at the first measurement point over a combination of the respective measurement intervals. The time series representation of passive EM fields observed at the first measurement point may, in turn, be used to identify one or more characteristics of subsurface structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Tashi Tshering, Allan McKay
  • Patent number: 10670756
    Abstract: Methods and systems performing joint inversion determination of surface-consistent amplitude corrections are provided. A method includes receiving a seismic data set including P-P data and P-S data, and preparing the P-P data and the P-S data for a joined inversion to produce prepared P-P data and prepared P-S data. The method further includes performing a joined inversion on both the prepared P-P data and the prepared P-S data to calculate final surface consistent scalars. The method also includes outputting a corrected P-P trace determined from the P-P data and a P-P gain obtained from the final surface consistent scalars, and a corrected P-S trace determined from the P-S data and a P-S gain obtained from the final surface consistent scalars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAS
    Inventors: Guillaume Henin, Katia Garceran, David Le Meur, Frédérique Bertin, Anne Rollet
  • Patent number: 10605728
    Abstract: A monitoring probe is for monitoring a fluid inside a process system. The probe has a first portion comprising a plurality of optical sensors provided along a waveguide for monitoring a plurality of measurands from the fluid, wherein each optical sensor is configured to monitor at least one measurand from the fluid. The first portion of the probe is elongate and is configured to be inserted through an aperture of the process system into a chamber of the process system such that the optical sensors are in communication with the fluid. The probe further has an attachment element for securing the probe to the process system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Scott Coonrod, Christopher Staveley
  • Patent number: 10570902
    Abstract: A communication system can include a first subsystem of a well tool that can include a first cylindrically shaped band positioned around the first subsystem. The first cylindrically shaped band can be operable to electromagnetically couple with a second cylindrically shaped band. The communication system can also include a second subsystem of the well tool. The second subsystem can include the second cylindrically shaped band positioned around the second subsystem. The communication system can further include an intermediate subsystem positioned between the first subsystem and the second subsystem. The intermediate subsystem can include an insulator positioned coaxially around the intermediate subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services
    Inventors: Jin Ma, Wei Hsuan Huang, Glenn Andrew Wilson, Iftikhar Ahmed
  • Patent number: 10473812
    Abstract: A method of creating a well image log of a cased well is provided. A passive cased well image logging tool assembly including a logging tool body, a plurality of gamma ray radiation sensor assemblies and a spatial positioning device is moved through at least a portion of the wellbore. Corrected gamma ray radiation data is vertically sampled. Based on the sampled data, a well image log is prepared. A passive cased well image logging tool assembly for use in a cased well is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: ROCK VISUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan Godard Kuespert
  • Patent number: 10465496
    Abstract: The structural integrity and reliability of a downhole tool or mandrel may be improved by implementation of a design and configuration that does not require several separate components to be coupled together. An insulating sleeve is wrapped around the outside of a mandrel. Electrodes, both transmit and return, are wrapped around the insulating sleeve. The outside diameter of the mandrel is increased but the structural integrity and reliability of the mandrel is maintained as no gap sub is used to electrically isolate the electrodes from the mandrel. The insulating sleeve may be tapered at the edges to prevent excessive wear on the sleeve. The insulating sleeve may also extend the full distance between the electrodes to provide even more insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Baris Guner
  • Patent number: 10400585
    Abstract: A retrievable receiver for electromagnetic telemetry signals originating from a first wellbore is located in a second wellbore. The receiver uses a casing of the second wellbore as an antenna. A signal pickup unit is provided on a multi-conductor wireline in the second wellbore. The signal pickup provides sensors (e.g. electrodes) for detecting signals at plural locations along the second wellbore. Signal reception can be optimized by adjusting the position of the wireline in the second wellbore and/or selecting sensor(s) for use in receiving the telemetry signals. The receiver may lack any active electronics in the second wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Phoenix Technology Services Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Down, Aaron Logan, Theunis Van Schalkwyk, Rostyslav Kuchma, Mojtaba Kazemi Miraki
  • Patent number: 10385683
    Abstract: Drilling telemetry systems and methods include a cable antenna a cable antenna in an auxiliary borehole in a subterranean formation arranged to receive electromagnetic signal transmitted from an EM tool in an adjacent wellbore in the subterranean formation. The cable antenna may include a wireline cable having a center core, an insulated electrical cable head in direct electrical communication with the center core, and an uninsulated signal receiver in direct electrical communication with electrical cable head. The uninsulated signal receiver may have an outer surface formed of a conductive material and configured to contact a natural subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Harmeet Kaur
  • Patent number: 10359535
    Abstract: An example system includes an electrode-based tool for deployment in a downhole environment, where the electrode-based tool having a plurality of current electrodes, at least one voltage monitoring electrode, at least one return electrode. The electrode-based tool also includes electronics to measure leakage current between at least one of the plurality of current electrodes and the at least one return electrode as current from at least one of the plurality of current electrodes is injected into the downhole environment and flows to the at least one return electrode. The system also includes at least one processor configured to derive a corrected downhole environment parameter based at least in part on the measured leakage current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Emilio San Martin, Ahmed E. Fouda, Burkay Donderici
  • Patent number: 10288761
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining annular fill material using resistivity measurements are provided. In one example, a method is provided. The method may include placing a downhole tool into a cased well. The well may include an annulus located between a casing and a formation. The method may also include determining, by the downhole tool, resistivity measurements associated with portions of the well. Furthermore, the method may include identifying, by a computer, based at least in part on the resistivity measurements, the presence of annular fill materials in the well. Additionally, the method may include determining, by the computer based at least in part on the resistivity measurements, respective locations of the annular fill materials in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Simon Gareth James, Ram Sunder Kalyanaraman
  • Patent number: 10042073
    Abstract: Aspects described herein provide for a sensor assembly having an electrically isolated cable segment that may be used for geophysical prospecting. The sensor assembly generally includes a first cable segment comprising at least one electromagnetic (EM) sensor, and a second cable segment connected to the first cable segment and electrically isolated from the first cable segment. The second cable segment may be free of electrically conductive components. Alternatively, the second cable segment may have electrically conductive components that are not electrically connected to the first cable segment. The electrically isolated cable segment may reduce or eliminate undesired signal cross-feed from the EM source to the first cable segment, which may aid in maintaining data quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Lars Erik Magnus Björnemo, Ulf Peter Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 9910180
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for implementing and using a full tensor micro-impedance downhole imaging tool that includes downhole emitters that induce, at azimuthally-spaced positions on a borehole wall, fields having components in three different non-coplanar directions within a formation and directionally sensitive downhole sensors that sense the components caused by each emitter. The tool further includes a downhole controller that processes signals received from the directionally sensitive downhole sensors to provide a set of measurements representative of a 3×3 impedance tensor at each position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Ferhat T. Celepcikay, Luis E. San Martin
  • Patent number: 9726776
    Abstract: A towable transient electromagnetic survey device for connection to a land, water based or an airborne towing vehicle is provided. The towable transient electromagnetic survey device includes a central body structure and a number of booms extending therefrom to interconnect the central body structure to the towing vehicle and suspend a transmitter loop for generating a primary electromagnetic field. Receiving loop(s) and transmitter loop(s) may also be housed in the central body structure. The central body structure may also be configured for switching in and out of connection of various transmitter and receiver loop configurations. In particularly preferred arrangements, the location of a transmitter loop or a pair of transmitter loops relative to a receiver loop is effective for substantially nulling mutual inductance between the transmitter loop(s) and the receiver loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: GROUNDWATER IMAGING PTY LTD.
    Inventor: David Allen
  • Patent number: 9709692
    Abstract: A logging tool for performing resistivity measurements on the sidewall of a borehole in an earth formation is provided with a circumferential series of evenly-spaced measurement electrodes providing complete circumferential coverage of resistivity measurements. In one embodiment, the measurement electrodes are carried on a conductive pad circumferentially surrounding an elongate mandrel or tubular. The conductive pad is held at a voltage adapted to focus measurement current into the sidewall of the borehole. Preferably, the pad has dimensions relative to the measurement electrodes and a standoff distance between the measurement electrodes and said borehole wall to effectively focus the measurement current into the borehole wall. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the measurement electrodes are spaced apart by a distance that is less than the width of each measurement electrode, thereby ensuring full circumferential resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gregory B. Itskovich, Alexandre N. Bespalov, Farhat A. Shaikh, Peter John Nolan
  • Patent number: 9678240
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for detecting boundary locations of multiple subsurface layers are described. In some aspects, the boundaries of multiple subsurface layers in a subterranean region are identified based on measurements associated with multiple different transmitter-receiver spacings. The measurements are generated based on operating multiple transmitters and multiple receivers of a resistivity logging tool at a tool depth in a wellbore in the subterranean region. A first pair of the subsurface boundary locations are determined based on a first measurement associated with a first transmitter-receiver spacing. A second, different pair of the subsurface boundary locations are determined based on a second measurement associated with a second, longer transmitter-receiver spacing. The first pair of subsurface boundary locations reside between the second pair of subsurface boundary locations in the subterranean region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Yumei Tang
  • Patent number: 9619731
    Abstract: Methods for dip determination from an image obtained by a down-hole imaging tool. For each pixel forming the image, a probability that a symmetry axis coincides with the pixel is determined. A probability map is then generated, depicting the determined probability of each pixel coinciding with the symmetry axis. The probability map and the image are then superposed to generate a mapped image. The symmetry axis is then estimated based on the mapped image. Image pixels coinciding with a boundary of the geologic feature are then selected in multiple depth zones, and a segment of a sinusoid is fitted to the selected image pixels within each depth zone. Dip within each of the depth zones is then determined based on the fitted sinusoid segments therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taketo Akama, Josselin Kherroubi, Arnaud Etchecopar
  • Patent number: 9566418
    Abstract: A sensor guide wire for an intravascular measurement of a physiological variable in a living body includes a sensor region in a distal part of the sensor guide wire, a sensor element arranged in the sensor region, a male connector at a proximal part of the sensor guide wire, a least one electrical micro-cable connecting the male connector to the sensor element, and an elongated guide wire body arranged between the sensor region and the male connector. The at least one electrical micro-cable extends essentially helically around the guide wire body along the length of at least a part of the guide wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL COORDINATION CENTER BVBA
    Inventor: Pär Von Malmborg
  • Patent number: 9389333
    Abstract: A well logging instrument includes a radiation generator and a high voltage power supply functionally coupled to the generator. The generator and the supply are longitudinally separated by a distance sufficient for emplacement of a radiation detector. At least a first radiation detector is disposed in a space between the generator and the supply. The instrument includes an electrical connection between the supply and the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bradley Roscoe
  • Patent number: 9200491
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining surface wetting of a metallic material with changing well fluids. In general, the methods according to the invention include measuring electrical impedance spectroscopy (“EIS”) for a system simulating downhole conditions for the wetting of a surface. Methods and apparatuses for making EIS measurements model double-layer capacitance at a downhole surface in a well, from which the nature and quantification of the wetting of the surface can be inferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sairam K S Pindiprolu, Dennis Willie Gray, Venkata Gopala Rao Palla
  • Patent number: 9158025
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing coupling between at least one measure electrode and at least one return electrode in a logging tool in a borehole with non-conductive drilling fluid using a conductive shield disposed between the at least one measure electrode and the at least one return electrode. The apparatus may be configured to impart an electrical current into a formation and to receive a return current from the formation. The method may include using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Stanislav W. Forgang
  • Patent number: 9134449
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to determine a formation property of a subsurface formation. A downhole logging tool having two or more antennas, at least two of the antennas having a transversely-sensitive element and an axially-sensitive element is provided. Azimuthally-sensitive measurements are obtained using the antennas of the downhole logging tool. The measurements are fitted to a Fourier series having Fourier coefficients that include channel gains, if any. A DC component, a first harmonic component, and a second harmonic component are determined from the Fourier series, a measurement type is determined using the DC component, the first harmonic component, and/or the second harmonic component, and the formation property of the subsurface formation is determined using the determined measurement type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jean Seydoux, Dzevat Omeragic, Dean M. Homan
  • Patent number: 9121966
    Abstract: A media displacement device has a body configured to be positioned radially outwards of a tool having an antenna for transmitting electromagnetic energy to or receiving electromagnetic energy from an earth formation. The body is made of materials causing less power loss to electromagnetic energy transmitted or received by the tool than the media the body is configured to displace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Martin Blanz, Christoph Meyer, Thomas Kruspe, Holger Tietjen
  • Patent number: 8994377
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with a tool and method for determining standoff from a formation though mud. The tool comprising a first electrode located at a distance from the formation for measuring a first impedance. A second electrode is located at a second distance from the formation for measuring a second impedance. A processing unit measures a difference between the first impedance and the second impedance, uses the difference to determine a conductivity of the mud and based thereon, determines the standoff of at least one of the first and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Hayman
  • Patent number: 8965705
    Abstract: Techniques for surface exploration and monitoring are presented. In representative embodiments, a system is provided that cars perform multiple types of measurements of a surface. For example a single system of survey probes and one or more survey controllers can be used to offer both seismic and electrical measurements. A survey controller can be configured to automatically poll survey probes to obtain identifiers of the probes aid determine a relative order the probes. Survey probes can be configured to: (a) collect signals associated with a surface; (b) digitize the signals to form digital data; and (c) store the digital data for later transmission to the survey controller. Relative positions of survey probes can be automatically determined using a transmitting beacon or other techniques. Survey probes can automatically disconnect from a power conduit while measuring a surface property and operate using an internal source of power when disconnected, to reduce noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Geosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Mats Lagmanson, Liz Lagmanson, Markus Lagmanson, Bo Berglund
  • Patent number: 8933700
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with a tool for imaging a formation, the tool comprising: a pad capable of alignment adjacent a wall of the formation. The pad has located thereon an imaging electrode for injecting current into the formation. There is a first return electrode separated from the imaging electrode for receiving the injected current. There is at least one recessed electrode that is located at a different distance from the wall of the formation as the other electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Hayman
  • Patent number: 8917094
    Abstract: Downhole tools and techniques acquire information regarding nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, and conductive formations. At least some method embodiments provide a current flow along a drill string in a borehole. The current flow disperses into the surrounding formation and causes a secondary current flow in the nearby conductor. The magnetic field from the secondary current flow can be detected using one or more azimuthally-sensitive antennas. Direction and distance estimates may be obtainable from the azimuthally-sensitive measurements, and can be used as the basis for steering the drillstring relative to the distant conductor. Possible techniques for providing current flow in the drillstring include imposing a voltage across an insulated gap or using a toroid around the drillstring to induce the current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Jing Li
  • Patent number: 8913463
    Abstract: A passive listening acoustic system and method of use may include source means for providing continuous, pulsed, or pulse coded acoustic signals at two or more frequencies and at least two acoustic sensors or hydrophones which detect and record a signal for use within a Seabed Logging system to determine the position and/or orientation of instruments in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA
    Inventor: Audun Sodal
  • Patent number: 8896314
    Abstract: A method for marine electromagnetic surveying includes transmitting a first electromagnetic field oriented in a first direction into a body of water. A second electromagnetic field oriented in a second direction is transmitted into the body of water, wherein the second direction is substantially transverse to the first direction. A parameter related to electromagnetic field amplitude is detected at a plurality of longitudinally and laterally spaced apart positions behind a vessel. The components of the detected electromagnetic field parameter are resolved into components along the first and second directions by using the geometrical symmetries and asymmetries of the transmitting source. Systems for implementing such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventor: Gustav Göran Mattias Südow
  • Publication number: 20140320135
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor module (10) for measuring an electrical variable, comprising at least one electrode (12, 13), which is arranged in a housing (58) made of an electrically insulating material and which can be connected to an electrical measuring device by means of a connecting cable, wherein the electrode has a sensor element, which is arranged between an inner and an outer contact plate (26,27) made of a carbon material and which is coupled to the connecting cable, wherein an outer contact plate (27) of the electrode is arranged in an outer face of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Gerhard Denner, Werner Plach
  • Publication number: 20140312907
    Abstract: This present disclosure provides a sensing cable of parallel spiral transmission line structure for distributed sensing and measuring of rock-soil mass deformation. A circular cross-section of a silicone strip is tightly wounded by two mutually-insulated wires. The two mutually-insulated wires form the spiral cable. The two mutually-insulated wires are wrapped around and covered by a silicone shroud. They constitute a sensing cable. A termination matching impedance is connected to one end of each of the two mutually-insulated wires. A time domain reflectometry measurement instrument is connected to the other end of the two mutually-insulated wires. The present disclosure implements a distributed positioning and measurement of rock-soil mass deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Renyuan Tong, Qing Li, Ming Li, Xiong Li, Ge Shi
  • Patent number: 8860435
    Abstract: A locating appliance configured to sense an article includes a push-pull measurement bridge and a comparator. The push-pull measurement bridge is configured to actuate a first electromagnetic device and a second electromagnetic device, in each case in a variable ratio. The first electromagnetic device takes the actuation as a basis for producing an electromagnetic alternating field in a region of the article. The comparator is configured to sense the article if the variable ratio differs from a predetermined ratio by more than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Krapf, Tobias Zibold, Andrej Albrecht
  • Patent number: 8816689
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for collecting reservoir data. The method includes providing one or more electromagnetic sources for generating an electromagnetic field in a reservoir and providing one or more electromagnetic sensors equipped with capacitive electrodes. The electromagnetic source is located separately from the electromagnetic sensor. The electromagnetic sensor may either be located within a well or at the surface, is capable of measuring the electromagnetic field in three dimensions, and may be isolated from the well fluids. The data collected by the electromagnetic sensors can be used to create a model of the oil reservoir, including the water saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Daniele Colombo, Timothy H. Keho, Michael Anthony Jervis, Brett W. Bouldin
  • Patent number: 8816690
    Abstract: A marine electromagnetic sensor cable system includes a first sensor cable subsystem including at least a first sensor cable segment. The first sensor cable segment includes a plurality of spaced apart electrodes which electrically contact a body of water when the first sensor cable segment is immersed therein, and an electrical conductor coupled to each electrode, each electrical conductor extending from one longitudinal end of the sensor cable segment to the other. The system includes a first signal processing module electrically coupled to a longitudinal end of the first sensor cable segment, and including a voltage measuring circuit electrically connected between two or more electrodes from the first plurality of electrodes. Marine electromagnetic surveys are conducted using the marine electromagnetic sensor cable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Gustav Göran Mattias Südow, Ulf Peter Lindqvist, Andras Robert Juhasz, Robert A. P. Fernihough
  • Patent number: 8810248
    Abstract: A method of testing the electric field recording of a marine electromagnetic sensor cable including electrodes is provided. The method includes causing time varying current to flow between at least one pair of current electrodes disposed along the marine electromagnetic sensor cable. The flow of current generates a voltage in a body of water, thereby causing a secondary field impressed on a pair of sensor electrodes disposed along the marine electromagnetic sensor cable. A potential difference between the pair of sensor electrodes is measured. Accuracy of the electric field recording is inferred from the measured potential difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: KJT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan L. Helwig
  • Patent number: 8797038
    Abstract: A marine electromagnetic survey system includes a power cable configured to couple to a power supply at one axial end, and to a head unit at the other end. The power supply includes a source of direct current which is coupled to the power cable. The head unit includes equipment configured to output a lower voltage at a higher current than the source of direct current. At least one electromagnetic antenna is coupled to the head unit and is configured to receive the output of the head unit equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Oliver Peppe, Prawin Bhadani
  • Patent number: 8773134
    Abstract: A logging tool for use in a wellbore having a sensor portion for making measurements. The tool has a sleeve enclosing the sensor portion and made of a material that is transparent to the measurements being made. One or more structural elements having physical characteristics different from the material comprising the sleeve are carried on the sleeve to enhance the mechanical properties of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alice Sorbier, James S. Almaguer
  • Patent number: 8766641
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining surface wetting of a rock material with changing well fluids. In general, the methods according to the invention include measuring electrical impedance spectroscopy (“EIS”) for a system simulating downhole conditions for the wetting of a surface. Methods and apparatuses for making EIS measurements model double-layer capacitance at a downhole surface in a well, from which the nature and quantification of the wetting of the surface can be inferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sairam K S Pindiprolu, Dennis Willie Gray, Venkata Gopala Rao Palla
  • Publication number: 20140174714
    Abstract: A completion system for use in a well includes a first completion section and a second section. The first completion section has a sand control assembly to prevent passage of particulates, a first inductive coupler portion, and a sensor positioned proximate to the sand control assembly that is electrically coupled to the first inductive coupler portion. The second section is deployable after installation of the first completion section. It includes a second inductive coupler portion to communicate with the first inductive coupler portion, to enable communication between the first completion section's sensor and another component coupled to the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Donald W. Ross, Anthony Veneruso, Fabien Cens, John Lovell, Jean-Philippe Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 8717029
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring permittivity of a sample. The apparatus includes: a sample chamber including a sealed space portion in which a sample to be measured is put; a pressure adjusting unit for varying pressure by applying water pressure to the space portion of the sample chamber; a permittivity sensor for measuring permittivity of the sample and disposed outside the sample chamber; measurement conducting wires including conductors, installed to contact the sample and connected to the permittivity sensor by using electric wires; and a data logger for storing data relating to permittivity that is measured by the permittivity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Byung-Gon Chae, Jung-Hae Choi, Yong-Je Kim
  • Patent number: 8710845
    Abstract: An electromagnetic sensor cable has components including a first sensor cable segment having a plurality of spaced apart electrodes on the first sensor cable segment an electrical conductors coupled to the electrodes such that at least one of the electrodes is electrically connectible at at least one longitudinal end of the first sensor cable segment. The sensor cable includes a second sensor cable segment configured substantially the same as the first sensor cable segment. A first signal processing and configuration module has signal processing circuitry configured to perform at least one of measuring voltages across selected pairs of electrodes, and communicating signals representative of voltages measured across selected pairs of electrodes. The cable components are each configured to connect at the lateral ends one to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Ulf Peter Lindqvist, Robert Andras Juhasz, Gustav Göran Mattias Südow