Abstract: A steerable or non-steerable, magnetic dipole antenna for Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) or Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) applications. The antenna elements use a hole arrangement in addition to grooves in a steel tool body, which is typically a drill collar. This antenna embodiment is extremely robust, meaning that does not significantly reduce the structural integrity of the tool body in which it is disposed. The antenna embodiment is also relatively wear resistant. The resultant magnetic dipole generated by this antenna is also electrically steerable in inclination angle from a common origin. A variable dipole moment inclination angle combined with independently measured tool rotation orientation during normal drilling allows the antenna to generate a magnetic dipole moment that may be directed at any three dimensional angle and from a common origin point at the centroid of the antenna. The antenna can also be embodied to be more sensitive to resistivity in a particular azimuthal direction.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an extent of a hydrocarbon reservoir (2) below the earth's surface (4), includes the steps of applying a current between a bottom current electrode (6) and a top current electrode (8) that is part of a plurality of electrodes that are spaced apart from one another along a part of the earth's surface located above and optionally over the hydrocarbon reservoir. The bottom current electrode is positioned below the hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes the step of measuring an electrical potential, which is caused by the current, by means of a measurement electrode (10A) that is also part of the plurality of electrodes. The method includes the step of inferring from the measured electrical potential the extent of the hydrocarbon reservoir, in a direction that is oriented substantially parallel with the earth's surface.

Abstract: Systems, tools and techniques for measuring downhole parameters are provided. The techniques involve providing a downhole tool with a sensing apparatus. The sensing apparatus has at least one source positionable about the downhole tool, at least one sensor electrode positionable about a front face of the downhole tool for measuring electrical signals from the source, and a raised insulating cover positionable along the front face of the downhole tool for defining at least one contact surface. The raised insulating cover extends over at least a portion of the sensor electrode whereby the sensor electrode is positionable adjacent to the subterranean formation for electrically coupling thereto without direct contact therewith.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for measuring electrical properties of an underground formation surrounding a borehole. The apparatus preferably comprises a downhole tool positionable in the borehole, a sensor pad positionable on the downhole tool, and a plurality of electrodes mounted on the sensor pad and configured to face a wall of the borehole. The apparatus further comprises an insulating layer extending over at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes facing the wall of the borehole.

Abstract: Multi-array laterolog tool systems and methods acquire a set of array measurements sufficient to provide laterolog tool measurements of differing array sizes. Such systems and method offer multiple depths of investigation while offering greater measurement stability in borehole environments having high resistivity contrasts. In at least some system embodiments, a wireline or LWD tool body has a center electrode positioned between multiple pairs of guard electrodes and a pair of return electrodes. The tool's electronics provide a current from the center electrode to the pair of return electrodes and currents from each pair of guard electrodes to the pair of return electrodes. Each of the currents may be distinguishable by frequency or distinguishable by some other means. This novel arrangement of currents provides a complete set of measurements that enables one tool to simultaneously emulate a whole range of laterolog tools.

Abstract: Multi-array laterolog tool systems and methods acquire a set of array measurements sufficient to provide laterolog tool measurements of differing array sizes. Such systems and method offer multiple depths of investigation while offering greater measurement stability in borehole environments having high resistivity contrasts. In at least some system embodiments, a wireline or LWD tool body has a center electrode positioned between multiple pairs of guard electrodes and a pair of return electrodes. The tool's electronics provide a current from the center electrode to the pair of return electrodes and currents from each pair of guard electrodes to the pair of return electrodes. Each of the currents may be distinguishable by frequency or distinguishable by some other means. This novel arrangement of currents provides a complete set of measurements that enables one tool to simultaneously emulate a whole range of laterolog tools.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-axial antenna system and system for measuring subsurface formations are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, the multi-axial antenna system comprising at least two co-located coils wound around a torroidal-shaped bobbin. Each coil generates a magnetic field in a mutually orthogonal direction. Signals provided to the coils may be adjusted to simulate a tilted-coil antenna system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a crystal sensor. The method includes selecting a crystal configured to sense a property of interest. The method further includes implanting ions in the crystal using ion-implantation to produce a conductive region within the crystal where the conductive region is capable of providing a signal to sense the property of interest. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for estimating a property of interest using the crystal sensor in a borehole penetrating the earth.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a standoff between a downhole tool and a geological formation are provided. The standoff may be determined using a standoff measurement system that includes an electrode component, one or more electronics components, one or more transformers, and one or more processor units. When the standoff is expected to be no more than a first distance, a first measurement can be made where both originating and resulting electrical signals are induced at the electrode component. When the standoff is expected to be no less than a second distance, a second measurement can be made where an originating electrical signal is induced at one of the transformers while a resulting electrical signal is induced at the electrode component.

Abstract: A resistivity imager uses discrete energy pulsing to determine resistivity of a borehole. The imager has pulse generation circuitry that generates discrete energy pulses. An electrode array exposed to the borehole emits or discharges the discrete energy pulses into the formation. The variations of the formation subject the electrode to impedance levels in response to the discrete energy pulses, and measurement circuitry measures the discharge of the pulsed energy subjected to the impedances. From the measurements, control circuitry determines resistivity parameters of the formation around the borehole. These resistivity parameters can be stored in memory downhole or can be telemetered to the surface. When analyzed, the resistivity measurements can produce an image of the borehole's features, indicate borehole structures, direct geosteering of drilling, or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conducting resistivity logging in a borehole. The apparatus may include a housing configured for fluid isolation, an electrical conductor penetrating the housing and a sealing interface. The apparatus may also include at least one of: an electrical component inside the housing and an electrode disposed on the exterior of the housing. The apparatus is configured to allow the electrical conductor to be moved, while maintaining the sealing interface, between an electrically connected state and an electrically disconnected state with at least one of: the electrical component and the electrode. The method may include using the apparatus for resistivity logging operations.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium for obtaining a resistivity image of an earth formation. The apparatus includes a downhole assembly configured to be conveyed in a borehole penetrating the earth formation; a plurality of sensor electrodes on the downhole assembly, at least one of the electrodes having a different area than another of the electrodes; and at least one processor configured to: (i) process measurements using each of the sensor electrodes; (ii) process a subset of the measurements substantially unaffected by the different capacitances to produce an image of the borehole wall; and (iii) record the image on a suitable medium.

Abstract: A system for measuring a resistivity parameter of an earth formation includes: at least one measurement electrode electrically connected to a first electrical source; at least one guard electrode; a shielding electrode interposed between the at least one guard electrode and the at least one measurement electrode, the shielding electrode being electrically connected to a second electrical source independent from the first electrical source, and the guard electrode being electrically connected to a third electrical source independent of the first and second electrical sources; at least one return electrode; insulators positioned between (i) the measurement electrode and the shielding electrode, (ii) the shielding electrode and the guard electrode and (iii) the measurement electrode, the guard electrode and the return electrode; and a processor configured to adjust at least one of the first electrical source and the second electrical source to minimize a current flow through the shielding electrode.

Abstract: A method of approximating or determining at least one dimension or other characteristic of at least one underground geological feature in a zone of interest proximate to a well bore includes generating an electric field in the zone of interest. At least two sensing electrodes are provided in the well bore and configured to detect differences therebetween in electric potential caused by at least one target object in the zone of interest. Proppant containing signal generating devices (SGD) is delivered into the geological feature(s). The SGD generate a detectable signal in response to at least one downhole condition or property. At least one receiver receives the detectable signals and provides data relating thereto. At least one dimension or other characteristic of the geological feature is approximated or determined based at least partially upon data provided by the sensing electrodes and receiver(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole. The apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes disposed downhole and configured to inject an electrical current into the earth formation using an applied voltage and/or measure electrical current resulting from an injection of the electrical current. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to perform a series of formation measurements that include injecting current into the earth formation using a unique subset of electrodes in the plurality of electrodes and measuring current in the earth formation using one or more electrodes not used for the current injecting. The processer sums the measured currents for the electrodes wherein the sum of electrical currents for at least one electrode that measured electrical current is substantially in phase with the applied voltage; and uses the sum of in phase currents to estimate the property.

Abstract: A method of estimating a parameter of a formation contacting a borehole with an instrument that includes a mandrel and a pad includes providing a measurement voltage to the pad; applying a biasing voltage to the mandrel while the measurement voltage is applied to the pad; measuring a received current during at least a portion of time the measurement voltage is provided; and estimating the parameter based on the received current.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a resistivity measurement of an underground formation surrounding a borehole is provided. The apparatus includes a conductive tool body, at least one current injector electrode positioned between the tool body and a wall of the bore hole, at least one current return electrode positioned between the tool body and the wall of the bore hole, an electrical measurement device configured to monitor a voltage or a current signal indicative of an impedance imbalance, a regulator connected to the electrical measurement device, whereby the regulator is configured to receive the voltage or the current signal indicative of the impedance imbalance and is configured to generate an adjustment signal based on the voltage or the current signal indicative of the impedance imbalance.

Abstract: A measuring head for use in electrical measurements conducted in holes drilled in the ground comprises an elongated body, adaptable in the hole and comprising an electrode, electrically connecting the measuring head with its surroundings, for transmitting an electrical signal between the measuring head and its surroundings. In accordance with the invention, the measuring head comprises insulating means, placed on the body on both sides of the electrode along the length of the hole in order to form a measuring area, electrically insulated from other parts of the hole, around the electrode placed in the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing high transverse resolution voltage measurements in downhole logging tools utilized to determine the resistivity of an adjacent portion of a borehole wall. Two current electrodes 508 and 509 are energized by an excitation source to create an oscillatory electric field in a borehole wall. The voltage drop from each voltage electrode in a row of laterally spaced voltage electrodes 604 is measured relative to a shared voltage electrode 606 longitudinally spaced from the row of electrodes. The differential voltage is used in combination with a measured current flow to determine a resistivity value for the borehole. A second row of laterally spaced voltage electrodes 608 having electrodes laterally offset from the electrodes of the first row is included to provide high transverse resolution. A common mode voltage at the shared voltage electrodes is measured and utilized to minimize the resistivity measurement error.

Abstract: An imaging tool made includes a pad whose curvature is chosen based on the expected range of borehole radius and the pad size so as to maintain the maximum standoff below a desired value. The curvature may be adjusted using fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing the effects of a common mode voltage signal in downhole logging tools utilized to determine the resistivity of an adjacent portion of a borehole wall. Two current electrodes are energized by an excitation source to create an oscillatory electric field in a borehole wall. A voltage drop across a segment of the borehole wall is measured by two voltage electrodes, and the differential voltage is used in combination with a measured current flow to determine a resistivity value for the borehole wall. A common mode voltage in front of the two voltage electrodes is measured and minimized by controlling the excitation source, thereby reducing the resistivity measurement error.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium for obtaining a resistivity image of an earth formation. The apparatus includes a downhole assembly configured to be conveyed in a borehole penetrating the earth formation; a plurality of sensor electrodes on the downhole assembly, each of the plurality of sensor electrodes having a different capacitance to a wall of the borehole; and at least one processor configured to: (i) process measurements using each of the sensor electrodes; (ii) process a subset of the measurements substantially unaffected by the different capacitances to produce an image of the borehole wall; and (iii) record the image on a suitable medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole having a substantially non-conducting liquid. The apparatus includes: a downhole tool having a transmitter electrode configured to convey an electric current into the earth formation. A measurement electrode is configured to receive the electric current from the earth formation, wherein the electric current bridges as least one of a first gap between the transmitter electrode and the formation and a second gap between the measurement electrode and the formation. A compensating circuit coupling the transmitter electrode to the measurement electrode is configured to reduce a reactive component of a total current received by the measurement electrode. A receiver coupled to the measurement electrode is configured to measure the total current to estimate the property.

Abstract: A device, method and system for measuring characteristics of a geologic formation using a floating reference signal having a mud chamber, an electrode disposed within the mud chamber, and an electrically conductive plate disposed within the mud chamber, the plate separated from the electrode. An alternating current source is provided on the electrode, whereby an electric field is be maintained between the electrode and the conductive plate. An opening in the mud chamber allows drilling fluids to pass there through.

Abstract: A resistivity imaging device uses a line source in conjunction with an array of measure electrodes to reduce sensitivity to tool standoff when use in a borehole with oil-based mud.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a tool and method for imaging a formation through a substantially non-conductive medium. The tool comprises first circuitry for injecting a current into the formation, wherein a complex impedance to the current is measured. Second circuitry for determining a phase angle of an impedance of the non-conductive medium and third circuitry for determining a component of the complex impedance that is orthogonal to the phase angle.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a tool and method for determining a downhole parameter. The tool is located in mud surrounded by a formation and comprising a first electrode spaced at a distance from the formation for measuring a first impedance. There is a second electrode located at a second distance from the formation for measuring a second impedance. There is a processing unit for measuring a difference between the first impedance and the second impedance and wherein the parameter is determined based on the difference.

Abstract: A method for magnetizing a wellbore tubular includes magnetizing the tubular at three or more discrete locations on the tubular. In exemplary embodiments the magnetized wellbore tubular includes at least one pair of opposing magnetic poles located between longitudinally opposed ends of the tubular. Wellbore tubulars magnetized in accordance with this invention may be coupled to one another to provide a magnetic profile about a section of a casing string. Passive ranging measurements of the magnetic field about the casing string may be utilized to survey and guide drilling of a twin well. Such an approach advantageously obviates the need for simultaneous access to both wells.

Abstract: A method for correcting data from a sensor electrode in a sensor includes determining a potential difference (V) between the sensor electrode and another sensor electrode; from the potential difference (V), determining a by-pass current (Ic) between the sensor electrode and the another sensor electrode; and from the by-pass current (Ic) and a measured current (I) from the sensor electrode, determining a corrected current (J) for the sensor electrode; wherein determining a potential (V1) for the sensor electrode comprises multiplying an intrinsic impedance (Zi1) by the measured current (I). A computer program product and other embodiments are provided.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole.

Abstract: An apparatus for making resistivity measurements of an underground formation surrounding a borehole, comprising: a conductive tool body; an insulating pad mounted on the tool body; a current injector electrode and a current return electrode mounted on a face of the pad so as to be positionable in use, adjacent the wall of the borehole, the current injector and return electrodes being electrically isolated from each other; wherein the tool body, pad, and current injector and current return electrodes are arranged such that, in use: (a) the ratio of the electrical impedance between the current injector electrode and the tool body and the electrical impedance between the current return electrode and the tool body on one hand, and (b) the ratio of the electrical impedance between the current injector electrode and the formation, and the electrical impedance between the current return electrode and the formation on the other hand, are substantially equal such that there is substantially no potential dif

Abstract: Oil-based mud imaging systems and methods that measure formation permittivity. In some embodiments, disclosed logging systems include a logging tool in communication with surface computing facilities. The logging tool is provided with a sensor array having at least two voltage electrodes positioned between at least two current electrodes that create an electric field in a borehole wall, and is further provided with electronics coupled to the voltage electrodes to determine a differential voltage magnitude and phase. From the magnitude and phase, formation resistivity and permittivity measurements can be determined and used to construct a borehole wall image.

Abstract: A formation measurement and processing technique which reduces the effects of standoff between a resistivity tool and a borehole wall where the resistivity tool utilizes capacitive coupling between the tool and the formation to obtain resistivity data useful to generate a resistivity image of the formation. Reduction of standoff effects is achieved through the use of multi-frequency, phase sensitive measurements to identify a measured resonance frequency that may be used to produce an image that utilizes measurements least affected by the tool standoff and unknown or unspecified inductance of the tool. Reduction of standoff effects are the most pronounced in the case of the low resistivity formations and oil-based, low-conductive drilling fluids.

Abstract: A mixed mode tool uses an inductive source and detects galvanic currents and/or potentials at electrodes in proximity to a borehole wall to produce a resistivity image of the earth formation. Alternative, the magnetic field produced by a galvanic current is detected by an antenna coil and used to produce a resistivity image.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring formation resisitivity is achieved by introducing one or more continuous phase modulated electrical signals into the formation, each signal introduced at a different location. The current of each introduced electrical signal is then sensed, producing an analog voltage signal as a measurement of the formation. Each introduced electrical signal is compared with its respective measured signal of the formation. Each comparison is made in a quadrature demodulation device, producing an in-phase demodulated signal. A quasi-direct-current signal is extracted from each in-phase demodulated signal, producing an analog measurement related to the resistivity of the formation. Each analog measurement is converted into a digital value for further processing. Successive measurements are digitally summed and averaged to increase the signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A sensor electrode for imaging a formation. The sensor includes a geometry either reduces or substantially limits spatial aliasing in formation data. The aliasing is the result of imaging the formation with an array of the sensor electrodes.

Abstract: A method for presenting a formation property to a user includes estimating an initial property of the formation using a tool conveyed in a borehole and estimating a relationship between the tool and the formation based on information received from the tool. The method also includes presenting the user a first output based at least in part on the initial property and presenting a second output based at least in part on the relationship proximate the first output.

Abstract: A contact subassembly on a downhole carrier is moved by torsion rod, rotation of which moves the contact assembly to the proximity of the borehole wall. Rotation of the torsion rod may be accomplished by a hydraulically powered piston-lever arrangement. The rotation of the torsion bar may be used to estimate the borehole size. The contact assembly may be provided with resistivity sensors, acoustic sensor for making VSP measurements while drilling, and a port for sampling a formation fluid.

Abstract: Method for removing air wave noise from shallow water controlled source electromagnetic survey data, using only the measured data and conductivity values for sea water (140) and air. The method is a calculation performed numerically on CSEM data and resulting in an estimate of those data that would have been acquired had the water layer extended infinitely upward from the seafloor. No properties of the sub-sea sediments are used. Synthetic electromagnetic field data are generated for (a) an all water model (141) and (b) an air-water model (146-147) of the survey region. These simulated results are then used to calculate (148-150) electromagnetic field values corresponding to a water-sediment model with water replacing the air half space, which represent measured data adjusted to remove air wave noise.

Abstract: A method for magnetizing a wellbore tubular is disclosed. The method includes magnetizing a wellbore tubular at three or more discrete locations on the tubular. In exemplary embodiments the magnetized wellbore tubular includes at least one pair of opposing magnetic poles located between longitudinally opposed ends of the tubular. Wellbore tubulars magnetized in accordance with this invention may be coupled to one another to provide a magnetic profile about a section of a casing string. Passive ranging measurements of the magnetic field about the casing string may be utilized to survey and guide drilling of a twin well. Such an approach advantageously obviates the need for simultaneous access to both wells.

Abstract: A method for drilling substantially parallel twin wells includes drilling a first well and deploying a casing string in the first well. A magnetized section of the casing string includes a plurality of magnetized wellbore tubulars having at least one pair of opposing magnetic poles located between longitudinally opposed ends of the wellbore tubular. A portion of a second well is drilled within sensory range of magnetic flux from the magnetized section of the casing string. The local magnetic field is measured in the second well and processed to determine a direction for subsequent drilling. Drilling proceeds along the direction for subsequent drilling.

Abstract: Sensor assemblies including transmitter and receiver antennas to respectively transmit or receive electromagnetic energy. The sensor assemblies are disposed in downhole tools adapted for subsurface disposal. The receiver is disposed at a distance less than six inches (15 cm) from the transmitter on the sensor body. The sensor transmitter or receiver includes an antenna with its axis tilted with respect to the axis of the downhole tool. A sensor includes a tri-axial system of antennas. Another sensor includes a cross-dipole antenna system.

Abstract: A well logging instruments includes an electrically conductive sonde mandrel. At least one electrical sensor is affixed to an exterior of the mandrel. The sensor is configured to be attached to the mandrel by sliding along an exterior surface thereof. A pressure-sealing electrical feedthrough bulkhead makes electrical connection from the at least one sensor through a wall of the mandrel.

Abstract: An induction or propagation apparatus for performing measuring the tensor resistivity of a sample of matter includes a non-conductive, generally cylindrical tubular member adapted to receive the matter therein, a triaxial transmitter, at least one triaxial receiver, and an electronic module. The electronic module is adapted to energize the triaxial transmitter, control acquisition of signals by the at least one triaxial receiver, and perform anisotropic measurements and analysis. The triaxial transmitter and the at least one triaxial receiver are disposed on the generally cylindrical tubular member in axial spaced relationship.

Abstract: A galvanic resistivity tool with one or more measurement electrodes and guard electrodes, and one or more shielding electrodes. The impedance seen by the measurement electrode (indicative of the formation resistivity) is determined by using a directional coupler that measures a reflection coefficient of an electrical signal.

Abstract: A method for magnetizing a wellbore tubular includes a positioning a wellbore tubular substantially coaxially in a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnetizing coils deployed on a frame. The coils are selectively connected and disconnected from electrical power such that a circumferential electrical current flows in each of the coils to impart a predetermined magnetic field pattern to the tubular. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide for semi-automated control of tubular magnetization and thereby enable a repeatable magnetic pattern to be imparted to each of a large number of wellbore tubulars.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an image of a resistivity property of an earth formation surrounding a borehole is provided. The apparatus, in one aspect, may include a plurality of measure electrodes that are configured to convey an electrical current into the earth formation. In one aspect, each measure electrode may be substantially surrounded by an associated insulator that extends away from a tool body in a manner that blocks at least a portion of a vertical current flowing in a conductive fluid when the tool is operated to log the borehole. A processor provides an image of the resistivity property of the earth formation using the current in plurality of measure electrodes.

Abstract: A method for measuring a resistivity parameter of an earth formation is provided. The method includes: conveying a measurement current from at least one measurement electrode into the formation, the at least one measurement electrode having a potential; receiving the measurement current by at least one return electrode; and estimating a resistivity parameter from a measurement value selected from at least one of the measurement current and the potential, the resistivity parameter based on (i) an impedance calculated from the measurement value and (ii) a correction factor calculated from a plurality of measurement values related to a conductivity of a fluid in a borehole and a dielectric constant of the fluid in the borehole. A system for measuring a resistivity parameter of an earth formation is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging wellbores is provided that in one aspect may include inducing an electrical signal into a formation, receiving a current signal responsive to the induced electrical signal by at least one measure electrode placed in a pad disposed in the wellbore, generating an impedance signal in response to the received current signal using a receiver circuit placed in the pad and coupled to the at least one measure electrode and providing an image of the wellbore wall using the impedance signal.