Abstract: Methods are provided for determining properties of an anisotropic formation (including both fast and slow formations) surrounding a borehole. A logging-while-drilling tool is provided that is moveable through the borehole. The logging-while drilling tool has at least one dipole acoustic source spaced from an array of receivers. During movement of the logging-while-drilling tool, the at least one dipole acoustic source is operated to excite a time-varying pressure field in the anisotropic formation surrounding the borehole. The array of receivers is used to measure waveforms arising from the time-varying pressure field in the anisotropic formation surrounding the borehole. The waveforms are processed to determine a parameter value that represents shear directionality of the anisotropic formation surrounding the borehole.

Abstract: A system for producing geothermal energy may include a tiered geothermal loop energy production system. The tiered geothermal loop energy production system includes: a first closed-loop pipe system emplaced within a heat-producing geologic formation, the first closed-loop pipe system having a first energy production; and a second closed-loop pipe system emplaced within a heat producing geologic formation, the second closed-loop pipe system having a second energy production greater than the first energy production; and, optionally a third closed-loop pipe system emplaced within a heat producing geologic formation, the third closed-loop pipe system having a third energy production. An energy conversion system is configured to convert energy from the tiered geothermal loop energy production system to another form of energy.

Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique integrated user interface for ease of set-up and control, service and maintenance, even in the field and without accessory controllers. The necessary components, such as central processing unit, display and accelerometer are positioned in a water-tight housing, with the display configured for convenient observability and readability. A plurality of sensors provide electronic signals to the CPU, such as by a measurement subsystem. Upon a controlled change in orientation or a force application to the sonde, the display via the accelerometer provides a desired output display configuration.

Abstract: High-voltage insulators are disclosed that are capable of handling diverse requirements, such as providing high standoff voltages, high temperature cycling, and the ability to withstand flexural stress. One high-voltage insulator includes a first piece formed from a first material, a second piece formed from a second material, and an interface section where the first piece contacts with and forms a seal with the second piece. The interface includes a first groove located that accommodates a first gasket, sets of matching threads on the first and second pieces. The interface section further accommodates a second gasket. In this multi-piece high-voltage insulator, the first material can have a first set of flexural, heat resistance, and electrical standoff characteristics suitable for a first environment, and the second material can have a second set of flexural, heat resistance and electrical standoff characteristics suitable for a second environment.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining properties of an anisotropic formation (including both fast and slow formations) surrounding a borehole. A logging-while-drilling tool is provided that is moveable through the borehole. The logging-while drilling tool has at least one dipole acoustic source spaced from an array of receivers. During movement of the logging-while-drilling tool, the at least one dipole acoustic source is operated to excite a time-varying pressure field in the anisotropic formation surrounding the borehole. The array of receivers is used to measure waveforms arising from the time-varying pressure field in the anisotropic formation surrounding the borehole. The waveforms are processed to determine a parameter value that represents shear directionality of the anisotropic formation surrounding the borehole.

Abstract: One example includes a magnetic-inertial global positioning system mounted on a platform. The system includes an inertial system configured to determine an approximate latitude associated with an approximate global position of the global positioning system. The system also includes a magnetometer system configured to determine an ambient magnetic field at the approximate global position. The system further includes a location processor configured to compare the ambient magnetic field with a predetermined magnetic field profile to determine an approximate longitude along the determined approximate latitude to determine the approximate global position of the platform.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein refer to a method. The method may include receiving first gyro-while-drilling (GWD) survey data acquired using a first survey tool disposed within a wellbore. The method may include receiving second GWD survey data acquired using a second survey tool disposed within the wellbore. The method may include generating a survey of the wellbore based on the first GWD survey data and the second GWD survey data for directional control of wellbore trajectories.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and storing measurements in point and vector format for a plurality of formations of reservoirs. In one embodiment, the methods comprise generating a set of measurements corresponding to a plurality of formations, reservoirs, or wellbores; determining physical locations for the set of measurements, wherein the physical locations are represented in a point and vector representation; associating the vector representations with the determined physical locations, wherein the vector representations comprise at least a magnitude and a direction derived from the measurement; wherein the magnitude and direction tracks the physical location in space and time; manipulating the set of measurements such that a change in physical location is updated in the vector representation; generating a repository of vector representations accessible to determine an optimal completion design for a set of parameters for a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A gimbal sensor platform positionable in a tool body includes an inner gimbal and an outer gimbal. The inner gimbal is rotatably coupled to the outer gimbal, and the outer gimbal is rotatably coupled to the tool body. The inner and outer gimbals may each be rotated by an angular positioning device. A gyro or other sensor may be coupled to the inner gimbal. The gyro or other sensor may be reoriented by rotating the outer gimbal, the inner gimbal, or both.

Abstract: Example computer-implemented methods, computer-readable media, and computer systems are described for performing gravity modeling. In some aspects, survey data that includes gravity data of a rifted continental margin is accessed. A value of a geometric parameter is determined, which corresponds to a desired value of a Mohorovicic Discontinuity (Moho) uplift at a specified location of the rifted continental margin. A Moho surface is determined based on a value of Moho uplift at a rift center that is determined based on the value of the geometric parameter. A top basement surface is determined based on a residual gravity data associated with the Moho surface. A crustal model of the rifted continental margin is output. The crustal model includes the Moho surface and the top basement surface of the rifted continental margin.

Abstract: A downhole tool (30) particularly for controlling torque and torsion and also for absorbing/dampening vibration in a downhole string is provided and comprises an inner mandrel (1, 7, 11, 15) and an outer mandrel (14, 13, 12, 19) and a coupling mechanism (8) to couple the inner and the outer mandrel, the coupling mechanism comprising one or more longitudinally elongate members (8) acting between the inner and outer mandrel, wherein the one or more longitudinally elongate members are substantially fixed in their longitudinal length but substantially do not resist relative compressive longitudinal movement occurring between the inner and outer mandrels. The coupling mechanism is arranged such that compression of the inner and outer mandrels results in compression of the one or more longitudinally elongate members without necessarily resulting in relative rotation of the inner and outer mandrels.

Abstract: Wellbore sensor systems and related methods are disclosed. A wellbore sensor system includes a first sensor node and a second sensor node. The first sensor node is operably coupled to a drill string at a first location. The second sensor node is operably coupled to the drill string at a second location. A method includes taking first sensor readings from the first sensor node relative to a first spatial frame of reference, and taking second sensor readings from the second sensor node relative to a second spatial frame of reference, and using the first sensor readings and the second sensor readings to estimate parameters of a mathematical transform configured to transform the second sensor readings into the first spatial frame of reference. The method also includes transforming the second sensor readings into the first spatial frame of reference with the estimated mathematical transform.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for beam pattern stabilization are provided. A method may include processing an output of a gyroscopic sensor to generate a plurality of first phase corrections for a first time interval and a plurality of second phase corrections for a second time interval. The method may further include measuring respective signal propagation characteristics between each antenna element of the array and each of a first and second subscriber module for the first time interval. The method may further include forming, based on the measured respective signal propagation characteristics, the plurality of first phase corrections, and the plurality of second phase corrections, a MU-MIMO beam pattern for the second time interval having a main lobe towards the first subscriber module and a null towards the second subscriber module, whereby to correct for a change in orientation of the array between the first time interval and the second time interval.

Abstract: A method of estimating one or both of compaction or subsidence of a subterranean formation with gravity measurements. The free air gradient at surface is measured and compared with gravity measured in a borehole that intersects the formation. At a later point in time, values for gravity are re-measured, differences between the measured values at the initial point in time, and the later point in time are estimated. The differences are used to estimate the compaction or subsidence. A gravimeter can be used for measuring gravity, markers in the formation can be used in conjunction with the gravimeter.

Abstract: A downhole dynamometer for a rod pumping unit is provided. The downhole dynamometer includes a shell within which a plurality of sensors, a non-transitory memory, and a dynamometer controller are located. The shell is configured to be coupled to a sucker rod string of the rod pumping unit and disposed in a well opposite a wellhead of the well. The plurality of sensors is configured to measure downhole accelerations of the sucker rod string and to measure a downhole load on the sucker rod string. The dynamometer controller is coupled to the plurality of sensors and the non-transitory memory. The dynamometer controller is configured to periodically collect measurements from the plurality of sensors and store the measurements in the non-transitory memory.

Abstract: A downhole closed loop method for controlling a drilling toolface includes measuring first and second attitudes of the subterranean borehole at corresponding first and second upper and lower survey stations. The first and second attitudes are processed downhole while drilling to compute an angle change of the subterranean borehole between the upper and lower survey stations. The computed angle change is compared with a predetermined threshold. This process may be continuously repeated while the angle change is less than the threshold. The first and second attitudes are further processed downhole to compute a toolface angle when the angle change of the subterranean borehole is greater than or equal to the threshold. The toolface angle may then be further processed to control a direction of drilling of the subterranean borehole.

Abstract: A control system comprising a position information generation unit configured to operate three modes to output position information: a first mode in which information about the position detected by a position detection apparatus is output as position information related to the position of a work machine, when the position determination is normal, a second mode in which information about a position obtained by using both of a particular point as a reference of the work machine obtained before a position determination becomes abnormal and operation information detected by a status detection apparatus is output as the position information, when the position determination is abnormal and the work machine is a static status, and a third mode in which the position information is not output, when the position determination is abnormal and the work machine is in a non-static status.

Abstract: A technique provides for the combined use of a tool and a sensor system to deploy a subsea structural casing. The tool has an engagement region configured to couple with the subsea structural casing. The sensor system is operatively coupled with the tool and comprises a plurality of sensors. The sensors are used to monitor height of the subsea structural casing above a mud line as well as angular deviation of the structural casing during deployment of the subsea structural casing into a seabed.

Abstract: A navigation device for surveying and directing a borehole comprises: a first gyro including a first sensitive axis and a second sensitive axis; a second gyro including at least a third sensitive axis; and a driving unit configured to orient the second gyro in a first mode in a first position in which an earth acceleration dependent error on the second gyro is insignificant and to orient the second gyro in a second mode in a second position in which the third sensitive axis is perpendicular to the first sensitive axis and perpendicular to the second sensitive axis.

Abstract: A system method and computer-readable medium for correcting measurements obtained by a down hole tool for residual measurement errors is disclosed. A down hole tool having at least two directional field sensors is disposed in a borehole. The at least two directional sensors are substantially orthogonal to each other and to a longitudinal axis of the down hole tool. Measurements are obtained from the at least two directional sensors during rotation of the tool by at least 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the tool. Residual measurement errors are determined for the obtained measurements, and a quality level of the determined residual measurement errors selected. The determined residual measurement errors are applied to the obtained measurements when the determined residual measurement errors are consistent with the selected quality level.

Abstract: A borehole logging instrument sonde employs a case in which support electronics including a processor are mounted. A rotatable platform is mounted within the case and carries an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a roll axis gyroscope. A motor is adapted to rotate the rotatable platform within the case. The processor receives an input from the roll axis gyroscope and provides an output to the motor responsive to the input for control of rotation of the platform to space stabilize and isolate the IMU from the roll of the instrument sonde.

Abstract: A locator device and methods of use are disclosed. The locator device includes a first locating system configured to generate to sense an electromagnetic field emanating from a sonde associated with a drill head, and a second locating system including a global positioning system. The locator device includes a display on the locating system configured to display a map of the area in which the locator device resides based on a location detected by the global positioning system. The locator device also includes control electronics configured to, upon receipt of an input from a user, record location data in a memory associated with the locator device for use by a horizontal directional drilling control system.

Abstract: A system tracks an object in computer-assisted surgery. The system comprises a sensor unit secured to the femur. Gyroscopes on the sensor unit produce readings related to orientation data about three axes of rotation. A tracking unit receives the gyroscope readings. An axis calibrator on the tracking unit comprises a calculator for adding at least part of the gyroscope readings for specific movements of the object about a desired axis. An axis normalizer on the tracking unit determines an orientation of the desired axis with respect to the sensor unit from the added gyroscope readings. A tracking processor tracks the desired axis from the gyroscope readings. An interface displays orientation data for the object from a tracking of the desired axis. A method for tracking an object with a gyroscope sensor unit is also provided.

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: A system for applying power into a wellbore. The system can include a casing, a tubing string, a first and second isolator sub, a power source, and an electrical device. The casing has a first cavity running therethrough. The tubing string is disposed within the first cavity without contacting the casing, where the tubing string has a second cavity running therethrough. The first isolator sub is mechanically coupled to the tubing string and positioned between the neutral section and the power-transmitting section of the tubing string. The power source is electrically coupled to the power-transmitting section of the tubing string below the first isolator sub. The second isolator sub is mechanically coupled to the tubing string and positioned between the bottom neutral section and the power-transmitting section of the tubing string. The electrical device is electrically coupled to a bottom end of the power-transmitting section of the tubing string.

Abstract: Methods for improving wellbore survey accuracy and placement are disclosed. The Earth's magnetic field may be measured at a magnetically clean surface location and correlated with a non-magnetic reference direction to obtain a direction of the Earth's field (e.g., a magnetic declination or a magnetic inclination). The direction of the Earth's magnetic field may in turn be processed in combination with magnetic measurements made in a subterranean borehole to obtain one or more survey parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the integrity of a structure such as a building or a bridge includes taking accelerometer readings using an accelerometer and taking inclinometer readings using an inclinometer. The accelerometer and inclinometer each take readings in at least one axis, with one coincident axis between the two. The accelerometer readings are preferentially sampled at a higher rate than the inclinometer readings. Accelerometer readings verify inclinometer readings, and vice-versa. Using acceleration readings, it can be determined whether, when, and at what frequency inclination readings should be taken. The inclinometer can be powered down as long as accelerometer readings indicate that the environment would strain the inclinometer. Inclinometer readings can also be modified and corrected using inclinometer readings. Data accuracy and reliability are enhanced, and the overall integrity of a structure is dynamically monitored even as the structure and its environment change over time.

Abstract: A method for drilling operation in a subterranean formation, including calculating, by a hardware processor and in response to determining that an magnitude of gyro data representing rotations of a drill bit in a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and a time derivative of the gyro data are within a pre-determined range, a drift parameter of the gyro data, analyzing, by the hardware processor, the gyro data based on the drift parameter to generate a stick-slip alert, and presenting the stick-slip alert.

Abstract: The method of aligning an inertial unit having an axially symmetrical vibrating sensor that generates vibration comprises the step of establishing the vibration in a position for which the sensor presents variation in drift error that is the smallest relative to variation in drift error for other positions of the vibration.

Abstract: Downhole tools are provided for measuring the inclination of a portion of a drill string. In certain embodiments, downhole tools for measuring inclination comprise a catch system for measuring inclination and a pressure pulse signaling system for communicating inclination measurement information to the surface. Catch systems for measuring inclination include a series of disc mounted on an upper shaft, each disc having a ball disposed thereon.

Abstract: A measurement means for a downhole tool for determining the orientation of the axis of a downhole tool in relation to true north. It includes a gyro sensor capable of measuring angular rate, a rotation means for rotating the gyro sensor about a sensor axis, a measurement means to detect the angular rate at the gyro sensor as it is rotated to form a series of readings, and a processor capable of interpreting the signal amplitude from the series of readings and determining the points of greatest signal amplitude. The processor is also being capable of comparing the phase difference between the actual readings taken against what would be generated with the sensor pointing true north thus providing a downhole tool axis angular deviation from true north. The rotation means rotates the gyro sensor in discrete steps.

Abstract: A bulls eye indicator device and method of manufacture used to measure the two-dimension angle of inclination of equipment that is mounted on a sea bed. A base and transparent window are sealed and fastened together. The transparent window is spherical and forms a dome. A volume between the base and transparent window is filled or substantially filled with liquid. A floating sphere floats against the two-dimensional angular degree indicia.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating the subterranean formation of a wellbore are provided. In one embodiment, a geographical orientation of a downhole tool relative to Earth may be determined. The downhole tool may include a coring tool positioned to extract a core sample from a formation of the Earth. The orientation of the core sample with respect to the down hole tool also may be determined. Further, based on the geographical orientation of the downhole tool and the orientation of the coring sample, a geographical orientation of the core sample with respect to the Earth may be determined.

Abstract: Downhole tools are provided for measuring the inclination of a portion of a drill string. In certain embodiments, downhole tools for measuring inclination comprise a catch system for measuring inclination and a pressure pulse signaling system for communicating inclination measurement information to the surface. Catch systems for measuring inclination include a series of disc mounted on an upper shaft, each disc having a ball disposed thereon.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing a borehole image includes determining a spatial sensitivity function for a borehole imaging tool and using the imaging tool to obtain a borehole image of a subterranean formation. A reconstructed image is then computed from the borehole image and the spatial sensitivity function.

Abstract: Downhole tools are provided for measuring the inclination of a portion of a drill string. In certain embodiments, downhole tools for measuring inclination comprise a catch system for measuring inclination and a pressure pulse signaling system for communicating inclination measurement information to the surface. Catch systems for measuring inclination include a series of disc mounted on an upper shaft, each disc having a ball disposed thereon.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to obtain hole azimuth data or inclination data associated with a chassis (e.g., comprising a measurement or logging tool) in a borehole using interpolated data or survey data, and to determine magnetic field orientation of the chassis using a portion of the hole azimuth data, a portion of the inclination data, relative bearing data, and Earth magnetic field orientation data by reconstructing at least a portion of borehole magnetic field data that is corrupt or missing. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless communication network and method are described for enhancing cell-edge performance of a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU). The WTRU may establish a connection with a plurality of sites via respective downlinks (DLs). Each DL may include at least one DL component carrier (CC) that operates on a frequency that is the same or different than one or more of the other CCs. The sites may manipulate their transmit power for a particular CC operating frequency such that the distance from a particular one of the sites to its cell boundary may become larger by increasing its transmit power on the particular frequency, and the distance from at least one of the other sites to its respective cell boundary may become smaller by decreasing its transmit power on the particular frequency. Thus, a coverage overlap between different CC frequencies may be created while maintaining a frequency reuse pattern of one.

Abstract: A stabilized field sensor apparatus collects field data, in particular magnetic field data, with reduced motion noise. The apparatus includes a tear drop shaped housing, a tow frame in the housing, a plurality of vibration isolating dampers spaced around the frame, a base assembly mounted to the dampers, a support pedestal having a bottom end fixed to the base assembly and an upper free end, a single spherical air bearing connected to the upper free end of the pedestal, an instrument platform with a lower hollow funnel having an upper inside apex supported on the air bearing for a one point support, principal and secondary gyro stabilizers for maintaining pivotal and rotational stability, and at least one field sensor mounted to the instrument platform for collecting the field data while being stabilized against motion noise including vibration, pivoting and rotation from the base assembly, from the tow frame and from the housing.

Abstract: In one aspect a method of determining direction east is provided that in one embodiment includes dropping objects under influence of gravity, determining locations where the objects drop, and determining the direction east from the locations where the objects drop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating an orientation of a downhole device conveyed into a well on a conveyance device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first sensor and a second sensor placed circumferentially spaced apart on the device to provide measurements relating to a selected downhole parameter. A processor is configured to estimate the orientation of the downhole device using a phase difference between the measurements of the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: Downhole tools are provided for measuring the inclination of a portion of a drill string. In certain embodiments, downhole tools for measuring inclination comprise a catch system for measuring inclination and a pressure pulse signaling system for communicating inclination measurement information to the surface. Catch systems for measuring inclination include a series of disc mounted on an upper shaft, each disc having a ball disposed thereon.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for downhole positioning of sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, tiltmeters and geophones. The sensor or sensors are mounted within the spherical rotor of a spherical motor such that the device can be actively positioned in one or more orientations by activating the spherical motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for azimuth measurements is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing and a plurality of gyro sensors aligned in the housing. Each of the plurality of gyro sensors has an input axis for angular velocity measurements. There is provided a drive unit for rotating each of the plurality of gyro sensors about a rotation axis. Each of the plurality of gyro sensors changes orientation of the input axis with the drive unit.

Abstract: A measuring device, for measuring a deviation of a body to determine an amount of shimming requisite for the body, includes an elongated member, a level indicating member, a gauge member and a jack screw member. The level indicating member is disposed on the elongated member. The gauge member is disposed on the elongated member, and the jack screw member is disposed adjacent to the gauge member on the elongated member. The elongated member may be placed on the body for measuring the deviation of the body to determine the amount of shimming requisite for the body. The jack screw member is capable of adjusting the elongated member on the body until the level indicating member indicates a horizontal orientation of the elongated member on the body. The gauge member is capable of measuring the deviation of the body, at the horizontal orientation of the elongated member on the body.

Abstract: A tilt meter includes a housing structure defining an inner chamber sealed from an environment outside the housing structure. First and second optical fiber sections are provided in the inner chamber. The second optical fiber section is optically coupled to the first optical fiber section, with the second optical fiber section rotated azimuthally with respect to the first optical fiber section. The first and second optical fiber sections are arranged to receive light transmitted from a remote light source, and a tilt of the housing structure induces a differential pressure within the inner chamber to be detected by the first and second optical fiber sections.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to determine and use wellbore diameters are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises positioning a downhole tool in a wellbore, counting a number of rotations of a motor used to cause the downhole tool to contact a surface of the wellbore, and determining a diameter of the wellbore based on the number of rotations of the motor.

Abstract: A method of using a survey system comprising at least one sensor. The method comprises operating the survey system to provide information regarding the orientation of the sensor relative to the Earth at a first resolution level while the sensor is a first distance relative to the Earth's surface and operating the survey system to provide information regarding the orientation of the sensor relative to the Earth at a second resolution level while the sensor is a second distance relative to the Earth's surface. The second distance is larger than the first distance. The second resolution level is higher than the first resolution level.

Abstract: A gyroscopically-oriented survey tool, includes a housing having an axis. Three accelerometers are mounted in the housing with their axis set orthogonally. A first of the axis is aligned to the axis of the housing. A second of the axis is perpendicular to the first. A third of the axis is perpendicular to both of the first and the second. Three gyroscopes are mounted pseudo-orthogonally in the housing with their axis set at relative angles of other than 90 degrees. None of the axis of the gyroscopes are mounted parallel to the axis of the accelerometers. This configuration permits data from the accelerometers to be used to check the quality of data from the gyroscopes.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention include methods for surveying a subterranean borehole. In one exemplary aspect, a change in borehole azimuth between first and second longitudinally spaced gravity measurement sensors may be determined directly from gravity measurements made by the sensors and a measured angular position between the sensors. The gravity measurement sensors are typically disposed to rotate freely with respect to one another about a longitudinal axis of the borehole. Gravity MWD measurements in accordance with the present invention may be advantageously made without imposing any relative rotational constraints on first and second gravity sensor sets. The present invention also advantageously provides for downhole processing of the change in azimuth between the first and second gravity sensor sets. As such, Gravity MWD measurements in accordance with this invention may be advantageously utilized in closed-loop steering control methods.