With Position Or Depth Recording (e.g., Line Payout, Equipment Locator, Etc.) Patents (Class 340/854.1)
  • Patent number: 11459876
    Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore system, including determining a conductive formation layer from a plurality of formation layers having a first well extending therethrough, the first well having a first work string therein, the first work string including a device, placing a second well at a distance from the first well, the distance selected to allow communication of an electrical signal between the first well and the second well through the conductive formation layer based on a resistivity of the electrically conductive formation layer, disposing a second work string in the second well, and communicating the electrical signal from the second work string to the first work string through the electrically conductive formation layer to operate the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Ernesto Sequera, John K. Wakefield, Ronnie David Russell
  • Patent number: 11162359
    Abstract: A method of obtaining geological data pertaining to a bore hole that comprises supporting a ground drill and a separate geological instrument (30) on a vehicle (52), the instrument (30) being capable of acquiring geological data including one or more of geophysical data, petro physical data, mineralogical and compositional data and hole geometry data from within the bore hole; drilling a bore hole using a ground drill, the bore hole having an exposed circumferential wall; moving the ground drill out of the bore hole and subsequently out of alignment with the bore hole; lowering and subsequently retrieving the instrument (30) from the bore hole; and, operating the instrument (30) while in the bore hole to acquire geological data of the ground in which the bore hole is drilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: David Lawie
  • Patent number: 10481296
    Abstract: An example method of calibrating a downhole tool includes stimulating a known current through a power circuit provided in the downhole tool, the power circuit extending between and communicably coupling a power source and a load. A conductor magnetic field is generated as the known current flows through the power circuit and the conductor magnetic field is detectable by a magnetic sensor included in the downhole tool to obtain sample measurements of Earth's magnetic field. A magnitude of the conductor magnetic field is then measured to obtain a measured value for the conductor magnetic field, and a relationship between the known current and the measured value is determined to calculate a correction factor for the sample measurements based on the relationship. A computer in the downhole tool is then programmed to apply the correction factor to the sample measurements in response to operational currents measured in the power circuit during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Hallibunon Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Peter Zacharko, Robert Scott Fulford
  • Patent number: 10422213
    Abstract: A method for use in measuring a property of an environment or an object in, or adjacent to, an elongated space (10), comprises unspooling and/or spooling a line (6) attached to a tool (4) so as to move the tool along an elongated space. The method may comprise using the tool to measure a property of an environment or an object in, or adjacent to, an elongated space during movement of the tool along the elongated space. The method may comprise, determining an acceleration of the line, measuring an acceleration of the tool along the elongated space, and controlling damping of the movement of the tool along the elongated space according to the measured acceleration of the tool and the determined acceleration of the line. The elongated space may be located downhole or may be defined in, or adjacent to, an oil or gas well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: PARADIGM TECHNOLOGY SERVICES B.V.
    Inventor: Andre Van Der Ende
  • Patent number: 10196893
    Abstract: Systems and methods for inter-tool communication in toolbus systems in cable telemetry. The systems can include downhole equipment deployable into a wellbore via a cable, The downhole equipment can include a toolbus, a toolbus master node including a buffer, and nodes operatively coupled to the toolbus master node via the toolbus. Each of the nodes includes a buffer. Of the one or more nodes, a sending node sends a message, and a receiving node receives the message via the toolbus master node and sends a buffer full message to the toolbus master node when the buffer of the receiving node is full. The toolbus master node sends a buffer full message to the sending node and the receiving node when the buffer of the receiving node is full, and buffers the message at the toolbus master node until the receiving buffer is not full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeaki Nakayama, Yuichi Kobayashi, Yasumasa Fujisawa, Thi Huong Lien Nguyen, Tsubasa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10041345
    Abstract: A well completion system includes a current source, a ground terminal, and a reference conductor. The reference conductor is electrically connected to the current source, and is inserted into a reference wellbore having a tubular therein. The tubular has a tubular bottom hole end, and the tubular is electrically conductive between an electrical discontinuity and the bottom hole end. The tubular between the tubular string electrical discontinuity and the tubular bottom hole end is electrically connected to the reference conductor. The tubular between the tubular string electrical discontinuity and the tubular bottom hole end is electrically connected to the reference wellbore. Magnetic sensors are located outside the reference wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton Moss, Douglas Ridgway, Troy Martin
  • Patent number: 10007018
    Abstract: One or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media comprising program code to control activation of an arrangement of transmitting and receiving sensors attached to a tool, wherein controlling activation of the arrangement of transmitting and receiving sensors comprises activating a transmitting sensor having a first tilt angle to generate a transmission signal. The program code is to acquire an acquired signal from a receiving sensor having a second tilt angle, wherein acquiring the acquired signal from the receiving sensor having the second tilt angle is based on the transmission signal inducing at the receiving sensor a magnetic dipole perpendicular to a magnetic field corresponding to the transmission signal from the transmitting sensor having the first tilt angle. The program code is to perform an inversion operation on data to determine one or more properties of a formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Michael S. Bittar
  • Patent number: 9803462
    Abstract: Techniques for axial vibration control of wireline tools and cables during logging operations. In undesirable cases the axial vibrations may lead to or exasperate the stick-slip problems of the logging tool. Control systems and strategies to minimize vibrations and techniques for identifying and inhibiting the sticking of the cable. A system includes a surface actuator and a sensor. The actuator generates an axial wave on the wireline cable which travels down the cable. If there is sticking of the cable, a reflection can also occur at the location of sticking. This shift in the transmission of the wave on the wireline cable is used to identify the onset and/or presence of sticking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Murat Ocalan, Jahir Pabon, Daniel Palmer, Hitoshi Tashiro
  • Patent number: 9594165
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a speed sensor and a speed sensing method for measuring relative speeds of receivers with respect to particles in a fluid by detecting individual particles. A receiver generates a plurality of signals related to reflections from particles in a region being monitored. A sampling circuit samples the signals, and a processing device processes the signals according to a particle detection scheme to determine speed. Concomitant use of the same receivers allows depth measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: AIRMAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Rolt, Frederic S. Boericke, II, Danny J. Fladung
  • Patent number: 9162853
    Abstract: An assembly for monitoring load on a drum during an operation in a well with a well access line deployed from the drum. The assembly may include multiple line detection mechanisms for acquiring real-time information relative to dynamic characteristics of the lone over the course of the operation. The assembly also includes a processor for computing the real-time information in light of pre-stored information relative to physical characteristics of the line and the drum. As a result, real-time monitoring of a load on the drum may be achieved. Thus, the operation may be adjusted in real-time as necessary to avoid over-loading of the drum. Additionally, a drum load history may be recorded so as to better account for the true condition of the drum following successive operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Ives, Peter Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 9133676
    Abstract: Techniques for axial vibration control of wireline tools and cables during logging operations. In undesirable cases the axial vibrations may lead to or exasperate the stick-slip problems of the logging tool. Control systems and strategies to minimize vibrations and techniques for identifying and inhibiting the sticking of the cable. A system includes a surface actuator and a sensor. The actuator generates an axial wave on the wireline cable which travels down the cable. If there is sticking of the cable, a reflection can also occur at the location of sticking. This shift in the transmission of the wave on the wireline cable is used to identify the onset and/or presence of sticking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Ocalan, Jahir Pabon, Daniel Palmer, Hitoshi Tashiro
  • Patent number: 9041547
    Abstract: A method of processing downhole measurement data includes: receiving formation measurement data generated by a downhole tool during a logging-while drilling operation over a selected time period; receiving a measured depth corresponding to the selected time period based on data taken at a surface location; receiving tool rotation data generated by measurements of a rotational rate of the downhole tool taken by a downhole sensor during the selected time period; calculating a new depth of the tool as a function of time over the selected time period based on a relationship between the tool rotation data and the measured depth; and correcting an original depth of the measurement data with the new depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Andreas Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20150116123
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for tracking a toolstring at subsea depths. One system includes a remote operated vehicle (ROV), a wireless transmitter arranged on the toolstring and configured to transmit one or more wireless signals, a wireless receiver configured to perceive the one or more wireless signals, whereby the ROV is able to locate a position of the toolstring in the oceanic environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Gordon, David Russ Larimore
  • Publication number: 20150091738
    Abstract: A method of recording and classifying data collected from an above ground marker for pipeline pig monitoring. Described herein is a method of extracting minimum data attributes from a real-time data sample and packaging same to achieve a significant volume reduction such that the information can be conveyed across communications channels with limited bandwidth. The reduced volume of information can then be utilized at a remote location to reconstruct a close approximation of the original signal with precise timing, and sufficient clarity to allow remote operators to identify pertinent information from the original data sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Hannes Wedemeyer
  • Patent number: 8950480
    Abstract: A downhole tools deployment apparatus is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. The embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Dennis A. Strickland
  • Publication number: 20150002306
    Abstract: An example method includes polling a plurality of reference nodes distributed along one or more reference wells. The method also includes steering a bottomhole assembly in another well based at least in part on information obtained from said polling. A related system includes a plurality of reference nodes distributed along one or more reference wells. The system also includes a bottomhole assembly in another well. The system also includes a surface controller. The surface controller polls the plurality of reference nodes to obtain position information regarding the bottomhole assembly and directs a steering module of the bottomhole assembly based on the obtained position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard T. Hay, Mac Upshall
  • Patent number: 8912915
    Abstract: A borehole array for ranging and crosswell telemetry is disclosed along with certain methods for employing such a borehole array. Some embodiments of the borehole array include electrically coupled reference nodes distributed along the length of a reference well. Each reference node includes a solenoid operated by a control unit. The control unit employs the solenoid to generate a magnetic field for guiding a bottomhole assembly in a nearby well. The control unit further serves as a communications intermediary between the bottomhole assembly and a surface facility. The bottomhole assembly can be guided in turn by subsequent reference nodes of the array and employ the closest reference node as a communications link to the surface. Moreover, the use of multiple reference nodes offers greater precision in determining the bottomhole assembly's position relative to the reference well. The borehole array can be used to guide multiple drilling operations concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Hay, Mac Upshall
  • Publication number: 20140327551
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for sensing position of an oil port on a rotating element (e.g. the wheel or track of a heavy vehicle) has a position sensor in electrical communication with a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter is configured to receive signals from the position sensor and to send signals to a wireless receiver. The apparatus further has a mounting structure (e.g. a magnet) for temporarily mounting the apparatus on the rotating element. An indicium on the apparatus associated with a desired service action to be performed on the rotating element correlates an angular position of the oil port to a pre-determined reference position of the position sensor, the angular position of the oil port being a correct position for performing the desired service action. In use, the apparatus is mounted on the rotating element so that the indicium points at the oil port and then the rotating element is rotated until the receiver indicates that the oil port is in the correct position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Bernard Hall
  • Patent number: 8842020
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for relative positioning of wells. A method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may include drilling a new well in a field having at least three completed wells using a drilling tool that includes a magnetometer. The method may further include driving current on a first pair of the at least three completed wells and then driving current on a second pair of the at least three completed wells, wherein the current is driven on each of the first and second pairs in a balanced mode. The method may also include measuring a direction of a first magnetic field generated by the current on the first pair using the magnetometer, measuring a direction of a second magnetic field generated by the current on the second pair using the magnetometer, and determining a location of the drilling tool relative to the completed wells based on the direction of the first magnetic field and the direction of the second magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Clark, Jan S. Morley
  • Publication number: 20140191879
    Abstract: Methods and tools for detecting casing position downhole is presented. The method utilizes electromagnetic. (EM) tools with tilted antenna systems to detect casing position. Sometimes titled antenna designs also increase EM tools' sensitivity to formation parameters, which can lead to false signals for casing detection. In addition, it is very difficult to distinguish measured signals between a casing source and a formation source. The methods presented help to distinguish between the two sources more clearly. The methods and tools presented also help to minimize those environmental effects, as well as enhance the signals from a surrounding conductive casing. The methods herein provide ideas of EM tool's design to precisely determine casing position within a certain distance to casing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Hsu-Hsiang Wu
  • Publication number: 20140022088
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are described for purposes of initiating a response to detection of an adverse operational condition involving a system including a drill rig and an inground tool. The response can be based on an uphole sensed parameter in combination with a downhole sensed parameter. The adverse operational condition can involve cross-bore detection, frac-out detection, excessive downhole pressure, a plugged jet indication and drill string key-holing detection. A communication system includes an inground communication link that allows bidirectional communication between a walkover detector and the drill rig via the inground tool. Monitoring of inground tool depth and/or lateral movement can be performed using techniques that approach integrated values. Bit force based auto-carving is described in the context of an automated procedure. Loss of locator to drill rig telemetry can trigger an automated switch to a different communication path within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Benjamin John Medeiros, Craig Caswell
  • Patent number: 8600679
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of locating and quantifying friction between a drillstring and a wellbore. The method includes, positioning a plurality of sensors within a wellbore, communicatively coupling the plurality of sensors, monitoring signals from the plurality of sensors, logging the sensed signals versus time versus depth of each of the plurality of sensors, locating at least one friction zone along the drillstring within the wellbore based on the logging and quantifying friction in the at least one friction zone based on the logging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ralf Zaeper, Roland May, John D Macpherson, Thomas Dahl
  • Patent number: 8561697
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Intelligent Tools IP, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Strickland
  • Patent number: 8519865
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with at least one end adapted for threaded connection to an adjacent tool string component. The end comprises at least one shoulder adapted to abut an adjacent shoulder of an adjacent end of the adjacent tool string component. An annular magnetic coupler is disposed within an annular recess formed in the at least one shoulder, and the magnetic coupler comprises a coil in electrical communication with an electrical conductor that is in electrical communication with an electronic device secured to the tubular body. The coil comprises a plurality of windings of wire strands that are electrically isolated from one another and which are disposed in an annular trough of magnetic material secured within the annular recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Craig Boswell
  • Publication number: 20130186620
    Abstract: An indicator includes a body configured to be run within a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of the tubular, a sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run through the tubular has reached the body, and a signal generator configured to send notification that the tool has reached the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Holger Mathiszik
  • Publication number: 20130049982
    Abstract: A method of processing downhole measurement data includes: receiving formation measurement data generated by a downhole tool during a logging-while drilling operation over a selected time period; receiving a measured depth corresponding to the selected time period based on data taken at a surface location; receiving tool rotation data generated by measurements of a rotational rate of the downhole tool taken by a downhole sensor during the selected time period; calculating a new depth of the tool as a function of time over the selected time period based on a relationship between the tool rotation data and the measured depth; and correcting an original depth of the measurement data with the new depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Andreas Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8378841
    Abstract: Identification and tracking of hollow pipes at a site where the hollow pipes are to be stored or interconnected, such as an oil drilling site where the aforesaid hollow pipes are to be connected and the drillstring of pipes is to be inserted into a drilled hole on solid ground or under a deepsea drilling platform is achieved. Each hollow pipe is provided with a low frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to the pipe's outer surface. The RFID tag is operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1.0 megahertz and may be disposed within a recess in the pipe's outer surface. A tracking system provides communication be the tags and a reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Visible Assets, Inc
    Inventors: John K. Stevens, M. Jason August, Paul Waterhouse
  • Patent number: 8362915
    Abstract: A system and a method for determining stretch or compression of a drill string is disclosed. Sensors are positioned along the drill string for collecting data for determining the stretch or compression. The stretch or the compression of the drill string may be used to calculate depths at which measurements are obtained by tools associated with the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Intelliserv, LLC
    Inventors: Shyam Mehta, Georgiy Bordakov
  • Patent number: 8322428
    Abstract: A casing hanger nesting indicator generates a signal to notify personnel on the surface that a wellhead member has properly landed on a predetermined surface within the wellbore. The casing hanger nesting indicator comprises a signaling device such as an explosive charge or a frequency shift key wherein the noise or vibration of the signaling device travels through the wellbore, via the drilling conduit in some embodiments, up to the surface platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 8284074
    Abstract: The invention is a method of determining a free point in stuck drill pipes, comprising the steps of: a. measuring a first magnetic permeability (?1) based on a time-induced decay of the electromagnetic field generated by application of an electric current pulse to the unextended pipe (l0); b. applying a force to the pipe to extend the pipe (l1); c. measuring a second magnetic permeability (?2) of the extended pipe (l1); and d. comparing the first and second magnetic permeabilities (?1 and ?2) along the drill string to determine the free point based on the change of magnetic permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jacques Orban, Mikhail Iakimov
  • Patent number: 8278928
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a position of a component in an earth formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a transmitter configured to emit a first magnetic field into the earth formation and induce an electric current in the component, the transmitter having a first magnetic dipole extending in a first direction; and a receiver for detecting a second magnetic field generated by the component in response to the first magnetic field, the receiver having a second magnetic dipole extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A method and computer program product for detecting a position of a component in an earth formation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Alexandre N. Bespalov
  • Patent number: 8272439
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Intelligent Tools IP, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Strickland
  • Publication number: 20120188091
    Abstract: A method and system to render a graphic display that includes a color-coded risk indicator to facilitate the steering of a drill string during subterranean drilling. The system comprises a receiver to receive measurement data from downhole instrumentation forming part of the drill string during the drilling of a well bore in a geological formation, and an exit risk determining module to determine an exit risk value based at least in part on the measurement data. The exit risk value is indicative of a risk of exiting of the formation by the drill string. A display module is provided to render the graphic display of decision information, to assist steering of the drill string. The color-coded exit risk indicator comprises a colored area having a color indicative of the exit risk value, the color of the colored area being changeable in response to changes in the exit risk value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Hilliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bronwyn Michelle Calleja, Barry McKay
  • Publication number: 20120139748
    Abstract: A borehole array for ranging and crosswell telemetry is disclosed along with certain methods for employing such a borehole array. Some embodiments of the borehole array include electrically coupled reference nodes distributed along the length of a reference well. Each reference node includes a solenoid operated by a control unit. The control unit employs the solenoid to generate a magnetic field for guiding a bottomhole assembly in a nearby well. The control unit further serves as a communications intermediary between the bottomhole assembly and a surface facility. The bottomhole assembly can be guided in turn by subsequent reference nodes of the array and employ the closest reference node as a communications link to the surface. Moreover, the use of multiple reference nodes offers greater precision in determining the bottomhole assembly's position relative to the reference well. The borehole array can be used to guide multiple drilling operations concurrently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Hay, Mac Upshall
  • Patent number: 8162051
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Intelligent Tools IP, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Strickland
  • Patent number: 8121788
    Abstract: A method for correcting errors in LWD depths includes performing torque and drag model analysis using drillstring weight, downhole friction, weight on bit, thermal expansion, rig heave and tide to produce a corrected time-depth file, wherein the torque and drag model is automatically calibrated using effective block weight, drillpipe wear, and sliding friction; and correcting time-based LWD data using the corrected time-depth file to produce depth-corrected LWD data. A system for correcting errors in LWD depths includes a processor and a memory that stores a program having instructions for: performing torque and drag model analysis using drillstring weight, downhole friction, weight on bit, thermal expansion, rig heave and tide to produce a corrected time-depth file, wherein the torque and drag model is automatically calibrated using effective block weight, drillpipe wear, and sliding friction; and correcting time-based LWD data using the corrected time-depth file to produce depth-corrected LWD data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Georgiy Bordakov, Alexander Kostin
  • Patent number: 8084259
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system allows the operator to certify the integrity of the filters within the filter housing at the customer site without additional equipment. In one embodiment, a tracer gas, such as helium or hydrogen, is added to a carrier and injected into the system. The concentration of tracer gas at a specific operating transmembrane pressure is indicative of bubble pointing specific pores in the filter. This test will give a more sensitive indication of the bubble point and the presence of defects than a standard diffusion test. In a second embodiment, two gasses, in a known ratio, are introduced into the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony DiLeo
  • Patent number: 8040755
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a change in length of a wellbore conveyance device in a wellbore. A reference signal is sent along a first path and a wellbore signal having a phase relationship with the reference signal is sent along a wellbore path. A change in length of the wellbore conveyance device is estimated from a phase shift between the reference signal and the wellbore signal. The frequency of the wellbore signal may be changed downhole. The wellbore conveyance device may have at least one conductor under a maintained tension. A length of the wellbore conveyance device is estimated from the estimated change in the length. For a drill string composed of a plurality of wellbore tubulars, a phase shift of the drill sting is determined upon adding a wellbore tubular to the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: John F. Priest
  • Patent number: 8037934
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Intelligent Tools IP, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Strickland
  • Publication number: 20110102188
    Abstract: A system and a method for determining stretch or compression of a drill string is disclosed. Sensors are positioned along the drill string for collecting data for determining the stretch or compression. The stretch or the compression of the drill string may be used to calculate depths at which measurements are obtained by tools associated with the drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: SHYAM MEHTA, GEORGIY BORDAKOV
  • Patent number: 7916041
    Abstract: A method of sensing and transmitting hole depth information comprises monitoring, at the surface, the extension of the hole as drilling progresses, determining when the hole depth has extended by a predetermined distance, and sending an increment signal to a telemetry device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Geoff Downton
  • Publication number: 20100243326
    Abstract: A system and method of interfacing a drilling machine with one of a number of different walk-over guidance systems involves receiving an ID signal from a particular walk-over guidance system selected for use with the drilling machine. A protocol library associated with the particular walk-over guidance system is accessed in response to the ID signal. The protocol library is used to effect communication between the particular walk-over guidance system and a control system of the drilling machine during cooperative use of the particular walk-over guidance system and drilling machine. Using the protocol library involves converting, as prescribed by the protocol library, locator signals received from the particular walk-over guidance system from a locator protocol to a common protocol used by the control system of the drilling machine. Locator and drilling machine data of various types can be presented to a drilling machine operator via an on-board display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Jeremy Jin, Scott Rempe
  • Publication number: 20100102985
    Abstract: A system for determining the position and/or orientation of electromagnetic receivers in a network of receiver instruments at a remote location, a first receiver instrument including one or more electromagnetic sensors, the system comprising transmitting means to send a characteristic signal, detecting means to detect transmitted signals from a plurality of receiver instruments, depth measurement means to measure the depth of the first instrument, recording means to store data from the transmitting means, the detecting means and the depth measurement means, and processing means for processing data from the receiver instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTROMAGNETIC GEOSERVICES ASA
    Inventors: David Ridyard, Mark J. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7663373
    Abstract: A method and system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source. A total magnetic field is measured during a calibration routine prior to a drilling procedure. During the drilling procedure, a magnetic field measurement is obtained. Using a ratio of the measured magnetic field and the calibrated field, a set of possible angles and distances is calculated. After the source is advanced a known distance, a second magnetic field measurement is obtained. A second ratio is calculated and a second set of possible angles and distances is calculated. The relative location of the source is then determined using the first set and second set of values, along with the known distance and a pitch angle of the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Gard, Kody D. Mason, Floyd R. Gunsaulis
  • Patent number: 7620394
    Abstract: A communications system includes a first wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications over a first frequency band, and a second wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications using at least a portion of the first frequency band. The system includes an inter-system communications link between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. The inters-system communications link is used to coordinate the use of the first frequency band. The system further includes an interference reducer configured to reduce interference between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander H. Good, Charlene J. King, Eric A. Swank, Monish Kundra, Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 7586313
    Abstract: To characterize an electrical cable that is deployed in a well, a voltage input is applied to the electrical cable at an earth surface location, where the well extends from the earth surface location. A current response resulting from the voltage input is measured at the earth surface location. At least one parameter of the electrical cable is computed according to the measured current response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ramon Hernandez-Marti, Vinod Rajasekaran
  • Publication number: 20090219171
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for determining the location and/or the displacement of an object (20) in a wellbore (1), comprising: a reel (40) of wound optic fiber line (10) (or fiber) fixed to the object, and a light transmitter/receiver device (12) able to generate a signal and to measure a change of said signal; wherein the optic fiber line is: on a first position fixed to a reference point linked (4) to the light transmitter/receiver device and is on a second position unwound from the reel. The apparatus can further comprise a sensor and/or an actuator. Accordingly, the invention discloses the associated method to locate an object within the wellbore, the associated method to determine a property of an environment surrounding an object within the wellbore, and the associated method to actuate an object within the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Pierre Vigneaux
  • Patent number: 7579962
    Abstract: A duct mapping tool comprises a sonde for transmitting a locate signal detectable above the ground and locomotion means for providing movement through the underground duct. A user above the ground detects the transmitted location signal using a signal receiver, and maps the location of the underground duct. In one embodiment, a GPS receiver generates location data at locations associated with the received location signal. The GPS generated location data may be used in conjunction with appropriate mapping software to generate street level maps of underground ducts. Locomotion can be provided in a variety of ways, such as a flexible rod attached to the duct mapping tool and operated by a technician, air motors, or electric motors. Movement control signals may be sent to the underground duct mapping tool via a remote device controlled by a technician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Hossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman
  • Publication number: 20090121895
    Abstract: An oilfield equipment identifying apparatus for use with a drilling rig. The drilling rig preferably has a rig floor, a drilling device, and an equipment path through at least one of the rig floor and the drilling device. The identifying apparatus comprises a computer and a reader assembly. The computer is loaded with an oilfield equipment database. The reader assembly is in communication with the computer, and comprises at least one surface acoustic wave RFID tag reader adjacent to at least a portion of the equipment path of a drilling rig. The reader remotely reads at least one unique identification code from a surface acoustic wave RFID tag associated with a piece of oilfield equipment and transmits the unique identification code to the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Denny, Ed Patterson, Timothy J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7474221
    Abstract: An improved method of permanently marking the location of a tubular joint, the method including creating a cavity into the end surface of one of the tubular ends that are to be joined by a forge weld or screw thread connection, inserting a marker into said cavity and subsequently joining the tubular ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Johannis Josephus Den Boer, Anthony Thomas Cole, Klisthenis Dimitriadis, Djurre Hans Zijsling