With Position Or Depth Recording (e.g., Line Payout, Equipment Locator, Etc.) Patents (Class 340/854.1)
  • Patent number: 7416028
    Abstract: A telemetry system for bi-directional communication of data between a well point and a terminal unit situated on a surface, which can be used inside drilling or production strings. The system includes data transmission and optional reception devices. An active vehicle, which can be equipped with plural automation levels, ranging from purely tele-operated to completely autonomous, is provided for unwinding and pulling a connection line, capable of moving inside a drilling or production string, or a passive vehicle, moved by a deploying cable and a suitable winding/unwinding device, in particular a winch. A connection line, containing electric conductors and/or one or more optical fibers of the transmission and optional reception devices is provided between a well point and its corresponding point situated inside the vehicle or on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., Tecnomare S.p.A.
    Inventors: Walter Prendin, Danilo Maddalena, Gilberto Toffolo, Francesco Donati
  • Publication number: 20080165026
    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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Geoff Downton
  • Publication number: 20080129534
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of externally locating anomalies inside a hollow structure which is positioned on and/or below the ground (PL), wherein said anomalies have been previously detected by a device (RTE) moving inside the hollow structure and positioned by counting a series of reference marks from an origin, said reference marks being located at regular intervals and being accessible from the inside and outside of the hollow structure (PL). The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: a. defining by means of courting a reference mark, starting from said origin, which is accessible from outside of the hollow structure; b. positioning a transponder module (T) on said reference mark; c. identifying the transponder module (T) by an I.D. code; and d. determining the number of reference marks separating the anomalies and the identified transponder module (T).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Enertag
    Inventors: Thierry Blanche, Robert Charles, Jean-Yves Satre
  • Patent number: 7295926
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for correlating well logs. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, in an embodiment of the present invention, data from two or more overlapping logs may be generated by a well logging device and a model for the apparent compliance of the elongate member (e.g. the drill string), which controls the position of the logging device, may be combined to correlate the log data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Peter Jeffryes
  • Patent number: 7295491
    Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the invention communicator remotely with remotely controllable down hole tools in a well bore at a drilling installation. At the surface, high energy pressure impulses directed into the tubing or the annulus, or both, being at a level to propagate through an interface between very different impedances zones, such as an upper level gas zone and a lower level of mobile fluid media extending down into the desired downhole location. The pressure impulses, provided by directionally gating along the longitudinal confining path a pressure impulse initially having sharp leading and trailing edges, reach the downhole location as physical perturbations forming a discernible pattern that can be detected by one or more energy responsive transducers. With combinations of these signals, one of a number of separate control devices can be remotely actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Carstensen
  • Patent number: 7289038
    Abstract: A plurality of actuators are provided at predetermined intervals on the reverse surface of a predetermined side wall of a swimming pool. When an electric signal corresponding to a sound to be propagated in the water is given to the actuators, the electric signal is converted by the actuators into a mechanical vibration signal to cause vibrations. The actuators are secured directly to the reverse surface of the predetermined side wall by an adhesive or otherwise, and thus the vibrations of the actuators are radiated as a sound in the water of the pool through the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Watanabe, Shinji Kishinaga
  • Patent number: 7274989
    Abstract: It is important to know the precise position of equipment when testing of the BOP, testing the wellhead, flow testing the well, kick control, well circulation and testing of spool trees between the wellhead and the BOP. Accordingly, there is provided a system for determining the real time position of equipment within a bore, the system including a data input means for inputting data concerning the physical characteristics of components which are run into the bore; a sensing means located, in use, within the bore and including a sensor for determining data concerning at least one physical characteristic of the equipment at a given time; a data storage means for recording the inputted data and the determined data; and a comparison means for comparing the input data and the determined data to establish which part of the equipment is being sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Patent number: 7140435
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus comprise a conveyance structure to carry a tool into a wellbore. The conveyance structure contains an optical fiber line to enable communication between the tool and well surface equipment. In one implementation, the conveyance structure comprises a slickline. In another implementation, the conveyance structure includes another type of conveyance device that does not convey power and data separate from the fiber optic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Harmel Defretin, Gordon B. Duncan, Nicolas G. Pacault, Christian Koeniger, Nigel D. Leggett
  • Patent number: 7132958
    Abstract: A method and a downhole telemetry system a downhole telemetry system using discrete multitone modulation for transmitting a data stream over a plurality of transmission modes is provided. The downhole telemetry system includes a downhole transmitter, a cable, and a surface receiver. The downhole transmitter is configured to transmit the data stream over the plurality of transmission modes. The surface receiver is coupled to the downhole transmitter via the cable and is configured to combine signals from each of the plurality of transmission modes to obtain the data stream transmitted by the downhole receiver. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals over the plurality of transmission modes from a downhole package, and may further include combining the plurality of signals to form at least one data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Dodge, Wallace R. Gardner
  • Patent number: 7113097
    Abstract: An apparatus that attaches to a moving, typically man-made, underwater object and that is capable of sending a signal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, which in some embodiments is configured to look like an underwater organism. Within or on the housing is a coupling device by which the housing couples, advantageously reversibly, to the underwater object. The housing also incorporates a transmitter that generates and transmits a signal. The housing also includes an energy storage device (e.g., capacitor, battery, etc.), which is used to power the transmitter and, as required, the coupling device. The housing also incorporates a generator, which generates the energy that is stored in the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John Wallace Kline, Frederick R. Dental
  • Patent number: 7064676
    Abstract: A system for transmitting data through a string of downhole components. In one aspect, the system includes first and second magnetically conductive, electrically insulating elements at both ends of the component. Each element includes a first U-shaped trough with a bottom, first and second sides and an opening between the two sides. Electrically conducting coils are located in each trough. An electrical conductor connects the coils in each component. In operation, a varying current applied to a first coil in one component generates a varying magnetic field in the first magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element, which varying magnetic field is conducted to and thereby produces a varying magnetic field in the second magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element of a connected component, which magnetic field thereby generates a varying electrical current in the second coil in the connected component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Joe Fox
  • Patent number: 7053787
    Abstract: A signal filtering apparatus and associated methods enable noise to be significantly reduced or eliminated from a signal. In a described embodiment, the signal is indicative of tension in a slickline. An adaptive filter is used to effectively cancel the noise from the signal, using an input signal characteristic of a noise source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Dingding Chen, Orlando DeJesús
  • Publication number: 20040239521
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe provides for the precise determination of location and associated characteristics of each pipe joint of a well, cross country pipeline or other fluid transmission line. The system includes a passive or active radio identification device at each joint in the pipe or casing string. The devices are preferably sealed within the resilient seal positioned between each pipe or casing joint. A pipeline tool includes a radio transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter transmitting on a frequency selected for resonating the identification devices. The resonant response of each device is detected by a receiver in the pipeline tool, with the response transmitted to the surface via the wireline to which the tool is connected. Alternatively, the tool may include storage information means until the tool can be recovered from the well or pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
  • Publication number: 20040070399
    Abstract: At least one antenna array including three mutually orthogonal antennas each sharing a common center point senses an electromagnetic signal emitted by a buried object such as a utility line, pipe or sonde. A circuit at least partially mounted in a housing is connected to the array and determines a location of the buried object by measuring signal strength and field angles in three dimensions without having to align the antenna array relative to the buried object while eliminating nulls and false peaks. A graphical user interface (GUI) has user-friendly icons, symbols, menus, numbers and graphical and auditory representation of signal strength. A SEARCH view indicates signal strength by showing a rotating strength indicator, a trace mode MAP view in which line location is shown by a line that moves side-to-side, and a sonde mode MAP view in which sonde location is shown by a moving line, pole and equator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, David A. Cox, Michael J. Martin, Bradley D. Barnicoat, Thomas R. Kolb, Randall P. Hilton
  • Publication number: 20030090390
    Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Philip M. Snider, Joseph A. Zierolf
  • Patent number: 6556144
    Abstract: A data communication system is provided for communicating with an underground instrument package positioned on a drilling apparatus. The drilling apparatus has an insulated section between first and second conductive sections. The system includes a power supply connected to the first conductive section of the drilling apparatus and to the ground. A receiver measures current flowing through the power supply. An electrical path is provided between the first and second conductive sections of the drilling apparatus. A switch provided in the electrical path opens and closes the electrical path in response to the data generated by the instrument package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Reuter-Stokes, Inc. (General Electric Company)
    Inventors: George Roberts, Edward Fraser, Fred Earnest
  • Patent number: 6478087
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the profile and position of a well component in a well bore and transmitting this information to a surface mounted display unit to aid an operator in performing subsea well operations. The apparatus includes an instrumented flange with appropriate end connections to allow connecting the flange between the annular preventer and the drilling riser. The instrumented flange is sufficiently long to allow a first plurality of sensor units to be arranged circumferentially around the axial bore of the flange in a single plane and a second plurality of sensor units to be arranged in a helical pattern along the axis of the flange. The output signals of the sensor units are processed at a signal processing unit which then transmits the information to a display unit at the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy J. Allen
  • Publication number: 20020093431
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe provides for the precise determination of location and associated characteristics of each pipe joint of a well, cross country pipeline or other fluid transmission line. The system includes a passive or active radio identification device at each joint in the pipe or casing string. The devices are preferably sealed within the resilient seal positioned between each pipe or casing joint. A pipeline tool includes a radio transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter transmitting on a frequency selected for resonating the identification devices. The resonant response of each device is detected by a receiver in the pipeline tool, with the response transmitted to the surface via the wireline to which the tool is connected. Alternatively, the tool may include storage information means until the tool can be recovered from the well or pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
  • Publication number: 20010054969
    Abstract: A method for actuating or installing downhole equipment in a wellbore employs non-acoustic signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) to locate, inventory, install, or actuate one downhole structure in relation to another downhole structure. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a first downhole structure that comprises a non-acoustic (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Hubertus V. Thomeer, Sarmad Adnan
  • Patent number: 6301551
    Abstract: A pile driving analyzer (PDA) which obtains, processes and stores pile driving data. The PDA is operable as an independent self-contained unit, or may be used in conjunction with a remote computer system. Position data indicative of the position of a pile, and pile data indicative of characteristics of a pile may be automatically input to the PDA. When used in conjunction with the remote computer system, the PDA may be controlled remotely by the remote computer system. Alternatively, the PDA may be controlled locally by an operator, and data acquired by the PDA provided to the remote computer system for monitoring and/or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Pile Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Piscalko, Carl-John Grävare, Frank Rausche
  • Patent number: 6188327
    Abstract: A system for tagging and monitoring subsea installations such as valves used in hydrocarbon production includes a torque tool provided with a read/write head for inductive interaction with a data storage capsule on a valve installation, the capsule storing valve identification and status data. When the torque tool is operatively engaged with the shaft (or an adaptor) of the valve, the read/write head inductively energizes the capsule and inductively receives identification data from the capsule, as well as operating data of previous operation, and this data is sent to a console in an ROV so as to ensure correct identification of the valve and proper subsequent operation by the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Mentor Subsea Technology Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Cousins, Timothy M. Lower