Abstract: Among other things, a wireline assembly and a technique for providing power to and/or for communicating with one or more tools downhole in a wellbore are provided. The wireline assembly comprises a wireline cable comprising six primary conductors arranged about a center conductor to concurrently transmit power and telemetry signals. A power signal may be transmitted using a first propagation mode and a telemetry signal may be transmitted using a second/different propagation mode. For example, according to the first propagation mode, three adjoining primary conductors provide an active path for a power signal and a different three adjoining primary conductors provide a return path for the power signal, while, according to the second propagation mode, a first pair of primary conductors provides an active path and a second pair of primary conductors provides a return path for the telemetry signal.

Abstract: An electronics module for a well installation configured to receive software via a wireless connection and methods of installing software on an electronics module for a well installation, are provided. An example of such electronics module comprises a short-range wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving software and/or data from an external wireless source. Modem external interface wiring can be employed as an antenna for the wireless receiver to receive the wireless transmission of the software and/or data.

Abstract: A gauge assembly that is utilized for wired-pipe telemetry, has been developed where the gauge assembly includes: a trigger, a push rod, wherein the rod is operatively coupled with the trigger, a bearing housing assembly, wherein the bearing housing assembly is operatively coupled with the push rod, an indicator, wherein the indicator is operatively coupled with the push rod, a base plate assembly, and a sensor device, stylus or combination thereof that is both operatively coupled with the push rod and the indicator. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for transmitting data in a resource recovery operation featuring a borehole extending through a geologic formation, an uphole communications control center, and a downhole tool string, a method for transmitting data. The method includes (a) providing a first transceiver which is disposed in an uphole location, and a second transceiver which is in communication with the first transceiver and which is disposed in a downhole location; and (b) transmitting a signal from one of the first and second transceivers to the other of the first and second transceivers, wherein the transmitted signal encodes data using a modified alternating mark (AMI) system in conjunction with balanced line coding.

Abstract: Systems and methods of signal transmission and measuring for sensors employing a transmission medium are provided. In one embodiment, a method may comprise measuring a first monitored condition to generate a first monitored condition signal; converting the first monitored condition signal to a first frequency modulated signal having a first frequency; generating a second frequency modulated signal having a reference frequency; transmitting the first frequency modulated signal and the second frequency modulated signal using time division multiplexing; and wherein a first ratio of the first frequency and the reference frequency is associated with the first pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a power line communication (PLC) system wherein the power supply line supplies power and also acts as a communications supply line. A receiver is able to detect small changes in the modulated transmitted information and thereby shut down the circuit. The invention is particularly suitable for use where the IEL is remote from the power supply such as, for example, in down hole oil production situations where very long power cables are used.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which output power that would conventionally be provided by surface equipment to drive downhole equipment, is transformed to increase the voltage before transmitting the power over a power cable to downhole equipment. The downhole equipment includes a step-down transformer that receives power from the power cable at a voltage which is too high to drive the motor or other downhole equipment and reduces the voltage to a level that is suitable for use by the downhole equipment. The step-down transformer may utilize toroidal transformers that are positioned around other components of the system, such as the shaft that couples a motor to an electric submersible pump. The step-down transformer may be configured as a modular unit that can be inserted between components (e.g. motor and seal) that are manufactured using conventional designs.

Abstract: A suspended well logging device for use in a wellbore drilled in an earthen formation may include a cable configured to be conveyed into the wellbore; a single twisted pair of conductors positioned in the cable; and a conductive armor surrounding the single twisted pair of conductors. In embodiments, the device may further include a first channel formed using the single twisted pair of conductors; a second channel formed using the single twisted pair of conductors and the armor; and a wellbore logging tool coupled to an end of the cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole well-operation system for operating a driving unit and a logging tool downhole and transmitting well-logging data from at least one logging tool to a surface data acquisition system by means of a wireline. The system comprises a surface transceiver, a wireline, a downhole transceiver, a logging tool, and a driving unit, wherein the downhole transceiver is coupled to the surface transceiver via the wireline and communicates to the surface transceiver using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing to transmit data via the wireline by modulating a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal to the wireline by means of a transistor bridge, while the driving unit and at least one logging tool is powered by the wireline. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole tool.

Abstract: A power and signal distribution system comprises a converter unit connected to a plurality of control units. The converter unit and the control units are arranged in areas difficult to access, for instance on the sea bed. The converter unit is connected to a remote monitoring and supplying device via at least one cable connection. Each control unit has assigned thereto at least one production apparatus for crude oil or natural gas corresponding gate valves, chokes, biops, actuators. In some embodiments, the power and signal distribution system the converter unit comprises a data separation device and a voltage converter. The converted voltage from the voltage converter is transmitted together with data/signals from the converter unit to at least one of the control units.

Abstract: A system for communicating with a slickline tool is disclosed. The system includes a closed-loop electrical circuit including a surface module, a forward path, a tool, and a return path. The forward path includes a slickline cable.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a circuit to receive power and data over a communication medium, where the circuit is to separate the power and the data. An electronic switch couples the power output by the circuit to a downhole electrical component for use in a well. According to other implementations, an electro-hydraulic actuator includes an outer housing defining a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber, where a seal for one of the hydraulic chambers is achieved without use of an elastomeric seal.

Abstract: A method of selectively actuating from a remote location multiple downhole well tools includes: selecting one of the well tools for actuation by applying a voltage polarity to a set of conductors in the well, thereby operating a downhole pump connected to the well tool and displacing a piston of the well tool in one direction; and selecting the well tool for actuation by applying an opposite voltage polarity to the set of conductors, thereby operating the downhole pump and displacing the piston in an opposite direction. A system includes multiple electrical conductors in the well; and multiple control devices that control which of the well tools is selected for actuation in response to current flow in a set of the conductors, each of the control devices including at least one downhole pump which applies a pressure differential to an actuator of a respective one of the well tools.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reliably communicating data between surface and downhole equipment over a power cable, regardless of the length of the power cable, wherein a transmitter modulates a common data stream onto multiple high frequency carrier signals, each of which has a different frequency. Each of the different frequencies is best suited to communication over a different length of cable. The resulting modulated high frequency data signals are impressed on the power cable and are recovered from the cable by a receiver. The receiver is configured to recover signals at each of the different carrier frequencies, at least one of which should be transmitted with little enough attenuation and interference that the data stream can be accurately recovered from the corresponding modulated high frequency data signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for borehole telemetry utilizing a tool configured or designed for deployment in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation. The tool includes a downhole telemetry module; a surface telemetry module; and a datalink between the downhole and surface modules configured or designed for transferring data over two or more data communication channels, wherein the transferred data comprises coding at a transmitter to increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the data.

Abstract: Job monitoring methods and apparatus for logging-while-drilling equipment are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes obtaining a fluid associated with an underground geological formation, analyzing the fluid with one or more sensors to form respective ones of sensor outputs, identifying a downhole scenario associated with the fluid based on the sensor outputs, the identifying being performed while the sensors are within the underground geological formation, and selecting a telemetry frame type based on the identified downhole scenario.

Abstract: A telemetry system using four-level positive pulses is provided to transmit data over a logging cable. More particularly, method and apparatus are provided for using multi-level positive pulses that may have variable width for communication from up hole to down hole, self-clocking modulation and a synchronization circuit to obtain more efficient downlinks and transmission of data to the surface via electric wireline. A peak detector circuit avoids the requirement for very high-speed analog-to-digital converters and a synchronization circuit allows knowing when a pulse is ready to be processed, thus reducing the requirements for processing.

Abstract: A wireless communication and drill string telemetry system. The communication system is used for communicating information along a drill string between a boring tool and a boring machine. An insulator assembly provides an electrically insulated gap between the drill string communication path and a soil engaging electrode for the electrical return path. A transmitter assembly includes a data transmitter for encoding and transmitting a data signal. A signal coupler couples the data signal to the drill string and provides a controlled electrical connection between the drill string communication path and the soil engaging electrode. The signal coupler comprises a transformer and a current regulating circuit to adjust a voltage across the transformer's primary winding. A receiver assembly is disposed proximate the drilling machine and includes a toroidal pickup coil and a signal processing assembly.

Abstract: A device for communicating with a downhole measurement tool includes a processor module comprising a set of commands and configured to issue a command from the set to the downhole tool and receive a corresponding reply from the downhole tool. The set of commands includes at least one of a command to switch the downhole measurement tool between a sleep mode and an active mode and a command to download data from the downhole measurement tool. The device includes a transceiver module coupled to the processor module and an antenna coupled to the transceiver module. The antenna and transceiver module are configured to transmit commands and replies between the processor module and the downhole measurement tool.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component has a through-bore intermediate first and second tool joints adapted for connection to adjacent tool string components. A blind-hole is formed in an outer surface of the component. A processing unit is also disposed within an outer surface of the component. An electrical device that is disposed within the component is in communication with the processing unit through an electrically or optically conductive medium which has a self-aligning pattern.

Abstract: A drill pipe includes a pin end connector, a box end connector, a first communication connector and a second communication connector. The pin end connector includes a first region to form a threaded connection to join sections of the drill pipe together, and the first region includes at least one thread that begins at one end of the first region and ends at the other end of the first region. The box end connector receives the pin end connector, and the box end connector includes a second region to mate with the first region to form the threaded connection. The first communication connector is attached to the pin end connector and is located in the first region; and the second communication connector is attached to the box end connector and located in the second region to form a communication connection with the first communication connector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling communication using two different alternative protocols on a single communication line between remote tools and control equipment used in well operations. In one embodiment, a system includes control equipment, remote tools and a communication line coupled between the control equipment and the remote tools. Each remote tool detects mode control signals on the communication line and operates alternately in either a first mode or a second mode in response to detecting corresponding mode control signals. The first mode enables two-way communication of data on the communication line according to a first communications protocol. The second mode enables one-way communication of data on the communication line from the remote equipment to the control equipment according to a second protocol. The second protocol is different from the first protocol, and may be incompatible with the first protocol.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a signal from a sensor that is positioned within a well bore during a hydraulic fracturing operation. A noise canceling operation is performed on the received signal to detect a microseismic event that is caused by the hydraulic fracturing operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for borehole telemetry utilizing a tool configured or designed for deployment in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation. The tool includes a downhole telemetry module; a surface telemetry module; and a datalink between the downhole and surface modules configured or designed for transferring data over one or more data communication channels utilizing at least one telemetry scheme selected from a plurality of telemetry schemes based on at least one downhole parameter.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly having a data sensor circuit for transmitting sensed data from within a wellbore to the well surface. The circuit includes a signal conduit axially inserted within the wall of a stab unit with connectors at the top and bottom portions of the stab unit. Corresponding connection leads are included within the wellhead assembly to connect with the stab unit connectors. The connectors may comprise a gallery ring wet connect.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus of downhole time interlaced communications are provided. The method includes setting command intervals for first and second communications systems associated with downhole tools. Each command interval is a delay value between consecutive commands greater than an actual command duration to define periods of communications inactivity. The command interval of the second communications system is slightly greater than that of the first to overcome any drift. The method includes detecting communications interference between the systems and applying temporarily a positive command interval shift to the first communications system and a negative command interval shift to the second communications system so that a duration of a resynchronization is minimized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating optical communications and sensing, with downhole optical or other sensors, in high temperature oilfield applications. The apparatus can include a downhole telemetry cartridge for downhole use at temperatures in excess of about 115 degrees Celsius. The apparatus can also include a downhole light source optically connected to the telemetry cartridge. The light source may include at least one remotely pumped laser optically connected to a surface pump laser via optical fiber(s). The remotely pumped laser may drive the downhole optical or other sensors for their operations.

Abstract: The current application discloses methods and systems for controlling various pieces of equipment at a wellsite. The method comprises deploying a first piece of oilfield equipment at a wellsite; deploying a second piece of oilfield equipment at the wellsite; connecting the first piece of oilfield equipment and the second piece of oilfield equipment with a cable, where at least one of the connections between the cable and the first piece of oilfield equipment and between the cable and the second piece of oilfield equipment is via inductively coupling. Additional pieces of oilfield equipment can be deployed at the wellsite and inductively coupled by the cable in the similar manner.

Abstract: A component is deployed into a well on a carrier line that includes an electrical cable. A depth of the component in a well is determined using a time domain reflectometry technique.

Abstract: A power and signal distribution system comprises a converter unit connected to a plurality of control units. The converter unit and the control units are arranged in areas difficult to access, for instance on the sea bed. The converter unit is connected to a remote monitoring and supplying device via at least one cable connection. Each control unit has assigned thereto at least one production apparatus for crude oil or natural gas corresponding gate valves, chokes, biops, actuators. In some embodiments, the power and signal distribution system the converter unit comprises a data separation device and a voltage converter. The converted voltage from the voltage converter is transmitted together with data/signals from the converter unit to at least one of the control units.

Abstract: A high-power electromagnetic pulse transmitting device for use in a downhole, the device including a ground instrument and a downhole instrument. The ground instrument, with an industrial control computer as the core, includes a depth/magnetic mark/GPS signal recording module, a Manchester coding and decoding module, and a cable drive module, wherein the depth/magnetic mark recording and the Manchester coding and decoding modules communicate respectively through two serial ports with the industrial control computer, and the cable drive module communication for the downhole instrument through four cables by means of phantom power supply. The downhole instrument includes, in turn, from front to rear: an AC voltage boosting module, a rectifier, an energy storage capacitor, a transmitting coil, and a data acquisition module, and further includes a high-voltage discharge switch and a computer-manipulated controller. Power supply of the downhole instrument is provided by the ground instrument through cables.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method for tool string communication comprises the steps of providing a downhole tool string with at least two downhole LWD/MWD instruments in electrical communication with a downhole telemetry system. The instruments are capable of generating at least one data packet assigned a priority. The tool string is deployed in a wellbore and then the priority of the data packet is changed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for borehole telemetry utilizing a tool configured or designed for deployment in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation. The tool includes a downhole telemetry module; a surface telemetry module; and a datalink between the downhole and surface modules configured or designed for transferring data over two or more data communication channels, wherein the transferred data comprises coding at a transmitter to increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole completions. A downhole running tool can have a body having a bore formed therethrough. A latch member can be disposed on a first portion of the body. A reset member can be disposed on a second portion of the body. A conduit can be formed within a sidewall of the body. The conduit can be located between the first and second portions of the body. A pressure relief port can be disposed at a first end of the conduit; and a first flow port can be disposed at a second end of the conduit. The pressure relief port and first flow port can be in communication with an outer diameter of the body.

Abstract: Remote sensing systems are provided including a recorder, a cable network and a plurality of downhole sensor nodes. The cable network comprises a first cable and a second cable. The first and second cables form a loop. The recorder and the plurality of downhole sensor nodes are connected to the cable network in series. The first cable delivers power to the nodes and the second cable comprises a power return and closes the loop to the recorder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for localizing a drilling device of an earth drilling apparatus, wherein a localization signal is emitted by the drilling device, said signal being received by an external receiver and evaluated for determining the position of the drilling device, wherein an output signal, which is converted into the localization signal, is fed to the drilling device via a connection line, which is connected to the drilling device.

Abstract: A hybrid telemetry system for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is deployed via a drill string into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The hybrid telemetry system includes an uphole connector, a downhole connector, and a cable operatively connecting the uphole and downhole connectors. The uphole connector is operatively connectable to a drill string telemetry system for communication therewith. The downhole connector is operatively connectable to the downhole tool for communication therewith.

Abstract: A MWD/LWD hard line communication system and method includes for the system a cartridge capable of deploying wire in a borehole, a screen attachable to the cartridge and positionally retainable in the borehole, and a communications connector operably associable with the cartridge; and for the method, deploying hardline from a cartridge, attaching the cartridge to a screen, and attaching the cartridge to a communications connector. Another method includes pumping fluid downhole, urging a wire nest into a screen, and compacting the nest into the screen with the fluid until the fluid is pumpable past the nest through an unobstructed portion of the screen.

Abstract: A system is disclosed as having first and second tubular tool string components. Each component has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the first component is coupled to the second end of the second component through mating threads. First and second inductive coils are disposed within the first end of the first component and the second end of the second component, respectively. Each inductive coil has at least one turn of an electrical conductor, and the first coil is in magnetic communication with the second coil. The first coil has more turns than the second coil.

Abstract: A method is provided which transmits information using a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along a drill string. In this method, a first node obtains a transmission status of a second node. When the transmission status of the second node indicates that the second node meets a selected performance threshold, information is sent from the first node to the second node. When the transmission status of the second node indicates that the second node does not meet its performance threshold, then the first node obtains a transmission status of a third node. When the transmission status of the third node indicates that the third node meets a selected performance threshold, information is transmitted from the first node to the third node for relaying along the drill string.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reliably communicating data between surface and downhole equipment over a power cable, regardless of the length of the power cable, wherein a transmitter modulates a common data stream onto multiple high frequency carrier signals, each of which has a different frequency. Each of the different frequencies is best suited to communication over a different length of cable. The resulting modulated high frequency data signals are impressed on the power cable and are recovered from the cable by a receiver. The receiver is configured to recover signals at each of the different carrier frequencies, at least one of which should be transmitted with little enough attenuation and interference that the data stream can be accurately recovered from the corresponding modulated high frequency data signal.

Abstract: A method for determining electrical condition of a wired drill pipe includes inducing an electromagnetic field in at least one joint of wired drill pipe. Voltages induced by electrical current flowing in at least one electrical conductor in the at least one wired drill pipe joint are detected. The electrical current is induced by the induced electromagnetic field. The electrical condition is determined from the detected voltages.

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.

Abstract: A data communication system for use in downhole applications wherein electrical energy is supplied over a multiple-conductor power cable to an ESP motor assembly. A downhole unit is AC-coupled to the conductors of the power cable through the wye point of the ESP motor assembly. A surface unit is AC-coupled to the conductors of the power cable. Uplink communication of telemetry data occurs over an AC communication scheme supported by the downhole unit and the surface unit. Downlink communication of remote control command data occurs over a different AC communication scheme supported by the surface unit and the downhole unit. These AC communication schemes provide an independent supply of power to the downhole environment. All communication between the surface and downhole environment is accomplished through the power cable without the use of additional communication lines. Data communication is maintained in the event of a ground fault on the power cable.

Abstract: Subterranean oilfield high-temperature devices configured or designed to facilitate downhole monitoring and high data transmission rates with remotely pumped lasers that are configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, at temperatures in excess of 115 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A transmission system in a downhole component comprises a plurality of data transmission elements. A coaxial cable having an inner conductor and an outer conductor is disposed within a passage in the downhole component such that at least one capacitor is disposed in the passage and having a first terminal coupled to the inner conductor and a second terminal coupled to the outer conductor. Preferably the transmission element comprises an electrically conducting coil. Preferably, within the passage a connector is adapted to electrically connect the inner conductor of the coaxial cable and the lead wire. The coaxial capacitor may be disposed between and in electrically communication with the connector and the passage. In another embodiment a connector is adapted to electrical connect a first and a second portion of the inner conductor of the coaxial cable and a coaxial capacitor is in electrical communication with the connector and the passage.

Abstract: A drilling system utilizing a plurality of independent telemetry systems. The drilling system uses a drill collar as a pressure housing for downhole components of the system. One or more sensors are disposed within the pressure housing. These sensors can be MWD sensors, LWD sensors, or both MWD and LWD sensors. A plurality of independent borehole telemetry systems is used to telemeter sensor response data to the surface of the earth. Each sensor cooperates with a downhole component of at least one of the independent telemetry systems. The plurality of telemetry systems can be of the same type, such as a mud pulse systems. Alternately, the telemetry systems can be of different types including a mud pulse system and an electromagnetic system.

Abstract: A cycleable downhole tool such as a Jar, a hydraulic hammer, and a shock absorber adapted for telemetry. This invention applies to other tools where the active components of the tool are displaced when the tool is rotationally or translationally cycled. The invention consists of inductive or contact transmission rings that are connected by an extensible conductor. The extensible conductor permits the transmission of the signal before, after, and during the cycling of the tool. The signal may be continuous or intermittent during cycling. The invention also applies to downhole tools that do not cycle, but in operation are under such stress that an extensible conductor is beneficial. The extensible conductor may also consist of an extensible portion and a fixed portion. The extensible conductor also features clamps that maintain the conductor under stresses greater than that seen by the tool, and seals that are capable of protecting against downhole pressure and contamination.

Abstract: A power and signal distribution system comprises a converter unit connected to a plurality of control units. The converter unit and the control units are arranged in areas difficult to access, for instance on the sea bed. The converter unit is connected to a remote monitoring and supplying device via at least one cable connection. Each control unit has assigned thereto at least one production apparatus for crude oil or natural gas corresponding gate valves, chokes, biops, actuators. In some embodiments, the power and signal distribution system the converter unit comprises a data separation device and a voltage converter. The converted voltage from the voltage converter is transmitted together with data/signals from the converter unit to at least one of the control units.

Abstract: An operation of drilling an earth borehole uses a drilling rig, a drill string of drill pipes having its generally upper end mechanically coupleable with and suspendable from the drilling rig, a drive string portion of the drill string, mechanically coupleable with the topmost drill pipe of said drill string, and a drive mechanism mechanically coupleable with the drive string for rotating the drive string and the drill string. A system for generating electric power in the region of the drive string includes an electric generator, which includes a rotating generator component mounted on said drive string for rotation therewith and a stationary generator component mounted on a stationary portion of the drilling rig. The rotating generator component produces electric power in the region of the drive string.