Abstract: A guiding system for driving a non rigid exploration device in wells where progression by gravity is difficult includes a tubular column for guiding the displacement of the device which includes a plurality or set of sondes joined together by non-rigid connecting means into a deflected well zone. A first sonde of the set is at least fitted with anchoring arms and its cross-section and possibly that of all the remaining sondes of the set can be larger than the cross-section of the tubular column. In this case, a more or less long protective housing is provided at the end of the column. A delayed electric connection device for the set of sondes linked to a surface laboratory is utilized. The first sonde is pushed out of the column by a fluid pressure and anchoring arms of the first sonde are opened. The tubular column is pulled backward and upward in order to make the plurality of sondes to come out of the column and to be positioned in the well and, thereafter, measuring cycles are carried out.

Abstract: A locking device allows a cable to be immobilized in translation in relation to a side wall entry sub inserted in a string of tubular elements taken down into a well bore as long as the tractive forces that can be applied to the cable remain limited. The locking device includes a tubular coupling made of two complementary parts which can be tightened around the cable with screws of a limited resistance and an insert fastened in a recess of the sub fitted with a cylindrical inner cavity which can contain the coupling and prevent its translation while leaving it free to turn around on itself. The insert is fitted with a mouthpiece adapted for releasing the cable from the coupling when a thrust load exerted on the cable is sufficient for breaking the screws.

Abstract: Device for extracting a liquid out of a tube of great length closed at one of its ends in case a communication between the closed end and a source of a substitution fluid should be difficult to establish, the device includes a mobile member provided with a body connected to a supporting surface apparatus, a piston whose cross-section is adapted to the inner cross-section of the tube controlled valve means allowing for the running of the mobile member along the tube and means in the body for providing a substitution fluid such as liquified gas bottles or substances which provide a great volume of gas when combusted. Such a device is useful for example for emptying tube when production tests are conducted in oil wells,.

Abstract: A method and device for perforating a wall of a well by use of a tool such as an explosive gun includes the use of an intervention set. This set has a perforating tool associated with a measuring box such as a logging sonde and temperature and pressure sensors which is taken down into the well. The set is suspended by a linking cable on a support frame which can be locked inside and at the base of a tubing. The tubing is taken down to the intervention area and blocked by a packer. The support frame and the set are displaced by a control cable lowered down from the surface and the best places for carrying out shootings or perfortions in the well are determined through measurements made by the measuring box. Sensors contained in the box allow an operator to check the results. After the intervention, the perforating tool, for example, an explosive gun, is left in the well and the support frame and the box are taken up in order to clear the inside of the tubing.

Abstract: A method of determining parameters of a geological environment having a known electrical resistivity R.sub.h, with a heterogeneity in the environment having an electrical resistivity R.sub.e, and with a borehole extending into either the environment or the heterogeneity at an unknown distance p from the interface between the environment and the heterogeneity. A measuring assembly is extended into the borehole, including an electrical emitter and two or more electrical detectors. Electrical energy is applied to the emitter and detected by one of the detectors at a distance d from the emitter, and the borehole resistivity R.sub.a at the distance d is determined. This is repeated for others of the detectors at other distances d. A curve is plotted of the resistivity ratio R.sub.a /R.sub.h as a function of the distance d. The plotted curve is compared with previously obtained curves of the resistivity ratio R.sub.a /R.sub.h as a function of d for various combinations of the values of the resistivity ratio R.sub.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed particularly adapted for seismic prospection in substantially horizontal drains using intermediate frequency acoustic waves for conciliating the range and the power of resolution. In a well is lowered steps-by-steps a transmission-reception assembly comprising at least one probe associated with a guide block but able to be mechanically uncoupled therefrom, and at least one acoustic wave source associated with a guide block. The source is inserted in a rigid column connecting the probe to the surface control device. A delayed connection system makes it possible to connect the probe and the source electrically to a surface control and recording assembly. The source comprises one or more vibrators transmitting in the 200-2000 Hz band for example or a sparker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for using a logging probe of small diameter with resect to a well in which it is to operate. The device of the invention is characterized in that it includes a widener for widening the diameter of said probe.

Abstract: Method and device for carrying out measurements and/or interventions in a well section which is substantially inclined with respect to the vertical or horizontal with a set of instruments provided at the bottom of a rigid string. In the method, a set or assembly of instruments is positioned or maintained positioned in an extension of the string at the lower end of the string, the assembly being in a first position relative to the end. The assembly and the bottom part of the string are introduced into the well and the assembly is advanced into the well by progressively pushing the end of the string until the assembly reaches a desired position, then the assembly is released and disengaged from a first position and brought into a second position wherein the assembly rests on a wall of the well and wherein it is mechanically decoupled from the string. The connection between the assembly and the string being provided by a flexible line and, thereafter, measurement and/or intervention is carried out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for using a logging probe of small diameter with respect to a well in which it is to operate. The device of the invention is characterized in that it includes a widener for widening the diameter of said probe.

Abstract: Equipment is provided for drill pipe strings including a side entry sub, allowing a cable to be passed therethrough using if required a safety member for anchorage on a support. Said sub includes more particularly means for sealing about the cable and said entry and isolating a zone inside the sub, which opens at the level of the lower end of the sub and the inner zone has a side opening adapted to be connected to a pumping installation. This anchorage member includes more particularly a body cooperating with a clamping element for defining a passage of variable section for the cable so as to be able to anchor this cable. At least one stop cooperating with a surface is used for varying the section of the passage. The body and the clamping element are locked to the support by means whose release is controlled so as to cause a translational movement of the member inside the support and disengagement of the cable.

Abstract: A process and device making possible the guidance of the drilling tool through geological formations including an analytical device for directional geological analysis that carries out measurements as the drilling advances for guiding the drilling tool through the geological formation. The drilling column at its lower end includes the drilling tool (1) driven by a turbine (2) mounted on an elbow (4), a directional analytical device (3) that carries out measurements according to well set directions, a logging sensor (5), a drilling sensor (6) and a topographic probe (7). When drilling through specific geological formations, the information provided by the directional analytical device (3) is used for guiding the drilling tool in real time.

Abstract: A probe and anchoring device for anchoring the probe and the well, with the probe having an axis parallel to a well axis and including a probe body supporting the anchoring device. The anchoring device is provided with two arms which are offset angularly with respect to each other in relation to the axis of the probe, with the arms being so arranged that when they are deployed, the probe comes directly into contact with the walls of the well.

Abstract: System for displacing a set of instruments for taking measurements and/or carrying out interventions in a well, the system being remote controllable from the surface between two positions. The invention also relates to a method for taking measurements and/or intervening by using said system. The system, according to the invention, is particularly characterized in that it comprises a body (6a) inside which there is arranged a support (9), said body cooperating with said support to provide for a displacement of the support relative to said body, said support having it displacement stroke limited by means of two stops (11, 12) which are integral with said body, said support being mechanically connected to said set of instruments (2) by means of a connection shaft (13), said system being deprived of reversible locking means.

Abstract: A method and device for taking measurements and/or carrying out interventions in a well comprising a first zone wherein hydraulic compression including for providing hydraulic fracturing is achieved and a second zone wherein measurements and/or interventions are carried out, said compression zone communicating through a casing to hydraulic pressure means, the lower end of the casing comprising an assembly of one or the plurality of measuring instruments connected to the surface via cable placed inside the casing and mechanically isolated from the casing by an elastic link. In the method, at a point in the casing adjacent to the fracturing zone, any fracturing fluid flow coming from or going to said fracturing zone is controlled by a control element actuated at least partially by the cable from the surface, the control element being situated at a level higher than the assembly.

Abstract: Stopper, for cable passages or conduits, having a first chamber placed in said passage, said chamber comprising at least one bearing surface placed in this passage and adapted to cooperate with a closure element, a second chamber opening into the first chamber, said closure element being housed in said second chamber in a first position of the stopper, and means for moving the closure element in the first chamber to a second position of the stopper, where the cable is withdrawn from the passage, further comprising a separating member, situated between said first chamber and said second chamber, this member being adapted for controlling the movement of the closure element from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for determining, from a well, the orientation of fractures in a geological formation having a fracture zone. The device includes a tubular element connected to a hydraulic fluid source and having at least one flow orifice through which the fluid may escape. This device further includes:(a) at least one chamber through which the fluid may flow from the tubular element towards the fracture, this chamber being in communication with the flow orifice,(b) at least one mobile orientation element situated substantially at the same depth as the fracture zone, this element being articulated about the tubular element and being adapted for moving by rotation towards a final position following discharge of the fluid from the chamber towards the fracture zone, and(c) an arrangement for locating the final position of said orientation element, this position being in relation with the orientation of the fracture.

Abstract: A method is provided for making measurements in geological formations from a horizontal borehole or a borehole with limited slant with respect to the horizontal, formed in the wall of an underground way. It includes essentially a probe containing measuring instruments, adapted to be introduced and pushed into the borehole at the end of an elongate element such as a semirigid tube which is wound off a storage reel, straightened and moved linearly by feed means. The tube passes through a sealing element disposed at the orifice of the borehole. It contains a transmission cable for connecting the probe to a control and recording assembly and it communicates through a rotary hydraulic and electric collector with a pumping system provided for filling the bored hole with fluid before making the measurements.

Abstract: A process for installing seismic sensors inside a petroleum production well equipped with a cemented casing involves arranging the seismic sensors along an outer surface of the casing before being descended into a drilled well and cementing a ring-shaped space between the casing and the well so as to acoustically connect the sensors to geological formations. The sensors and transmission cables which link them to the surface are secured to centering devices guiding the descent of the casing or to the casing outer wall, possibly by means of a coating of damping material. The sensors may be inserted into sleeves secured outside the casing.

Abstract: A cable cutting sub or coupling for drilling, production, well logging or troubleshooting operations in wells, comprising a drilling pipe in which a cable is engaged. This sub allowing the cable to be severed if required comprises a tubular body in which a liner may slide. The side wall of said tubular liner has an opening in which is engaged a member for severing the cable and said liner is movable from a first position offering free axial passage to the cable to a second position in which an internal shoulder of said liner urges the cable against said severing member.

Abstract: A device for making measurements and interventions during fluid production or injection in a well passing through a geological formation is provided in tubing located in the well. The device has a propulsion position in the production tubing and a measuring or intervention position and comprises means supporting sealing members which are adapted on the one hand for uncovering an opening allowing fluid to flow along the tubing and an extension in said measuring or intervention position of the device and on the other for closing said opening in said propulsion position.