Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for determining a lifespan of an electronic component in a downhole environment is disclosed. A first wear-out model is created that is related to a selected electronic component. A physical condition of the selected electronic component is examined at a selected examination time. The physical condition is generally due to the downhole environment in which the electronic component is disposed. A second wear-out model for the selected electronic component is created from the first wear-out model and the examined physical condition of the selected electronic component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a time to failure of an electronic component used in a downhole environment is disclosed. A stress is applied to the electronic component to cause failure of a plurality of prognostic sensors associated with the electronic component, wherein the stress level at which a prognostic sensor fails is indicative of a stress level at which the electronic component fails. Failure times are obtained due to the applied stress for the plurality of prognostic sensors. A trend is determined from the obtained failure times of the prognostic sensors. The time of failure of the electronic component is estimated from the determined trend.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a time to failure of an electronic component used in a downhole environment is disclosed. A stress is applied to the electronic component to cause failure of a plurality of prognostic sensors associated with the electronic component, wherein the stress level at which a prognostic sensor fails is indicative of a stress level at which the electronic component fails. Failure times are obtained due to the applied stress for the plurality of prognostic sensors. A trend is determined from the obtained failure times of the prognostic sensors. The time of failure of the electronic component is estimated from the determined trend.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for determining a lifespan of an electronic component in a downhole environment is disclosed. A first wear-out model is created that is related to a selected electronic component. A physical condition of the selected electronic component is examined at a selected examination time. The physical condition is generally due to the downhole environment in which the electronic component is disposed. A second wear-out model for the selected electronic component is created from the first wear-out model and the examined physical condition of the selected electronic component.

Abstract: A method for two-way communication for controlling production from a formation having at least one producing well and a plurality of producing zones. In one embodiment, the method comprises installing a flow control device with a controller proximate each of the producing zones, where each controller has a predetermined communication address, and each controller is adapted to act as a repeater on command from a surface controller; connecting each controller to a transmission bus where the transmission bus is connected to the surface controller; transmitting a command message from the surface controller to a predetermined downhole controller, where the command message determines a predetermined path along the transmission bus according to a predetermined protocol; receiving the command message by the predetermined controller; and executing the command message to control the flow control device. Transmitting a response message back along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A method for two-way communication for controlling production from a formation having at least one producing well and a plurality of producing zones. In one embodiment, the method comprises installing a flow control device with a controller proximate each of the producing zones, where each controller has a predetermined communication address, and each controller is adapted to act as a repeater on command from a surface controller; connecting each controller to a transmission bus where the transmission bus is connected to the surface controller; transmitting a command message from the surface controller to a predetermined downhole controller, where the command message determines a predetermined path along the transmission bus according to a predetermined protocol; receiving the command message by the predetermined controller; and executing the command message to control the flow control device. Transmitting a response message back along the predetermined path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the location of subsurface markers in a formation proximate to a borehole. The apparatus includes marker detectors in a housing having at least two housing sections attached in an initial orientation. The distance between the detectors is measured under controlled conditions with a calibration bar. The initial attached orientation between the housing sections is identified with a calibrator, and deviations from the initial attached orientation are identified by the calibrator after the housing sections are detached and reattached. The calibrator permits well site corrections to be made to the housing sections without recalibration. Gauges permit corrections for temperature and pressure fluctuations, and the corrected distances between the housing detectors is computed.