Abstract: Data retrieval tags, drillstring communications systems and methods, and computer programs are disclosed. The data retrieval tag includes an insulator substrate, at least one analog memory cell disposed on the insulator substrate and an antenna coupled to the analog memory.

Abstract: Measurement of petrophysical and geophysical data of formations in a wellbore using a long gauge bit having at least one sensor therewith. The at least one sensor may be installed in at least one flute of the long gauge bit and/or in the long gauge portion thereof. Data for creating images of the formations are obtained at or near the bottom of the borehole and proximate to the long gauge bit used for drilling the borehole. Orientation of the long gauge bit is also available on a real time basis. Magnetic and/or gravitational sensors may be used in determining bit orientation. The flutes of the long gauge bit and the long gauge portion thereof may have standard inserts to accommodate various types of different sensors and electronic packages therefor.

Abstract: Downhole positioning systems and associated methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system comprises a downhole source, an array of receivers, and a data hub. The downhole source transmits an electromagnetic positioning signal that is received by the array of receivers. The data hub collects amplitude and/or phase measurements of the electromagnetic positioning signal from receivers in the array and combines these measurements to determine the position of the downhole source. The position may be tracked over time to determine the source's path. The position calculation may take various forms, including determination of a source-to-receiver distance for multiple receivers in the array, coupled with geometric analysis of the distances to determine source position. The electromagnetic positioning signal may be in the sub-hertz frequency range.

Abstract: Downhole positioning systems and associated methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system comprises a downhole source, an array of receivers, and a data hub. The downhole source transmits an electromagnetic positioning signal that is received by the array of receivers. The data hub collects amplitude and/or phase measurements of the electromagnetic positioning signal from receivers in the array and combines these measurements to determine the position of the downhole source. The position may be tracked over time to determine the source's path. The position calculation may take various forms, including determination of a source-to-receiver distance for multiple receivers in the array, coupled with geometric analysis of the distances to determine source position. The electromagnetic positioning signal may be in the sub-hertz frequency range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surveying a borehole using a rotating sensor package. A sensor tool preferably including a magnetometer sensor array is disposed in the bottom hole assembly of a drillstring. Conditioning circuitry in the sensor tool processes the sensor readings from the sensor array taken while the drillstring is rotating. In one embodiment, the conditioning circuitry includes processing circuitry adapted to adjust the sensor readings to account for an analytically predicted level of axial current induced in the drillstring as a result of its rotation in the Earth's magnetic field. In another embodiment, a current generator is provided to generate a counter-current intended to cancel the analytically predicted level of axial current induced in the drillstring as a result of rotation in the Earth's magnetic field. In another embodiment, insulating members are disposed above and/or below the sensor tool to prevent conduction of rotation-induced current therein.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a tubular for downhole operations. The tubular comprises a bottomhole assembly. The bottomhole assembly comprises a first downhole tool having a first sensor that is to generate a first data, wherein a first entity is at least one of a controller or an owner of the first downhole tool. The bottomhole assembly comprises a second downhole tool having a second sensor that is to generate a second data, wherein a second entity is at least one of a controller or an owner of the second downhole tool. The first data and the second data are to be coded in a common format. The bottomhole assembly also comprises a processor to execute instructions to receive and process the first data and the second data.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to couple, in a substantially fluid-tight manner, a first tubular member (140?) carrying a first set of tubular member conductors (124?) to a hollow cylinder (104). The hollow cylinder may include two or more sets of insulators having an equal number of insulating elements (120, 128) located on the outer surface of the hollow cylinder, and two or more sets of conductors (110, 116) having an equal number of conducting elements defining pairs of conducting elements located on the outer surface . Each of the pairs of conducting elements may be insulated from the other pairs of conducting elements by the sets of insulators. Various embodiments may also operate to couple, in a substantially fluid-tight manner, a second tubular member (140?) carrying a second set of tubular member conductors to the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus that can be used to contain radiation sources, explosives, and other material transported as cargo may include layers of lead, tungsten, plastic, paraffin, armor, and heat absorbing material to surround an interior portion, as well as a lockable port to provide access to the interior portion. In some embodiments, activities may include detecting various conditions associated with the layers or cargo, and impeding access to the interior portion responsive to detecting the conditions.

Abstract: A method and system for designing bottom hole assembly configuration. The system and method include modeling the bottom hole assembly by dividing complicated BHA configurations into independent modules and segments. Modules are bounded by two stabilizers where segments are bounded by bottom hole assembly components. A recursive process is used to derive solutions for each of the segments and modules. Only two unknowns (and two non-linear equations) are left when the recursive process reaches to the bit. The two unknowns are then solved by iteration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drilling a borehole are disclosed. An electric motor electrically and mechanically coupled to a wired drill pipe is provided. The electric motor couples to a shaft that rotates when power is supplied to the electric motor. The shaft is couplable to a drill bit. The wired drill pipe transfers electricity to the electric motor from the surface. Operation of the electric motor rotates the shaft. The drill bit wears away earth to form the borehole in the earth.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring a property, such as torque, includes a plurality of sensors, and a measuring device. The sensors attach to a downhole apparatus at a distance from one another. The sensors provide signals indicating their positions. A logic circuit may calculate an angle between the sensors. The logic circuit then calculates the property based on the angle, the distance between the sensors, and other known physical properties of the downhole apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating integrated circuits at temperatures higher than expected ambient temperatures. The heating may be of entire circuit boards, portions of the circuit boards (such as the components within a multiple-chip module) and/or single devices. Methods and related systems may be used in any high temperature environment such as downhole logging tools, and the devices so heated are preferably of silicon on insulator semiconductor technology.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for receiving a telemetry signal with a receiver that is moveably disposed within a drillstring. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a surface module coupled to the upper end of a drillstring, an upper module detachably connected to the surface module, and a lower module moveably disposed within the drillstring. The lower module is coupled to the upper module by an extendable cable. A telemetry signal receiver is disposed on said lower module, which also includes a tractor assembly for moving the lower module through the drillstring.

Abstract: A system and method for determining blockage in a wellbore containing fluid and/or in a formation adjacent the wellbore, according to which energy is generated in the fluid and variables associated with the energy are measured.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, electronic devices suitable for use at temperatures in excess of 200 C. may comprise an integrated circuit fabricated on a silicon carbide substrate, and a thick passivation layer. In other embodiments, electronic devices suitable for use at temperatures in excess of 200 C. may comprise an integrated circuit formed from silicon located on a sapphire substrate, and a thick passivation layer. The electronic devices may be implemented in the context of hydrocarbon drilling and production operations.

Abstract: An electromagnetic borehole telemetry system providing improved signal to noise ratio. Adaptive filters use noise channels as references to remove noise from the signal channel. Directional detectors provide a signal channel with reduced noise content and improved noise channels with reduced signal content. Directional detectors may be magnetometers aligned with the magnetic field, or antennas aligned with the electric field, of signal or noise sources. Alignment may be performed by beam steering of the outputs of a three-channel detector, which may detect both signal and noise.

Abstract: A signaling apparatus comprises a magnet and a shield moveable relative to the magnet. The shield is moveable relative to the magnet between a first position in which the magnet is relatively exposed and a second position in which the magnet is relatively shielded. The apparatus can include a synchronization signal source, a downhole sensor signal source, and/or means for modulating the magnetic field in response to the signal from any source. A method of using the signaling apparatus to locate a bottomhole assembly includes moving the shield so as to modulate the magnetic field created by the magnet, sensing the modulation of the magnetic field, and determining the location of the bottomhole assembly using the information collected. The BHA can be located using phase shift or amplitude measurements. Receivers detecting the modulated magnetic field can be at or below the earth's surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a local response to a local condition in an oil well are disclosed. A sensor is provided to detect a local condition in a drill string. A controllable element is provided to modulate energy in the drill string. A controller is coupled to the sensor and to the controllable element. The controller receives a signal from the sensor, the signal indicating the presence of said local condition, processes the signal to determine a local energy modulation in the drill string to modify said local condition, and sends a signal to the controllable element to cause the determined local energy modulation.

Abstract: A signaling apparatus comprises a magnet and a shield moveable relative to the magnet. The shield is moveable relative to the magnet between a first position in which the magnet is relatively exposed and a second position in which the magnet is relatively shielded. The apparatus can include a synchronization signal source, a downhole sensor signal source, and/or means for modulating the magnetic field in response to the signal from any source. A method of using the signaling apparatus to locate a bottomhole assembly includes moving the shield so as to modulate the magnetic field created by the magnet, sensing the modulation of the magnetic field, and determining the location of the bottomhole assembly using the information collected. The BHA can be located using phase shift or amplitude measurements. Receivers detecting the modulated magnetic field can be at or below the earth's surface.

Abstract: Measurement of petrophysical and geophysical data of formations in a wellbore using a long gauge bit having at least one sensor therewith. The at least one sensor may be installed in at least one flute of the long gauge bit and/or in the long gauge portion thereof. Data for creating images of the formations are obtained at or near the bottom of the borehole and proximate to the long gauge bit used for drilling the borehole. Orientation of the long gauge bit is also available on a real time basis. Magnetic and/or gravitational sensors may be used in determining bit orientation. The flutes of the long gauge bit and the long gauge portion thereof may have standard inserts to accommodate various types of different sensors and electronic packages therefor.