Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for transmitting power and communicating signals to the remote sensing unit and for receiving communication signals from the remote sensor, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing an internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit for those embodiments in which a wireline tool is being used to communicate with remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is a standalone sensor that is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling at least one wellbore from an offsite location is provided. Each wellbore is located at a wellsite having a drilling rig with a downhole drilling tool suspended therefrom. The downhole drilling tool is selectively advanced into the earth to form the wellbore. The downhole drilling tool is operated according to a wellsite setup. Wellsite parameters are collected from a plurality of sensors positioned about the wellsite. The wellsite parameters are transmitted to an offsite control center. The offsite control center performs an analysis of the wellsite parameters and automatically adjusts the wellsite setup from the offsite control center based on the analysis.

Abstract: A downhole fluid pump including a pump chamber, and a piston disposed in the pump chamber so that the piston will move in one selected from a charge stroke and a discharge stroke when the piston is exposed to a differential pressure. The downhole fluid pump may form part of a formation evaluation while drilling tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for communicating with the remote sensing unit, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing a internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit. The remote sensing unit is an active device with the capability of responding to control commands by determining certain subsurface formation characteristics such as pressure or temperature, and transmitting corresponding data values to a wellbore tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to collect downhole data during a drilling operation via a downhole tool. A differential pressure is created by the difference between internal pressure of fluid passing through the downhole tool and the annular pressure in the wellbore. The apparatus includes a drill collar connectable to the downhole drilling, and has an opening extending into a chamber therein. A piston is positioned in the chamber and has a rod extending into the opening. The piston is movable between a closed position with the rod filling the opening, and an open position with the rod retracted into the chamber to form a cavity for receiving downhole fluid. A sensor is positioned in the rod for collecting data from fluid in the cavity. The apparatus may also be provided with a probe and/or hydraulic circuitry to facilitate the collection of data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well-bore sensor apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a downhole tool carrying at least one sensor plug for deployment into the sidewall of a well-bore. The apparatus may also be used in conjunction with a surface control unit and a communication link for operatively coupling the sensor plug to the surface control unit. The sensor plug is capable of collecting well-bore data, such as pressure or temperature, and communicating the data uphole via a communication link, such as the downhole tool or an antenna. The downhole data may then be analyzed and control commands sent in response thereto. The sensor plug and/or the downhole tool may be made to respond to such control commands. In some embodiments, multiple surface control units for corresponding wells may be networked for decision making and control across multiple well-bores.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for transmitting power and communicating signals to the remote sensing unit and for receiving communication signals from the remote sensor, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing an internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit for those embodiments in which a wireline tool is being used to communicate with remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is a standalone sensor that is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit. The subsurface formation data values are transmitted to a central location for analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for communicating with the remote sensing unit, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing a internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit. The remote sensing unit is an active device with the capability of responding to control commands by determining certain subsurface formation characteristics such as pressure or temperature, and transmitting corresponding data values to a wellbore tool.

Abstract: A transducer packaging assembly for use in a sensing unit subjected to high forces of acceleration includes a base having a cavity. A pressure sensitive semiconductor die is bonded to a large backplate having a shape so that it nestles into the cavity but is spaced from a surface of the cavity. A planar cover secured to the base has a hole larger than the die but smaller than the backplate, and thin wires extend from the die to electrical connections on the assembly. A viscous fluid fills a space between the backplate and the cavity, and a space between the backplate and the cover, and transmits a pressure to be measured to the pressure sensitive die. The viscous fluid has a sufficiently high viscosity to oppose movement of the backplate relative to the cavity while cushioning the pressure sensitive die and the backplate from forces of acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for transmitting power and communicating signals to the remote sensing unit and for receiving communication signals from the remote sensor, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing an internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit for those embodiments in which a wireline tool is being used to communicate with remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is a standalone sensor that is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well-bore sensor apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a downhole tool carrying at least one sensor plug for deployment into the sidewall of a well-bore. The apparatus may also be used in conjunction with a surface control unit and a communication link for operatively coupling the sensor plug to the surface control unit. The sensor plug is capable of collecting well-bore data, such as pressure or temperature, and communicating the data uphole via a communication link, such as the downhole tool or an antenna. The downhole data may then be analyzed and control commands sent in response thereto. The sensor plug and/or the downhole tool may be made to respond to such control commands. In some embodiments, multiple surface control units for corresponding wells may be networked for decision making and control across multiple well-bores.

Abstract: A remote sensing unit for sensing subsurface formation is provided. The remote sensing unit is an active device with the capability of responding to control commands to determine subsurface formation characteristics, and transmitting corresponding data values. Some embodiments of the remote sensing unit include a battery, or a capacitor for storing charge. The embodiments that include the capacitor receive RF power that is converted to a DC signal for storing charge on the capacitor. When the charge is depleted to a specified point, the remote sensing unit prompts the wellbore tool to transmit additional RF power to recharge the capacitor. The remote sensing unit is provided with RF power to wake it up and to place it into an operational mode, and/or to send modulated data values that are then transmitted to the surface where operational decisions for the well may be made.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for deploying a data sensing apparatus into a subsurface geologic formation for intermittent or continuously gathering data from the subsurface formation and transmitting the data to a remote data receiver. In a preferred embodiment, a non-linear arrangement of a barrel and a burn chamber is used to provide a gun-like device for firing a bullet-shaped data sensing apparatus into a formation of interest. The data sensing apparatus, once disposed within the matrix of the formation of interest, monitors formation conditions and transmits the data for use in optimizing drilling and production activities.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for communicating with the remote sensing unit, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing a internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit. The remote sensing unit is an active device with the capability of responding to control commands by determining certain subsurface formation characteristics such as pressure or temperature, and transmitting corresponding data values to a wellbore tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for communicating with the remote sensing unit, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing a internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit. The remote sensing unit is an active device with the capability of responding to control commands by determining certain subsurface formation characteristics such as pressure or temperature, and transmitting corresponding data values to a wellbore tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for gathering data from a subsurface formation. A shell is utilized having a chamber therein, and being adapted for sustaining forcible propulsion into the subsurface formation. A data sensor is disposed within the chamber of the shell. The shell has a first port therein for communicating properties of a fluid present in the subsurface formation to the data sensor when the apparatus is positioned in the subsurface formation, whereby the data sensor senses at least one of the properties of the fluid.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method are provided for collecting data from a subsurface formation during drilling operations. The tool includes a tubular mandrel adapted for axial connection in a drill string positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subsurface formation and a stabilizer element or sleeve positioned about the tubular mandrel for relative rotation between the stabilizer element and the tubular mandrel. A plurality of elongated ribs are connected to the stabilizer element. A means is connected to the stabilizer element for frictional engagement with a wall of the wellbore so as to prevent the stabilizer element from rotating relative to the wellbore wall. An actuator system is carried at least partially by the stabilizer element, and a probe is carried by one of the elongated ribs and adapted for movement by the actuator system between a retracted position within the one rib and an extended position engaging the wellbore wall such that the probe collects data from the formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring a property of a subsurface formation intersected by a wellbore, which contemplate the use of a tool body adapted for movement through the wellbore. Actuating means is carried by the tool body, and a probe is propelled by the actuating means for movement of the probe between a retracted position within the wellbore and an extended position penetrating a wall of the wellbore such that the probe engages the formation. The probe is adapted for substantially producing a seal at the wall of the wellbore as the probe is moved to the extended position, and the probe has means therein for measuring the property of the formation engaged by the probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for establishing communication in a cased wellbore with a data sensor that has been remotely deployed, prior to the installation of casing in the wellbore, into a subsurface formation penetrated by the wellbore. Communication is established by installing an antenna in an opening in the casing wall. The present invention further relates to a method and apparatus for creating the casing wall opening, and then inserting the antenna in the opening in sealed relation with the casing wall. A data receiver is inserted into the cased wellbore for communicating with the data sensor via the antenna to receive formation data signals sensed and transmitted by the data sensor. Preferably, the location of the data sensor in the subsurface formation is identified prior to the installation of the antenna, so that the opening in the casing can be created proximate the data sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring data representing formation parameters while drilling a wellbore is disclosed. A well is drilled with a drill string having a drill collar that is located above a drill bit. The drill collar includes a sonde section having transmitter/receiver electronics for transmitting a controlling signal having a frequency F and receiving data signals at a frequency 2F. The drill collar is adapted to embed one or more intelligent sensors into the formation laterally beyond the wall of the wellbore. The intelligent sensors have electronically dormant and active modes as commanded by the transmitter/receiver circuitry of the sonde and in the active mode have the capability for acquiring and storing selected formation data such as pressure, temperature, rock permeability, and the capability to transmit the stored data to the transmitter/receiver of the sonde for transmission thereby to surface equipment for processing and display to drilling personnel.