Abstract: Apparatus and methods for estimating a value of a resistivity property of an earth formation intersected by a borehole. Apparatus may include a carrier conveyable in the borehole; a tri-axial induction antenna assembly along the carrier; and a magnetically transparent sleeve enclosing the antenna assembly. The antenna assembly includes panels circumferentially arrayed about a portion of the carrier to form at least three collocated antennas. Each panel includes a magnetic core, an axially sensing coil that is transversely wound about the magnetic core, and a laterally sensing coil that is longitudinally wound about the magnetic core. The axially sensing coil of each panel may be electrically connected to the axially sensing coils of the other panels to form an axial antenna. Corresponding lateral coils may be electrically connected to form a lateral antenna. Each panel may be individually removable from the carrier, and assembled together may form a cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment in a borehole penetrating the earth includes: a carrier configured to be conveyed through the borehole; an antenna assembly disposed on the carrier and configured to receive an NMR signal; and an active gain circuit having an input coupled to the antenna and configured to apply gain to the received NMR signal and to provide an output signal comprising NMR experiment data. The apparatus also includes a feedback circuit configured to feed the output signal back to the input of the active gain circuit; wherein the signal fed back to the input of the active gain circuit is out of phase with the received NMR signal and the feedback circuit provides an electrical quality factor Q value of an antenna assembly that is less than the electrical quality factor Q value of the antenna assembly without the feedback circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment in a borehole penetrating the earth includes: a carrier configured to be conveyed through the borehole; an antenna assembly disposed on the carrier and configured to receive an NMR signal; and an active gain circuit having an input coupled to the antenna and configured to apply gain to the received NMR signal and to provide an output signal comprising NMR experiment data. The apparatus also includes a feedback circuit configured to feed the output signal back to the input of the active gain circuit; wherein the signal fed back to the input of the active gain circuit is out of phase with the received NMR signal and the feedback circuit provides an electrical quality factor Q value of an antenna assembly that is less than the electrical quality factor Q value of the antenna assembly without the feedback circuit.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus for estimating properties of an earth formation includes a carrier configured to be deployed in a borehole in the earth formation and at least one transmitting assembly disposed in the carrier and configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field in a volume of interest within the earth formation. The apparatus also includes at least one receiving assembly disposed in the carrier and configured to detect a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal originating in the volume of interest. In this apparatus, the receiving assembly includes at least a first longitudinal region with a loop coil and a butterfly coil, the loop coil central axis being located over a region of the magnet assembly where a static magnetic field is predominantly along an azimuthal direction to the carrier and the butterfly coil being at least partially overlapped with the loop coil to reduce mutual coupling.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein that may improve sensitivity to transient signals. For example, an electromagnetic sensor for downhole measurements that includes a plurality of sectors (e.g., four quadrants) is provided herein. Each quadrant may include a magnetic core formed of a material with a high initial magnetic permeability to improve sensitivity to transient signals. A sensor for continuous wave induction tools is also provided, and may include a magnetic core formed of a material with a high initial magnetic permeability. Forming each sector magnetic core of a material with a high mechanical reliability may allow the magnetic core of the corresponding sensor to be pliable and flexible and not brittle and prone to breaking. Furthermore, the corresponding sensor may have enhanced sensitivity, greater stability of sensitivity relative to temperature changes, and high mechanical reliability.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus for estimating properties of an earth formation includes a carrier configured to be deployed in a borehole in the earth formation and at least one transmitting assembly disposed in the carrier and configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field in a volume of interest within the earth formation. The apparatus also includes at least one receiving assembly disposed in the carrier and configured to detect a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal originating in the volume of interest. In this apparatus, the receiving assembly includes at least a first longitudinal region with a loop coil and a butterfly coil, the loop coil central axis being located over a region of the magnet assembly where a static magnetic field is predominantly along an azimuthal direction to the carrier and the butterfly coil being at least partially overlapped with the loop coil to reduce mutual coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation includes: a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating an earth formation; a first fractal-shaped antenna element disposed on the carrier and configured to at least one of transmit electromagnetic energy into the formation and receive electromagnetic energy from the formation; and a second fractal-shaped antenna element electrically connected to the first fractal-shaped antenna element at a connection and configured to at least one of transmit electromagnetic energy into the formation and receive electromagnetic energy from the formation; wherein the second fractal-shaped antenna element is substantially a mirror image of the first fractal antenna element with respect to a reflection about the connection.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a dielectric logging tool for evaluating the earth formation using at least one transmitter antenna disposed in a cavity on a pad engaged with a borehole wall. The logging tool may comprise at least one power driver in electrical communication with the at least one transmitter antenna and configured to modulate a phase of output current of the at least one power driver. The logging tool may enforce symmetric current on both feeds of the at least one transmitter antenna causing a point of symmetry of the current to align with an axis of geometric symmetry of the at least one transmitter antenna. A parameter of interest of the formation may be estimated by using the attenuation and phase difference between the received and transmitted signals or between received signals from spaced receivers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through the borehole and having a first transmitter electrode configured to inject electrical current into the formation and a first measurement electrode configured to receive electrical current for measurement due to the current injection in order to estimate the property of the earth formation. A controller is configured to determine a phase difference between injected electrical current and received electrical current. A first bucker amplifier is coupled to the first measurement electrode and configured to apply a voltage to the first measurement electrode based on the determined phase difference in order for a phase of current received by the first measurement electrode to be substantially in phase with the current injected by the first transmitter electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation includes: a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating an earth formation; a first fractal-shaped antenna element disposed on the carrier and configured to at least one of transmit electromagnetic energy into the formation and receive electromagnetic energy from the formation; and a second fractal-shaped antenna element electrically connected to the first fractal-shaped antenna element at a connection and configured to at least one of transmit electromagnetic energy into the formation and receive electromagnetic energy from the formation; wherein the second fractal-shaped antenna element is substantially a mirror image of the first fractal antenna element with respect to a reflection about the connection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing coupling between at least one measure electrode and at least one return electrode in a logging tool in a borehole with non-conductive drilling fluid using a conductive shield disposed between the at least one measure electrode and the at least one return electrode. The apparatus may be configured to impart an electrical current into a formation and to receive a return current from the formation. The method may include using the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for estimating a value of a resistivity property of an earth formation intersected by a borehole. Apparatus may include a carrier conveyable in the borehole; a tri-axial induction antenna assembly along the carrier; and a magnetically transparent sleeve enclosing the antenna assembly. The antenna assembly includes panels circumferentially arrayed about a portion of the carrier to form at least three collocated antennas. Each panel includes a magnetic core, an axially sensing coil that is transversely wound about the magnetic core, and a laterally sensing coil that is longitudinally wound about the magnetic core. The axially sensing coil of each panel may be electrically connected to the axially sensing coils of the other panels to form an axial antenna. Corresponding lateral coils may be electrically connected to form a lateral antenna. Each panel may be individually removable from the carrier, and assembled together may form a cylinder.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to apparatuses and methods for estimating a phase offset in earth formations. The method may include estimating the phase offset by comparing signals generated and received by a first sub, the second signal being transmitted by a second sub that has been synchronized by the signal generated by the first sub. The signals may be exchanged using a first antenna on the first sub and a second antenna on the second sub. The signals may use a selected frequency. Synchronization may take place without electrical communication between the first and second subs. The method may include compensating for a propagation delay in the signals using the phase offset. The method may include using a time stamp during the synchronization. The apparatus may include a first antenna and a second antenna on first and second subs, respectively, both configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein that may improve sensitivity to transient signals. For example, an electromagnetic sensor for downhole measurements that includes a plurality of sectors (e.g., four quadrants) is provided herein. Each quadrant may include a magnetic core formed of a material with a high initial magnetic permeability to improve sensitivity to transient signals. A sensor for continuous wave induction tools is also provided, and may include a magnetic core formed of a material with a high initial magnetic permeability. Forming each sector magnetic core of a material with a high mechanical reliability may allow the magnetic core of the corresponding sensor to be pliable and flexible and not brittle and prone to breaking. Furthermore, the corresponding sensor may have enhanced sensitivity, greater stability of sensitivity relative to temperature changes, and high mechanical reliability.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole. The apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes disposed downhole and configured to inject an electrical current into the earth formation using an applied voltage and/or measure electrical current resulting from an injection of the electrical current. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to perform a series of formation measurements that include injecting current into the earth formation using a unique subset of electrodes in the plurality of electrodes and measuring current in the earth formation using one or more electrodes not used for the current injecting. The processer sums the measured currents for the electrodes wherein the sum of electrical currents for at least one electrode that measured electrical current is substantially in phase with the applied voltage; and uses the sum of in phase currents to estimate the property.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole containing an oil-based drilling fluid. The apparatus includes an electrode disposed at a carrier and configured to inject alternating current into the formation. An electrically conductive plate is disposed between the first electrode and a borehole wall. An electrical insulator is disposed between and contacts the first electrode and the conductive plate. The apparatus is configured to prevent the drilling fluid from being disposed between the first electrode and the conductive plate. A first sensor is used to measure an electric field established between the first electrode and the conductive plate. A processor is configured to receive a measurement of the electric field to use as a floating reference signal to determine a phase difference with respect to a measured electrical quantity related to the injected electrical current in order to estimate the property.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying an output signal indicative of a downhole parameter that may include a carrier conveyable in a wellbore; a negative error compensator; and an output signal device. The negative error compensator may be configured to modify the output of the device to increase or decrease a characteristic of the output signal from the output signal device. Also, a method for modifying an output signal indicative of a downhole parameter that may include modifying a characteristic of an output signal produced by a output signal device in a wellbore using a negative error compensator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating a multi-component induction logging tool. The method may include orienting a Z-transmitter coil to be substantially orthogonal to at least one Z-receiver coil, positioning an X-transmitter coil disposed on the logging tool so that the X-transmitter coil is substantially parallel to a conducting surface; encompassing the Z-transmitter coil, the X-transmitter coil, and at least one Z-receiver coil of the logging tool with at least one conducting loop of a calibrator; and calibrating the logging tool using the calibrator. The apparatus may include a calibrator configured to receive the logging tool. The Z-transmitter coil and the Z-receiver coil may be located on separate subs that are detachable from one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole, apparatus including: a carrier configured to be conveyed through the borehole; a transducer disposed at the carrier and configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic energy into and/or from the earth formation to estimate the property; wherein the transducer includes a plurality of inductively coupled elements in a series, each element configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic energy and at least a first connection to a first element in the plurality and a second connection to a second element in the plurality with at least one of the first element and the second element being disposed between end transducer elements in the series.

Abstract: A multicomponent induction logging tool uses a nonconducting mandrel. A central conducting member including wires that electrically connect at least one of the antennas to another of the antennas. Electrodes disposed about the transmitter antenna form a conductive path through a borehole fluid to the central conducting member.