Well Logging Patents (Class 166/254.2)
  • Patent number: 9651476
    Abstract: A method for downhole fluid analysis by optical spectroscopy with photoacoustic detection includes positioning a photoacoustic system within a wellbore, applying a laser pulse to the fluid sample using the pulsed laser system, detecting, by the acoustic sensor, a time-resolved acoustic pulse generated by absorption of the laser pulse by the fluid sample, and determining a property of the fluid sample using the detected time resolved acoustic pulse. The photoacoustic system includes a pulsed laser system and an acoustic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew J. Speck, Andrew E. Pomerantz, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 9523254
    Abstract: A capillary delivery system includes a capillary pump down tool. The capillary pump down tool is pumped into a well until it engages a landing sub that is positioned in a lateral section of the well. The capillary may be a fiber optic cable secured to the pump down tool. When the pump down tool reaches a desired location in the well the fiber optic cable and/or sensors in the pump down tool will sense parameters in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SageRider, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryan Barton, Tyler Wall, William Shroyer, Steven Lee Jackson
  • Patent number: 9435191
    Abstract: A sensor flap for a downhole tool. The downhole tool is positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The sensor flap includes a sensor housing and at least one sensor. The sensor housing is operatively connectable to the downhole tool. The sensor housing is movably positionable between a retracted position in the downhole tool and an extended position in contact with a wall of the wellbore. The sensor is positionable in the sensor housing, and may include a seismic detector to measure seismic activity when the sensor housing is in contact with the wall of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuki Endo
  • Patent number: 9435198
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for improving wellbores stability of a hydrocarbon bearing shale formation using nanoparticles to decrease swelling and plug pore throats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Martin E. Chenevert, Mukul M. Sharma
  • Patent number: 9382792
    Abstract: A method and system for determining information about a wellbore with coiled tubing. A downhole device may be positioned within coiled tubing and run down the wellbore to determine diagnostic information about a location with the wellbore. The downhole device may store diagnostic information in a storage device that may be analyzed when the device is returned to the surface. A downhole device may be connected to the end of a string of coiled tubing that includes a diagnostic device and memory sealed in a chamber. A flow path past the chamber is in communication with the coiled tubing string permitting the flow of fluid past the chamber. A downhole device including a diagnostic device may be connected to a recess in an exterior of a coiled tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Flores
  • Patent number: 9275009
    Abstract: Variable volume systems and methods of use thereof described herein are capable of making calibrated determinations of fluid properties and phase behavior of a fluid sample. The determinations can be calibrated based on one or more calibration functions, such as system volume corrected for pressure and temperature variations. Cross-checking the results of measurements can be used to determine accuracy of the calibration or monitor for leaks or other anomalies of the variable volume systems. The variable volume systems can be implemented in a well logging tool and are capable of being calibrated downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kentaro Indo, Sihar Marpaung, Peter S. Hegeman, Michael Toribio
  • Patent number: 9238960
    Abstract: A method for using markers with a drilling plan uses a first log file of a first well in order to identify and store one or more markers that have a name, a true vertical depth (TVD) and a waveform. Second well log data generated while a second well is being drilled is monitored in real time. The second well log data is compared to the one or more markers to located a match to at least one marker in a predetermined TVD range. An estimated TVD value and an uncertainty range value are assigned to each of the at least one planned marker. When a matching marker is located for one of the one or more markers in the predetermined TVD range a report is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Hunt Advanced Drilling Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Todd W. Benson, Brian Eugene Stokeld, Dwight A. Lockhart
  • Patent number: 9181784
    Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing well effluents comprises coiled tubing, an artificial lift mechanism attached to the coiled tubing and a logging tool fitted with sensors capable of characterizing well effluents associated with operation of the artificial lift mechanism. Also a method for characterizing well effluents that includes lowering a logging tool fitted with a multitude of sensors capable of characterizing well effluents with a cable and lowering an artificial lift mechanism on coiled tubing capable of flowing well effluent past the logging tool. Further a method for treating a well including characterizing well effluents by lowering a logging tool fitted with a multitude of sensors capable of characterizing well effluents on a cable and lowering an artificial lift mechanism on coiled tubing capable of flowing well effluent past the logging tool; and injecting a treatment into a desired formation selected using information obtained while characterizing the well effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bruno Barbosa Alves, Hisham Abou El Azm
  • Patent number: 9157287
    Abstract: A technique facilitates conveyance of equipment along a wellbore or other tubular structure. A tractor is provided with a plurality of wheels oriented to engage a surrounding wall. Rotation of the wheels drives the tractor and causes longitudinal movement of the tractor with respect to the surrounding wall via a tangential force created between each wheel and the surrounding wall. Each wheel comprises teeth having a wheel tooth geometry which enhances cooperation with the surrounding wall. For example, the wheel tooth geometry may be designed to cooperate with the tangential force to push debris out of the teeth of each wheel during rotation of the wheel along the surrounding wall. In some applications, the wheel tooth geometry is designed to present a plurality of raised, rounded surfaces which engage the surrounding wall with a low stress impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Slocum, Keith Nelson, Irene Gabler, James Bayless
  • Patent number: 9051817
    Abstract: A pipe conveyed extendable well logging assembly includes a pipe end protector for preventing wellbore debris from entering an opening at the end of the pipe from which a logging tool is extendable. Plugging of the opening is prevented to ensure proper deployment of the extendable logging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hudson Hales, Timothy Gordon Schacherer
  • Patent number: 9000942
    Abstract: A telemetry apparatus and method for communicating data from a down-hole location through a borehole to the surface is described including a light source, an optical fiber being placed along the length of the wellbore and receiving light from the light source, a transducer located such as to produce a force field (e.g. a magnetic field) across the optical fiber and its protective hull without mechanical penetration of the hull at the down-hole location, one or more sensors for measuring down-hole conditions and/or parameters, a controller to provide a modulated signal to the magnetic field generator, said modulated signal being under operating conditions representative of measurements by the one or more sensors, and an optical detector adapted to detect changes in the light intensity or polarization of light passing through the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Atkinson, Yuehua Chen, Arthur Hartog, Franck Monmont, Rogerio Ramos, Robert Schroeder, Jeffrey Tarvin
  • Publication number: 20150090444
    Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface to a selected depth in a wellbore. The pipe string includes at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber signal channel. A power sub including an electric power source is coupled proximate a lower end of the pipe string. At least one electrically powered wireline configurable wellbore instrument is coupled to the power source in the sub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ashers Partouche, Harold Steven Bissonnette, Shyam B. Mehta, Reza Taherian, Gbenga Onadeko, Shardul J. Sarhad
  • Publication number: 20150047837
    Abstract: A well completion system having (i) a completion assembly; (ii) a service tool positioned within the completion assembly, wherein the service tool includes a substantially straight bore central passage from an upper end of the service tool to a lower end of the service tool; and (iii) a one-way valve positioned in an assembly annulus formed between the service tool and an inner surface of the completion assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Dewayne Turner, Jed Landry, Anthony Thomas, David Walker
  • Publication number: 20150021020
    Abstract: A production logging tool (PLT) is conveyed within production tubing containing production fluid flow established by zonal fluid flow from formation zones. The PLT measures a flow rate of the production fluid flow at each of a plurality of depths associated with a corresponding one of the zones. A flow rate of the zonal fluid flow from each zone is determined based on the flow rates of the production fluid flow measured at each of the depths. The PLT measures proportions of compositional components of the production fluid flow at each of the depths. A flow rate of each compositional component of the zonal fluid flow from each zone is determined based on the determined flow rate of the zonal fluid flow from each zone and the proportions of compositional components of the production fluid flow measured at each of the depths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Colin Whittaker, A. Ballard Andrews, Andrew Speck
  • Patent number: 8917094
    Abstract: Downhole tools and techniques acquire information regarding nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, and conductive formations. At least some method embodiments provide a current flow along a drill string in a borehole. The current flow disperses into the surrounding formation and causes a secondary current flow in the nearby conductor. The magnetic field from the secondary current flow can be detected using one or more azimuthally-sensitive antennas. Direction and distance estimates may be obtainable from the azimuthally-sensitive measurements, and can be used as the basis for steering the drillstring relative to the distant conductor. Possible techniques for providing current flow in the drillstring include imposing a voltage across an insulated gap or using a toroid around the drillstring to induce the current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Jing Li
  • Patent number: 8893808
    Abstract: A self-centering tool for use in a wellbore includes a centering mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The centering mechanism includes at least one arm that is configured to move from a first position to a second position. The arm urges a centerline of the tool towards a centerline of the wellbore when in its second position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the centering mechanism and urges the arm from its first position to its second position. The release mechanism is electro-mechanically actuated. In its locked position, the release mechanism prevents the arm from moving towards its second position, while in its released position the arm is able to move towards its second position. The release mechanism is a split-spool type mechanism. A control system that includes one or more sensors controls the operation of the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Cary A. Valerio
  • Patent number: 8875808
    Abstract: A method for conveying logging tools (LT) and obtaining well log data from a wellbore is disclosed. The method includes running a drill string (DS) including a landing sub (LS) disposed near the lower end into a wellbore. A logging tool string (LTS) is inserted into the upper end of the DS bore. A fluid is pumped into the upper end of the DS bore to assist movement of the LTS. As the fluid is pumped behind the LTS, the cable at the surface is spooled out and the fluid pressure is monitored. The landing assembly of the LTS is landed in the LS. A diagnostic test is activated and run to determine proper functioning of the LT. A release mechanism releases the running tool portion of the LTS. The cable is spooled in. The drill pipe string is pulled upward in the wellbore as the LT are recording data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Eugene Cherry, Andrew Albert Hrametz, Nathan James Harder
  • Patent number: 8863836
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for obtaining log data on a cased wellbore concurrently with wellbore cleanout operations. In some such embodiments, a combination of at least one cleaning means and at least one logging tool are integrated or otherwise affixed to a common workstring, such that both wellbore cleanout and logging operations can be accomplished without having to remove the workstring from the well between such operations. In some such embodiments, the one or more logging tool(s) transmit information about the cased wellbore to the surface wirelessly. In some or other such embodiments, such information is transmitted via cable, in real-time or in batch mode. In some or still other such embodiments, such information is stored in memory and accessed subsequent to the workstring being extracted from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Earl J. Coludrovich, III
  • Patent number: 8851193
    Abstract: A self-centering tool for use in a wellbore includes a centering mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The centering mechanism includes at least one arm that is configured to move from a first position to a second position. The arm urges a centerline of the tool towards a centerline of the wellbore when in its second position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the centering mechanism and urges the arm from its first position to its second position. The release mechanism is electro-mechanically actuated. In its locked position, the release mechanism prevents the arm from moving towards its second position, while in its released position the arm is able to move towards its second position. The release mechanism is a split-spool type mechanism. A control system that includes one or more sensors controls the operation of the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Cary A. Valerio
  • Publication number: 20140262250
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for inferring one or more physical property parameters of a sub-surface media by inverting converted wave data acquired during a seismic survey. Composite seismic traces are generated at a plurality of survey azimuths (step 609). These composite traces are composed such that their amplitudes are free of effects of subsurface anisotropy. At least one of the generated composite seismic traces is then inverted by isotropic inversion to determine a property parameter of the subsurface media (step 623).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Reeshidev Bansal, Michael P. Matheney
  • Patent number: 8823379
    Abstract: The invention relates to a logging tool (1) for determining properties of a fluid (2) surrounding the tool arranged downhole in a casing (3) comprising a wall (4) and having a longitudinal extension. The logging tool has a substantially longitudinal cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis and, when seen in cross-section, a periphery (5). Moreover, the logging tool comprises a plurality of electrodes (6) arranged spaced around the longitudinal axis in the periphery of the tool so that the fluid flows between the electrodes and the casing wall and a means for measuring the capacitance between two electrodes in all possible combinations giving n*(n?1)/2 capacitance measurements for n electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Welltec A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbaek, Jimmy Kjaersgaard-Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8813869
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for measuring and analyzing refracted acoustic energy. A plurality of receivers mounted are on a downhole tool, and are arranged and adapted to receive refracted acoustic energy from a downhole formation. Measurements of refracted acoustic energy is analyzed such that information relating to an azimuthal direction relative to the downhole tool of an interface within the downhole formation can be estimated. The receivers can be mounted on a drill collar as part of a LWD tool and steering of the drilling trajectory can be based in part on the estimated formation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Bennett, Jakob Brandt Utne Haldorsen, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Nobuyasu Hirabayasbi, Takeshi Endo, Richard Timothy Coates
  • Patent number: 8800654
    Abstract: A wellbore machining device is proposed for machining a tubular component of a wellbore. The device includes a control unit at the surface level of the wellbore and a down-hole tool unit connected to the control unit through a wire line. The tool unit includes an elongated guide member, a tool member movably supported on the guide member with respect to at least three axes of motion and a plurality of actuators controlled by the control unit and adapted to move the tool member with respect to the axes of motion. The tool unit further includes two anchor members each mounted to an axial end of the guide member and adapted to releasably clamp the tool unit to the tubular component. The control unit and the tool unit form a computer numerical control device (CNC device) wherein the actuators are electric servo motors controlling an actual position of the tool member with respect to a path and/or a sequence of desired position defined by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventor: Steinar Wasa Tverlid
  • Patent number: 8763695
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing an oil-based wellbore servicing fluid comprising an electrical conductivity enhancer into the wellbore and logging the wellbore by resistivity imaging. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising introducing an oil-based drilling fluid to a wellbore, identifying a subsection of the wellbore for imaging, introducing to the subsection of the wellbore a oil-based wellbore servicing fluid comprising a carbon nanotube wherein the servicing fluid comprising the electrical conductivity enhancer mixes with the oil-based drilling fluid; and imaging the subsection of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan van Zanten
  • Patent number: 8726983
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus log an underbalanced open hole well without killing the well or causing formation damage to maintain well control during the process. The installation of the well logging equipment is accomplished while holding the underbalanced open hole at its optimal pressure, then conveying the logging string on a drill string into the open hole portion to total depth and logging while removing the logging string from the total depth to be logged with a cable side entry sub. The invention also provides a unique configuration of equipment to accomplish the logging using what is normally referred to as tough logging condition techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Waqar Khan
  • Patent number: 8708041
    Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface into a wellbore. At least a portion of the pipe string includes a signal communication channel having a cable, such as an electrical conductor or an optical fiber. At least one wireline configurable wellbore instrument is coupled to the pipe string and has at least one sensor therein for measuring a physical parameter. The at least one instrument is in signal communication with the signal communication channel in the pipe string. The system includes a controller functionally associated with the at least one instrument and configured to initiate operation of the at least one sensor upon detection of a command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo, Shyam B. Mehta, Reza Taherian, Jean-Marc Follini
  • Patent number: 8689867
    Abstract: A well logging instrument deployment device according to this aspect of the invention includes a housing configured to be coupled to a pipe string. A latch disposed in the housing and is configured to retain a well logging instrument in a first longitudinal position inside the pipe string. An actuator is configured to release the latch to enable longitudinal movement of the well logging instrument inside the pipe string. A signal detector is operatively coupled to the actuator and is the configured to detect a command signal for operating the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tom MacDougall, Harold S. Bissonnette
  • Patent number: 8631867
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a fracturing operation in a target well comprising extending a seismic sensor in a tubing string to a first position in an well offset from the target well. A coolant fluid is circulated through the tubing string for a predetermined time. The tubing string is retracted to a second uphole position such that the cooled seismic sensor is exposed in the offset wellbore. A seismic signal emitted during the fracturing operation of the target well is sensed in the offset well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Gordy, Dwight D. Fulton
  • Publication number: 20140014333
    Abstract: In a method of evaluation of deposits and opening of productive formations in recovery of oil or gas, a previously drilled well is located and investigated to determine at least one first zone which is not productive for oil or gas extraction and at least one second zone which is productive for oil or gas extraction; the at least one first zone which is not productive for oil or gas extraction is skipped, while hydroslotting is performed in the at least one second zone by making a plurality of slots and thereby producing unloaded regions so as to provide again a flow of oil or gas in the previously drilled well which was not in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: ARGOSY TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Leon Marmorshteyn, Peter Mouler
  • Patent number: 8573298
    Abstract: A method for evaluating an earth formation from a well bore, that includes: collecting at least one of geochemical data, petrophysical data and geomechanical data from a wellbore; and identifying depositional facies of the earth surrounding the wellbore. A computer program product and a system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David J. Jacobi, Mikhail N. Gladkikh, Brian J. LeCompte, Freddy E. Mendez, Gabor Hursan, See Hong Ong, John M. Longo
  • Patent number: 8544534
    Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface to a selected depth in a wellbore. The pipe string includes at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber signal channel. A power sub including an electric power source is coupled proximate a lower end of the pipe string. At least one electrically powered wireline configurable wellbore instrument is coupled to the power source in the sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ashers Partouche, Harold Steven Bissonnette, Shyam B. Mehta, Reza Taherian, Gbenga Onadeko, Shardul Sarhad
  • Patent number: 8535026
    Abstract: A mechanism for moving elements in a fluid filled housing using a pump with the element to be moved attached rigidly to the pump or to a port assembly connected to the pump. The pump assembly or port assembly moves as a result of differential pressure created between a first and a second chamber separated from each other by the pump assembly or port assembly. Movement of the fluid in one direction increases or decreases pressure, the pressure change resulting in a net force in one direction or the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Aaron Jacobson, Nathaniel Wicks, Murat Ocalan
  • Patent number: 8522869
    Abstract: A fiber optic based logging assembly deliverable via coiled tubing. The downhole portion of the assembly is directed to develop a logging profile of a well by way of the fiber optic line. Thus, a downhole battery may be provided with the tool. Further, opto-electric interfaces may be provided with the assembly to convert between electrical and optical communication signals. Additionally, with the reduced profile of an optical communication line through the coiled tubing portion of the assembly, an operator may elect to perform treatment applications in real-time. That is, in certain circumstances, the operator may direct a treatment application utilizing the downhole assembly in response to the developing well profile (i.e. without first requiring that the assembly be withdrawn and replaced with a solely dedicated treatment assembly).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Vidal Noya, Soon Seong Chee, Sarmad Adnan
  • Patent number: 8490693
    Abstract: A method for performing field operations is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a first set of acoustic radial profiles of a subterranean formation prior to induction of a fracture disposed about the wellbore, obtaining a second set of acoustic radial profiles of the subterranean formation subsequent to the induction of the fracture, comparing the first set of acoustic radial profiles and the second set of acoustic radial profiles based on a pre-determined criterion to generate a comparison result, determining, based on the comparison result, an orientation of one or more portions of the fracture, and adjusting the operations of the oilfield based on the orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Birchwood, Tom R. Bratton
  • Patent number: 8485253
    Abstract: An anti-lock system, device and method for logging a wellbore are presented. The anti-lock system of a downhole tool preferably includes a first arm, a second arm, a pad, a swivel bearing between the first arm and the pad, and an anti-locking device. The first arm has an arm first end connected to the tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to a first end of the pad. The second arm has an arm first end connected to the tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to a second end of the pad. The swivel bearing between the first arm and the pad pivotally connects the first arm to the pad. The anti-locking device is coupled to the swivel bearing, and preferably includes an anti-lock biasing member for maintaining a connection between the first arm and the pad at the swivel bearing in an engaged position during normal logging and for allowing the connection to rotate toward a biased position when a binding force is encountered in the arm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gregoire Jacob
  • Patent number: 8464791
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for logging a wellbore with an arm system is provided. The arm system has a pad for measuring a downhole parameter and a first arm having an arm first end connected to a tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to the pad. The arm system has a second arm having an arm first end connected to the tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to the pad. The arm system has a sliding shuffle adapted to allow a portion of the arm system to translate relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool body and a first biasing member wherein the first biasing member and the sliding shuffle are for moving the pad between a closed position proximate the tool body and an engaged position proximate the wellbore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gregoire Jacob
  • Publication number: 20130118733
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a downhole property of interest. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed in a borehole penetrating an earth formation and carry a releasable sensor. The sensor is configured to be released by the carrier into drilling fluid and to sense the property. The sensor includes a memory to store sensed property data. The data can be downloaded from the memory wirelessly with the sensor in the drilling fluid or by retrieving the sensor from the drilling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Sunil KUMAR
  • Publication number: 20130105150
    Abstract: A well completion method provides for monitoring of reservoir pressure and saturation levels for two reservoirs from a single monitoring well. The well completion extends vertically through an upper and a lower reservoir. The well is cased, cemented, and perforated across the lower reservoir. A cement free zone is formed by cementing the casing string within the wellbore above an external casing packer above the upper reservoir. The casing string is perforated to allow fluid from the upper reservoir to flow through the cement free zone. A tubing string is landed and set within the casing string. The tubing string is sealed above and below the perforation at the cement free zone to prevent communication between fluid from the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir. The upper reservoir is monitored at the cement free zone, and the lower reservoir is monitored below an end of the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Fahad Al-Ajmi
  • Publication number: 20130081807
    Abstract: First equipment is provided in a first lateral branch of a well, and second equipment in a second lateral branch of the well. Cross-lateral logging is performed using the first and second equipment in the corresponding first and second lateral branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen Dyer, John Algeroy, Marian Faur, Omer Gurpinar
  • Patent number: 8408355
    Abstract: A downhole tool for subsurface disposal is provided. The tool comprises an elongated tool body, an enclosure attached to an exterior surface of the tool body. The enclosure comprises at least one transducer disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure, and an electronics board coupled to and disposed adjacent to the at least one transducer. The enclosure also defines an internal cavity, and the internal cavity contains a fluid for insulating the at least one transducer from a downhole environment. The fluid is in direct contact with the at least one transducer and the electronics board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel F. Pabon, Fernando Garcia Osuna, David B. Ayers
  • Publication number: 20130068453
    Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons in a subterranean well useful for observing properties of one or more subterranean zones, includes the steps of: (a) installing a lower straddle packer in a vertical well bore below a junction with a lateral well section; (b) installing an upper straddle packer in a vertical well bore above the junction with the lateral well section; (c) conveying hydrocarbons from the from the lateral well to the surface with a tubing; (d) observing pressure information in at least one zone with a pressure gauge located in the vertical well bore below the lower straddle packer; and (e) obtaining information in the at least one zone with logging equipment run through the tubing. A sidetrack window may be installed in the tubing between the lower straddle packer and the upper straddle packer for providing access to the lateral well section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abdulaziz A. Al-Ajaji, Fahad A. Al-Ajmi, Mohammad S. Kanfar
  • Publication number: 20130062057
    Abstract: Subterranean formation locations/heights of tagged proppant doped with a high thermal neutron capture cross-section material are determined using data obtained from before and after frac logging passes through a well of a logging tool having near and far neutron dectors. Proppant location inaccuracies arising from changes in lithology between a zone of no interest and a proppant-containing formation zone are made, after any required normalization for a between-log change in borehole fluid, using an observed difference between the near/far detector count rate ratios in the two passes to determine a count rate differential correction to be applied to the before frac detector count rate. The corrected before frac count rate log is then overlaid with the after frac count rate log such that suppression in the after frac count rate log relative to the corrected before frac count rate log indicates the presence of proppant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: CARBO CERAMICS INC.
    Inventor: Harry D. Smith, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130056201
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation to identify potentially productive zones within the formation. The method may be particularly useful for evaluating formations penetrated by at least one directionally drilled wellbore. The method can include releasing, capturing, and measuring at least one property related to the hydrocarbon materials entrapped in rock samples obtained from the formation, and the results of the analysis can be used to perform at least one wellbore-related activity, such as drilling, stimulating, and/or producing a new or existing wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: William David Chandler, JR.
  • Patent number: 8390295
    Abstract: A system for measuring a resistivity parameter of an earth formation includes: at least one measurement electrode electrically connected to a first electrical source; at least one guard electrode; a shielding electrode interposed between the at least one guard electrode and the at least one measurement electrode, the shielding electrode being electrically connected to a second electrical source independent from the first electrical source, and the guard electrode being electrically connected to a third electrical source independent of the first and second electrical sources; at least one return electrode; insulators positioned between (i) the measurement electrode and the shielding electrode, (ii) the shielding electrode and the guard electrode and (iii) the measurement electrode, the guard electrode and the return electrode; and a processor configured to adjust at least one of the first electrical source and the second electrical source to minimize a current flow through the shielding electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthias Gorek, Martin Folberth, Christian Fulda
  • Patent number: 8365822
    Abstract: A logging tool, system and method for logging a wellbore are presented. The logging tool preferably includes at least two arm sets that are positionable on a downhole tool deployable into the wellbore. The two arm sets preferably include a first arm set, a second arm set, and an overlap tool body. The first arm set has at least two azimuthally spaced first arm systems with a sensor pad coupled to two arms. The two arms have an upper connection and a lower connection on a tool body of the downhole tool. The second arm set has at least two azimuthally spaced second arm systems with a sensor pad coupled to two arms. The two arms have an upper connection and a lower connection on the tool body, and wherein the upper connection of the second arm set are longitudinally overlapped between the lower connections of the first arm set. The overlap tool body portion for coupling the upper connection of the second arm set and the lower connections of the first arm set to the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gregoire Jacob
  • Patent number: 8360146
    Abstract: The invention is a method for inverting reservoir bi-axial anisotropy and identifying complicated fracture/cross-bedding system (104) by using tri-axial induction logs and wellbore survey/image log data. An inversion method is disclosed that uses all nine components that can be measured by tri-axial induction tools (101), plus borehole azimuth and deviation data, to solve for the tri-axial induction response in an arbitrary anisotropic formation due to the non-orthogonal bedding plane and fracture plane (or cross bedding plane). A mathematical formula is provided relating the conductivity tensor in the tool's reference frame to the conductivity tensor in a reference plane associated with the fracture/cross bedding planes (102). This equation is inverted (103) to yield the conductivity tensor components in the fracture/cross bedding coordinate system, along with dip and azimuth angles for both the fracture/cross bedding planes and the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Hezhu Yin
  • Publication number: 20120298355
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a system, method, and tool for logging while pulling. The disclosed system includes a tool and a bottom hole assembly, and the tool engages with the bottom hole assembly. The tool includes an elongated body, a retarder positioned on the elongated body, and a locking ring positioned on the elongated body. The retarder has at least one point of contact with an interior surface of a drill pipe. The disclosed method includes assembling the tool, providing a landing ring on a bottom hole assembly, free dropping the tool to the bottom hole assembly, and engaging the landing ring of the bottom hole assembly with the locking ring of the tool so that a portion of the tool extends below the bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Adrian John Digby
  • Patent number: 8294592
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for determining an orientation of a wellbore survey tool at a first position with respect to a reference direction. At least one first signal is indicative of an orientation of a directional reference system with respect to the reference direction. The directional reference system is positioned at a second position spaced from the first position. At least one second signal is indicative of a relative orientation of the wellbore survey tool with respect to the directional reference system. The orientation of the wellbore survey tool at the first position is determined in response at least in part to the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: GYRODATA, Incorporated
    Inventors: John Lionel Weston, Eric Wright, Gary Uttecht, Roger Ekseth
  • Patent number: 8286710
    Abstract: A valve assembly (10) comprises a drillpipe (11) defining a hollow, generally cylindrical interior having secured therein a valve member (12) that is moveable between an open position, permitting passage of an object through the valve (10), and a closed position preventing passage of fluids along the drillpipe (11). A resiliently contractile arm (17) interconnects the valve member (12) and the drillpipe (11) so as to urge the valve member (12) towards the closed position and such that when an object passes along the drillpipe (11) and engages the valve member (12) or the arm (17) the valve member (12) occupies the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Reeves Wireline Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Michael John Chaplin, Simon Christopher Ash
  • Patent number: 8269501
    Abstract: Methods for imaging geological structures include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic probe in a proximity to the geological structures, generating a magnetic field in the geological structures and detecting a magnetic signal. The at least one magnetic probe may be on the surface of the geological structures or reside within the geological structures. The methods also include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic detector in the geological structures and measuring a resonant frequency in the at least one magnetic detector. Methods for using magnetic materials in dipole-dipole, dipole-loop and loop-loop transmitter-receiver configurations for geological structure electromagnetic imaging techniques are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Howard K. Schmidt, James M. Tour