Well Logging Patents (Class 166/254.2)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8256565
    Abstract: An enclosure for housing a transducer and electronics for disposal on a downhole tool. A transducer is disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure contains a fluid surrounding the transducer. Enclosures also include transducers linked to motor means for selective rotation of the transducers within the enclosure. Enclosures with transducer arrays for phased or targeted signal transmission/detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel F. Pabon, Fernando Garcia Osuna, David B. Ayers
  • Publication number: 20120211235
    Abstract: The present invention provides conduit assemblies of substantial length that have an inner member disposed in an opening of a conduit member and connected to the interior of the conduit member. The inner member can serve to protect sensitive measuring equipment, such as optical sensors or well logging equipment, from damages, including damages incurred during deployment into subsurface environments, including oil and gas wells and oceans, while allowing for improved data collection by the equipment once deployed. The conduit assemblies can be deployed permanently or as intervention logging equipment. The present disclosure also provides for methods of making and using such conduit assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: David R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8245780
    Abstract: A method of measuring fluid in-flow in a region of interest in a wellbore comprises deploying a fiber optic cable concurrently with placement of a downhole tubular, transmitting a light signal along the cable and receiving a reflected signal from the region of interest, and interpreting the received signal to obtain information about fluid flowing in the region of interest. The wellbore may include a horizontal portion. The received signal may also be interpreted by assessing amplitude and frequency spectra across array of channels, conditioning the received signal by removing at least a portion of the signal that is not related to flow, assessing flow regimes across depths and times, calculating axial flow/s within the wellbore using relationships for axial flow, and calculating flow into or out of the wellbore at one or more points using relationships for flow through an orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Erkan Fidan, Menno Mathieu Molenaar, Bora Oz, Michael Charles Minchau
  • Publication number: 20120199345
    Abstract: A method for logging slick water hydraulic frac well includes the steps of: Perforating the well bore; Pumping fresh water into the reservoir; Running a high resistivity measurement tool down the hole to measure the resistance of the reservoir at selected intervals along the hole; Logging the resistance measurements; and Comparing the resistance of the reservoir strata with the resistance of the fresh water pumped into the reservoir to map the fracture. It is desirable but not necessary to run a high resistivity tool down the hole prior to the perforation step and measure the resistance of the reservoir to provide base line logging data, whereby the base line logging data may be compared with the water frac logging resistance measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Anderson
  • Patent number: 8225868
    Abstract: An interchangeable sleeve for a downhole tool includes a substantially cylindrical body configured to circumferentially engage the downhole tool, a blade extending radially from the body, and a transducer disposed within the blade. A drilling assembly includes a drill collar, an interchangeable blade configured to couple to the drill collar, and a transducer disposed within the blade. A size of the blade and a size of the transducer are selected based on a diameter of a borehole in which the downhole tool is to be used. A method of manufacturing an interchangeable sleeve for a downhole tool includes forming a blade on a body of the sleeve such that the blade extends radially from the body, disposing a transducer within the blade, and configuring the sleeve to circumferentially engage the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Stefan Morley, Alain Dumont
  • Publication number: 20120138291
    Abstract: Method, devices and systems are provided for measuring deformation in subterranean formations. Such methods include introduction of spaced-apart depth magnetic markers along the longitudinal length of a well bore and measuring the position of each depth marker over time so as to determine deformation of the subterranean formation. In certain embodiments, depth markers comprise rare earth magnets. In further embodiments, orientation of each magnetic bullet is determined over time to determine the change in orientation of each magnetic bullet. Advantages of the methods and devices herein include, but are not limited to, improved accuracy and reliability of deformation measurements and reduced environmental impact due to the avoidance of radioactive markers used by the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: Total E&P Canada Limited, ConocoPhillips Company - IP Services Group
    Inventors: Timothy A. TOMBERLIN, Bryan A. Vandal, Grant W. Byerley, Zachary L.A. Linkewich
  • Patent number: 8186432
    Abstract: A well logging fluid, and methods of using the same, include a base fluid selected from water, water-based mud, or oil-based mud, and an additive material selected from silica or cork or alike. The fluid has an impedance substantially different from that of the base fluid. Such a modified impedance helps improve the measurement accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: M-1 LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8171989
    Abstract: A system includes a subsea well and a carousel of tools. The carousel of tools is adapted to automatically and selectively deploy the tools in the well to perform an intervention in the well. The flow of fluid in a well is halted, and a tool is deployed from within the well while the fluid is halted. The tool is allowed to free fall while the fluid is halted. The flow is resumed to retrieve the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Goode, Andrew Gould, Alan Christie, Charles E. Vise, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8164476
    Abstract: A hybrid telemetry system for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is deployed via a drill string into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The hybrid telemetry system includes an uphole connector, a downhole connector, and a cable operatively connecting the uphole and downhole connectors. The uphole connector is operatively connectable to a drill string telemetry system for communication therewith. The downhole connector is operatively connectable to the downhole tool for communication therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: IntelliServ, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Hache, Remi Hutin, Raghu Madhavan, David Santoso
  • Publication number: 20120090837
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use downhole is provided, which apparatus, in one embodiment, includes an acoustic transducer having a first member in pressure communication with a confined fluid, wherein a displacement of the first member causes a volume change in the confined fluid that amplifies displacement of a second member to generate a pressure wave in medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Dwight W. Swett, James V. Leggett, III, Mark S. Solly
  • Publication number: 20120080184
    Abstract: The apparatus for evaluating a wellbore while drilling includes a logging toolheld on a drill string and is adapted to obtain data from the wellbore while moving the drill string including the logging tool uphole and out of the wellbore. The logging tool includes a memory for storing obtained data and an on-board power supply battery. A computer being positioned at a surface level of the wellbore is adapted to obtain the data from the memory when the logging tool is also positioned at the surface level. The logging tool is adapted to perform a minimum power-consuming sleep mode with a data obtaining and storing function being disabled and the computer is adapted to transmit a wake-up signal downhole to enable the data obtaining and storing function of the logging tool just prior to tripping out the drill string from the wellbore. The wake-up signal preferably is a mud pulse signal sent through the drilling fluid used when drilling the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Mohammad Jahangir, Tore Weltzin
  • Patent number: 8136591
    Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface into a wellbore. The pipe string includes at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber signal communication channel. A power sub is coupled to at least one wireline configurable wellbore instrument. The power sub is also coupled to the pipe string. The instrument is configured to receive electrical power from the power sub. The instrument includes at least one sensor responsive to at least one of movement of the instrument, change in a instrument operating condition and an environmental condition proximate the instrument. The sensor is configured to transmit signals therefrom over the communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher S. Del Campo, Harold S. Bissonnette, Reza Taherian
  • Patent number: 8127833
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for harvesting energy while moving a tool through a well are shown and described. The harvested energy can be used by the tool to perform work once it reaches an intended location in the well, or along the way. A considerable amount of potential energy is typically lost by oilfield tools as they move down through a borehole. Methods and apparatus described herein recover and/or store some of the energy during the downward movement of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jahir Alfonso Pabon, James Garland O'Connell, Burt S. Tilley, Matthew E J Brouillard, Tal Schwartz, Brandon Christopher Rowan, Mark Mefika Penner, Jeremy James Freeman
  • Publication number: 20120048541
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Gregoire Jacob
  • Publication number: 20120048542
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Grégoire Jacob
  • Publication number: 20120031610
    Abstract: A downhole tool configured for conveyance within a borehole extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a sensor assembly comprising a housing, a cap coupled to an end of the housing, a flow-line tube disposed within the housing and configured to receive fluid from the formation, a first winding disposed within the housing and configured to induce an electrical current in the fluid, and a second winding disposed within the housing and configured to detect the electrical current induced in the fluid by the first winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Albert Hoefel, Kent D. Harms, Michael J. Stucker
  • Patent number: 8091633
    Abstract: A tool used for treating and/or maintaining a wellbore that includes acoustic transducers for locating a lateral wellbore that intersects a primary wellbore. The tool includes a sensor to sense water and/or gas, and if the water and/or gas enters the primary wellbore from a lateral wellbore, the lateral to primary intersection can be identified by correlating information from the sensor and acoustic transducers. If needed, the tool can be used to plug the water and/or gas supplying lateral wellbore. The tool may include a bendable sub portion for orienting a portion of the tool for insertion into the lateral wellbore and a plug section for plugging the lateral wellbore after insertion therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mohammed Najim Al-Khamis
  • Patent number: 8087461
    Abstract: Production logging apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus comprises a coupling module, an electronic module, a micro-winch, a docking station, and a micro-production logging tool. The coupling module provides mechanical support for the production logging apparatus below a pumping arrangement disposed in a wellbore, and allows flow to enter the pumping arrangement. The electronic module comprises a winch controller, a powering module and a telemetry module, and adapted to automate the micro-winch. The docking station comprises a latching mechanism for ensuring positive engagement of a micro-production logging tool with the production logging apparatus during docking. And the micro-production logging tool comprises at least one sensor and is coupled to the micro-winch by a cable for regular production logging runs to measure the evolution of well characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20110315378
    Abstract: A casing string in a wellbore has conductive tubulars and modified conductivity (MC) or non-conductive tubulars joined to one another. A MC/non-conductive tubular may be disposed between two conductive tubulars. If there are at least two MC/non-conductive tubulars and at least three conductive tubulars, two of the MC/non-conductive tubulars may be alternately disposed between three of the conductive tubulars. The MC/non-conductive tubulars may be formed from materials such as stainless steel, fiber-reinforced thermal sets, and thermal plastics. One such thermal plastic is polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and it may be glass-reinforced. The conductive tubulars, if electrically isolated, may be used as electrodes to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals. The casing string may used for borehole to surface applications, surface to borehole applications, borehole to borehole applications, or single well applications. The casing string may also have downhole sensors, uphole sensors, and surface sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: DEAN M. HOMAN, Edward Nichols
  • Publication number: 20110308794
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., from within a borehole. A nearby casing string can be detected by transmitting an electromagnetic signal from a first antenna on a downhole logging tool and measuring a response signal with a second antenna. As the tool rotates, the transmitting and measuring are repeated to determine the azimuthal dependence of the response signal. The azimuthal dependence is analyzed to determine an diagonal component and a cross component. The amplitude of the diagonal component is indicative of distance to the conductive feature. Direction can be determined based on the diagonal component alone or in combination with the cross component. Sinusoidal curve fitting can be employed to improve accuracy of the distance and direction estimates. At least one of the antennas is preferably tilted. Measurement results are presented for parallel tilted and perpendicular tilted antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. BITTAR, Shanjun Li, Hsu-Hsiang Wu
  • Publication number: 20110308795
    Abstract: A signal coupling system for data and/or power signalling in tubing within a hydrocarbon extraction well. First and second transceivers are arranged with primary and secondary loops lying orthogonal to the ends of the transceivers. The transceivers can be narrower for access downhole. Each loop is housed in a semi-cylindrical housing with a planar face, so providing a cylindrical body when oppositely arranged for the transfer of electromagnetic radiation therebetween. Guiding surfaces are also provided on the housing to assist in bring the coupling system together downhole. The present invention provides reliable real-time data from any location within the wellbore and improves reservoir management, well planning and resource exploitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Brendan Peter Hyland, Mark Volanthen, Andrew Jaffrey, Mark Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8069919
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is provided. The system includes: an assembly including at least one of an injection conduit for injecting a thermal source into the formation and a production conduit for recovering material including the petroleum from the formation; a guide conduit attached to at least a portion of the at least one of the injection conduit and the production conduit, the guide conduit extending in a direction at least substantially parallel to the at least one of the injection conduit and the production conduit; and a detection source conduit insertable through the guide conduit and configured to dispose therein a detection source for detecting a location of the assembly in the formation. A method of monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Barton Sponchia
  • Patent number: 8044820
    Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventors: Philip M Snider, Joseph A Zierolf
  • Publication number: 20110253364
    Abstract: The invention relates to techniques, such as a system for generating a density of a cased wellbore. The system includes at least one downhole tool deployable into the cased wellbore, a radiation source supportable by the downhole tool for passing radiation through the subterranean formation, at least one detector supportable by the downhole tool for measuring the radiation, and a measurement tool for generating at least one apparent density log from the measured radiation. The measurement tool has at least one quality indicator tool for generating at least one quality indicator and for generating at least one compensated density log based on the apparent density log and the quality indicator whereby error is removed therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Laurent Mosse, James Hemingway, III, Ronald Plasek, Nancy J. Freshman
  • Publication number: 20110247803
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to monitor a first condition associated with transmitting or receiving a signal in a formation or on a drill string, or both, over a first selected interval of a drill string located down hole; to monitor a second condition associated with transmitting or receiving the signal in the formation or on the drill string or both, over a second selected interval of the drill string; to compare the first condition to the second condition to provide a comparison result; and based on the comparison result, to select one of the first selected interval or the second selected interval to transmit or receive the signal in the formation or on the drill string, or both. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, Clive D. Menezes
  • Patent number: 8022838
    Abstract: A logging system for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation. A tubular conduit is provided extending from surface into the wellbore, as well as a surface communication and control device located at the surface. A telemetry device located inside the wellbore is capable of sending and receiving signals to and/or from the surface communication and control device, the signals representing commands and/or data. Also provided is a logging tool string that is capable of passing from a position within the conduit to a position outside the conduit at a lower end part thereof and capable of being suspended by the conduit in said position outside the conduit. Communication of the commands and/or data between the logging tool string and the telemetry device is established using a communication interface between the logging tool string and the telemetry device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Thrubit B.V.
    Inventor: Eugene Andrew Murphy
  • Patent number: 8020616
    Abstract: A system for use in a well includes downhole equipment for positioning in the well, and an optical fiber for deployment in the well, the optical fiber to extend to a location of interest in the well in proximity of the downhole equipment. An analysis unit analyzes detected light signals returned from the optical fiber that has been affected by acoustic events generated by the downhole equipment and to determine a status in the wellbore based on the analyzing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Greenaway
  • Publication number: 20110198078
    Abstract: Subsurface formation evaluation comprising, for example, sealing a portion of a wall of a wellbore penetrating the formation, forming a hole through the sealed portion of the wellbore wall, injecting an injection fluid into the formation through the hole, and determining a saturation of the injection fluid in the formation by measuring a property of the formation proximate the hole while maintaining the sealed portion of the wellbore wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Edward Harrigan, Yves BarrioL, Andrei I. Davydychev, Andrew J. Carnegie, Dean M. Homan, Srinand Karuppoor, Yi-Qiao Song, Tim Hopper, Henry N. Bachman, William B. Vandermeer, Anthony L. Collins, Mark A. Fredette
  • Patent number: 7984755
    Abstract: The invention relates to the geophysical examination of wells and can be used for determining the electrical resistivity of rock beds surrounding a well cased in a metal column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Limited Liability Company “Interlog”
    Inventors: Valeri Vasilievich Serebrianski, Vladimir Ilich Yukhlin
  • Publication number: 20110139447
    Abstract: A system and method to log a wellbore, comprising a logging tool adapted to be deployed in a wellbore environment, the logging tool including at least one sensor for taking a measurement of the wellbore environment. The sensor is a fiber optic sensor and the system includes a fiber optic line in optical communication with the sensor. The data measured by the sensor is transmitted through the fiber optic line on a real time basis to the surface, where the data is processed into a real time display. In one embodiment, the fiber optic sensor is a passive sensor not requiring electrical or battery power. In another embodiment, a continuous tube with one end at the earth's surface and the other end in the wellbore is attached to the logging tool and includes the fiber optic line disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Rogerio Ramos, Nigel Leggett
  • Patent number: 7958937
    Abstract: A process for hydrofracturing a specific interval or zone in a water aquifer from a water well borehole and introducing high-pressure water and gravel proppants for increasing water flow production from the water well. The process uses a hydrofracture tool having a pipe section with a pair of inflatable packers. The tool is lowered into the borehole to the deepest interval to be fraced. The packers are then inflated thus sealing off the area in the borehole above the interval. High-pressure water is then introduced through the drill stem and out a high-pressure injection port in the lower end of the pipe section. After sufficient high-pressure water has fractured the surrounding interval, gravel proppants are forced into the surrounding fractured interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Well Enhancement & Recovery Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Courtney Hemenway
  • Patent number: 7942204
    Abstract: A method of using a survey system comprising at least one sensor. The method comprises operating the survey system to provide information regarding the orientation of the sensor relative to the Earth at a first resolution level while the sensor is a first distance relative to the Earth's surface and operating the survey system to provide information regarding the orientation of the sensor relative to the Earth at a second resolution level while the sensor is a second distance relative to the Earth's surface. The second distance is larger than the first distance. The second resolution level is higher than the first resolution level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: GYRODATA, Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric Wright, James Frederick Brosnahan, Greg Allen Neubauer
  • Patent number: 7931081
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is provided. The system includes: an assembly including at least one of an injection conduit for injecting a thermal source into the formation and a production conduit for recovering material including the petroleum from the formation; a guide conduit attached to at least a portion of the at least one of the injection conduit and the production conduit, the guide conduit extending in a direction at least substantially parallel to the at least one of the injection conduit and the production conduit; and a detection source conduit insertable through the guide conduit and configured to dispose therein a detection source for detecting a location of the assembly in the formation. A method of monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Barton Sponchia
  • Publication number: 20110088895
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring mud gas logging data, comparing the mud gas logging data to second data associated with a sidewall fluid sample measurement, and adjusting calibration data associated with a mud gas logging tool based on the comparison of the mud gas logging data and the second data associated with the sidewall fluid sample measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Julian J. Pop, Reza Taherian
  • Publication number: 20110083845
    Abstract: A logging tool for use within a work string within a wellbore. The logging tool includes one or more sensors which detect operational conditions within the wellbore and a processing and storage means for recording data relating to these conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Impact Guidance Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20110073303
    Abstract: A wireline configurable well logging instrument is connected to a drill pipe carrier and movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The drill pipe carrier is positioned on a pipe string that may comprise a portion of wired pipes communicatively coupled at each joint. Various embodiments for communication between the drill pipe carrier and the well logging instrument are disclosed, such as use of inductive couplers, wires and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Reza Taherian, Harold Steven Bissonnette, Chris Del Campo, Laurent Villegas, Shardul Sarhad
  • Patent number: 7913806
    Abstract: A measurement package for disposal on an apparatus such as a downhole tool or a tool like device. The measurement package including an enclosure, a first acoustic transducer housed within the enclosure, a second acoustic transducer housed within the enclosure and electronics housed within the enclosure that is in communication with the first and second transducers. Further, an acoustic transmitter and receivers can be disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure. The enclosure can contain attenuative material surrounding the transmitter and receivers, and electronics for controlling the transmitter and receivers and communicating with the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel F. Pabon, Fernando Garcia Osuna, David B. Ayers
  • Patent number: 7905282
    Abstract: A pipe conveyed well logging assembly is provided that includes a pipe string; a carrier assembly connected to the pipe string; and a memory logging tool carried by the carrier assembly and movable from a removably latched retracted position, protected within the carrier assembly, to a removably latched extended position, at least partially protruding from a lower end of the carrier assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Harold Steven Bissonnette, Todor K Sheiretov, Christopher S Del Campo, Matthew McCoy
  • Publication number: 20110056681
    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: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Waqar Khan
  • Publication number: 20110048702
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Grégoire Jacob
  • Patent number: 7896074
    Abstract: A pipe conveyed well logging assembly is provided that includes a pipe string; a carrier assembly connected to the pipe string and having an inner housing and an outer housing; and a memory logging tool carried by the carrier assembly and movable from a retracted position, protected within the inner housing; and an extended position, at least partially protruding from a lower end of the carrier assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Harold Steven Bissonnette, Todor K Sheiretov, Christopher S Del Campo, Matthew McCoy
  • Publication number: 20110042080
    Abstract: A method for performing field operations including 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: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. BIRCHWOOD, Tom R. BRATTON
  • Publication number: 20110042079
    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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Tom MacDougall, Harold S. Bissonnette
  • Publication number: 20110024109
    Abstract: A method of logging a wellbore comprises drilling a first wellbore to a depth using a drilling rig and drilling a second wellbore to a depth using the drilling rig. While the second wellbore is being drilled a logging operation is conducted in the first wellbore using the drilling rig. The logging operation can be conducted in the first wellbore via a wireline logging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: George R. BUCK, Eric Roberto Upchurch
  • Patent number: 7874359
    Abstract: A method of performing a pipe conveyed well logging operation is provided that includes providing a pipe conveyed well logging assembly having a pipe string, a memory logging tool and a memory module; deploying the assembly into a wellbore; operating the memory logging tool to perform a logging operation to obtain logging data from the wellbore; and retrieving the obtained logging data prior to withdrawing the pipe string from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Harold Steven Bissonnette, Todor K Sheiretov, Christopher S Del Campo, Matthew McCoy
  • Patent number: 7845404
    Abstract: A system includes a Christmas tree assembly mounted to a hydrocarbon well, an optical feedthrough module, and a plurality of optical sensors. The optical feedthrough module is operable to communicate through a pressure boundary of the Christmas tree assembly. The plurality of optical sensors is disposed within the Christmas tree assembly for measuring parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly and is operable to communicate through the optical feedthrough module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel McStay, Aidan Nolan, Gordon Shiach, Sean McAvoy, Espen Rokke
  • Publication number: 20100300685
    Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface into a wellbore. The pipe string includes at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber signal communication channel. A power sub is coupled to at least one wireline configurable wellbore instrument. The power sub is also coupled to the pipe string. The instrument is configured to receive electrical power from the power sub. The instrument includes at least one sensor responsive to at least one of movement of the instrument, change in a instrument operating condition and an environmental condition proximate the instrument. The sensor is configured to transmit signals therefrom over the communication channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher S. Del Campo, Harold S. Bissonnette, Reza Taherian
  • Patent number: 7819206
    Abstract: A system for logging with wired drill pipe includes a logging tool string; an interface sub in operable communication with the logging tool string; and a wired pipe in operable communication with the interface sub and method for logging with wired drill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Corporation
    Inventor: Andreas Peter
  • Patent number: 7804060
    Abstract: A C/O ratio is determined using measurements of inelastically scattered gamma rays with a pulsed neutron source. Combined with look-up tables, the C/O measurement is used as an indicator of formation fluid influx into wellbore such as gas kick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Pingjun Guo, Padmakar Deo