Well Logging Patents (Class 166/254.2)
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Publication number: 20080033654Abstract: Measurements made by a multi-component induction logging tool are corrected for tool eccentricity in a deviated borehole. The eccentricity angle is determined from single frequency skin-effect corrected data and is then used to correct multifrequency data. Multifrequency focusing is then applied to the corrected multifrequency data. An inversion is then used to recover formation resistivity and relative dip and azimuth of the borehole. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Alexandre N. Bespalov, Gulamabbas Merchant, Cynthia Dong Xue, Luis M. Pelegri, Michael B. Rabinovich, Stephen V. Painchaud, Bill H. Corley, Stanislav W. Forgang, Randy Gold
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Publication number: 20070295502Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate logging in a well environment. Downhole well related equipment is deployed in a wellbore with an internal, longitudinal passageway. A logging tool system is moved through the longitudinal passageway for performance of logging procedures within the wellbore below the well related equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Arthur I. Watson, Michael H. Du, Ramez Guindi, Jacques Orban
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Patent number: 7311143Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provides for inducing and measuring shear waves within a wellbore casing to facilitate analysis of wellbore casing, cement and formation bonding. An acoustic transducer is provided that is magnetically coupled to the wellbore casing and is comprised of a magnet combined with a coil, where the coil is attached to an electrical current. The acoustic transducer is capable of producing and receiving various waveforms, including compressional waves, shear waves, Rayleigh waves, and Lamb waves as the tool traverses portions of the wellbore casing.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Ole Engels, Joseph G. Barolak, Douglas J. Patterson
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Patent number: 7303009Abstract: This invention relates to the field of water flood monitoring in low saline water environment in a subterranean formation. In particular, the method of the invention relates to detecting the encroachment of low salinity water into oil formations. This invention provides the means to gain valuable information about water movement within the oil reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Ahmed J. Al-Muraikhi
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Patent number: 7284605Abstract: A method for reducing stand-off effects of a downhole tool includes disposing the downhole tool in a borehole, wherein the downhole tool comprises at least one moveable section disposed between an energy source and a receiver on the downhole tool; and activating the at least one moveable section to reduce a thickness of at least one selected from a mud layer and a mudcake between the downhole tool and a wall of the borehole. A downhole tool includes an energy source and a receiver disposed on the downhole tool; at least one moveable section disposed between the energy source and the receiver; and an activation mechanism for reducing a thickness of at least one selected from a mud layer and a mudcake between the downhole tool and a wall of a borehole.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Brian Clark, Jan W. Smits
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Patent number: 7283061Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventors: Philip M. Snider, Joseph A. Zierolf
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Patent number: 7273097Abstract: Methods for determining formation characteristics comprising establishing baseline casing conditions for a string of casing disposed within a wellbore in a formation and measuring updated casing conditions for the string of casing at a first time interval from the establishing of the baseline casing conditions. The baseline casing conditions are compared to the updated casing conditions to determine changes in the string of casing over the first time interval. These changes in the string of casing are then used to determine formation characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Philip Edmund Fox, Gary James Frisch
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Patent number: 7228903Abstract: A pad mounted resistivity imaging device includes at least one transmitter and two or more arrays of receivers. Analysis of the received signals is done using either amplitude and phase differences between the arrays of receivers, or by analyzing amplitude and phase differences between the transmitters and the receivers. With operating frequencies in excess of 10 MHz, high resolution images of boreholes are obtained.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tsili Wang, Alexandre Bespalov
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Patent number: 7201221Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey
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Patent number: 7188672Abstract: A well string assembly includes an upper tubular well string part having upper and lower ends between which there is formed a passageway, a lower well string part having upper and lower ends, which lower end is spaced apart from the lower end of the upper well string part and may include a drill bit. An auxiliary tool is arranged such that it can be passed along the passageway. It comprises an operating means for manipulating the well string interconnection means so as to disconnect the lower well string part from the upper well string part. The auxiliary tool can be passed, after disconnecting the upper and lower well string parts, through an opening at the lower end of the upper well string part, so as to reach a position in which at least part of the auxiliary tool is not radially surrounded by a part of the well string.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Earl Eugene Berkheimer, Douwe Johannes Runia
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Patent number: 7185700Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a tool for use in a wellbore. In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a wellbore is provided. The method includes running a selectively separable plug member accommodating a tool into the wellbore on a continuous rod. Next, a first portion of the plug member is separated from a second portion and then the continuous rod is used to position the second portion with the tool below the first portion to perform the operation. In another aspect, a method of logging a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a plug assembly for use in a wellbore is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Ronald B. Collins, Wayne Richard Jolly
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Patent number: 7150317Abstract: A bond log device comprising a sonde, an acoustic transducer, and an acoustic receiver. The acoustic transducer is comprised of a magnet combined with a coil, where the coil is energizable by an electrical current source. The acoustic transducer can also be comprised of an electromagnetic acoustic device. The acoustic transducer is capable of producing various waveforms, including compressional waves, shear waves, transversely polarized shear waves, Rayleigh waves, Lamb waves, and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Joseph Barolak, Alexei Bolshakov, Vladimir Dubinsky, Douglas Patterson
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Patent number: 7151254Abstract: A logging system for measuring parameters of earth formation penetrated by a well borehole. Measurements made with the system are not adversely affected by varying pressure encountered a borehole environment. This is accomplished by the use of a main compensation element and a detector compensation element to render source and detector geometry invariant to varying pressure. The system is particularly suited for nuclear LWD systems such as back scatter gamma ray density systems. The basic concepts of the system are, however, applicable to other types of nuclear measurement systems that comprise one or more radiation sources, and one or more axially spaced radiation detectors, where system response is a function of source-detector spacing. The basic concepts of the system are also applicable to other types of logging systems, such as electromagnetic and acoustic, where source (transmitter) and sensor (receiver) elements require invariant geometry in order to maximize accuracy of measurements.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Precision Drilling Technology Services Group, Inc.Inventor: Medhat Mickael
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Patent number: 7134493Abstract: A logging system that may be used in a wellbore formed in an earth. A tubular conduit extends from surface into the wellbore and contains a body of wellbore fluid. A logging tool string may be passed from a position within the conduit to a position outside the conduit at a lower end part thereof, and may be suspended by the conduit in the position outside the conduit. A pressure pulse device is arranged within the conduit in a manner that the pressure pulse device is in data communication with the logging tool. The pressure pulse device is capable of generating pressure pulses in the body of wellbore fluid, which pressure pulses represent data communicated by the logging tool string to the pressure pulse device during logging of earth formation by the logging tool string. The system further includes a control system in fluid communication with the body of wellbore fluid and arranged to receive the pressure pulses.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Douwe Johannes Runia
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Patent number: 7114563Abstract: A downhole tool system comprising a side entry sub comprising a side entry adapted to receive a wireline, a cutting sub comprising a cutting apparatus, a cable head adapted to connect a downhole tool to the cutting sub, and a release releasably connecting the wireline to the cable head, the cutting apparatus adapted to cut the wireline. The downhole tool system is conveyed downhole on a pipe string to perform downhole operations. If lodged, the wireline may be released and removed from the downhole tool system such that fishing operations may be performed to retrieve the remaining portions of the downhole tool system. If lodged, the pipe string may also be released or removed from the downhole tool system such that fishing operations may be performed to retrieve the remaining portions of the downhole tool system.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Inventor: Lawrence C. Rose
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Patent number: 7090011Abstract: The inventive method consists in the following: a drillable packer provided with a channel closed by a back valve is arranged in a well; afterwards a tubing string carrying a jet pump and a stinger is run into said well, the stringer being connected to the packer; the back valve is open; a logging instrument and a sealing unit are introduced into the tubing string with the aid of a cable; a depression is produced on the formation by means of the pump, a bottomhole pressure and the parameters of the formation are measured with the aid of said instrument, the parameters of physical fields being recorded. The results of said investigations being interpreted, the technical state of the well is defined. The instrument and the sealing unit being extracted from the tube string, a blocking insert is dropped therein. The tubing string is uplifted, the stringer is disconnected from the packer and the back valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventors: Zinoviy Dmitrievich Khomynets, Vladimir Petrovich Stenin, Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Vaygel
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Patent number: 7082994Abstract: A method for logging a wellbore includes actuating a positioning device to adjust the position of a module relative to a reference point or object such as a wellbore axis or proximally positioned downhole device. With respect to a wellbore, an exemplary positioning device can set the measurement tool such as an acoustic device to successive radial positions (e.g., substantial concentricity or substantial eccentricity relative to an axis of the wellbore). In one embodiment, the module includes a measurement tool to measure different parameters of interest (e.g., acoustic logging data, check-shot data measurement, bonding of cement to casing). With respect to an adjacent downhole device, the positioning device can provide a selected relative orientation (e.g., azimuth, inclination, radial displacement) between the module and the adjacent downhole device. The positioning device can also be adapted to apply a jarring force to a wall of the wellbore to free a downhole device.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Elton Frost, Jr., Ole G. Engels, Rocco DiFoggio
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Patent number: 7073609Abstract: A resistivity logging sensor for logging while drilling a well using an oil-based mud includes a sensor body; a first current injector electrode disposed on the sensor body, wherein the first current injector electrode is electrically insulated from the sensor body; at least two current return electrodes disposed on the sensor body at a selected distance from the first current injector electrode, wherein the at least two current return electrodes are disposed proximate to each other and are electrically insulated from the sensor body; and an electrical source configured to energize the first current injector electrode with a current having a voltage of no less than 50 mvolts and a frequency of no less than 1 KHz.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jacques R. Tabanou, Dzevat Omeragic, Jean Seydoux, Attilio C. Pisoni
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Patent number: 7073582Abstract: A tool positioning assembly for positioning downhole tools at desired locations within a wellbore. The current invention further provides methods for using a tool positioning assembly. The tool positioning assembly and methods for using the same reduce the number of downhole trips required to perform downhole operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Stephen E. Tilghman
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Patent number: 7066282Abstract: Tools for investigating an earth formation in the presence of either oil-base or water-base mud include a circuit which induces current into the formation in a focused manner, and a sensor electrode which is isolated from the circuit, at least partially surrounded by the circuit, and located in the area in which the current is focused. The current inducing circuit may be an oppositely polarized double-dipole circuit to which voltage is applied with the two dipoles sharing a common radiating element over which a focused area is formed. Insulators separate the outer electrodes of the double-dipole circuit from the common radiating element. Alternatively, the current inducing circuit is a coil arranged in a partial toroidal configuration in an insulated area that at least partially surrounds the focused area and which separates the focused area from return electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Yong-Hua Chen, Tarek M. Habashy
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Patent number: 7059404Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for varying an operating parameter for a nuclear gamma ray tool for evaluating the integrity of gravel packing. The gamma ray outpat intensity and area of investigation are altered by changing a source housing geometry and the material from which the source housing is made. An actuator is provided to slide a variable electron density sleeve over the source and to vary the area of investigation by changing the distance between the source and a detector.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Core Laboratories L.P.Inventors: Michael J. Flecker, Larry Stephenson, J. Thomas Hampton, III
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Patent number: 7053789Abstract: A data sonde for use in horizontal directional drilling comprising a battery housing to receive a power supply from an internal battery, a connector to receive a power supply from an external power supply cable, and an antenna to emit radiation, is provided, wherein the antenna is arranged to receive operative power from an external power supply when one is connected to the connector, and from a battery housed in the battery housing if no external power supply is connected to the connector. A method of operation of the same is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Radiodetection LimitedInventors: Ricard W. Fling, Alberto Iaccarino
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Patent number: 7040390Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey
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Patent number: 7017662Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a tool may comprise a tool body and one or more tool components. The tool may further comprise tool electronics located within the tool body, wherein the tool electronics are operable to sense and store tool component characteristics and environmental characteristics. At least some of the tool electronics are operable, at least for one week, when exposed to temperatures of at least 200 Celsius. The tool electronics may be integrated circuits formed on a silicon carbide substrate or a silicon on sapphire substrate. One illustrative embodiment of the tool is a drill bit for employment in a high temperature drill well.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, James J. Freeman, Paul F. Rodney
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Patent number: 6997258Abstract: A well logging tool includes a housing; at least one piston moveably disposed on the housing; at least one sensor disposed on the at least one piston; a pressure compensation system coupled to the at least one piston such that a pressure at a back side of the at least one piston is substantially identical to a pressure outside the well logging tool; and a piston deployment mechanism for deploying the at least one piston. A method for well logging using a logging tool having at least one piston and a pressure compensating system, wherein the at least one piston includes at least one sensor, the method includes disposing the well logging tool in a borehole; deploying the at least one piston to establish a contact between the at least one piston and a wall of the borehole; and measuring a formation property using the at least one sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dean M. Homan, Kuo-Chiang Chen
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Patent number: 6997257Abstract: A well logging system that has, as its goal, the collection of information normally acquired by a dip log tool based on conductivity or resistivity measurements, but with the advantages of radiation based well logging systems. Unlike conductivity based dip log systems, the radiation-based system can be implemented in cased or uncased boreholes. The combination system incorporates a number of radially arrayed devices that, though structurally distinct, function much like the arms associated with conductivity dip log devices. The system incorporates radiation detectors positioned in a radial array rather than electrodes. The combination system measures radiation in each of the multiple radial orientations and responds to generated radiation in the respective directions. The sensitivity of the radiation measuring devices is set so as to localize the region of the borehole being measured.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Ivan Snoga
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Patent number: 6978833Abstract: Improved methods, apparatus, and systems for obtaining information regarding a formation, a casing, or fluid within the casing utilize an interrogator and one or more sensing devices attached to a casing in a wellbore. The interrogator, which is located and typically movable inside the wellbore, is effectively a toroidal transformer which includes an elongate conducting body surrounded by a core of high magnetic permeability material and carrying a winding. The sensing device, which is positioned and fixed in an opening cut in the casing, includes a housing, a sensor with associated electronic circuitry and an electrode. The electrode is insulated from the casing by an insulator, and the housing of the sensing device is typically adapted to provide a hydraulic seal with the opening in the casing. The interrogator and sensing device communicate in a wireless manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Philippe Salamitou, Jacques Jundt, Robert Bailey
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Patent number: 6962197Abstract: The invention relates to fluidics, in particular to jet devices for lifting various liquids, essentially for lifting petrol out of wells and for well examination. The inventive jet device comprises a packer and a flow column provided with a bearing assembly. Bypass openings are embodied in said bearing assembly and a jet pump is arranged inside the body thereof. A channel for running a medium mixture off the jet pump into an annular space connected to the bypass openings, a channel for supplying fluid pumped-out from the well to the jet pump and a channel for supplying ejecting medium to a nozzle of the jet pump are embodied inside the body. In addition, a pressure-sealing unit is arranged in the channel for supplying the pumped-out fluid in such a way that it is superposed with respect to the jet pump. A bypass channel is embodied in the pressure-sealing unit in such a way that it enables a logging cable to be passed through said channel and the channel for supplying the pumped-out liquid.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Inventor: Zinoviy Dmitrievich Khomynets
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Patent number: 6915849Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for conveying downhole tools within a borehole using a continuous rod. The apparatus may include a continuous rod, a downhole tool attached to one end of the continuous rod, and a delivery rig for lowering the continuous rod and downhole tool into the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: David Nuth
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Patent number: 6896056Abstract: A tubing conveyed casing collar locator system that detects the casing collars in a wellbore and acoustically transmits the information through the tubing to the surface where it is detected and processed in a surface processor. The system comprises a downhole tool which comprises downhole sensors, a signal processor with memory, a drive circuit, a battery pack, and a signal generator. The surface system comprises a surface processor, depth system, and acoustic signal transmitter/receiver. The downhole tool detects casing collars as the tool is moved through the collar and acoustically transmits the data or stores the data in downhole memory according to programmed instructions. In one embodiment, the tool compares sensor signals from production elements, such as valves, to stored sensor signatures to uniquely identify the downhole element. In one embodiment, the downhole tool changes operating modes in response to surface command.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Luis Mendez, Darrin Willauer, James R. Bridges
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Patent number: 6892815Abstract: A coalbed methane borehole pipe liner perforation system comprises a plastic pipe punch that slips down inside a coalbed methane production borehole lined with a non-perforated plastic pipe. A ground-penetrating radar is used inside the plastic-pipe lined borehole to determine which sections of the pipe are in contact with groundwater. The punch is then operated along the length of the plastic-pipe lined borehole to perforate it for methane-gas collection wherever such groundwater is not present. A radar survey to determine groundwater contact can be made simultaneously in combination with the punching of liner pipe perforations, or earlier in a separate operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Inventor: Larry G. Stolarczyk
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Patent number: 6886632Abstract: A method and system of monitoring the movement of at least one front in an inter-well region is comprised of: providing a first well representing the origination of at least one front (such as a saturation front or a salinity front); providing one or more monitoring locations, each equipped with at least one sensor; and monitoring the arrival of at least one front at one or more monitoring locations. The origination well may be any type of permanent or temporary well, but is preferably an injector well. Likewise, the monitoring location(s) may be any type of permanent or temporary well such as an observation well, a production well, an exploratory well, and an appraisal well. Information regarding front arrival times may be used to characterize or appraise the formation. Front arrivals may be monitored as a function of time to develop their respective time evolution and shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Bhavani Raghuraman, Francois M. Auzerais
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Patent number: 6877559Abstract: A method for retrieving a formation fluid sample through a cased borehole utilizing a sampling tool. Sampling tool straddle packers are set about a first set of perforations and annular fluid is drained from the isolated zone, through a central conduit in the tool and discharged above or below the packers. Formation fluid is induced to flow into the central conduit and into sample chambers. The packers are unset, the tool moved to the next set of perforations that are azimuthally offset from the first set of perforations and the sampling process repeated, with subsequent samples being placed in separate sample chambers.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Mohamed Naguib Hashem
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Patent number: 6847034Abstract: A portion of at least one fiber is moved into an exterior annulus of a well between a tubular structure in the well and the wall of the borehole of the well such that the portion is placed to conduct a signal responsive to at least one parameter in the exterior annulus. One particular implementation uses fiber optic cable with a cementing process whereby flowing cementing fluid pulls the portion of the cable into the exterior annulus.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Vimal V. Shah, Wallace R. Gardner, Paul F. Rodney, Neal G. Skinner
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Patent number: 6843316Abstract: A method of improving the quality of liquid coming from a well that has a pump and pipe assembly. The method includes identifying a region of the well that is low in contamination and a region of the well that is high in contamination, and modifying the pump and pipe assembly so that suction of the assembly is enhanced in the region that is low in contamination and inhibited in the region that is high in contamination. The method also includes cleaning the well in the region of low contamination. Modifying the pump and pipe assembly includes coupling a suction control device to the pump and pipe assembly, and positioning the suction control device in the region of low contamination, and forming a barrier between the region of low contamination and the region of high contamination by attaching a flow control disk to the pump and pipe assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: AquaStreamInventors: Richard C. Jackson, Michael E. Judkins
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Patent number: 6843317Abstract: An autonomous system for performing a well operation at a predetermined location in a wellbore comprises a tool string having at least one well tool, a motive device for traversing the wellbore, and a control system adapted to position the tool string near the predetermined location. The control system comprises (i) a sensing system for detecting mass irregularities in the wellbore and (ii) a processor system having a processor with memory for storing at least one well log. The processor acts under programmed instructions to compare sensor signals to the stored well log to determine a tool string position in the wellbore. The control system also contains circuits for controlling the operation of the well tool and the motive device.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Gordon R. J. Mackenzie
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Patent number: 6839000Abstract: An integrated, single collar measurement while-while-drilling tool is presented that comprises formation sensors, directional sensors, pressure sensors, a mud pulse telemetry device, and a turbine-generator power device configured in a single collar housing that is no longer than a standard drill collar. No electrical connections are made across drill collar tool joints. The tool provides high reliability and ease of transportation.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Pralay K. Das, Eric Joseph Deutsch, Charles Haynes
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Patent number: 6837314Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for use in a well borehole drilled into a formation. The apparatus comprises a work string disposed in the borehole. The work string includes at least one modular body portion having at least one receptacle. A modular tool is disposed in the at least one receptacle for carrying out a drilling operation. The modular tool may be a tool for use in drilling a well borehole, it may be a tool for testing a formation surrounding a borehole, or the modular tool may be a combination. For example, one aspect of the present invention provides a modular steering rib. The modular steering rib may also include modular components for sampling and testing formation fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncoporatedInventors: Volker Krueger, Wolfgang Herberg, Gunnar Bothmann, Matthias Meister, Sven Krueger
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Publication number: 20040256101Abstract: Methods for determining formation characteristics comprising establishing baseline casing conditions for a string of casing disposed within a wellbore in a formation and measuring updated casing conditions for the string of casing at a first time interval from the establishing of the baseline casing conditions. The baseline casing conditions are compared to the updated casing conditions to determine changes in the string of casing over the first time interval. These changes in the string of casing are then used to determine formation characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Philip Edmund Fox, Gary James Frisch
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Publication number: 20040251021Abstract: The effects of storage on the interpretation of data obtained at observation probes of a borehole tool are eliminated by controlling the storage volumes relative to the observation probes. For a homogeneous medium, the effect of storage on the interpretation of data is eliminated by causing the flow line volumes connected to each observation probe to be equal to each other. For a heterogeneous medium, the effect of storage on the interpretation of data is eliminated by causing the flow line volumes to vary in proportion to the relative permeabilities of the strata of the heterogeneous medium adjacent the probes. The borehole tool is provided with mechanisms for conducting flow line volume adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, Incorporated in the State of TexasInventors: Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Syed Tariq, Thomas H. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 6827149Abstract: A method for conveying a tool into a borehole with the use of a tool conveying apparatus includes deploying the tool conveying apparatus into the borehole, transmitting fluid through the tool conveying apparatus, the tool conveying apparatus generating power from the flow of fluid therethrough, discharging fluid from the tool conveying apparatus and providing power to at least one tool carried thereby. The tool conveying apparatus also includes a communication system for transmitting data bi-directionally between the tool and the surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Jean-Michel Hache
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Patent number: 6817412Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a desired target signal along a piping structure is provided. Because of a lossy communication path presented by the piping structure, an input signal, which is transmitted from a first location on the piping structure, is consciously predistorted prior to transmission. The amount and nature of the predistortion applied to the input signal is determined by mathematically modeling the communication path between the first location and a second location. Predistortion of the input signal results in reception of an output signal at the second location that closely approximates the desired target signal. Application of this predistortion method of communicating is described in the context of communicating in the borehole of a petroleum well.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Mark Christopher Haase
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Publication number: 20040221986Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that permit downhole tools to be run into a well along with logging tools that can log the downhole tools into place by real time transmission of the data to a surface location. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a telemetry tool, a logging tool in communication with the telemetry tool and a downhole tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: David Hosie, Thomas Roesner
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Patent number: 6808028Abstract: A method is provided for gathering information on the pore pressure in an earth formation surrounding a wellbore. The method includes the initial steps of selecting at least one suitable property (e.g., porosity, drilling fluid composition, etc.) of the drilling environment (which is defined by the wellbore and the surrounding formation) and at least one NMR parameter (e.g., T2 distribution) in an NMR measurement response. The method selects a suitable property for which values over a plurality of wellbore depths can be correlated with the characteristics or behavior of the pore pressure in the earth formation. The method further includes conducting an NMR measurement at a plurality of wellbore depths, thereby generating an NMR response from the drilling environment. The measured values of the NMR parameter in the NMR response are then correlated with values of the suitable property.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Charles Woodburn, Ralf Heidler
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Patent number: 6806233Abstract: Invert emulsion compositions including an oleaginous, a non-oleaginous and an amine surfactant that are useful in the oil and gas well drilling art are disclosed. The amine surfactant is selected so that the invert emulsion can be converted form a water-in-oil type emulsion to a oil-in-water type emulsion upon the protonation of the amine surfactant. Deprotonation of the amine surfactant reverses the conversion. This solution also permits the conversion of oil-wet solids in the fluid into water-wet solids.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: M-I LLCInventor: Arvind D. Patel
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Patent number: 6805194Abstract: A process for in situ gasification of mineral oil in a subterranean formation comprises running a tool having a controllable thermal device therein from a surface production facility down to the subterranean formation, bringing said tool into operational proximity with the mineral oil in said subterranean formation, and activating the tool to operate the thermal device within a predetermined temperature range to generate gases or oily vapours from said mineral oil, which permits either an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method with reduced water contamination, or a gas production process (GPP) which is useful in reducing environmental risks normally associated with transport of crude oil.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Scotoil Group PlcInventors: Ian David Farquhar Davidson, Andrew George Yule
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Patent number: 6793025Abstract: A method of electrically logging subterranean wells using a conductive double emulsion fluid includes a miscible combination of an oleaginous fluid, an emulsifier capable of forming a microemulsion, an emulsifier capable of forming an invert emulsion, and an electrolytic salt. A microemulsion is the continuous phase of an invert emulsion. The electrolytic salt or brine of the salt is present in a concentration sufficient to permit the electrical logging of the subterranean well. The fluid may additionally contain a polar organic solvent and a carbon dioxide buffer. The polar organic solvent may be an oil soluble glycol or glycol ether such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: M-I L. L. C.Inventors: Arvind D. Patel, Reginald J. Bell, Steve Young, Ahmadi Tehrani
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Patent number: 6787505Abstract: A wellbore fluid having a non-aqueous continuous liquid phase that exhibits an electrical conductivity of not less than 10 &mgr;S m−1 at 1 kHz comprises a polar organic liquid (POL) which exhibits a dielectric constant of at least about 5.0 and a Hildebrand Solubility Parameter of at least about 17 (J cm−3)1/2. Oils or other organic liquids (OL) known to be suitable as the continuous liquid phase of wellbore fluids, may be used in admixture with POL component. Certain inorganic salts, organic bases, quaternary ammonium salts or hydroxides (the dissolved component, DC), display sufficient solubility (and current carrying abilities) in POL, OL or in mixtures of liquid (POL) and liquid (OL) to further improve the electrical conductivity of the mixture. The wellbore fluid can be used for providing enhanced information from electrical logging tools, measurement while drilling, logging while drilling, geosteering and the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: M-I LLCInventors: Geoffrey Maitland, Christopher Sawdon, Mostafa Tehrani
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Patent number: 6787758Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
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Publication number: 20040158997Abstract: Directional acoustic measurements made in the borehole are used for imaging a near-borehole geological formation structure and determination of its orientation. Four-component cross-dipole data set measured in a deviated borehole in combination with the directionality of the compressional waves in the dipole data give the orientation of bed boundaries crossing the borehole. The low-frequency content (2˜3 kHz) of the data allows for imaging the radial extent of the formation structure up to 15 m, greatly enhancing the penetration depth as compared to that obtained using conventional monopole compressional-wave data. A combination monopole/dipole arrangement of sources and receivers may also be used for imaging of bed boundaries.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Xiao Ming Tang