With Signaling, Indicating, Testing Or Measuring Patents (Class 175/40)
  • Patent number: 9845672
    Abstract: An in-situ and on-line acoustic measuring system for natural gas flux at the hydrocarbon seeps at a seafloor includes a seepage tent and a flow measuring channel. The flow measuring channel includes a lower bubble breaking channel, an ultrasonic transducer measuring channel and an upper bubble breaking channel. The lower bubble breaking channel communicates with the seepage tent provided with bubble breaking grids. Lower and upper bubble breaking devices, arranged in a bubble rising direction, are respectively mounted in the lower and upper bubble breaking channels. One side of the ultrasonic transducer measuring channel is fixedly connected with an acoustic wave demultiplexer, and the other side is fixedly connected with flat receiving transducers receiving transmitting acoustic waves generated by an acoustic wave branching unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignees: SOUTH CHINA SEA INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, GUANGDONG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Pengfei Di, Jianjun Long, Daxin Long, Linying Chen, Dong Feng, Duofu Chen
  • Patent number: 9841315
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optics with increased acoustic sensitivity are provided. Acoustic sensing of a wellbore, pipeline, or other conduit/tube based on DAS may have increased acoustic sensitivity through fiber optic cable design and/or increasing the Rayleigh backscatter property of a fiber's optical core. Some embodiments may utilize a resonant sensor mechanism with a high Q coupled to the DAS device for increased acoustic sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Edward M. Dowd, David LaBella, Mark Baker, Andrew S. Kuczma, Francis X. Bostick, III
  • Patent number: 9835026
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data from a downhole tool to a surface location includes running a downhole tool into a wellbore. The downhole tool includes a pressure sensor. An annulus pressure in the wellbore is measured at a first time, using the pressure sensor, to produce a first pressure measurement. The first pressure measurement is compressed to produce a reference sample. The reference sample is transmitted to the surface location. The annulus pressure in the wellbore is measured at a second time, using the pressure sensor, to produce a second pressure measurement. A difference between the first pressure measurement and the second pressure measurement is determined to produce a first delta pressure measurement. The first delta pressure measurement is compressed to produce a first compressed delta pressure measurement. The first compressed delta pressure measurement is transmitted to the surface location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bo Yu
  • Patent number: 9835021
    Abstract: Drilling system and methods may employ a weight-on-bit optimization for an existing drilling mode and, upon transitioning to a different drilling mode, determine an initial weight-on-bit within a range derived from: a sinusoidal buckling ratio, a helical buckling ratio, and the weight-on-bit value for the prior drilling mode. The sinusoidal buckling ratio is the ratio of a minimum weight-on-bit to induce sinusoidal buckling in a sliding mode to a minimum weight-on-bit to induce sinusoidal buckling in a rotating mode, and the helical buckling ratio is the ratio of a minimum weight-on-bit to induce helical buckling in the sliding mode to a minimum weight-on-bit to induce helical buckling in the rotating mode. The ratios are a function of the length of the drill string and hence vary with the position of the drill bit along the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robello Samuel, Aniket, Gustavo A. Urdaneta
  • Patent number: 9828854
    Abstract: A pressure measurement apparatus for a downhole measurement-while-drilling tool comprises a feed through connector and a pressure transducer. The feed through connector comprises a body with opposing first and second ends, at least one electrical interconnection extending axially through the body and out of both ends, and a pressure transducer receptacle in the first end and a communications bore extending from the receptacle to the second end. The pressure transducer is seated in the receptacle such that a pressure at the first end can be measured, and comprises at least one electrical contact that extends from the pressure transducer through the communication bore and out of the second end. The pressure transducer can take pressure measurements for predicting wear of a primary seal in a motor subassembly of the tool, detect a pressure-related battery failure event, and control operation of a dual pulse height fluid pressure pulse generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, Jili Liu, David A. Switzer, Justin C. Logan
  • Patent number: 9822637
    Abstract: A message to be sent from a downhole tool in a wellbore is modulated into a data uplink signal of pressure variations in the drill string. The pressure variations are generated by varying the torque on the rotor of the generator by varying the electric load on the generator. The pressure variation sequence of the data uplink signal may be selected from a look up table of known sequences. The message may be received by a surface receiver using one or more pressure sensors. The message may be demodulated from the detected pressure data using digital and analog signal processing. The frequency of the data uplink signal may be selected based in part on detected noise in the wellbore. The data uplink signal may be modulated using a spread spectrum protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nabors Lux 2 Sarl
    Inventor: Andrew Gorrara
  • Patent number: 9816325
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a power isolation adapter which can enable the use of multiple power sources in a bottom hole assembly (BHA) by isolating the power sources on a tool bus while maintaining a communication bus across the BHA. Such power sources may be part of a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) module, such as a mud turbine generator, providing power as a DC signal. The power isolation adapter isolates the power sources by blocking DC signals, but maintains an AC communication bus across the BHA. The ability to use multiple power sources in a BHA thus allows for more complex BHA configurations that normally could not be powered using a single power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raphael Gadot, Randall Leblanc, Jason Gardner
  • Patent number: 9797798
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks from a gas pipeline or storage system includes a light source configured to emit a beam with at least one spectral component capable of interacting with pipeline gas, a reflector configured to reflect a portion of the beam, an optical detector configured to detect the reflected beam, a signal processing module coupled to the output of the optical detector configured to analyze the detected beam and output a measured concentration value that characterizes the amount of target gas in the beam path, and a statistical processing module coupled to the signal processing module configured to store and analyze the measured concentration value. The statistical processing module is further configured to compute a value based on statistical information associated with the stored plurality of concentration values and compare the computed value to a first predetermined threshold, and transmit a first alarm signal if the computed value is greater than the first predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Frish
  • Patent number: 9790769
    Abstract: A method for selecting at least one drill bit that includes characterizing an application; checking for at least one drill bit with an equivalent characterization in a data store; when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization exists, selecting the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization; and when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization does not exist, recommending at least one drill bit, making an analysis request, analyzing the at least one recommended drill bit based on the analysis request, generating analysis results, and selecting at least one drill bit based on the analysis results is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Sujian J. Huang
  • Patent number: 9784094
    Abstract: A method for drill pipe tallying includes detecting that a drill bit (14) has tripped in through a rig floor and monitoring movement of a drawworks (6) that supports the drill bit and a length of drill pipe. If a tag interrogating device does not detect a wireless tag (26) associated with a set of slips, the method includes counting the movement of the drawworks toward a drill pipe tally. If a tag interrogating device detects a wireless tag associated with a set of slips, the method includes not counting the movement of the drawworks toward the drill pipe tally. The tag interrogating device is positioned at a fixed location relative to the rig floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventor: Christopher Lee Limbacher
  • Patent number: 9765616
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for sampling water in a borehole and a method thereof. The apparatus includes a water sampling cylinder to sample the water in the borehole; a first camera to monitor the water sampling cylinder and a sample discharging part provided in the borehole; a first motor to insert the water sampling cylinder into the sample discharging part; a vacuum vessel to receive a sample input from the water sampling cylinder; a waterproof member having a hole serving as a passage through which the water sampling cylinder moves back and forth; and a supporting member that urges the waterproof member closely to the sample discharging part to prevent foreign substances from being introduced into the borehole. The first motor includes a plurality of protrusions meshed with a plurality of grooves provided in the water sampling cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Jeong-Chan Kim, Ki-Sung Sung, Gi-Tak Chae
  • Patent number: 9745843
    Abstract: The method and system for determining position with improved calibration allows a device to initiate activity at the proper location, such as navigating a drill bit through a rock formation. A position sensor having an oscillation element with a range of displacement in a set direction according to gravity generates a position data signal based on an amount of displacement in the set direction. A temperature sensor detects temperature and duration of the temperature. A plastic bias value is determined by a processor module based on the temperature data signal, the duration of the temperature, and the position data signal so as to account for bias and hysteresis errors. A position value is set according to the plastic bias value so that the position value is more accurate. The activity of the terminal device is initiated or maintained according to the position value calibrated by the plastic bias value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: NORALIS LIMITED
    Inventors: David Close, George W. Troy
  • Patent number: 9740382
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor tasks in a process system enterprise are disclosed. In one example, a method is disclosed that comprises analyzing, using a processor, tasks in an enterprise to determine a criticality of each task and an actionability of each task, ordering, using the processor, the tasks based on the criticality and the actionability of each of the tasks, and rendering, via a display, a first graphic representative of at least a portion of the ordered tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan William Pettus, Navin Rajashekar, Glenn Mclaughlin
  • Patent number: 9739140
    Abstract: A system includes a transmitter for use in conjunction with a horizontal directional drilling system that transmits a multi-bit symbol stream that characterizes sensor symbols for receipt by an aboveground portable device. The portable device receives the symbol stream for aboveground recovery of the sensor signals. The transmitter can precisely place the symbol frequencies at least to avoid a noise environment, as well as to avoid powerline harmonics, and can utilize wave shaping for transmitted symbols at least to provide for transmission power control, spectral content control and wideband antenna matching. The receiver can measure the noise environment to identify the symbol frequencies used by the transmitter. The noise can be scanned at an incremental resolution across a wide frequency bandwidth for display or automatic symbol frequency selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Gary Garrabrant, Timothy Bayliss, John E. Mercer
  • Patent number: 9726781
    Abstract: An example calibration method for a galvanic tool may include determining an internal coupling impedance between at least two electrodes of the galvanic tool, and inputting the determined internal coupling impedances into an equation used to evaluate the response of the tool. Voltage and current measurements may be generated from the galvanic tool using a calibration device. A leakage current value through at least one of the two electrodes may be determined based, at least in part, on the voltage and current measurements and the equation. The leakage current may be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Emilio San Martin, Burkay Donderici, Ahmed E. Fouda
  • Patent number: 9719305
    Abstract: Expandable reamers may include a housing and at least one blade supported by the housing. The at least one blade may be movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The at least one blade may be in the retracted position when a first actuation member is in a first longitudinal position and a second actuation member sleeve is affixed to the first actuation member. The at least one blade may be movable to the extended position when the first actuation member is in a second longitudinal position and the second actuation member is affixed to the first actuation member. The at least one blade may be in the retracted position when the first actuation member is in the second longitudinal position and the second actuation member obstructs an opening in a sidewall of the first actuation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Timothy Miller, Marcus Oesterberg
  • Patent number: 9719346
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a concentrator and a plurality of signal acquisition devices. Each signal acquisition device is coupled to a respective sensor. Each sensor measures an environmental parameter outside the housing. Each signal acquisition device includes an acoustic transducer. Each signal acquisition device includes a controller to accept measurements from the respective sensor, process the measurements and format them into a transmittable form, and transmit the formatted measurements via the acoustic transducer. A concentrator includes an acoustic transducer to receive acoustic transmissions from the plurality of signal acquisition devices, a processor to process the received acoustic transmissions, and a telemetry device through which the processor can transmit the processed transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, inc.
    Inventors: Qi Cao, Alberto Quintero, Jing Jin
  • Patent number: 9708900
    Abstract: A method of and a device for computer controlled determination of operational parameters of a computational model of borehole equipment for drilling a borehole in an earth formation are described. The borehole equipment has a rotational drive system, a drill string having a bottom hole assembly and a top end coupled to the rotational drive system, and a speed controller for controlling rotational drive speed of the drive system. The drive system is controlled such that a torque provided by the drive system while driving the drill string is varied over a time period. From the varying torque and rotational top end drive speed of the drill string an estimated torque-speed transfer function is obtained and matched with a torque-speed transfer function computed from the computational model of the borehole equipment. The operational parameters are determined from the matched estimated torque-speed transfer function and the computed torque-speed transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cofely Experts B.V.
    Inventor: Andre Veltman
  • Patent number: 9702209
    Abstract: A method of regulating downhole pressure using managed pressure drilling may include calculating an elasticity of a drill string during a drilling operation using a torque and drag model included in a managed pressure drilling (MPD) control system and calculating a surge pressure and a swab pressure acting on the drill string during the drilling operation using a hydraulics model included in the MPD control system. The surge and swab pressures may be based on movement of the drill string and in accordance with the elasticity of the drill string. The method may further include determining a set point pressure using a real-time hydraulics model and the torque and drag model, and operating a MPD choke system based on the set point pressure to regulate a predetermined downhole pressure at a predetermined location in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Robello Samuel, James Randolph Lovorn
  • Patent number: 9702245
    Abstract: A method enables communication with downhole tools during a ā€œflow offā€ condition by energizing at least one sensor and a controller using a local power source only after flow of drilling fluid has been reduced below the threshold flow rate value. Thereafter, the method involves generating the at least one predetermined pattern into the wellbore, detecting the at least one predetermined pattern using the at least one sensor and the controller, and transmitting a signal using the controller in response to the detected at least one predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Bryan C. Dugas
  • Patent number: 9702246
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data from a MWD system at the BHA of a drill string may include transmitting the data in a MWD signal from the MWD system. The MWD signal may be modulated at a position closer to the surface onto a mud pulse modulated signal. The mud pulse modulated signal may be generated by a downhole friction reducing device. The downhole friction reducing device may include a mud motor. The mud motor may create pressure pulses based on its speed of rotation. The downhole friction reducing device may include a modulating valve. The modulating valve may be electromechanically or mechanically operated. The modulated signal may be detected at the surface by a receiver using one or more pressure or flow sensors. The receiver may use one or more harmonics of the modulated signal to receive the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: SCIENTIFIC DRILLING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew A. White, Tim Whitacre, Brett Van Steenwyk, Mohamed Youssef
  • Patent number: 9704263
    Abstract: A method of detecting an edge of a geological characteristic in a borehole comprises, in respect of an image log of a length of a borehole, carrying out the steps of a gradient-based edge detection method, a phase congruence-based edge detection method or a combination of such methods as preliminary, pre-processing stages. Subsequent steps of the method may include operating a relatively computationally simple process to identify sinusoids among detected edge features; and a relatively computationally complex process for parameterizing the thus-identified sinusoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Reeves Wireline Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Peter Adrian Spencer Elkington, Said Assous
  • Patent number: 9686021
    Abstract: A wireless modem for communication in a network of wireless modems via a communication channel includes a transceiver assembly, transceiver electronics and a power supply. The transceiver electronics include transmitter electronics, receiver electronics and at least one processing unit. The transmitter electronics cause the transceiver assembly to send wireless signals into the communication channel. The receiver electronics decode signals received by the transceiver assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Carlos Merino
  • Patent number: 9685991
    Abstract: Methods and systems for fast recovery from serious differential interferences. An exemplary method includes the following steps: transmitting, by a transmitter to a transceiver, at a fixed data rate above 100 Mbps; receiving, by a receiver from the transceiver, an indication indicating that the transceiver is experiencing a serious interference; responsive to the indication, reducing the data rate at which the transmitter transmits; storing excess data that could not be sent during the period of the reduced data rate; and increasing, within less than 1 millisecond, the data rate at which the transmitter transmits to a level that enables it to transmit both the stored excess data and the ongoing data at the fixed data rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Valens Semiconductor Ltd.
    Inventors: Eyran Lida, Aviv Salamon, Gaby Gur Cohen, Israel Greiss
  • Patent number: 9677337
    Abstract: A drilling procedure is operated such that a formation around the wellbore being drilled is fractured and then reservoir fluids from a hydrocarbon reservoir contained in the formation are flowed into the wellbore where the flow of the reservoir fluids is tested. Production predictions for the wellbore are processed from the measurements made on the flow of reservoir fluids and decisions regarding further drilling operations are made based upon the reservoir fluid measurements. By testing reservoir fluids prior to completing the wellbore, drilling operations such as, for example, continuing to drill the wellbore may be made without tripping the drillstring from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Simon Bittleston, Ashley Bernard Johnson
  • Patent number: 9670774
    Abstract: A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator having a body with a cylindrical bore and a fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a rotor having a cylindrical body rotatably seated within the bore, a rotor head connected to the rotor body, and a fluid diverter comprising a fluid passage through the rotor body and a nozzle in the rotor head. A fluid passage has an opening on an outside surface of the rotor body and an outlet at an end of the rotor body. The nozzle has an inlet end communicable with a drilling fluid and an outlet end in fluid communication with the fluid opening. The flow area of the nozzle increases from the inlet to outlet end such that the velocity of the drilling fluid slows while from inlet to outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Gaw-Wae Lee, Justin C. Logan, Aaron W. Logan
  • Patent number: 9671379
    Abstract: Optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with a flowing atmospheric air composition and optically interacting the electromagnetic radiation with an integrated computational element (ā€œICEā€), the ICE being configured to analyze for a contaminant in the flowing atmospheric air. A detector receives the electromagnetic radiation that has optically interacted with the flowing atmospheric air and the ICE and generates an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the contaminant in the flowing atmospheric air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Rickey Lynn Morgan, Danny Keith Mints, Paul Lewis Mendenall
  • Patent number: 9663996
    Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a bit body having a cutting section, a shank attached to the cutting section and a neck section and at least one sensor in contact with a surface of the shank and wherein the at least one sensor provides a signal in response to a bending moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard Yao
  • Patent number: 9658130
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a subsea blowout preventer is provided. The monitoring system includes a fiber optic cable (435) wrapped around preventer portions to be monitored such as rams, pistons, cylinders, housing, connector, to capture acoustic emissions from those portions during operation. The preventer is tested to determine a baseline or fingerprint of normal operation. The acoustic emissions captured during operation are compared with the baseline to detect potential anomalies that may indicate a problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventor: Daniel Marco Veeningen
  • Patent number: 9631488
    Abstract: A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator with a body and cylindrical bore and a generally cylindrical rotor having uphole and downhole ends with different diameters to form an annular fluid barrier at the intersection of the two ends. An annular gap is formed between the rotor uphole end and stator body. The stator body and rotor body collectively have a fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a downhole axial outlet and fluid diverter comprising a lateral opening in fluid communication with the axial outlet. The annular fluid barrier is in fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber or the fluid diverter. The rotor can be rotated such that the fluid diverter is movable in and out of fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber to create fluid pressure pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Gaw-Wae Lee, Justin C. Logan, Aaron W. Logan
  • Patent number: 9631487
    Abstract: A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator having a body and cylindrical bore and a rotor having a cylindrical body and cap. The diameter of the cylindrical body is smaller than that of the stator central bore such that an annular gap is formed therebetween. The cap has a base with a diameter larger than that of the rotor body, forming a protruding lip that covers at least a portion of the annular gap. The stator body and rotor body collectively have at least one fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a downhole axial outlet and at least one fluid diverter comprising a lateral opening in fluid communication with the axial outlet. The rotor can rotate within the stator such that the fluid diverter moves in and out of fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber to create fluid pressure pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Gaw-Wae Lee, Justin C. Logan, Aaron W. Logan
  • Patent number: 9631484
    Abstract: A drilling system that may include a drilling element for drilling a hole in a geological formation; a sensor module arranged to collect information about the drilling; a transmitter that is arranged to receive the information from the sensor module, amplify the information by a super-capacitor amplifier to provide amplified information and to provide the amplified information to a first element and to a second element of an antenna, the first and second elements of the antenna are located at two opposite sides of a band gap; wherein the antenna is arranged to transmit the amplified information via the geological formation; wherein the super-capacitor amplifier comprises a plurality of switched capacitor converters, each switched capacitor converter comprises a plurality of converter stages, each converter stage comprises capacitors and switches that are arranged to perform a current amplification of an input signal; wherein each converter stage is arranged to operate with alternating charge cycles and discha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: R&B Industrial Supply Co.
    Inventors: Vladimir Rozenblit, Vadim Buryakovsky, Lawrence Chang-Yung Wang, Yevgeniy Filipp Fiterman
  • Patent number: 9621223
    Abstract: The present invention relates to inspection apparatus for use in wellbores in the oil and gas industries. In particular the invention relates in general to the field of transmission of data between downhole module in a wellbore and a controlling module at the surface. The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining analog filter parameters for an analog front end comprising a plurality of filter stages receiving signals from a telemetry module, by repeating the steps of; receiving a signal of a known frequency and processing said signal by determining the magnitude of the frequency of the received signal until a plurality of signals have been received and processed; calculating an optimum set of filter parameters in dependence upon the measured frequency magnitudes and a predefined set of filter stage frequency responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: E.V. Offshore Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Thursby, Sumanth Eadala, Jonathan Brian Rudd
  • Patent number: 9593557
    Abstract: An autonomous downhole power generation system includes a power generation device configured to be disposed in an annular space around a portion of a production tubing, wherein the power generation device is switchable between a power generation mode and a bypass mode. The system further includes a power storage device electrically coupled to the power generation device and configured to store power generated by the power generation device. The system also includes a control processor communicatively coupled to the power storage device and the power generation device, wherein the control processor receives a measure of power stored in the power storage device and switches the power generation device between the power generation mode and the bypass mode based on the measure of power or an preprogrammed operational protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC
    Inventor: Namhyo Kim
  • Patent number: 9574437
    Abstract: A method for measuring viscosity in a borehole includes: pumping downhole fluid through at least one tube disposed in a carrier configured to be disposed in a borehole in an earth formation; taking at least one differential pressure measurement of the fluid in the at least one tube via a pressure transducer; and estimating a viscosity of the fluid based on the differential pressure measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ansgar Cartellieri, Stefan Sroka
  • Patent number: 9567814
    Abstract: Various hoisting systems with heave compensation are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a hoisting system having a crown block and a drawworks. The drawworks includes a rotatable drum for reeling in and reeling out a hoisting line that is wound on the rotatable drum and reeved over the crown block. The hoisting system includes active heave control at the drawworks and a passive heave compensation system. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron Sense AS
    Inventors: Erling Tambs, Harald Langenes, HƄkon F. Bergan, BƄrd H. Kaasin
  • Patent number: 9567853
    Abstract: Methods for analyzing sag in a section of a wellbore may utilize computational methods that produce sag profiles, which may be useful in performing further wellbore operations. The computational method may include inputs of at least one wellbore fluid property, at least one wellbore condition relating to a section of a wellbore, at least one operational parameter into a computational method, and any combination thereof. Further, the computational methods may include a mass balance analysis for individual elements of the meshed section of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandeep D. Kulkarni, Dale E. Jamison
  • Patent number: 9540881
    Abstract: A system for improving a drilling speed by using drill string vibration comprises a downhole drill string vibration-reduction and supercharging device, and an ultra-high pressure bit device used for a downhole supercharger. Also disclosed is a method for improving a drilling speed by using drill string vibration. Related embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM (EAST CHINA)
    Inventors: Zhichuan Guan, Yongwang Liu, Wenzhong Wei, Ben Guan, Yucai Shi, Hongning Zhang
  • Patent number: 9528369
    Abstract: Disclosed are a production logging tool and method for evaluating fluid produced from a formation of an oilfield. The fluid is measured by a water sensor to determine if the fluid is water, and a chloride sensor to determine chloride levels of the fluid. Based on the chloride levels of the fluid, it can be determined whether the fluid is naturally occurring water, or if the fluid is an injection fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher P. Brown
  • Patent number: 9506810
    Abstract: The inventions herein include a measuring transducer, having a first transmission channel which conditions an analogue measurement input signal in an analogue manner and makes it available as a conditioned measurement signal. In addition, the measuring transducer may have a second transmission channel which conditions the analogue measurement input signal and makes it available as an influencing signal, wherein the conditioned measurement signal and the influencing signal are combined and made available as a measurement output signal. In a further embodiment of the inventions herein, a measuring system has a temperature sensor and a measuring transducer according to the present innovations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz W. Meier, Fabian Zink
  • Patent number: 9482085
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing electromagnetic (EM) measurement-while-drilling (MWD) telemetry capabilities using an existing mud-pulse MWD tool. An EM tool intercepts the output from the mud-pulse tool and generates an EM signal that mimics a mud-pulse pressure signal. The EM signal is intercepted at the surface by a receiver module that conditions the signal and inputs the signal into the existing pulse tool receiver. Since the EM signal mimics a mud-pulse signal, the pulse tool receiver does not require software or hardware modifications in order to process an EM telemetry mode. The EM tool can be adapted to also provide dual telemetry by incorporating a conventional pressure pulser that would normally be used with the pulse tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Mostar Directionsl Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: John Petrovic, Victor Petrovic, Matthew R. White, Neal P. Beaulac
  • Patent number: 9472990
    Abstract: Systems and methods for insulating the Y-points of three-phase electric motors commonly used in ESP systems, in which the Y-points are not grounded or tied to a reference voltage, and may consequently experience high voltages. One embodiment is an apparatus for insulating the Y-point of the motor using an electrically insulating enclosure. The enclosure has apertures that extend from a cavity therewithin the to the exterior of the enclosure. The cavity accommodates the Y-point of the motor. The conductors which are connected at the Y-point junction extend from the cavity to the coils of the three-phase motor, and possibly to an instrument package. Seals are formed at the apertures to provide an electrically insulating barrier between the Y-point and the exterior of the enclosure. The cavity may be filled with an insulating material such as potting compound or oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: John M. Knapp
  • Patent number: 9441428
    Abstract: A master control system with remote monitoring that can perform, monitor, and control operations of a portable rig with a pipe handler as the pipe handler installs tubulars into a drill string or breaks out tubulars from a drill string for a wellbore. The master control system can include a processing device communicatively coupled to a data storage. The processing device receives a communication associated with a component of a portable rig. The processing device determines a position of the component of the portable rig based on the received communication. The processing device further provides an executive dashboard that includes at least one drilling rig function associated with the component of the portable rig. The processing device also initiates the portable rig to perform the at least one drilling rig function associated with the component of the portable rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignees: Canyon Oak Energy LLC, Loadmaster Universal Rigs, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Michael Barnes, James A. Zapico
  • Patent number: 9444372
    Abstract: Wind turbine consisting of an anchoring to the ground or to a base and a mast, the natural oscillation frequency of which is purposely adjusted to the frequency of appearance of the air vortices or eddies produced after the collision of a laminar and stationary airflow against the surface thereof. The aeroelastic energy thus absorbed is converted into electrical energy due to the use of materials with high electromechanical coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Deutecno, S.L.
    Inventor: David Jesus YaƱez Villarreal
  • Patent number: 9428961
    Abstract: A method for rotary steerable drilling, comprising calculating a first plurality of convergence plans if an estimated position of a drill bit is not within a defined margin of error of a desired point along a planned path for a borehole, calculating a second plurality of convergence plans if the estimated position of the drill bit is not within the margin of error, selecting a convergence plan that best satisfies a set of target parameters from the first and second plurality of convergence plans, producing a set of control parameters representing the selected convergence plan, transmitting one or more commands to one or more rotary steering components to actuate the one or more rotary steering components, in order to alter the planned path for the borehole in accordance with the set of control parameters, and drilling at least a portion of the borehole based on the set of control parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Motive Drilling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Benson, Teddy Chen, Joel Wilmes
  • Patent number: 9416592
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a tool body, stator, and rotor. The tool body is aligned along a tool centerline and includes an aperture therethrough operable to pass a fluid to an exterior of the body. The stator is fixed relative to the tool body and includes a fluid flow restriction operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the stator to the exterior of the body at an adjustable flow rate. The rotor is disposed within the tool body and rotatable relative to the stator and includes an exhaust port selectively aligned with at least one aperture through the tool body by rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. The exhaust port is operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the rotor to the exterior of the body when aligned with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Sitka
  • Patent number: 9389329
    Abstract: An acoustic energy source that amplifies the stroke of electrically reactive elements having a body with an elastomer filled first cavity, a highly incompressible fluid filling a second cavity, and bores intersecting the second cavity that extend radially outward from second cavity. Quill assemblies in the bores each include an electrically reactive element and a tip projecting radially into the second cavity. A dynamic yoke having a lower portion projecting into the second cavity, and a pressure disk projects into the first cavity. A diaphragm on the body and on a side of the dynamic yoke opposite its lower portion. A fluid forms a film between the dynamic yoke, static yoke and quill tips. Applying alternating electricity reciprocates the tips into and out of the second cavity; reciprocates the dynamic yoke and diaphragm to generate the acoustic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Dwight W. Swett
  • Patent number: 9335438
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring a drilling fluid for the formation of gas hydrates. One system includes a borehole containing a drilling fluid being circulated therethrough, a first optical computing device arranged in the borehole and having at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid and detect one or more gas hydrates present therein, and at least one detector arranged to receive optically interacted light generated from optical interaction between the at least one integrated computational element and the drilling fluid, the at least one detector being configured to generate a first output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the one or more gas hydrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Stephen W. Almond
  • Patent number: 9328561
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of making a drill bit is disclosed that includes selecting a drill bit configuration, obtaining a stress map for the drill bit configuration relating to a drilling operation, performing a mechanical test with an actual drill bit having the selected configuration, and selecting a location on a surface of the drill bit for installing a sensor thereat based on a location of low stress from the stress map and results of the mechanical test, and placing a sensor at the selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan, Xiaomin C. Cheng, Gregory C. Prevost, Feyzi Inanc, Yi Liu, Jason R. Habernal
  • Patent number: 9279321
    Abstract: In one general embodiment, a system includes at least one microsensor configured to detect one or more conditions of a fluidic medium of a reservoir; and a receptacle, wherein the receptacle encapsulates the at least one microsensor. In another general embodiment, a method include injecting the encapsulated at least one microsensor as recited above into a fluidic medium of a reservoir; and detecting one or more conditions of the fluidic medium of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Eddie Elmer Scott, Roger D. Aines, Christopher M. Spadaccini