Indicating, Testing Or Measuring A Condition Of The Formation Patents (Class 175/50)
  • Patent number: 11650169
    Abstract: A system and methods for measuring soil properties characteristics, the system comprising: at least one probe configured to be inserted into the soil, the probe comprising a plurality of antennas; a radio link characterization unit for transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the antennas and receiving a propagated radio signal from at least one of the antennas to yield at least one radio link; and a processor for converting the radio link characteristics into the soil properties characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: VAYYAR IMAGING LTD.
    Inventors: Harel Golombek, Shachar Shayovitz
  • Patent number: 11649716
    Abstract: A borescope may include a housing including a transparent viewing window, a bumper surrounding at least a portion of a periphery of the transparent viewing window, wherein the bumper is configured to be pressurized by a fluid, and at least one imaging assembly configured to visualize a field of view exterior of the housing through the transparent viewing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Aver Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Swamy Kumar V. Avasarala, Pranav Avasarala, Pallavi Avasarala, Sohan Kumar Sunku, Sahiti Rachakonda
  • Patent number: 11608731
    Abstract: A mechanical automatic vertical drilling tool, with ends that are connected with an upper drilling tool and a bit by a detachable thread, is disclosed. The tool comprises a control device, an actuator and an auxiliary part. The control device detects status of wellbore and controls operations of the actuator when the wellbore leans. The actuator pushes a block out against the well wall to generate a radial force, which pushes against the drill bit to prevent deviation and modify the wellbore trajectory. The auxiliary part transmits the indispensable bit pressure and torque for drilling to assist the control device and the actuator to achieve the function. This disclosure can get automatic deviation correction with only mechanical structures. It is simple and reliable, and unlikely to fail in complicated wells without any manual operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignees: Southwest Petroleum University, Sichuan Jutingzao Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jialin Tian, Tongxu Ge, Zhichao Hu, Lin Yang, Chunyu Xing, Lei Tang
  • Patent number: 11585209
    Abstract: A drilling system, comprising a drill string; and a ranging tool mounted on the drill string, the ranging tool comprising a magnetic sensor pair comprising a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor mounted radially opposite one another on the ranging tool, wherein each of the magnetic sensors is structured and configured to detect at least a radial component and a tangential component of a magnetic field; a rotatable assembly, comprising a motor structured and arranged to actuate rotation of the magnetic sensor pair around the drill string; and an electronics package connected to at least one of the magnetic sensor pair, and the motor, wherein the electronics package comprises a controller and a wireless telemetry device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Chase Griffing, Wenquan Li, Jesse Kevin Hensarling, John Harrison Farrah
  • Patent number: 11585202
    Abstract: A method for optimizing a drilling roadmap may include identifying an optimal bottom hole assembly (BHA) setup and drilling parameters for a well located in a field. The BHA setup may be based on historical simulation data of the field and drilling roadmap information. The drilling roadmap information may include initial drilling instructions for implementing the drilling roadmap. The method may include implementing and tracking the drilling roadmap at the well. The drilling roadmap may be based on a location of the well on the field and a type of other applications being performed on the field. The method may include obtaining sensor collected data to determine an accuracy of implementation of the drilling roadmap. The accuracy may be determined based on a comparison between tracked drilling parameters and simulated drilling parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Krzysztof Karol Machocki, Chinthaka Gooneratne, Ayodeji Abegunde, Arturo Magana-Mora
  • Patent number: 11579135
    Abstract: A downhole tool may comprise a mandrel, wherein the mandrel is a structural support for the downhole tool; one or more arms, wherein the one or more arms are attached to the mandrel; and a pad, wherein the pad is connected to the one or more arms. The pad may comprise a material, where the material expands or contracts from an external electromagnetic field; an insulator, wherein the insulator is connected at a first end to the material; and an electrode, wherein the electrode is connected to the insulator. A method may comprise applying a time varying biasing voltage to a material, wherein the material exhibits mechanical strain; taking a first measurement and a second measurement with at least one operating frequency with an electrode; calculating a mud property based at least in part on the first measurement and the second measurement; and applying a mud effect removal algorithm to the mud property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilker R. Capoglu, Baris Guner
  • Patent number: 11578564
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining shear failure of a rock formation are disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a plurality of parameters related to physical properties of the rock formation, applying the plurality of parameters to a predetermined failure criterion, and determining shear failure of the rock formation based on the failure criterion. In some embodiments the failure criterion is a modified Hoek-Brown failure criterion that takes into consideration an intermediate principal stress, and the difference between normal stresses and an average confining stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Chao Liu, Younane Abousleiman, Hui-Hai Liu, Yanhui Han
  • Patent number: 11543283
    Abstract: A flow metering system includes a flow meter coupled to a plurality of sensors and configured to measure volume of fluid flowing through the flow meter. The system also includes a metrology computer coupled to the flow meter and the sensors. The metrology computer is configured to receive live values from a plurality of sensors during a first time period, train an artificial intelligence engine based on the live values received during the first time period, and detect a sensor failure based on a deviation between a live value from the sensor and a predicted value for the sensor. The predicted value is based on live values from other of the plurality of sensors and the artificial intelligence engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Emerson Automation Solutions Measurement Systems & Services LLC
    Inventors: Gary Thomson Collister, Christudas Philipose Anchuturuthen, Bharatkumar Bhupal Patil
  • Patent number: 11536874
    Abstract: Methods for simulation of hydrocarbon systems having a sharply varying viscosity gradient include receiving, by a computer system, Neutron Magnetic Resonance (NMR) logs for hydrocarbon wells in an oilfield. The computer system identifies viscosity regions of hydrocarbons present within the hydrocarbon wells based on the NMR logs. The computer system determines equation of state (EOS) parameters based on compositional analysis of pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) samples obtained from the hydrocarbon wells. The computer system generates a three-dimensional (3D) model of the oilfield, using as inputs, the viscosity regions, the EOS parameters, and a fluid composition gradient with respect to a depth within each viscosity region. The computer system determines a landing depth from the surface of the Earth for operation of peripheral water injectors based on simulating the 3D viscosity model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Babatope Kayode, Gabor Hursan
  • Patent number: 11513248
    Abstract: A method and system for locating a reflector in a formation. The method may comprise broadcasting a sonic waveform as a shear formation body wave or a compressional formation body wave into the formation, recording a reflected wave from a reflector with the one or more receivers as dipole data by the dipole receiver and quadrupole data by the quadrupole receiver, and processing the dipole data and the quadrupole data with an information handling system to determine a location of the reflector from the borehole sonic logging tool. The system may comprise a borehole sonic logging tool and an information handling system. The borehole sonic logging tool may comprise one or more transmitters configured to transmit a sonic waveform into a formation and one or more receivers configured to record a reflected wave as a dipole receiver for dipole data and a quadrupole receiver for quadrupole data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruijia Wang, Brian Edward Hornby
  • Patent number: 11481706
    Abstract: An abnormal trend detection system for detecting one or more hazards may provide for a safe and effective drilling operation as any of the one or more hazards may be avoided. Several indicators may be defined including a first, second, third and fourth indicator. The indicators are used to identify in a trend analysis abnormal trends. One or more thresholds may be defined. When a trend analysis indicates that a threshold has been reached or exceeded an alarm may be triggered, a drilling operation may be altered or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Hewei Tang, Shang Zhang, Feifei Zhang, Suresh Venugopal, Youli Mao
  • Patent number: 11434748
    Abstract: A rotary tool for operation within an underground borehole or within tubing in a borehole has a tool body and at least one sensor-containing unit attached to the tool body and positioned to contact the conduit wall. The sensor-containing unit includes an exterior portion to contact the borehole or tubing wall and one or more sensors is located in a cavity between the exterior portion and the tool body. The sensor-containing unit may be formed from the exterior portion, an attachment portion for attachment to the tool body, and one or more connecting portions extending between the attachment and exterior portions, with the sensor-containing cavity between the attachment and exterior portions. Possible rotary tools include drill bits, reamers, mills, stabilizers, and rotary steerable systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Robert Hird, Ashley Bernard Johnson, Michael Paul Barrett, Walter David Aldred, Tomas Rosinski, Jarek Rosinski
  • Patent number: 11401803
    Abstract: A system and method to determine effective fracture surface-area per cluster of hydraulic fractures of a hydraulically-fractured well by estimating total effective fracture-area associated with a wellbore and estimating relative distribution of effective fracture surface-area along the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Huseyin Onur Balan, Anuj Gupta
  • Patent number: 11346968
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying non-elastic indicators for a subsurface region, the method including obtaining seismic data for the subsurface region; generating a best-fit elastic model from the seismic data; and identifying non-elastic indicators from the seismic data and the best-fit elastic model. The method and apparatus may also include estimating reservoir flow properties from the non-elastic indicators based on a poroelastic interpretation of the seismic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Brent D. Wheelock, Mehmet D. Ertas
  • Patent number: 11332910
    Abstract: This description provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation vehicle that is capable of navigating through a dig site and carrying an excavation routine using a system of sensors physically mounted to the excavation vehicle. The sensors collect one or more of spatial, imaging, measurement, and location data representing the status of the excavation vehicle and its surrounding environment. Based on the collected data, the excavation vehicle executes instructions to perform an excavation routine by excavating earth from a hole using an excavation tool positioned at a single location within the site. The excavation vehicle is also able to carry out numerous other tasks, such as checking the volume of excavated earth in an excavation tool, navigating the excavation vehicle over a distance while continuously excavating earth from a below surface depth, and preparing a digital terrain model of the site as part of a process for creating the excavation routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Built Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Austen Ready-Campbell, Gaurav Jitendra Kikani, Andrew Liang, Pradeesh Suganthan, James Alan Emerick, Sarah Marie Thornton, Ammar Idris Kothari, Edward Joseph Garza
  • Patent number: 11248463
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method of performing aspects of a downhole operation includes receiving a measurement value from a first sensor configured to measure a parameter related to the downhole operation, receiving measurement data from a different sensor, the measurement data related to the downhole operation, and performing, by a sensor evaluation module, an evaluation of the first sensor. The evaluation includes determining a condition of the first sensor based on the measurement data from the different sensor, selecting a rule that prescribes a set of one or more measurement values of the parameter that are plausible if the condition is met, and determining whether the measurement value from the first sensor is plausible based on comparing the measurement value to the prescribed set of one or more measurement values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Ingo Forstner, Christian Fulda
  • Patent number: 11225865
    Abstract: A method of testing mechanical properties of an earth formation can include disposing a probe in a wellbore, impacting the probe against a wall of the wellbore, and measuring a parameter related to at least one of a displacement, displacement rate, strain, and strain rate, of at least one of the probe and the formation. Another method can include disposing a probe and a known material in a wellbore, and after the disposing, penetrating the known material with the probe. Another method can include disposing a probe in a wellbore, measuring a displacement of the probe into a wall of the wellbore while measuring a load applied to the probe, and applying fluid pressure to the formation via the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Gleitman, Gang Li
  • Patent number: 11199089
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of using drilling vibrations generated by the deformation of a rock formation in response to forces acting on the rock formation, where the forces are related to a drill bit and/or drilling fluid system, to identify the nature and occurrence of fractures, fracture swarms and other mechanical discontinuities (boundaries) such as bedding planes and/or faults that offset or otherwise separate rock formations with different mechanical rock properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Fracture ID, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Christopher Neale, James D. Lakings
  • Patent number: 11174725
    Abstract: A calibration system for an electromagnetic (EM) tool includes a processor. The processor employs the EM tool to measure responses at each of a plurality of channels. The processor records the measured responses at each of the channels in an EM data log for the channel. The processor selects one or more calibration points from the EM data log for a particular channel, based on a difference between the nominal value of the particular channel and the measured response at the calibration point being greater than a particular threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Reza Khalaj Amineh, Burkay Donderici, Luis Emilio San Martin
  • Patent number: 11092573
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus detects one or more characteristics of a material sample and includes a transmitter to transmit an initial signal to the material sample, and a receiver to receive a detected signal from the material sample associated with the initial signal. The detected signal has at least a first harmonic signal component and a second harmonic signal component. Data processing circuitry determines a resonant frequency of the first harmonic signal component and an amplitude of the first harmonic signal component at the resonant frequency, and filters the detected signal using a first filter signal having a frequency corresponding to the first harmonic signal component and a second filter signal having a frequency corresponding to the second harmonic signal component. A frequency analysis is performed in the frequency domain on the filtered first and second signals to determine corresponding first and second amplitudes. The first and second amplitudes may be compensated for nonlinearity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Luna Innovations Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew Ryan Webster, Kevin Farinholt, Gheorghe Bunget
  • Patent number: 11048012
    Abstract: A formation characterization system can include a processor; memory accessibly by the processor; instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to instruct the system to: acquire induction measurements in a borehole in a formation using an induction tool; determine dielectric properties of the formation using the induction measurements; and generate a log that characterizes particles in the formation based on the dielectric properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Rasmus, Gong Li Wang, Dean M. Homan, Natalie Uschner-Arroyo
  • Patent number: 11018648
    Abstract: A sonic logging broadband impedance matching transformer modular design method and a module are related to sonic logging. The method includes the steps: obtaining component values of a multimodal equivalent circuit of a piezoelectric transducer by fitting actual impedance data of the piezoelectric transducer through a nonlinear regression method; selecting a T-type network structure composed of a matching capacitor and a matching inductor as a piezoelectric transducer impedance matching network structure; and presetting a to-be-matched frequency band and a reflection coefficient, and taking the multimodal equivalent circuit of the transducer as an artificial circuit load to optimize parameters of the piezoelectric transducer impedance matching network structure and a boosting transformer together so as to obtain final optimized parameters of the piezoelectric transducer impedance matching network structure and the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: INSTITUUTE OF GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Xin Fu, Yuntao Sun, Yang Gou, Wenxuan Chen, Fuqiang Wei
  • Patent number: 11008823
    Abstract: Values for porosity and permeability of core samples in a borehole are estimated by generating radial waves with an acoustic source in fluid around the core sample, and measuring pressure in the fluid. Moreover, the acoustic source operates at frequency close to a resonant frequency of the core sample. After the acoustic source no longer operates at the resonant frequency, pressure in the fluid attenuates over time. The pressure attenuation is recorded by the pressure measurements, along with the pressure in the fluid at the first harmonic (spectral component). The pressure attenuation and spectral component each are dependent on porosity and permeability of the core sample. Thus values for the porosity and permeability are determined based on the arithmetic relationships between pressure attenuation and the spectral component and porosity and permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventors: Vitaly Nikolaevich Dorovsky, Yury Vadimovich Perepechko, Maxim Yuievich Podberezhny
  • Patent number: 10989049
    Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting high quality reservoir samples are disclosed. The systems and methods of the present invention are especially important in collecting samples of reservoir fluids in a manner that most closely resembles production fluids. The systems include an upper shoe and a lower shoe that are asymmetrically spaced along the axial length of probe module with respect to a sampling probe to allow for the placement of a component compartment proximate the probe. Sensors or modules for testing or analyzing reservoir fluids are positioned within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Yuratich, Philip Powell
  • Patent number: 10953510
    Abstract: A method is provided for assessing wear of a drill bit throughout its use for carrying out the drilling of elements to be drilled constituted by at least one layer and at least one material. The wear of the drill bit expresses its capacity to perform a drilling that meets at least one criterion of quality of a drilling. The method includes at least: measuring or detecting at least one parameter having an effect on the wear of the drill bit, the parameter being chosen from: the depth of drilling performed by the drill bit, and the entry of the drill bit into the element to be drilled; and determining at least one state of wear of the drill bit, each state of wear being determined as a function of one of the parameters and being characteristic of one of the criteria of quality of a drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: SETI-TEC
    Inventor: Sebastien Pereira
  • Patent number: 10908309
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for estimating interval anellipticity parameter by inversing effective anellipticity parameter in the depth domain using a least-squares method. One embodiment of interval anellipticity parameter estimator includes: 1) an interface configured to receive seismic data and borehole information; 2) a depth convertor configured to obtain a function of depth of effective anisotropy parameter based on said borehole information; 3) an inverse transformer configured to set up said function of depth of effective anisotropy parameter as a least-squares fitting problem based on said P-wave data; and 4) an iterative solver configured to use iterative methods to solve said least-squares fitting problem and to obtain an anisotropy model containing interval anellipticity parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventor: Fan Xia
  • Patent number: 10876396
    Abstract: A system, in some embodiments, comprises: a controller; and a mud pulse telemetry modulator coupled to the controller and configured to modulate a mud column using differential pulse position modulation (DPPM) code words comprising most significant bits and least significant bits, wherein the controller allocates the most significant bit in each of said code words to a first data parameter having a first importance value and the least significant bit in each of said code words to a second data parameter having a second importance value that is lower than the first importance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jianying Chu
  • Patent number: 10877173
    Abstract: An exploration system includes an artificial seismic source, sensor terminals, an environmental sensor, and a computer, wherein each of a plurality of sensor terminals is provided with a velocity or acceleration sensor which detects vibration generated by the artificial seismic source, and an identifier which is unique to the velocity or acceleration sensor; the environmental sensor detects an external environment which influences the velocity or acceleration sensor; and the computer stores a deterioration model which possibly indicates, as a degree of deterioration, performance deterioration of the velocity or acceleration sensor by providing information about the external environment as a variable, associates, with the identifier, the information about the external environment detected by the environmental sensor, stores the information about the external environment as a usage history, and determines a deterioration state of the velocity or acceleration sensor or the sensor terminal on the basis of the det
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Maeki, Tomonori Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 10837240
    Abstract: A gap joint for use with a gap sub for electromagnetic telemetry. The gap joint has a replaceable uphole shoulder on the male gap joint component, which may be composed of a sacrificial material, to extend gap joint useful life where there is electrolysis of the component outside diameter. The gap joint also has a thicker outside diameter seal to reduce the risk of underlying O-ring extrusion and failure, again extending gap joint useful life. The thicker seal may also be able to withstand higher pressures before collapsing or experiencing punctures in unsupported areas. The replaceable shoulder and outside diameter seal can be used separately or together in a gap joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Robert Derkacz, Justin Christopher Logan, Aaron William Logan, Angelica J. B. Francoeur, Jason B. Wackett, Danick R. J. Normandeau, Riley J. Berry
  • Patent number: 10794178
    Abstract: Downhole assemblies comprise at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter relating to a downhole condition. The downhole assembly further includes a communications assembly having at least one device for controlling a characteristic of fluid flow through the downhole assembly and a processor in communication with the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to selectively alter the characteristic of fluid flow through the downhole assembly with the at least one device in response to data received from the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Markus Hempel, Michell Schimanski, Bryan C. Dugas
  • Patent number: 10683747
    Abstract: A system includes a set of one or more electromagnetic (EM) field sensors deployed in a borehole formed in a downhole formation, wherein the set of EM field sensors provides sensitivity to EM fields. The system also includes an EM field source that emits an EM field into the downhole formation. The system also includes a data processing system that receives measurements collected by the set of EM field sensors in response to the emitted EM field. The data processing system models the subsurface EM field based on the received measurements and identifies a plurality of flood fronts corresponding to fluid approaching the borehole from the injection wells, and adjusts injection rates to prevent injection fluid breakthrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Priyesh Ranjan, Burkay Donderici, Ahmed Elsayed Fouda
  • Patent number: 10633943
    Abstract: A brake device for engaging an inner surface of a drill string within a borehole. The brake device has a driving member that defines a plurality of wedge surfaces, a brake retainer that receives at least a portion of the driving member, and a plurality of braking elements positioned in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the driving member. The brake retainer has a biasing member that is operatively coupled to the driving member. The biasing member of the brake retainer biases the driving member in a proximal direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill string to position the wedge surfaces in contact with corresponding braking elements, and the wedge surfaces drive the braking elements radially outwardly to engage the inner surface of the drill string. The brake device is not coupled to an inner tube assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Drenth, George Iondov, Martin Romeo Savoie
  • Patent number: 10633937
    Abstract: A lift frame system and method of use including a lift frame capable of being moved from a stowed position to a drill center position and a skidding pallet with at least one personnel access and egress walkway platform. The skidding pallet is capable of moving along a plurality of rails and engaging a multipurpose tower. The lift frame may include levels, a coiled tubing injector, at least one pressure control equipment, stabilizing arms, a top drive, a hook, and a set of bails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Johnston, Paul Shotton
  • Patent number: 10605067
    Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a resonance enhanced rotary drill comprising a drilling module and a control system for controlling one or more drilling parameters of the drilling module, which method comprises: (a) employing one or more initial characteristics of the material being drilled, and/or one or more initial drilling parameters to control the drilling module; (b) measuring one or more current drilling parameters to obtain one or more measured drilling parameters; (c) employing the one or more measured drilling parameters as an input in the control system, in order to obtain an output from the control system, which output comprises one or more calculated characteristics of the material being drilled; (d) employing the one or more calculated characteristics of the material being drilled, and/or the one or more measured drilling parameters, as an input in the control system, in order to obtain an output from the control system, which output comprises one or more calculated drilling parameters;
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ITI Scotland Limited
    Inventors: Marian Wiercigroch, Yang Liu
  • Patent number: 10598814
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems for determining source rock potential in a subterranean region of a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method includes: receiving, a terahertz (THz) scanning image from an in-situ THz scanner that is attached to a wellbore at a first subterranean location, wherein the wellbore extends into the subterranean region of the hydrocarbon reservoir; identifying, components of a source rock in the first subterranean location based on the THz scanning image; and determining, the source rock potential at the first subterranean location based on the identified components of the source rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Sebastian Csutak
  • Patent number: 10584534
    Abstract: A drilling system comprising a drill string defined between an upper end and a lower end. The drill string comprises a drill pipe, a motor disposed between the drill pipe and the lower end, a drill bit disposed between the motor and the lower end, and an electronics assembly disposed within the motor or between the motor and the lower end. The electronics assembly comprises at least one sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Everett P. Hagar, Jonathan Peter Zacharko
  • Patent number: 10577874
    Abstract: A casing drilling with a removable MWD tool comprising a float shoe for removably positioning the bottom of a MWD tool at and or near the drill bit inside the casing, a stabilizer attached to the top of the MWD tool for centrally positioning the MWD tool inside the casing, and a spear positioned on the stabilizer for attaching to retrieval equipment known in the art and also contemplated that after the well is drilled with casing pipe and ready for the production process, a retrieval operation may be lowered into the well to retrieve the MWD tool by attaching to the spear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: National Oilwell DHT, LP
    Inventors: Stephen B. Poe, Jose Chiarello, Hector Nunez
  • Patent number: 10526886
    Abstract: A method that includes deploying an acoustic caliper tool in a borehole, the tool having several axially-spaced acoustic transceivers; obtaining acoustic signal reflection measurements for the transceivers; estimating a distance-to-boundary value for the transceivers based on reflection measurements; calculating a tool inclination angle based on the distance-to-boundary values; and deriving a correction value based on the angle. A system that includes an acoustic caliper tool having several axially-spaced acoustic transceivers to obtain reflection measurements; at least one processor; and at least one memory in communication with the processor, the memory storing instructions that cause the processor to: receive the acoustic signal reflection measurements; estimate a distance-to-boundary value for the transceivers based on the reflection measurements; calculate a tool inclination angle based on the distance-to-boundary values; and derive a correction value based on the angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Quang Huy Nguyen, Wei Hsuan Huang, Vinodh Kumar Palani
  • Patent number: 10519771
    Abstract: A rock breaking seismic source and active source three-dimensional seismic combined detection system uses a tunnel boring machine for three-dimensional seismic combined detection by active seismic source and rock breaking seismic source methods. Long-distance advanced prediction and position recognition of a geological anomalous body are realized using the active source seismic method. Machine construction is adjusted and optimized according to the detection result; real-time short-distance accurate prediction of the body is realized using the cutter head rock breaking vibration having weak energy but containing a high proportion of transverse wave components as seismic sources and adopting an unconventional rock breaking seismic source seism recording and handling method. An area surrounding rock quality to be excavated is represented and assessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SHANGDONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shucai Li, Bin Liu, Xinji Xu, Jie Song, Lichao Nie, Lei Yang, Chunjin Lin, Weimin Yang
  • Patent number: 10519762
    Abstract: Apparatus include a downhole tool comprising an outer member; and a probe body positioned inside the outer member; an electronics carrier positioned inside the probe body; and a lateral support system, including members cooperating to maintain a relative position of the electronics carrier with respect to the probe body, and a biasing member. The plurality of members may include an outer support ring having an axial passage therethrough for receiving the electronics carrier, the outer support ring having an inner surface; and an inner support ring within the probe body having an axial passage therethrough for receiving the electronics carrier, the inner support ring having an outer surface. The biasing member may be configured to urge a member of the plurality of members against an inner surface of the probe body by urging the outer surface of the inner support ring against the inner surface of the outer support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: Andreas Peter
  • Patent number: 10465508
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for generating fluid pulses in a fluid column, such as within a well. A described example fluid pulse generator has a valve member comprising a piston that is linearly movable within a piston chamber to control flow by selectively obstructing a fluid passage. The fluid passage may extend around at least a portion of the piston chamber and intersect at an angle relative to the axis of movement of the valve member. The piston is linearly movable, such as from a closed or minimal-flow position to a maximal-flow position, and optionally to any of a number or range of positions therebetween. The position of the valve member may be varied to generate fluid pulses of a selected pattern of duration, amplitude, and so forth, to generate a signal within the fluid column detectable at a location remote from the fluid pulse generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Sitka, Larry DeLynn Chambers
  • Patent number: 10458190
    Abstract: A cutting element includes a table coupled to a substrate at an interface. The table includes a working surface opposite the interface and defined by a perimeter, a table thickness measured between the interface and the working surface, and a torque transmittable depression formed in the working surface of the table a distance away from the perimeter. The torque transmittable depression extends a depth into the table and has a cross-sectional profile with a torque transmittable shape. The depth of the depression may be greater than the thickness of the table, or an optional sensor may be placed in the depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Youhe Zhang
  • Patent number: 10444396
    Abstract: Various embodiments include systems and methods of operation with respect to well logging. The systems and methods can include a number of transmitter sensors and a number of receiving sensors arranged to operate as a system including one or more multi-pole sensors. Such systems may be controlled to generate deep high-order azimuthal sensitivity. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Burkay Donderici
  • Patent number: 10443338
    Abstract: In a fracking context the object that will ultimately block a passage in an isolation device is introduced into the zone with the bottom hole assembly. The object is not released until the guns fire to create a pressure spike in the borehole that triggers the object retaining device to release the object. The retaining device is placed in close proximity to the isolation device and its setting tool to allow a larger object and passage in the isolation device to be used. If the guns misfire, the object is not released and comes out with the guns. The replacement guns can be pumped in because the passage in the isolation device has stayed open during the misfire. Direct and indirect object release in response to pressure created from the firing of the guns is contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Jason C. Mailand, Daniel S. Matthews, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 10436016
    Abstract: A system for tracking an object in oil and gas wellbore operations wherein a releasable object carrying a first signal system is released into tube system associated with a wellbore. The first signal system communicates with one or more second signal systems positioned along the travel path of the object; along the surface of the formation; and/or throughout the wellbore. First signal system and the second signal system may communicate by RF signals. First signal system and any second signal systems positioned on the surface communicate by through-the-earth or very low frequency signals. A global positioning system may be utilized in conjunction with any second signal systems on the surface to identify the absolute location of the object in the underground wellbore. The first signal system carried by the object may be a piezoelectric system disposed to transmit a signal when the object experiences a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Service, LLP
    Inventors: Nicolas Rogozinski, Nicholas F. Budler
  • Patent number: 10385678
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating pore pressure in subterranean shale formations such as gas- or organic-rich shale where pore pressure predictions based on either a resistivity log or a porosity-indicative log such as sonic tend to be inaccurate. The method involves combining the resistivity log with the porosity-indicative log using a Eaton formula to give an estimate of pore pressure which is accurate both for conventional water wet shale and for organic-rich shale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: Ha Dinh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10374369
    Abstract: A system and method for testing of electrical connections, conductors, and loads prior to energizing those connections is disclosed. For example, an interlocking socket can comprise a receptacle designed to be coupled to a connector of a load. The interlocking socket can comprise a microprocessor coupled to the receptacle, the microcontroller operable for testing one or more faults in the connector, a conductor, or the load coupled to the connector. In another example, a microprocessor can be coupled to a switch comprising a conductor, where the microprocessor is operable for testing one or more faults in the conductor or a load coupled to the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: David Austin Eldridge, Maximilian Abel Mueller, Ronald Lee Thompson, Charles John Luebke
  • Patent number: 10358906
    Abstract: An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported in a drill string section by centralizing features of a centralizer that is slidably removable from the drill string section. The centralizer may comprise a tubular body having a bore defined through it. A bore wall of the centralizer is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. The centralizer may optionally comprise and/or be coated with a vibration damping and/or electrically insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, Justin C. Logan, Patrick R. Derkacz
  • Patent number: 10359525
    Abstract: A method including selecting a forward model based on a modeled well structure and including a single modeled acoustic source located in a modeled wellbore and a plurality of modeled acoustic sensors located in a modeled source area, simulating an acoustic signal generated by the single modeled acoustic source and received by each modeled acoustic sensor, calculating phases of the simulated acoustic signals received at each modeled acoustic sensor, obtaining with a principle of reciprocity a plurality of modeled acoustic sources in the modeled source area and a single modeled acoustic sensor in the modeled wellbore, calculating phase delays of the simulated acoustic signals between each modeled acoustic source and the single modeled acoustic sensor, detecting acoustic signals generated by a flow of fluid using acoustic sensors in a wellbore, and processing the acoustic signals using the phase delays to generate a flow likelihood map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivasan Jagannathan, Yinghui Lu, Rebecca Jachmann, Nam Nguyen, Yi Yang Ang
  • Patent number: 10352160
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments, formation fluid properties, such as gas-oil ratio (GOR), formation volume factor (FVF), and density, may be measured at multiple times during sampling. In one embodiment, data representing the measured properties is analyzed and a characteristic of interest is determined through extrapolation from the analyzed data. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Julian Pop, Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu