Of Geophysical Surface Or Subsurface In Situ Patents (Class 324/323)
  • Patent number: 5861750
    Abstract: A method and device for determining the hydraulic conductivity of porous materials is disclosed. The method uses a general permeability equation for calculating the hydraulic conductivity. The resistivity of the porous material is measured when the porous material is at least partially saturated with a pore filling fluid. Other data, such as a formation factor, permeability constants of the porous material, and in situ moisture content of the porous material may also be derived or measured. The geophysical permeability equation is then used to calculate the hydraulic conductivity of the porous material from the measurements and data. Methods are also disclosed which provide an average hydraulic conductivity over a given area. A device for determining hydraulic conductivity of a porous material is disclosed which utilizes a plurality of electrodes for conducting electricity to the porous material. A resistivity meter may be attached between the electrodes for measuring the resistivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventors: Dennis M. Anderson, William J. Ehni
  • Patent number: 5841280
    Abstract: A method for estimating porosity of an earth formation from measurements of acoustic energy traversing the earth formation and from measurements of seismoelectric voltages generated in the formation in response to the acoustic energy. The method includes the steps of measuring the acoustic energy traversing the earth formation and measuring said seismoelectric voltages generated in response to the acoustic energy traversing the formation. A seismoelectric signal is synthesized from the measurements of the acoustic energy using an initial value of the porosity. A difference is determined between the synthesized seismoelectric voltages and the measured seismoelectric voltages. The initial value of porosity is adjusted, and the steps of synthesizing the seismoelectric voltages from the acoustic signal, determining the difference, and adjusting the value of porosity are repeated until the difference drops below a predetermined threshold or the difference reaches a minimum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gang Yu, Xiaoming Tang, Kurt-Martin Strack, Arthur Chuen Hon Cheng
  • Patent number: 5811974
    Abstract: The present invention relates to realize a tectonic activity monitoring equipment providing apparatus and method to detect a feeble electromagnetic wave occurred by the tectonic activity with a high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and to predict earthquake and volcano eruption. The apparatus and the method for monitoring tectonic activity of the present invention comprises electromagnetic wave sensors and one or more of amplifiers for amplifying signals detected by the sensors. And an observation frequency for detecting electromagnetic wave occurred from tectonic activity is set to a frequency between a few tens Hz and 1 kHz so as to eliminate the influence of noises of a strong radiation power less than a few tens Hz and tropical thunder noises of more than 1 kHz of higher order modes propagating between the earth and the ionosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Research Development Corporation of Japan
    Inventor: Masayasu Hata
  • Patent number: 5757177
    Abstract: An infrasonic frequency resonant circuit and method for use thereof. An electric power distribution system is employed both as antenna for ISF signals and as a source of inductive reactance for a resonant circuit tuned to a band within the ISF spectrum. A capacitor is placed from the neutral conductor to the ground conductor at an ac power outlet in a structure to form a resonant circuit ordinarily tuned to a band within the ISF spectrum. An ISF spectrum analyzer is connected to the neutral and ground terminals of the resonant circuit to visualize ISF electromagnetic signals induced on the electric power distribution system in both the frequency domain and the time domain and so as to be more readily evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: OTW LLC
    Inventor: David F. Farnsworth
  • Patent number: 5742166
    Abstract: A method of detecting precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms and predicting future seismic activity in the form of an earthquake by placing a detector including a dielectric material in contact with the earth. The detector receives at the dielectric material precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms traveling within the earth emanating from a region of seismic activity. A sensor responsive to the dielectric material senses a series of individual discrete signals imposed by the waveforms at the dielectric material wherein each of the signals has the characteristic of a rise time that is shorter than its fall time. Alternatively, the discrete signals may be a single discrete signal characterized by a plurality of overlapping waveforms. Then predicting based on the series of the signals the occurrence of the earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Larry Park
  • Patent number: 5710511
    Abstract: An electromagnetic wellbore logging tool including an elongated sonde adapted for traversing the wellbore, a source of alternating current, an antenna connected to the source of alternating current, and a receiver circuit connected to the antenna. The receiver circuit provides an output corresponding to electromagnetic signals induced in the antenna. The invention includes at least one insulating insert disposed in an annular space between the exterior of the sonde and the wall of the wellbore. The insert extends in a direction so as to segment the paths of eddy current which would otherwise flow in the annular space. In a preferred embodiment, the logging tool includes a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus having a longitudinal dipole antenna. The insulating inserts extend along the longitudinal axis of the tool so as to segment eddy current paths perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gersh Taicher, Arcady Reiderman
  • Patent number: 5699246
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new method to determine corrected characteristics of materials using the measured quantities obtained by a measurement and an extensive set of database points representing laboratory and modeled results in well defined environments. In particular the invention relates to the measurement of the characteristics of the formation around a wellbore as well as of the borehole with a well logging tool. Using a dynamic parametrization technique, the environmental corrections and the transformations from the measured to the physical characteristics can be achieved in a more accurate, robust and flexible way. The dynamic local parametrization is based on a weighted multiple linear regression over the entire database to obtain the local coefficients for the transformation which can be expressed as a simple equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Plasek, Christian Stoller, Robert A. Adolph
  • Patent number: 5673191
    Abstract: A method of analyzing geological survey data of the potential field measurement type is disclosed. According to the disclosed method, discrete measurement values of the potential field, either the gravitational or magnetic field, are retrieved from memory, corresponding to either a one-dimensional or two-dimensional survey region of the earth. The discrete values are first preconditioned by the application of a noise-reduction digital filter, preferably of the Weiner type. The disclosed method then performs decomposition of the filtered discrete values using the Daubechies scale function and wavelet function of length 2. According to the preferred method, the second level low-frequency component of the first level high-frequency component is generated, and expanded by a factor of four to correspond to the range of the input discrete values. Interpolation is performed to fill in values between adjacent coefficients of this component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: David A. Chapin, Charles C. Mosher
  • Patent number: 5663499
    Abstract: An improved method of estimating formation permeability is provided. Essentially, the improved method of the present invention combines a mud cake build-up/invasion model and a fully implicit near-well bore model from which radial formation resistivities can be computed and compared with log-observed values. The permeability used to compute the radial formation resistivities is varied until the computed radial formation resistivities match with the log-observed values. The improved method does not require core samples. Specifically, by using a multi-array induction log in combination with the porosity log, a petrophysical analysis of the formation is carried out and a calculated conductivity or resistivity log is provided. The calculated log values are compared with the measured log values obtained from the multi-array induction log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventors: Mark E. Semmelbeck, John T. Dewan
  • Patent number: 5625348
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing one or more physical parameters, including acoustic waves having frequencies from approximately 0 Hz to 15 Hz, electromagnetic waves having frequencies from approximately 0 Hz through 35 Hz and seismic waves having frequencies from approximately 0 Hz through 15 Hz, and detecting precursor seismic activity indicated therein. Acoustic waves are sensed using an infrasonic transducer that produces an electrical signal representative of such waves. Electromagnetic waves are sensed using a suitable antenna, the antenna preferably comprising AC power lines. The antenna produces an electrical signal representative of such waves. Seismic waves are sensed using an accelerometer that produces an electrical signal representative of such waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventors: David F. Farnsworth, Larry A. Park
  • Patent number: 5612493
    Abstract: A method is provided for simulating a linear solution gas curve for the determination of the gas-oil ratio for a crude oil well at any pressure using only surface measurements of the well's annular gas rate, a determination of the flowing bottom hole pressure, and knowledge of the bubble-point pressure. From the resulting curve, relationships can be formulated for determining the total produced gas rate. In an alternate embodiment, knowing the total gas rate for a crude oil well, a solution gas curve is simulated and the above relationships can be applied in reverse manner to predict several well characteristics, including either of the crude oil bubble-point pressure, the flowing bottom hole pressure, or the annular gas rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Lloyd G. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5543714
    Abstract: In a magnetic cartography process and apparatus, measurements are performed by magnetic field sensors placed in "fish" moved in the area to be mapped. Gradients are determined on the basis of the difference between the measurements supplied by two sensors at the same time, this applying to any pair of sensors, and/or on the basis of the difference between the measurements supplied by the same sensor at two different times, this applying to any sensor, which leads to at least one map of gradients which is broken down into a map of regional field gradients and a map of local field gradients. On the basis of the local field gradients, a determination takes place of the geological field relative to the area, or the gradients of the field and then the local field, by adding the geological field to the regional field determined on the basis of its gradients by an inversion and direct calculation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Roland Blanpain, Bruno Flament
  • Patent number: 5521508
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the occurrence of an earthquake in a monitored area as described by detecting the vertical component of the Earth's magnetic field at a plurality of pairs of spaced points, the spacing "d" between the points of each pair being from 450 to 2,300 meters in a first horizontal direction, the spacing "Y" between each pair of points being between 450 and 25,000 meters in a second horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: State of Israel Ministry of Defense Aramament Development Authority Rafael
    Inventor: Moshe Merzer
  • Patent number: 5502686
    Abstract: A method for concurrently gathering acoustic and resistivity data for mapping the texture of the sidewall of a borehole using a single imaging tool. The data are sampled, formatted and merged to provide a single composite image of the borehole sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Western Atlas International
    Inventors: Efraim Dory, Martin Evans, Albert A. Alexy
  • Patent number: 5486764
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the earth's resistance (conductivity) as a function of depth using electroseismic prospecting (ESP) or inverse ESP techniques. Resistance is determined by the frequency-dependent attenuation of reflected EM signals which are produced by application of seismic signals to the earth. A seismic wave is generated by conventional means into the earth, and EM waves are generated back to the surface by different reflectors at different depth levels. This propagation attenuates the high frequencies preferentially. EM waves generated at lower depths are further attenuated relative to those waves generated at more shallow depths. The method and apparatus determines the difference in spectral content between the reflected signals from different horizons based on their relative attenuation and uses this difference as a direct measure of the conductivity between the horizons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Arthur H. Thompson, Grant A. Gist
  • Patent number: 5485084
    Abstract: A device for detecting hidden cracks in a structure includes a hand-held probe which is moved over the surface of the structure. The probe is connected to a computer terminal which also has connected thereto a monitor and a keyboard. Changes in the eddy currents in the underlying structure generates impedance changes in the coils of the probe. The resulting voltage values produce an image of the underlying structure and any cracks therein on the computer monitor. The system utilizes a number of procedures to compensate for liftoff problems, imbalance between coil channels, and differences in impedance reference values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Duncan, Barry A. Fetzer, Glenn A. Geithman, Arthur P. Ricker, Clyde T. Uyehara
  • Patent number: 5469736
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for measuring the caliper of a borehole, and the standoff of a drilling tool from the walls of a borehole during a drilling operation. The apparatus includes three or more sensors, such as acoustic transducers arranged circumferentially around a downhole tool or drill collar. The transducers transmit ultrasonic signals to the borehole wall through the drilling fluid surrounding the drillstring and receive reflected signals back from the wall. Travel times for these signals are used to calculate standoff data for each transducer. The standoff measurements may be used to calculate the caliper of the borehole, the eccentricity of the tool in the borehole, and the angle of eccentricity with respect to the transducer position. The eccentricity and angle computations may be used to detect unusual movements of the drillstring in the borehole, such as sticking, banging, and whirling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Gordon Moake
  • Patent number: 5467290
    Abstract: A survey system including a survey instrument operable to receive signals indicating the Easting, Northing and elevation of a surveyed point. The survey instrument transmits data regarding the surveyed point coordinates to a radio terminal mounted on the survey instrument and having a command keyboard associated therewith. The radio terminal is operable to communicate with a base radio and controller connected to a digital computer which stores survey data for a predetermined number of survey points and is capable of performing calculations of at least elevations of points disposed intermediate a set of coordinates on a survey grid and calculating hole depth for blastholes based on the elevation of a surveyed point on the surface of material from which the hole is to be drilled. The base radio and controller are operable to communicate with plural survey instrument and radio terminal units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Fred S. Darland, Jerry A. Durgin
  • Patent number: 5387869
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring transient earth current includes a detection electrode and a second electrode disposed beneath the surface of the earth in vertical alignment with one another at depths greater than those to which electromagnetic waves generated above the surface of the earth having commercial power line frequencies penetrate, such that the electrical resistance between the detection electrode and the second electrode is on the order of several tens of thousands of ohms, and a charge detector for detecting only high frequency components of a current flowing between the detection electrode and the second electrode. On the basis of these detected high frequency components, the likelihood of an occurance of an earthquake may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & Industry
    Inventor: Yuji Enomoto
  • Patent number: 5241175
    Abstract: This invention provides method and apparatus to predict accurately volcanic eruptions or the occurrence of earthquakes without the use of a seismometer or an incline level meter. The apparatus includes a neutron sensor, a counter and a displaying device to indicate an integrated count number or changes in count number of neutrons radiated from the earth's magma with the prediction being performed on basis of the changing count or integrated count number for a given period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Riken Denshi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soichiro Yasunaga
  • Patent number: 5233304
    Abstract: Electromagnetic source intended to be placed permanently in a drill well for studying the electromagnetic properties of the geological formations or of the fluids surrounding the well. This source consists of a coil through which a high current is circulated and which is of a diameter of the order of magnitude of the diameter of the well and is integrated in one of the elements of the casing produced at least partially from a resistant material in which the coil is embedded. This source can either be activated directly by a conductor shoe moving along in the well or be connected to a supply by means of cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine (Production)
    Inventor: Christian Hubans
  • Patent number: 5192952
    Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a capacitor is disposed in direct contact with the earth, and a short voltage pulse is applied to the capacitor to transmit a pulse of electromagnetic radiation having a broad frequency band into the earth. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the electromagnetic radiation that has propagated through the subsurface is detected and processed to image the subsurface. The size, L, of the transmitting capacitor should be sufficiently small to satisfy the relation Re[kL]<1, where k is the wavenumber in the earth formation of each frequency component of radiation transmitted into the earth. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage pulse applied to the transmitting capacitor has frequency components in a broad band from below 1 MHz to above 100 MHz, and the only frequency components of the detected electromagnetic radiation that are processed to image the subsurface have frequency in the range from about 500 KHz to 25 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: J. Ralph Johler
  • Patent number: 5166622
    Abstract: Fresh water springs in the ocean floor are located by moving an electrical conductivity probe along the floor until a minimum conductivity value is measured. Water from the spring may then be piped to an adjacent land mass in need of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Robert L. Laing
  • Patent number: 5148110
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for passively determining the depth of an anomaly using means for monitoring a broad spectrum of frequencies and analyzing the amplitude and modulation of a time and/or location varying signal within discrete bands of frequencies to determine the depth of a spatial or temporal anomaly. A means for recording and mapping substerranean features based on an ascending or descending sequence of frequency measurements is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Ronald L. Helms
  • Patent number: 5059907
    Abstract: Two types of dielectric logging tools are in use: the pad type which operates in the 100 to 1100 MHz frequency range and the mandrel type, which typically operates in the 10 to 100 MHz range. Although both types of tools make the same measurement, the lower frequency tools have a greater depth of investigation and therefore have different applications than the higher frequency pad device. However, logs measured with 10 to 100 MHz tools are more difficult to interpret because of the large frequency-dependent dispersion of the dielectric permittivity below 100 MHz. A model of the frequency dependence of the dielectric permittivity has now been developed that predicts permittivities in the 10 to 100 MHz range from the more easily obtained measurements in the 100 to 1300 MHz range. The predicted permittivities are used to calculate fit parameters for interpretation equations normally used for the higher frequency pad devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Michael M. Sherman
  • Patent number: 4973970
    Abstract: A system for characterizing contamination levels of a selected site uses a base station for the collection of data and generating waste site characterization and remediation needs reports. An on-site station is provided to detect the contamination levels at selected points within the site and transmit this data to the base station. The on-site station also includes a transceiver which relays information to the base station from the Global Positioning System satellite constellation which pertains to the precise location of the on-site station within the site to be characterized. The base station may also have a specific transceiver which is in communication with the Global Positioning System satellite constellation for determining the precise topographical position of the base station and for correlating this data with the topographical position of the on-site station to refine the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventor: Harold G. Reeser
  • Patent number: 4950995
    Abstract: A method of preventing flow of formation fluid and crude oil into a well bore during an electric resistivity logging operation. A readily flowable liquid gellation composition containing a breaker is of contrasting resistivity to that of the formation water. Fluids in the well bore are displaced by the liquid composition and the composition is allowed to gel. The gel may be of a highly viscous, moderately flowable state, which prevents ingress of formation fluids and crude oil but permits logging equipment to be moved therethrough. Alternatively, the gel in the well bore may be removed while leaving the gel in the adjoining formation in place, and the removed gel replaced with fresh water prior to the logging operation. After effecting the log a breaker in the gel composition causes the gel to revert to a liquid, which is removed from the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventor: David O. Falk
  • Patent number: 4937747
    Abstract: A set of representative subpopulations of a dataset such as a set of depth related formation log responses is selected by (a) classifying the dataset into n=a disjoint clusters; (b) determining discriminant function for the thus produced n=a disjoint clusters; (c) generating a measure respresentative of agreement/disagreement betweeen the classification generated by cluster analysis in step (a) and the classification generated by discriminant analysis in step (b); (d) repeating steps a-c for other numbers n=a, b, c, . . . ; and (e) selecting the set n=k where k is a, b, c, . . . , where the measure shows best agreement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn R. Koller
  • Patent number: 4904942
    Abstract: A method of electroseismic prospecting is disclosed for detecting either the presence of two immiscible fluids present in a porous subterranean formation or the presence of a high-permeability rock formation including a substantially aqueous phase therein. A seismic impact produces an acoustical wavefront that results in an enhanced electromagnetic signal when it encounters either types of the above-described formations. This resulting enhanced electromagnetic signal is detectable as an indication of a likely hydrocarbon deposit, thereby giving additional data information with conventional seismic data to the geophysical prospector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventor: Arthur H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4904943
    Abstract: A method for detecting earthquakes comprises the steps of picking up pre-earthquake long waves or earth currents at four or more observation points located underground or at the sea bottom, carrying out a computation based on the interrelation among the so-obtained= signals to obtain the three-dimensional distribution of the sources and intensities of the long waves or earth currents, and predicting the focal region, scale and time of occurrence of earthquakes from the time-course variation in the so-obtained three-dimensional image of the wave source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Communications Research Laboratory Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications
    Inventor: Kozo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4884071
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved wellbore tool for coupling to a drill string at a threaded junction and adapted for use in a wellbore during drilling. A sensor is disposed in the wellbore tool for sensing a condition and producing a data signal corresponding to the condition. A self-contained power supply is disposed in the wellbore tool and coupled to the sensor for providing power to the sensor as required. The Hall Effect coupling transmitter means is carried by the sensor and for transmitting data from the Hall Effect coupling transmitter means to a Hall Effect coupling receiver carried by the drill string and disposed across the threaded junction from the wellbore tool, wherein data is transmitted across the threaded junction without requiring an electrical connection at the threaded junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company
    Inventor: Mig A. Howard
  • Patent number: 4875015
    Abstract: Multiple arrays of electric or magnetic transmitters and receivers are used in a borehole geophysical procedure to obtain a multiplicity of redundant data suitable for processing into a resistivity or induced polarization model of a subsurface region of the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
    Inventor: Stanley H. Ward
  • Patent number: 4855912
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for investigating earth formations surrounding a borehole operates by selectively heating a region of the formations, and measuring the thermal response to obtain useful information concerning the characteristic length scales of the pores in the heated region. The thermal response is obtained indirectly by measuring the electrical conductivity response. The invention can be utilized to obtain, inter alia, indications of porosity, permeability, and the distribution of pore geometries. In accordance with an embodiment of the method of the invention, the following steps are performed: heating a region of the formations with a series of pulses of microwave electromagnetic energy; measuring the conductivity characteristic of the region which result from the heating pulses; and determining a property of the region of the formations from the measured conductivity characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Jayanth R. Banavar, David L. Johnson, Sidney R. Nagel, Kambiz A. Safinya
  • Patent number: 4852069
    Abstract: The microstructure of thinly laminated earth formations is acoustically determined with a logging tool having an acoustical transducer pad mounted for measuring while in contact with the borehole wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Edward A. Clerke, Brent H. Larson
  • Patent number: 4845493
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus of transmitting data signals within a well bore having a string of tubular members suspended within it, employing an electromagnetic field producing means to transmit the signal to a magnetic field sensor, which is capable of detecting constant and time-varying fields, the signal then being conditioned so as to regenerate the data signals before transmission across the subsequent threaded junction by another electromagnetic field producing means and magnetic sensor pair; the method and apparatus also having a battery saving switch that extends the life of the battery carried by the tubular member in a compartment that shields the battery from the well bore environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company
    Inventor: Mig A. Howard
  • Patent number: 4837582
    Abstract: An antenna element such as a monopole, dipole or loop antenna is located in the earth or on the floor of the sea so as to receive pre-earthquake electromagnetic waves generated prior to the occurrence of an earthquake. Unwanted noise waves propagating in the air such as man-made noise are effectively eliminated by a reflector laid on the surface of the earth or by the sea water and only the required pre-earthquake waves are detected by the antenna element, whereby earthquakes can be predicted reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignees: Communications Research Laboratory, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications
    Inventors: Kozo Takahashi, Yoshihisa Masuda, Hisao Inuki
  • Patent number: 4828051
    Abstract: A method and means is provided for receiving and passing data up hole to the top (22) of a well bore (20a) while passing fracturing fluid (54,60) down hole to a geological formation (44) at a zone (29) in the well bore. A flexible line (36) has suspended thereform, a receiver (34) for receiving data signals from a separate sensor (30) and transmitter (28), and a stiffener (32). The stiffener is positioned up the well bore from a lower extremity (29b) of the receiver. The flexible line is adapted for passing data signals representing a parameter represented by the received data signals up to the top (22) of the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Comdisco Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Titchener, Michael J. M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 4825165
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and evaluating surface and subsurface anomalies by detecting, monitoring or measuring transient or local variations respectively which occur in an alternating component of a vertical current having a frequency characteristic which emanates from the earth'surface in the region being monitored or measured. For locating fixed anomalies, local variations which occur in the amplitude, frequency and frequency modulation of the alternating component of the vertical current are measured. For detecting the passage of moving or transient anomalies, a stationary detector is positioned to detect any change in the vertical alternating current leakage in the vicinity of the detector which is caused by a moving or transient anomaly such as a submerged submarine, seismic activity, or sustained severe wheather. For accuracy enhancement and redundancy, simultaneous measurements of the signal strength in multiple frequency bands may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventors: Ronald L. Helms, Claude V. Swanson
  • Patent number: 4821035
    Abstract: A tool with a switch is inserted and moved down the inside of tubular-shaped and electrically conductive casing in the well. Spaced apart contacts on the tool are connected between upper and lower electrically conductive casings located on opposite sides of a high impedance separation in the casing. The switch is operated for creating a changing electrical conductance between the upper and lower casings representative of data. The electrical conductance across the high impedance separation is interrogated with an alternating current signal to retrieve the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Comdisco Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Merle E. Hanson, Paul F. Titchener
  • Patent number: 4788544
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus of transmitting data signals within a well bore having a string of tubular members suspended within it, employing an electromagnetic field producing means to transmit the signal to a magnetic field sensor, which is capable of detecting constant and time-varying fields, the signal then being conditioned so as to regenerate the data signals before transmission across the subsequent threaded junction by another electromagnetic field producing means and magnetic sensor pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company - USA
    Inventor: Mig A. Howard
  • Patent number: 4786873
    Abstract: A new functional parameter reprsentative of the geometrical distribution of matrix material and the variable geometrical distribution of hydrocarbon and water in pore spaces in a porous earth formation is determined and is used to evaluate, or to determine, water saturation of the formation from dielectric permittivity measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Michael M. Sherman
  • Patent number: 4774469
    Abstract: The method of geophysical prospecting of polymineral ore bodies including registering pulsed electromagnetic radiation generated by the ore bodies under the action of elastic waves excited in the rock block. The radiation is registered as pulse bursts, each burst corresponding to one ore body. The shape of a pulse corresponding to the ore body under investigation is compared with the shapes of pulses corresponding to ore bodies of the known mineral compositions, and one similar pulse is selected from these pulses. Then a pulse from the burst corresponding to the ore body under investigation is subjected to the Fourier transformation to obtain the pulse height-frequency spectrum of this pulse, which is compared with the pulse height-frequency spectrum of the selected pulse, and when at least two frequencies of the maximums of the amplitudes of these respective spectra coincide, there is established correspondence between the mineral compositions of the known ore body and of the ore body under investigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Institut Fiziki Zemli Imeni Shmidta an SSSR
    Inventors: Gennady A. Sobolev, Vladislav M. Demin, Vladimir F. Los, Zinovy-Jury Y. Maibuk
  • Patent number: 4760340
    Abstract: At least one string of several spaced measuring probes for the measurement of surface potentials is laid on the surface of the earth in such a manner that several probes are located outside and several probes are located inside the area of the surface over a reservoir. The potentials measured by all probes are polled in a sequence of periodic cycles. The signals from each probe are, during each cycle, filtered to separate higher-frequency changes in the signals from substantially lower-frequency changes in the signals. For the higher-frequency changes in the signals from each probe, an average and/or a sum are determined as a measure of the higher-frequency amplitudes for each probe. The higher-frequency amplitudes for the probes of a string of measuring probes are compared and the location at which the higher-frequency amplitudes for two adjacent probes change abruptly is taken to be the hydrocarbon/water interface in the underground reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Pipeline Engineering Gesellschaft fur Planung, Bau- und Betriebsuberwachung von Fernleitungen mbH
    Inventors: Helmut Denzau, Joachim Hollinderbaumer
  • Patent number: 4703277
    Abstract: Well logging techniques are disclosed which use and/or measure formation textural parameters. A disclosed formation textural model is bimodal in nature, and includes fractions of spherical grains and of platey grains having a single aspect ratio. This model is used in obtaining improved well logging recordings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: William E. Kenyon, Paul L. Baker, Pabitra N. Sen, Jayanth R. Banavar
  • Patent number: 4698759
    Abstract: A quantitative method of geologic structural analysis of digital terrain data is described for implementation on a computer. Assuming selected valley segments are controlled by the underlying geologic structure, topographic lows in the terrain data, defining valley bottoms, are detected, filtered and accumulated into a series line segments defining contiguous valleys. The line segments are then vectorized to produce vector segments, defining valley segments, which may be indicative of the underlying geologic structure. Coplanar analysis is performed on vector segment pairs to determine which vectors produce planes which represent underlying geologic structure. Point data such as fracture phenomena which can be related to fracture planes in 3-dimensional space can be analyzed to define common plane orientation and locations. The vectors, points, and planes are displayed in various formats for interpretation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Jay R. Eliason, Valerie L. C. Eliason
  • Patent number: 4692905
    Abstract: A method for geophysical prospecting of complex orebodies, wherein elastic waves are excited at least two times in the rock mass containing orebodies and the radio-frequency electromagnetic pulses produced by said orebodies are recorded during each excitation to pinpoint the arrival time of the first and last pulses in each pulse train (1,2,3,4,5,6), then the difference is found between the maximum arrival time of the last pulse and the minimum arrival time of the first pulse in the pulse trains (1,3,5 and 2,4,6) representing one orebody, said differences being the basis for determination of the thickness of each orebody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Institut Fiziki Zemli Imeni O.Ju. Shmidta Akademii Nauk SSSR
    Inventors: Gennady A. Sobolev, Vladislav M. Demin, Vladimir F. Los, Zinovy-Jury Y. Maibuk
  • Patent number: 4647859
    Abstract: A method of effecting an improved electric log of a subterranean clay-containing formation ion which a chloride-containing fluid is present which comprises introducing a fluid composition comprising a selected potassium salt of a water-soluble organic acid which stabilizes said clay-containing formation and reduces the chloride-induced interference with the electric log into said formation prior to effecting the electric well log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Adelina J. Son, Royal E. Loftin
  • Patent number: 4646240
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for obtaining a recording of facies of geological formations, logging instruments are moved in a borehole to produce log measurements at successive levels of the borehole. With each level is associated a reference sample whose coordinates are constituted by the respective measurements in a multidimensional space defined by the different logs. The scatter of samples thus obtained is analyzed to distinguish modes characteristic of clusters in which the concentration of samples is the highest. The samples may then be associated with selected modes to form classes each characteristic of a respective facie, and the facies then displayed as a function of the depth of the respective associated sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventors: Oberto Serra, Hayden Abbott, Yves Kerbart, Philippe Vincent
  • Patent number: H1524
    Abstract: A method of seismic prospecting using electromagnetic grounded antennas to detect electromagnetic waves that are produced from acoustic waves in the earth's formation. Seismic waves reflected by a formation in the earth are converted into electromagnetic waves in the vicinity of the antenna according to the streaming potential theory. The antenna has two electrodes which detect the horizontal component of the electromagnetic waves, thus providing additional seismic information that is not readily available using standard geophones. Antennas are also not subject to coupling problems and thus provide more accurate information than traditional geophones. For example, using multicomponent detection, all three components of the seismic pressure gradient can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Arthur H. Thompson, Grant A. Gist, James A. Rice
  • Patent number: H1561
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting seismic waves and electromagnetic waves at the same location in making geophysical measurements. A seismic wave is generated at a first location and the seismic wave and electromagnetic waves generated by said seismic wave are detected at a spaced-apart second location. The seismic wave may be detected by a single apparatus that also detects the magnetic field. Alternatively, the seismic wave may be detected by two spaced-apart apparatus that also measures the magnetic field at the two spaced-apart locations as well as measuring the electric field between the two apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventor: Artur H. Thompson