Within A Borehole Patents (Class 324/338)
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Patent number: 8289024Abstract: A wellbore tool for locating a target wellbore containing a conductive member from a second wellbore and directing the trajectory of the second wellbore relative to the target wellbore includes an electric current driver having an insulated gap; a three-axis magnetometer positioned within a non-magnetic housing that is disposed within a non-magnetic tubular, the three-axis magnetometer positioned below the electric current driver; a drill bit positioned below the three-axis magnetometer; a hollow tubular connected between the electric current driver and the three-axis magnetometer; and a measurement-while-drilling tool. The current driver generates an electric current across the gap to the portion of the tool below the insulated gap. In a method a current is generated across the insulated gap to the portion of the tool below the insulated gap to the conductive material in the target wellbore returning to a portion of the bottom hole assembly above the insulated gap thereby producing a target magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Brian Clark, Christophe Dupuis, Gerald N. Minerbo
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Publication number: 20120256634Abstract: An electrically stimulated electrode system comprises injection and return electrodes and a power supply for causing electrical current to flow through a subterranean formation. An electronic system for the injection electrode includes: a power harvester extracting electrical power from current flowing in the injection electrode, a control for the injection electrode current, a sensor of the injection electrode and/or formation, or a telemetry for the injection electrode and/or formation, or any combination thereof. A sensor comprises: a pair of spaced apart electrodes, a power conversion device connected to the spaced apart electrodes for providing electrical power, and a processor providing a representation of a current.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventor: Marian MORYS
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Patent number: 8278928Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a position of a component in an earth formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a transmitter configured to emit a first magnetic field into the earth formation and induce an electric current in the component, the transmitter having a first magnetic dipole extending in a first direction; and a receiver for detecting a second magnetic field generated by the component in response to the first magnetic field, the receiver having a second magnetic dipole extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A method and computer program product for detecting a position of a component in an earth formation is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Alexandre N. Bespalov
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Patent number: 8278931Abstract: A method for providing an image of a formation surrounding a wellbore, includes: obtaining an apparent conductivity curve from main components of resistivity measurements of the formation; performing fitting for cross-components of the resistivity measurements; calculating scaling factors from the cross-component data; scaling apparent conductivity data by the calculated scaling factors; and plotting the scaled conductivity data to provide the image of the anisotropic formation. A system and a computer program product are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sheng Fang, Andrew D. Kirkwood, Gulamabbas Merchant, Eric Hart, Tsili Wang
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Patent number: 8278930Abstract: Structure for deep MWD resistivity measurements suitable for both geo-steering and measurements ahead of the drill bit is disclosed. Alternating current is transmitted through a loop and an induction signal is measured by a two-coil bucking receiving system placed at some distance from the transmitter. To further reduce a parasitic effect of the currents in the pipe, a conductive copper shield wrapping around the pipe is used. The length of the shield is about one and one-half to two times longer than the longest transmitter/receiver spacing of the structure. The transmitter/receiver system is located in the center of the described electromagnetic shield.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Gregory B. Itskovich
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Publication number: 20120242342Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating at least one parameter of interest in an earth formation using a signal from a receiver where a quadrature component of a signal at a plurality of frequencies is used to estimate a misalignment angle between the receiver and a transmitter. The apparatus may include at least one receiver, at least one transmitter, and at least one processor configured to excite the transmitter and estimate the misalignment angle. The method may include acquiring data at a plurality of frequencies, estimating a misalignment angle, and estimating at least one parameter of interest using the misalignment angle. The method may include performing multi-frequency focusing on the signal received at each of the plurality of frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Michael B. Rabinovich, Leonty A. Tabarovsky
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Patent number: 8274289Abstract: Disclosed herein are electromagnetic resistivity logging systems and methods that employ an antenna configuration having at most two transmitter or receiver antenna orientations that rotate relative to the borehole. The measurements made by this reduced-complexity antenna configuration enable the determination of at least seven components of a coupling matrix, which may be determined using a linear system of equations that express the azimuthal dependence of the measurements. For increased reliability, measurement averaging may be performed in azimuthally spaced bins. The coupling matrix components can then be used as the basis for determining logs of various formation parameters, including vertical resistivity and anisotropy.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael Bittar, Guoyu Hu
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Publication number: 20120235686Abstract: A sonde assembly of the invention includes a sonde housing in the form of a nonmagnetic tube having windows therein for permitting a radio signal to be transmitted out the tube from the inside, means such as a device enclosing a front end of the tube, a sonde disposed inside the non-magnetic tube and closely fitting in a sonde cavity thereof in engagement with a front end plug. The sonde comprises a sensor and a transmitter connected to the sensor to transmit a directional signal based on sensor output, which sensor and transmitter are disposed inside a non-magnetic sonde cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Earth Tool Company LLCInventor: Steven W. Wentworth
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Patent number: 8269501Abstract: Methods for imaging geological structures include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic probe in a proximity to the geological structures, generating a magnetic field in the geological structures and detecting a magnetic signal. The at least one magnetic probe may be on the surface of the geological structures or reside within the geological structures. The methods also include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic detector in the geological structures and measuring a resonant frequency in the at least one magnetic detector. Methods for using magnetic materials in dipole-dipole, dipole-loop and loop-loop transmitter-receiver configurations for geological structure electromagnetic imaging techniques are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Howard K. Schmidt, James M. Tour
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Patent number: 8264419Abstract: Location determination is performed using a transmitter including an elongated generally planar loop antenna defining an elongation axis. The elongation axis is positioned along at least a portion of a path. A magnetic field is then generated which approximates a dipole field. Certain characteristics of the magnetic field are then determined at a receiving position radially displaced from the antenna elongation axis. Using the determined certain characteristics, at least one orientation parameter is established which characterizes a positional relationship between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The magnetic field may be transmitted as a monotone single phase signal. The orientation parameter may be a radial offset and/or an angular orientation between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The antenna of the transmitter may be inserted into a first borehole to transmit the magnetic field to a receiver inserted into a second borehole.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau, Rudolf Zeller
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Patent number: 8264228Abstract: Logging tools having protected tilted antennas are disclosed, along with construction methods therefor. In one method embodiment, a tilted antenna on a retrievable segment of a downhole tool is constructed by: forming an elliptical recess on the segment; forming an antenna within the elliptical recess; and forming an elliptical pattern of windows over and perpendicular to the axis of the elliptical antenna. Some tool embodiments comprise a retrievable segment of a downhole tool having an elliptical recess; an elliptical antenna disposed within the elliptical recess; and an elliptical pattern of windows formed over and perpendicular to the plane of the elliptical antenna.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Randal T. Beste, Vadim Yuryevich Minosyan, Mark A. Sitka
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Publication number: 20120217968Abstract: A logging tool and method to make subsurface measurements is disclosed, wherein the tool is placed within a borehole penetrating a formation. The tool has a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tool, and at least one of the transmitter or receiver antennas has a dipole moment that is non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the tool. The at least one non-coaxial antenna can rotate relative to the other antenna. Energy is transmitted from the transmitter antenna and a signal associated with the transmitted energy is measured at the receiver antenna while the at least one non-coaxial antenna rotates relative to the other antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Jean Seydoux, Reza Taherian
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Patent number: 8248266Abstract: A system and method for communicating data between a downhole tool and a surface controller is provided that comprises a rotating drill string extending in a borehole and having a downhole telemetry module disposed proximate a bottom end thereof and transmitting a first signal across a telemetry channel. A surface telemetry module is disposed proximate a top end of the rotating drill string and is adapted to receive the first signal transmitted by the downhole telemetry module across the transmission channel. The surface telemetry module has a radio frequency transmitter disposed therein for transmitting a second signal related to the first signal. A stationary communication module has a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive the second signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John D. Macpherson, Frank W. Shepard, Ralf Zaeper, Volker Krueger
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Patent number: 8237444Abstract: An apparatus for investigating a geological formation surrounding a borehole including a logging tool moveable through the borehole, an electromagnetic probe 1 including a pad 2 mounted on the logging tool for engagement with the borehole by a wall-engaging face of the pad, at least one transmitting antenna TxA, TxB mounted in the wall-engaging face, and a plurality of spaced receiving antennas RxA, RxB mounted in the wall-engaging face spaced in relation to the transmitting antenna TxA, TxB. At least one of the antennas RxA, RxB, TxA, TxB is an open-ended antenna forming a substantially pure electric dipole normal to the pad face and wherein the first transmitting antenna of the at least one pair of transmitting antennas is positioned above the plurality of spaced receiving antennas and the second transmitting antenna of the at least one pair of transmitting antennas is positioned below the plurality of spaced receiving antennas.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Matthieu Simon
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Patent number: 8237445Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for performing resistivity measurements of a borehole wall using a transverse octupole sensor. The sensor may be a resistivity sensor. Higher resolution is obtained with an octupole sensor than with lower-order-pole sensors. For the resistivity case, the ratio of dual-frequency measurements has reduced sensitivity to standoff.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Alexandre N. Bespalov, Sheng Fang
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Patent number: 8222902Abstract: A retrievable tool for steering through an earth formation includes a first tool assembly and a tilted antenna attached to the first tool assembly. The tool also includes a second tool assembly attached to the first tool assembly and a tilted antenna attached to the second tool assembly. The first tool assembly attaches to the second tool assembly so that the antennas are tilted in predetermined directions. The tilted antennas are transmitter antennas or receiver antennas. Each tool assembly is a tubular cylinder with a longitudinal axis running the length of the cylinder, wherein the tubular cylinder has two ends, each end including a rotational attachment mechanism. The tool assemblies attach to each other through their rotational attachment mechanisms. The rotational attachment mechanism may be a screw-on mechanism, press-fit mechanism, or welded mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Clive D. Menezes, Martin D. Paulk
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Publication number: 20120176138Abstract: A high-frequency data and/or power transmission system suitable for down-hole use including signal/power couplers, transmission line segments and signal repeaters. Signals and power are/is transmitted between couplers and/or between couplers and repeaters by means of electromagnetic resonance coupling. In at least a portion of the system, the transmission line segments form parallel data paths and the repeaters provide crossover capability between the data/power paths, thereby significantly improving reliability. The invention also includes methods of transmitting data and/or distributing high-frequency power through a downhole transmission system including multiple data/power paths and multiple crossovers wherein a fault location in one data/power path is bypassed by routing data and/or power to a parallel data/power path by means of electromagnetic resonance coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventor: Manfred G. Prammer
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Patent number: 8212567Abstract: An instrument disposed into a drill string for imaging an earth formation includes: at least one band antenna disposed over an intermediate layer disposed into a groove in an outer surface of the drill string. A method of fabrication is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John A. Signorelli, Tsili Wang
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Patent number: 8198898Abstract: A downhole drill string component is disclosed comprising a substantially cylindrical cage with a hollow bore. An inner diameter of the cage is slideably connectable to a mandrel. A stab connection originates from one end of the cage and a plurality of downhole drill string instruments is circumferentially disposed around an outer diameter of the cage.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: David R. Hall, Paula Turner, Katie George
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Patent number: 8193813Abstract: A logging tool and method to make subsurface measurements is disclosed, wherein the tool is placed within a borehole penetrating a formation. The tool has a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tool, and at least one of the transmitter or receiver antennas has a dipole moment that is non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the tool. The at least one non-coaxial antenna can rotate relative to the other antenna. Energy is transmitted from the transmitter antenna and a signal associated with the transmitted energy is measured at the receiver antenna while the at least one non-coaxial antenna rotates relative to the other antenna.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jean Seydoux, Reza Taherian
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Patent number: 8188749Abstract: A method that involves developing an electromagnetic property model of a near surface area and using this electromagnetic property model and electromagnetic data acquired using one or more electromagnetic transmitters located above the near surface area and one or more electromagnetic receivers located within a wellbore to determine one or more electromagnetic properties of a subsurface area. Also an electromagnetic data acquisition system that includes one or more electromagnetic transmitters capable of being operated on the earth's surface, one or more first electromagnetic receivers capable of being operated within a wellbore and capable of receiving signals from the one or more electromagnetic transmitters, and one or more second electromagnetic receivers capable of being located on the earth's surface near the one or more electromagnetic transmitters and capable of receiving signals from the one or more electromagnetic transmitters. Related embodiments are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Michael Wilt, Garrett Kramer
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Publication number: 20120130641Abstract: A towed marine source to borehole electromagnetic survey system and method for surveying employing the same is disclosed. The system includes a sea vessel adapted for traversal of sea water over a subsea formation, a power supply affixed to the sea vessel and a high moment loop source coupled to the power supply, and a signal generator by a tow cable; said signal generator being affixed to the sea vessel configured to control operating parameters of the high moment loop source. The system also includes a wellbore drilled in the subsea formation, a series of electromagnetic (EM) receivers positioned in the wellbore. Each receiver includes a sensor module having sensing elements to measure one or more of electric fields, electric currents, and magnetic fields produced by the high moment loop source when towed by the sea vessel, and a storage device configured to store data from measurements made by the sensor module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: H. Frank Morrison, Garrett Kramer, Edward Nichols, David L. Alumbaugh, Michael J. Tompkins
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Patent number: 8174265Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus (200) includes a tubular to operate downhole. The tubular has a longitudinal axis and has a cutout (210N) that has a direction that is other than 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the tubular. The apparatus also includes an antenna (202A) positioned in the cutout of the tubular. The antenna is to perform at least one of a transmission or reception of an electromagnetic signal that has a path that is to traverse a subsurface formation.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Randal Thomas Beste
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Patent number: 8164339Abstract: An apparatus for measuring one or more earth formation properties during applications including formation evaluation and geosteering applications is provided. The apparatus includes: an elongated body; at least one recessed portion on a periphery of the elongated body; an electrically conductive coil forming a closed loop, at least a portion of the coil extending through the at least one recessed portion; and a u-shaped magnetically permeable and non-conductive material disposed between the coil and the at least one recessed portion, the u-shaped material partially surrounding the coil in the at least one recessed portion. A system for measuring one or more properties of an earth formation is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sheng Fang, Tsili Wang, Jack Signorelli, Roland E. Chemali
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Patent number: 8164328Abstract: An eddy current system and method enables detection of sub-surface damage in a cylindrical object. The invention incorporates a dual frequency, orthogonally wound eddy current probe mounted on a stepper motor-controlled scanning system. The system is designed to inspect for outer surface damage from the interior of the cylindrical object.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Russell A. Wincheski, John W. Simpson
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Patent number: 8159227Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of a method for making directional resistivity measurements includes transmitting an axial electromagnetic wave in a borehole and receiving substantially pure axial and transverse components of the wave. A ratio of the axial and transverse components is computed and may be utilized as an indicator of various formation parameters. The invention advantageously enables the moment of the transmitting antenna to be canceled and therefore can result in improved accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Smith International Inc.Inventor: Tsili Wang
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Patent number: 8143906Abstract: Methods for making and systems employing pressure and temperature sensors are described. Embodiments include a capacitive element including a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate. Each plate includes a conductor layer formed on a substrate. In a pressure sensor embodiment, seal is positioned at or near the edges of the conductor plates, and a gas retained in a gap defined between the plates. In a temperature sensor embodiment, the gap defined between the plates is in fluid communication with the external environment.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Don M. Coates
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Publication number: 20120068712Abstract: A resistivity tool is used with wired drill pipe and one or more wells. The resistivity tool has a transmitter, receiver modules located adjacent to the drill bit, and high sensitivity receiver modules located at greater distances from the drill bit relative to the receiver modules. The receiver modules and/or the high sensitivity receiver modules may also perform repeater functions for the wired drill pipe. The resistivity tool may provide information regarding a subsurface region of interest. The resistivity tool may be used in a system with sensors, and a distance between the sensors may be based on the type of measurement obtained by the sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Reza Taherian, Jacques R. Tabanou, Emmanuel Legendre, Richard J. Meehan, Anthony N. Krepp, Michael A. Montgomery, Jean Seydoux, Eric Tabanou
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Publication number: 20120059586Abstract: A transmitter on a bottomhole assembly (BHA) is used for generating a transient electromagnetic signal in an earth formation. A processor estimates the distance to a resistivity interface using a signal produced by a receiver on the BHA. The transmitter-receiver distance may be less than 1 m. The estimation of the distance is done in real time using a thin conductive sheet approximation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gregory B. Itskovich, Arcady Reiderman, Michael B. Rabinovich, Sergey Martakov, Emma Iomdina
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Patent number: 8121788Abstract: A method for correcting errors in LWD depths includes performing torque and drag model analysis using drillstring weight, downhole friction, weight on bit, thermal expansion, rig heave and tide to produce a corrected time-depth file, wherein the torque and drag model is automatically calibrated using effective block weight, drillpipe wear, and sliding friction; and correcting time-based LWD data using the corrected time-depth file to produce depth-corrected LWD data. A system for correcting errors in LWD depths includes a processor and a memory that stores a program having instructions for: performing torque and drag model analysis using drillstring weight, downhole friction, weight on bit, thermal expansion, rig heave and tide to produce a corrected time-depth file, wherein the torque and drag model is automatically calibrated using effective block weight, drillpipe wear, and sliding friction; and correcting time-based LWD data using the corrected time-depth file to produce depth-corrected LWD data.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Georgiy Bordakov, Alexander Kostin
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Patent number: 8120361Abstract: Various systems and methods for implementing an azimuthally sensitive resistivity logging tool are disclosed. One such method involves transmitting a primary magnetic field from one or more coils placed on a drill collar and receiving several electrical signals, where each of the electrical signals is received from a respective one of several sensors. The sensors are distributed around a circumference of a drill collar, and an axis of at least one of the sensors is perpendicular to an axis of the drill collar. Each of the electrical signals indicates a respective magnitude of a measurement of a reflected magnetic field, where the reflected magnetic field is reflected from an anomalous geological formation. The method calculates a vector measurement of the reflected magnetic field, based upon the electrical signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: CBG CorporationInventors: Paul L. Sinclair, Joseph K. Clontz
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Patent number: 8089268Abstract: A directional resistivity tool includes at least one receiver deployed axially asymmetrically between at least one pair of transmitters. The transmitters are configured to transmit electromagnetic waves at first and second correspondingly distinct frequencies f1 and f2 such that: f1/f2=L2/L1, where L1 and L2 represent the corresponding axial distances between the first and second transmitters and the receiver. Exemplary embodiments of the invention further include a method for reducing the near-bed anisotropy effect. The anisotropy effect may be advantageously reduced (or removed) while at the same time providing for freedom in selecting the axial transmitter and receiver spacing.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: Tsili Wang
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Publication number: 20110316542Abstract: An LWD tool with a tubular having a longitudinal axis and a set of co-located antennas carried in a recess on the tubular is disclosed. The tool carries a shield having an open slot configuration and circumferentially surrounds the set of co-located antennas, a first end of the shield being mechanically and electrically connected to the tubular. The tool also includes an insulating ring carried on the tubular, at least a portion of the insulating ring being disposed between the tubular and a second end of the shield.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Mark T. Frey, Dean M. Homan
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Publication number: 20110309833Abstract: Formation properties in a vertical section of a wellbore are determined by considering the vertical section as consisting of one or more segments. Measurements are obtained with a directional resistivity tool at two or more measurement stations within each segment for which the complex 0th harmonic coefficients for the obtained measurements are non-trivially different from one another. For each such segment, the phase shift and attenuation are determined using the complex 0th harmonic coefficients obtained for that segment and an inversion is performed for the formation properties using the determined phase shift and attenuation for that segment. Formation properties for that segment may be output to a display or memory storage device. For certain segments, one or more gain factors may be obtained. The gain factors are used to correct the measured voltages for certain neighboring segments and the corrected voltages inverted to obtain anisotropy and formation structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventor: JIAN YANG
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Publication number: 20110298461Abstract: A drill string can include at least one transmit antenna and at least one receive antenna. The transmit antenna transmits at least one electromagnetic signal into a region of an earth formation. The receive antenna receives the signal from the region of the earth formation. The transmit antenna comprises one of a magnetic dipole and an electric dipole, and the receive antenna comprises the other of the magnetic dipole and the electric dipole. At least one characteristic of the region of the earth formation is determined, based at least partially on the signal received by the receive antenna. A homogenous part of the electromagnetic signal may be reduced, to thereby increase a depth of detection of the characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Burkay Donderici
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Publication number: 20110291659Abstract: An apparatus for determining the resistivity of formation surrounding a borehole comprising: an elongate conductive body; a pair of transmitter antennas comprising first and second antennas mounted on the body for inducing a current in the formation; and a pair of receiver antennas comprising first and second antennas mounted on the body for measuring an axial current running in the tool body at the location of the receivers; wherein the pair of transmitter antennas is located to one side of the pair of receiver antennas.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Dominique Dion, Isabelle Dubourg
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Patent number: 8061443Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole sensor system comprises at least one downhole sensor disposed on or within a downhole component of a tool string. The downhole sensor is adapted to detect at least one characteristic of a downhole formation adjacent the downhole component. The downhole sensor has a variable sampling rate controlled by a processing element. The processing element is in electrical communication with a tool string rate-of-penetration sensor and/or a tool string rotational speed sensor. The processing element is adapted to vary the sampling rate in response to the rate-of-penetration and/or rotational speed of the tool string. In some embodiments, the system is a closed loop system.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: David R. Hall, Paula Turner, Christopher Durrand
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Patent number: 8049506Abstract: A wireless transceiver for transmitting data across a pipe joint is described herein. At least some illustrative embodiments include a wireless communication apparatus including a housing configured to be positioned inside/proximate of/to an end of a drill pipe. The housing includes an antenna with at least one RF signal propagation path parallel to the axis of the housing, and an RF module (coupled to the antenna) configured to couple to a communication cable, and to provide at least part of a data retransmission function between an antenna signal and a communication cable signal. A material (transparent to RF signals within the RF module's operating range) is positioned along the circumference, and at/near an axial end, of the housing closest to the antenna. At least some RF signals, axially propagated between the antenna and a region near said axial end, traverse the radiotransparent material along the propagation path.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Aquatic CompanyInventor: Alexander Lazarev
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Patent number: 8049507Abstract: A transmitter on an instrument is used to induce currents in an earth formation when it is turned on or off. A Fourier transform is applied to transient measurements made in the receivers. A multifrequency focusing of the transformed data is used for applications like determination of a distance to an interface in the formation, controlling the drilling direction, determination of formation resistivities and formation strike directions.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Michael B. Rabinovich, Alexandre N. Bespalov, Stanislav W. Forgang, Daniel T. Georgi, Gregory B. Itskovich, Leonty A. Tabarovsky
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Patent number: 8049508Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a parameter of interest of an earth formation during drilling of a borehole. A first toroidal coil antenna induces a current along a path that includes a bottomhole assembly and the formation. A second toroidal coil antenna disposed at the drillbit and oriented at a non-zero angle to the longitudinal axis of the bottomhole assembly measures an electrical signal resulting from the current, the electrical signal being a parameter of interest of the formations.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Matthias Gorek
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Publication number: 20110248716Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a resistivity property of an earth formation involving electric current injected into a wall of a borehole. The apparatus includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a differential amplifier. The first electrode may be configured to impart an electric current into a borehole wall and be directly connected to a first input of the differential amplifier. The second electrode may be directly connected to a second input of the differential amplifier. The method may also include a summing circuit connected to the output of the differential amplifier. The method includes estimating a resistivity property using the output of the differential amplifier or the summing circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Martin Folberth
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Patent number: 8036830Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium for imaging an earth formation. A downhole assembly having a resistivity sensor is conveyed in a borehole penetrating the earth formation. The resistivity sensor includes a plurality of antenna coils arranged along a radial line that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the downhole assembly and configured to obtain measurements of a resistivity property of the earth formation. A processor images the earth formation using the obtained measurements.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Sheng Fang
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Patent number: 8030935Abstract: Logging tools, methods, and computer programs for use in borehole logging are described. The logging tool includes three or more tensors, each tensor including one or more coils. Each coil is characterized by coil parameters including an axis orientation, a cross-sectional area, a number of turns, and a location. At least one of the coil axes is disposed at an angle to the borehole axis. One or more of the coil parameters are selected to minimize sensitivity to borehole current.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jiaqi Xiao, Li Gao
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Patent number: 8030936Abstract: A downhole induction resistivity assembly that comprises a downhole tool string component. The tool string component comprises an induction transmitter. The transmitter is adapted to induce an induction field in the surrounding formation. A first induction receiver is spaced apart from the transmitter and is adapted to measure the induction field. A magnetic field generating mechanism is disposed adjacent on either or both sides of the transmitter and adapted to guide the transmitter's signal into the formation. A second induction receiver is disposed in close proximity to the magnetic field generating mechanism and is adapted to measure the magnetic field generated by the mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: David R. Hall, Paula Turner, Harold Snyder, Clint Cook, Katie George
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Publication number: 20110227577Abstract: An apparatus and related methods are described for detecting features of a reservoir surrounding a borehole, the apparatus being capable of emitting an electromagnetic wave signal and receiving a signal representing a response of the reservoir to the electromagnetic wave signal, wherein the emitted signal is a broadband signal selected from within the range of 1 Hz to 1000 Ghz and the received signal includes a directional characteristic to provide an azimuthal determination of the direction of a discontinuity within the formation as the discontinuity reflects or scatters at least part of the broadband signal; azimuthally scanning the surrounding formation; and inverting the received signal for deriving at least a distance of the reflecting discontinuity from the borehole using simultaneous inversion of the reflected or scattered wavefield at multiple frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Tianhua Zhang, Mohammed Badri, Patrice Ligneul, Mahmood Akbar
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Publication number: 20110231098Abstract: A method is provided for determining formation resistivity, anisotropy and dip from wellbore measurements includes moving a well logging instrument through subsurface formations. The instrument includes longitudinal magnetic dipoles and at least one of tilted and transverse magnetic dipoles. Formation layer boundaries and horizontal resistivities of the formation layers are determined from longitudinal magnetic dipole measurements. Vertical resistivities of the formation layers are determined by inversion of anisotropy sensitive measurements. Improved vertical resistivities of the formation layers and dips are determined by inverting symmetrized and anti-symmetrized measurements. Improved vertical resistivities, improved boundaries and improved dips are determined by inversion of the all dipole measurements. Improved horizontal resistivities, further improved layer boundaries and further improved dips are determined by inversion of all dipole measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Dzevat Omeragic, Keli Sun, Qiming Li, Tarek Habashy
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Publication number: 20110221442Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest of an earth formation, particularly relating to borehole logging methods and apparatuses for estimating electrical resistivity properties using at least one transverse toroid. The apparatus may include one or more transmitters for introducing electrical current to the earth formation. The transverse toroid may detect responsive electric signals from the earth formation at one or more frequencies and provide data from one or more depths of investigation. Further multiple transverse toroids may be used for detecting electric signals from a larger azimuthal range than a single transverse toroid. The method includes steps for using the apparatus to obtain data that may be used to estimate the parameter of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Hans-Martin Maurer, David R. Beard, Rashid W. Khokar
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Patent number: 8014963Abstract: A method for correcting data from a sensor electrode in a sensor includes determining a potential difference (V) between the sensor electrode and another sensor electrode; from the potential difference (V), determining a by-pass current (Ic) between the sensor electrode and the another sensor electrode; and from the by-pass current (Ic) and a measured current (I) from the sensor electrode, determining a corrected current (J) for the sensor electrode; wherein determining a potential (V1) for the sensor electrode comprises multiplying an intrinsic impedance (Zi1) by the measured current (I). A computer program product and other embodiments are provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tsili Wang, Stanislav W. Forgang
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Publication number: 20110210743Abstract: To analyze content of a subterranean structure, electric field measurements at plural source-receiver azimuths in a predefined range are received. Total magnetic field measurements are also received at plural source-receiver azimuths in the predefined range. The electric field measurements and the total magnetic field measurements are provided to an analysis module to enable determination of electrical resistivity anisotropy of the subterranean structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Michael Tompkins, David L. Alumbaugh
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Patent number: 8008919Abstract: Transient measurements made at two spaced apart receivers responsive to separate activation of two transmitters symmetrically disposed about the two receivers. The transmitters and receivers are on an instrument having a conductive body induces currents in the earth formation. The effect of the conductive body is removed by using deconvolving the signal at one receiver using the measured signal at the other receiver. The symmetric transmitter configuration also enables compensation for receiver differences.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tsili Wang, Roland E. Chemali