For Well Logging Patents (Class 324/366)
  • Publication number: 20110156710
    Abstract: Methods for making calibrated microresistivity logging measurements in nonconductive drilling fluid are disclosed. A calibrated measurement parameter (e.g., a calibrated electrical impedance or a calibrated potential difference) is obtained and further utilized to compute a formation resistivity. The methods tend to be particularly well suited for drilling applications in which the borehole environment is highly resistive (i.e., boreholes in which both the drilling fluid and the formation have a high resistivity).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Tsili Wang
  • Publication number: 20110156709
    Abstract: A microresistivity logging tool includes a monopole current injection electrode and at least first and second pairs of potential electrodes. The tool may further include a controller configured for making microresistivity anisotropy measurements using a single firing of the monopole current injection electrode. The controller may be configured to compute a two-dimensional tensor of the local formation resistivity from a single firing of the monopole current injection electrode. The use of a single firing tends to decrease measurement time, which in turn tends to improved azimuthal sensitivity in microresistivity anisotropy imaging while drilling applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Tsili Wang, Christopher C. Streinz
  • Patent number: 7888941
    Abstract: Oil-based mud imaging systems and methods that measure formation permittivity. In some embodiments, disclosed logging systems include a logging tool in communication with surface computing facilities. The logging tool is provided with a sensor array having at least two voltage electrodes positioned between at least two current electrodes that create an electric field in a borehole wall, and is further provided with electronics coupled to the voltage electrodes to determine a differential voltage magnitude and phase. From the magnitude and phase, formation resistivity and permittivity measurements can be determined and used to construct a borehole wall image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis E. San Martin, William J. Schaecher, Myrick L. Monroe
  • Patent number: 7830161
    Abstract: The invention relates particularly to methods and apparatuses for characterizing water-in-oil or invert emulsion fluids for use in drilling well bores in hydro-carbon bearing subterranean formations. A fluid stability measurement method is described. The method includes placing a sample of an emulsion in a gap between electrodes, disturbing the sample, measuring the electrical stability of the sample, and establishing a relationship between electrical stability and time since the sample was disturbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Murphy
  • Patent number: 7814036
    Abstract: An artificial neural network, ANN, and method of training the ANN for inversion of logging tool signals into well logs of formation parameters is disclosed. Properly selected synthetic models of earth formations are used to train the ANN. The models include Oklahoma and chirp type of formations. In each model parameter contrasts of from 10 to 1 to about 100 to 1 are included. Models including maximum and minimum parameter values spanning the operating range of the selected logging tool are included. Parameter contrasts at interfaces are limited to realistic values found in earth formations. The selected models are used to generate synthetic tool signals, which are then used as inputs to the ANN for training. When the ANN coefficients are properly adjusted to produce an output matching the original models, the ANN can be used for inversion of any real signals from the selected logging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Haliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dingding Chen, Luis E. San Martin, Gulamabbas A. Merchant, Robert W. Strickland, Martin T. Hagan
  • Publication number: 20100231225
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing the effects of a common mode voltage signal in downhole logging tools utilized to determine the resistivity of an adjacent portion of a borehole wall. Two current electrodes are energized by an excitation source to create an oscillatory electric field in a borehole wall. A voltage drop across a segment of the borehole wall is measured by two voltage electrodes, and the differential voltage is used in combination with a measured current flow to determine a resistivity value for the borehole wall. A common mode voltage in front of the two voltage electrodes is measured and minimized by controlling the excitation source, thereby reducing the resistivity measurement error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Marian L. MORYS, William J. SCHAECHER, George D. GOODMAN, Raj PAI
  • Patent number: 7782060
    Abstract: An integrated electrode resistivity and EM telemetry tool and obtaining both formation resistivity and telemetry data from the integrated tool. An integrated electrode resistivity and EM telemetry tool having a drill collar including a first portion and a second portion separated by an insulated gap and telemetry cartridge carrying telemetry circuitry including a voltage source generating a voltage drop across the insulated gap and an axial current on a drill string that returns through an earthen formation includes an insulated measure electrode connected to the first portion, and resistivity measurement circuitry functionally connected to the measure electrode and the telemetry circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Clark, Jan W. Smits
  • Patent number: 7746078
    Abstract: Calculating resistivity of an earth formation. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including: a first current source current return (CSCR) pair, said first CSCR pair comprises a first current source and a first current return, the first current return receives current from the first current source; a second CSCR pair, the second CSCR pair disposed along a longitudinal axis of said apparatus from the first CSCR pair, the second CSCR pair comprises a second current source and a second current return, and the second current return receives current from the second current source; and a monitor electrode disposed between the first CSCR pair and the second CSCR pair, a distance between the first current source and the monitor electrode is substantially equal to the distance between the second current source and the monitor electrode, and the monitor electrode monitors a first voltage and a second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Guoyu (David) Hu, James Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20100148787
    Abstract: A system and method for determining material resistivity. A current of one or more frequencies is generated using a circuitry (225). The one or more frequencies is directed using one or more electrodes (215) into a surrounding material. The resistivity of the material surrounding the electrodes (215) and a drilling tool (210) is measured by detecting the current at the one or more frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Marian Morys, Sergei Knizhnik, William Francis Gallagher, III
  • Publication number: 20100127709
    Abstract: A method used in electrical investigation of geological formations surrounding a borehole comprising: determining S1 a grid of iso-parameter lines GR in a two-dimensional plane, the parameter being an electrical parameter characterizing the geological formation, injecting in a localized manner a survey current is into a selected zone SZ of the geological formations GF surrounding the borehole BH, and measuring S2 a measured value of a quantity characterizing the electrical parameter of the selected zone based on the survey current, and interpolating S3 an interpolated electrical parameter value of the selected zone SZ based on the measured value and the grid of iso-parameter lines GR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Bloemenkamp
  • Patent number: 7701229
    Abstract: The invention relates particularly to methods and apparatuses for characterizing water-in-oil or invert emulsion fluids for use in drilling well bores in hydro-carbon bearing subterranean formations. A fluid stability measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises a reference electrode and a second electrode coupled to an insulating body. A guard electrode is placed in the path between the reference electrode and the second electrode on the surface of the insulating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Murphy, Dale Jamison
  • Patent number: 7696756
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing the effects of a common mode voltage signal in downhole logging tools utilized to determine the resistivity of an adjacent portion of a borehole wall. Two current electrodes are energized by an excitation source to create an oscillatory electric field in a borehole wall. A voltage drop across a segment of the borehole wall is measured by two voltage electrodes, and the differential voltage is used in combination with a measured current flow to determine a resistivity value for the borehole wall. A common mode voltage in front of the two voltage electrodes is measured and minimized by controlling the excitation source, thereby reducing the resistivity measurement error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Marian L. Morys, William J. Schaecher, George D. Goodman, Raj Pai
  • Patent number: 7657377
    Abstract: Various systems and methods determine a distance, magnitude, and azimuthal angle describing the location of an anomaly within a geologic formation. For example, a method involves identifying an electrical characteristic (e.g., resistivity or conductivity) at each of several sensors in a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool. Based on the electrical characteristic, information identifying a formation property of the anomaly is generated. The information includes at least one magnitude and at least one distance. Information information identifying an azimuthal angle is also generated based upon the electrical characteristic. The azimuthal angle relates a position of the anomalous formation to a position of a first sensor in the MWD tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: CBG Corporation
    Inventors: Paul L. Sinclair, Thomas A. Springer
  • Patent number: 7640110
    Abstract: A method of determining the nature of a submarine or subterranean reservoir having an electromagnetic characteristic is described. The method comprises analyzing data associated with the application of a time varying electromagnetic field from above the reservoir using a data analysis methodology that does not utilize an estimate of the reservoir's geometry in determining one or more characteristics of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Aria Abubakar, Tarek M. Habashy, Vladimir Druskin, David Lee Alumbaugh
  • Publication number: 20090306896
    Abstract: Sequential measurements are made using a two terminal resistivity imaging device wherein the measure electrodes are activated sequentially with the remaining electrodes in a floating mode. This eliminates the hardware requirements for focusing electrodes, prevents galvanic leakage between proximal electrodes and the effects of mutual coupling between circuits including proximal electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Stanislav W. Forgang, Randy Gold
  • Publication number: 20090224766
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tsili Wang, Stanislav W. Forgang
  • Patent number: 7579841
    Abstract: Oil-based mud imaging systems and methods having standoff compensation. In some embodiments, disclosed logging systems include a logging tool in communication with surface computing facilities. The logging tool is provided with a sensor array having at least two voltage electrodes positioned between two current electrodes energized by an excitation source to create an oscillatory electric field in a borehole wall. The two current electrodes are each shielded with conductive shields to prevent current leakage into the logging tool body. A common mode voltage is measured, and the phase and amplitude of the excitation source is controlled to reduce the difference between the common mode voltage and reference voltage of a voltage detector. The logging tool is further provided with electronics coupled to the voltage detector and the current electrodes to determine a differential voltage between the voltage electrodes and two current flows from separate ones of the current electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis E. San Martin, Humberto E. Rosa, Raj Pai, William J. Schaecher, Myrick L. Monroe, Marian L. Morys, Carl Dodge
  • Patent number: 7545145
    Abstract: An unfocused resistivity imaging device horizontal and vertical currents conveyed into the borehole. Pad mounted electrodes are used to make voltage measurements in orthogonal directions. The voltage measurements are then rotated to give principal resistivity measurements in an anisotropic formation with dipping beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Tsili Wang
  • Patent number: 7474101
    Abstract: A method for interpreting transient electromagnetic survey data includes imparting an electromagnetic field in the Earth's subsurface by passing electric current through a transmitter antenna. The electric current includes switched direct current at a selected switching frequency. Voltages induced in a receiver corresponding to electromagnetic effects induced in the Earth's subsurface are detected. Frequency domain electromagnetic response of the Earth's subsurface is determined from the detected voltages and transient electromagnetic response of the Earth's subsurface is determined from the detected voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: KJT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt M. Strack
  • Publication number: 20080315884
    Abstract: A multi-mode oil base mud imager for use in non-conductive drilling fluid includes at least one current source-a current return pair, and one or more monitor electrodes not located between the current source and the current return of the current source-current return pair. Where more than one current source-current return pair is included, the tool is capable of multiple depths of investigation into surrounding formation. This data can be used as a gauge to establish the reliability of the data and to determine the resistance of the invaded zone around the borehole, as well as standoff distance of the tool from the borehole wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Guoyu (David) Hu, James Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7466136
    Abstract: Logging-while-drilling apparatus and methodologies for measuring streaming potential in an earth formation are provided. The apparatus and methodologies can be utilized to find information relevant to the drilling operations. In particular, since the streaming potential measurement relates directly to fluid flow, the streaming potential measurements can be used to track flow of fluids in the formation. In turn, this information may be used to find information relevant to the drilling operations, such as under-balanced drilling conditions, abnormal formation pressures, open fractures, the permeability of the formation, and formation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Min-Yi Chen, Brian Clark, Anthony Collins, Jeffrey Tarvin
  • Publication number: 20080303526
    Abstract: Measurements made by a four terminal resistivity imaging tool in a borehole using a voltage measurement device with two different input impedances. From the two measurements, formation resistivity is determined with minimal sensitivity to standoff. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gregory B. Itskovich, Alexandre N. Bespalov
  • Publication number: 20080265898
    Abstract: To characterize an electrical cable that is deployed in a well, a voltage input is applied to the electrical cable at an earth surface location, where the well extends from the earth surface location. A current response resulting from the voltage input is measured at the earth surface location. At least one parameter of the electrical cable is computed according to the measured current response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Ramon Hernandez-Marti, Vinod Rajasekaran
  • Publication number: 20080252296
    Abstract: Oil-based mud imaging systems and methods having leakage current compensation. In some embodiments, disclosed logging systems include a logging tool in communication with surface computing facilities. The logging tool is provided with a sensor array having at least two voltage electrodes positioned between at least two current electrodes that create an electric field in a borehole wall, and is further provided with electronics coupled to the current electrodes to determine a differential voltage between the voltage electrodes in response to different current frequencies from the current electrodes. From the voltage measurements at different frequencies, the computing facilities determine borehole wall resistivity as a function of depth and azimuth, and may display the resistivity as a borehole wall image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Guoyu (David) Hu, Michael S. Bittar, William J. Schaecher
  • Patent number: 7388380
    Abstract: Logging-while-drilling apparatus and methodologies for measuring streaming potential in an earth formation are provided. The apparatus and methodologies can be utilized to find information relevant to the drilling operations. In particular, since the streaming potential measurement relates directly to fluid flow, the streaming potential measurements can be used to track flow of fluids in the formation. In turn, this information may be used to find information relevant to the drilling operations, such as under-balanced drilling conditions, abnormal formation pressures, open fractures, the permeability of the formation, and formation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology
    Inventors: Min-Yi Chen, Brian Clark, Anthony Collins, Jeffrey Tarvin
  • Patent number: 7150188
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining fluid-pressure diffusivity in a borehole (12) in a formation (10) includes an electrode (16) and a strain measuring device (18),(20) (or a particle velocity measuring device (18),(20) or a particle acceleration measuring device (18),(20)) disposed a fixed distance from the electrode (16). The electrode (16) injects an electrical current into a point on a wall of the borehole (12). The strain measuring device (18),(20) measures strain (or the particle velocity measuring device (18),(20) measuresd particle velocity or the particle acceleration measuring device (18),(20) measures particle acceleration) at the fixed distance from the point of injection of the electrical current over time. The fluid-pressure diffusivity is determined based on the measured strain (or measured particle velocity or measured particle acceleration) over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Marwan Charara, Steven Pride, Patrice Ligneul
  • Patent number: 7071697
    Abstract: A centralizer (1) for position a casing (3) in a conduit (4) passing through underground formations includes measurement means (7) such as an electrode for deriving at least one representative parameter of the formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Rioufol, Philippe Gambier, Eric Veignat, Ian Raw, Ian David Bryant
  • Patent number: 7042225
    Abstract: A well logging tool includes an induction array stack disposed on a mandrel; an electronic module stack disposed adjacent the induction array stack along a longitudinal axis of the well logging tool; and a shallow electrode array arranged on a housing disposed around the electronic module stack, wherein the induction array stack comprises a transmitter antenna, a first receiver antenna, and a second receiver antenna spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the well logging tool, the second receiver antenna being disposed between the transmitter antenna and the first receiver antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas D. Barber
  • Patent number: 7026820
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing direct coupling between transmitters and receivers on a downhole logging tool are disclosed. One embodiment includes a transmitter, a bucking device, and a plurality of receivers, where signals may be directly coupled from the transmitter into the receivers and signals may be indirectly coupled from the transmitter into the receivers through the formation and borehole environment. The bucking device minimizes the magnitude of the signals that are directly coupled from the transmitter into multiple receivers within the plurality. By varying the current in the bucking device, the bucking device minimizes the magnitude of the directly coupled signal of each receiver in the plurality, and each receiver may utilize a common bucking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiaqi Xiao, Li Gao
  • Patent number: 7027967
    Abstract: A system and methods for indicating formation resistivity anisotropy and evaluating the vertical resistivity component by combining array induction measurements and array laterolog measurements. Formation measurements are obtained with an induction tool and a laterolog tool. Formation parameter data are derived from the induction tool measurements. The laterolog tool response is modeled using the derived formation parameter data. The formation resistivity anisotropy and/or the vertical resistivity component are determined from a comparison of the modeled laterolog tool response against the apparent measurements obtained with the laterolog tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas D. Barber
  • Patent number: 6927578
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for making an electromagnetic measurement from within a subsurface borehole. The apparatus comprises an elongated support having electrically conductive segments and adapted for disposal within the borehole; an antenna adapted to transmit electromagnetic energy disposed on the support such that its axis is tilted or perpendicular with respect to the axis of the support; a sensor disposed on the support and adapted to detect a current flow along the support when the antenna is activated to transmit electromagnetic energy; and means to process the detected current flow to provide an indication of the measurement quality or the position of the support within the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean M. Homan, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6919724
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of investigating the wall (2) of a borehole in a geological formation by means of two injectors (4, 5) with a potential V being applied between them and in measuring the potential difference ?V between two electrically isolated measurement electrodes (6) situated between the two injectors (4, 5) and spaced apart from the formation by an insulating layer (1), in which the resistivity of the formation is obtained from the measured values of ?V, V and I, with corrections being made for the effects due to the nature and the thickness of the insulating layer (1). In a first variant these corrections are based on a correction factor obtained from curves of K=Rt.I/?V as a function of the impedance V/I of the injector. In a second variant these corrections are obtained by estimating the current IF actually injected into the formation while taking account of leakage current IL, and calculating the resistivity of the formation from the equation (I).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Cheung, Andrew Hayman, Dennis Pittman, Abdurrahman Sezginer
  • Patent number: 6906535
    Abstract: A method is provided for characterizing emulsion stability to evaluate suitability of the emulsion for use as a drilling fluid in drilling subterranean boreholes. The method provides a supplement or alternative to the standard method of determining Electrical Stability of the emulsion. In the method of the invention, Breakdown Energy is calculated. Breakdown Energy can be measured at the same test point as Electrical Stability. A digital storage oscilloscope and a computer are used in addition to an electrical stability meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Murphy, Jr., Dale E. Jamison
  • Patent number: 6839000
    Abstract: An integrated, single collar measurement while-while-drilling tool is presented that comprises formation sensors, directional sensors, pressure sensors, a mud pulse telemetry device, and a turbine-generator power device configured in a single collar housing that is no longer than a standard drill collar. No electrical connections are made across drill collar tool joints. The tool provides high reliability and ease of transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Pralay K. Das, Eric Joseph Deutsch, Charles Haynes
  • Patent number: 6765387
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method capable of providing continuous measurements of resistivity-through-casing (RTC) of a geological formation traversed by a boreholeby eliminating measurement of the casing resistance. To this end, a real-time feedback control substantially eliminates current flow along the casing in the vicinity of an injection point for injecting a measuring current into the formation. This allows direct estimation of the measuring current injected into the formation along with the casing voltage used to drive the current into the formation. As a result, there is no need for “nulling” or calibration cycle that requires two step measurements with the RTC tool held stationary. The preferred feedback is by the proportional integral derivative procedure (PID) with a digital signal processor that controls bi-directional steerable current sources supplying one or more current to the casing at various points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Manfred G. Prammer
  • Publication number: 20040119476
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting and monitoring the borehole effect in subsurface measurements. Toroidal sensor configurations address the undesired axial electric currents that travel along the borehole when antennas with tilted or transverse axes are used to make electromagnetic measurements. Embodiments use currents measured along the instrument to determine the quality of measured logs, the borehole size, and instrument position or orientation within the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Dean M. Homan, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6670813
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating an image of earth formations penetrated by a wellbore. The method includes generating an initial model of the earth formations using formation resistivity measured by a direct current signal. A response to the initial model of an instrument used to make the direct current resistivity measurements is calculated. The calculated response is compared to the measurements of resistivity. The model is adjusted, and the calculating and comparing are repeated until a difference between the calculated response and measurements reaches a minimum. The adjusted model is refined based on resistivity measurements made using an electromagnetic measuring instrument, and the refined model is constrained using acoustic velocity measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: KJT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt M. Strack
  • Publication number: 20030192689
    Abstract: Fluid property sensors and associated methods of calibrating sensors in a well provide enhanced well monitoring and control. In one described embodiment, an external venturi flowmeter is utilized to determine a flow rate of fluid from a zone into a tubing string, independent of flow into the tubing string of fluid produced from any upstream zone. In another described embodiment, a gamma ray fluid density sensor utilizes a unique combination of gamma ray sources and detectors to determine a density of fluid flowing through a tubing string. In yet another embodiment, external tubing string sensors are used to determine properties of fluid from a zone into a tubing string, independent of flow into the tubing string of fluid produced from any upstream zone. In still another embodiment, sensor systems for multiple independently produced zones are calibrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Moake, Eugene Linyaev, Robert A. Moore, John P. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20030155924
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Publication number: 20030155925
    Abstract: A resistivity device for downhole use with a nonconducting mud injects a current at a frequency sufficiently high to pass capacitively through the mud and a mud cake into the formation. The frequency is further selected so that the impedance due to the dielectric constant of the formation is small compared to the formation resistivity. Dual frequency measurements may be used to further minimize the effects of the mud and mud cake resistivity. When multiple frequency measurements are used, frequency focusing may be used to get an estimate of formation resistivity that is independent of near borehole effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonty Abraham Tabarovsky, Albert Alexy
  • Patent number: 6591673
    Abstract: A method of identifying the fluid type of subterranean formations according to the correlation between the variation trend of electrical resistivity with depth downhole in a borehole and the variation trend of porosity with depth downhole in the same borehole. The method includes the steps of: a) determining the rate of change with depth of a resistivity parameter (such as deep resistivity) of the formation surrounding the borehole; b) determining the rate of change with depth of a porosity parameter (such as total porosity and/or free fluid porosity measured by a nuclear magnetic resonance technique) of the formation surrounding the borehole; c) determining a comparison of the rate of change with depth of such resistivity parameter and the rate of change with depth of such porosity parameter for a given depth in the borehole; and d) using the comparison to determine the nature of the fluid in the formation surrounding the borehole at that depth downhole or in a given depth window downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng Bing Liu
  • Publication number: 20030122547
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method capable of providing continuous measurements of resistivity-through-casing (RTC) of a geological formation traversed by a boreholeby eliminating measurement of the casing resistance. To this end, a real-time feedback control substantially eliminates current flow along the casing in the vicinity of an injection point for injecting a measuring current into the formation. This allows direct estimation of the measuring current injected into the formation along with the casing voltage used to drive the current into the formation. As a result, there is no need for “nulling” or calibration cycle that requires two step measurements with the RTC tool held stationary. The preferred feedback is by the proportional integral derivative procedure (PID) with a digital signal processor that controls bi-directional steerable current sources supplying one or more current to the casing at various points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Manfred G. Prammer
  • Patent number: 6542100
    Abstract: A signal to be produced, which represents a digital data stream, is generated using the currents or voltages from current or voltage sources selected from multiple current or voltage sources. The current or voltage sources whose currents or voltages are used to generate the signal which is to be produced are selected based on the contents of the elements of a shift register whose input connection has the signal which is to be filtered applied to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Udo Matter, Stefan Van Waasen
  • Patent number: 6541975
    Abstract: In one embodiment the invention comprises a system for generating an image of an Earth formation surrounding a borehole penetrating the formation. Resistivity of the formation is measured using a DC measurement, and conductivity and resistivity of the formations is measured with a time domain signal or AC measurement. Acoustic velocity of the formation is also measured. The DC resistivity measurement, the conductivity measurement made with a time domain electromagnetic signal, the resistivity measurement made with a time domain electromagnetic signal and the acoustic velocity measurements are combined to generate the image of the Earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: KJT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt-Martin Strack
  • Publication number: 20030038634
    Abstract: In one embodiment the invention comprises a system for generating an image of an Earth formation surrounding a borehole penetrating the formation. Resistivity of the formation is measured using a DC measurement, and conductivity and resistivity of the formations is measured with a time domain signal or AC measurement. Acoustic velocity of the formation is also measured. The DC resistivity measurement, the conductivity measurement made with a time domain electromagnetic signal, the resistivity measurement made with a time domain electromagnetic signal and the acoustic velocity measurements are combined to generate the image of the Earth formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Kurt-Martin Strack
  • Patent number: 6396276
    Abstract: An apparatus for borehole electric-field telemetry that comprises a source of modulated voltage or current, at least one axially non-conductive collar connected between pipe sections in a pipe string, and a system of insulated wireline components providing electrical connections, insulated from drilling fluids, between the ends of the one or more aforementioned insulated collars in the pipe string, to transmit the voltage to current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Scientific Drilling International
    Inventors: Donald H. Van Steenwyk, James N. Towle, Timothy Price
  • Patent number: 6353322
    Abstract: A method for determining the resistivity of earth formations penetrated by a wellbore. Electrical current is imparted to the wellbore and the earth formations from a first electrode located on a mandrel disposed in the wellbore. The electrical current is returned at a second electrode on the mandrel at a spaced apart location from the first electrode. Voltage differences are measured between a first pair and a second pair of electrodes located on the mandrel between the first and the second electrodes. Circuits used to measure the voltage differences are adjusted until the measured voltage difference between the second pair is substantially the same as the measured voltage difference between the first pair. Then the electrical current is returned to an electrode at the earth's surface or other location distal from the first electrode, and measuring the voltage differences is repeated. A difference of the voltage differences is then calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonty Abraham Tabarovsky, Gregory Boris Itskovich
  • Patent number: 6211679
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for correcting erroneous downhole resistivity measurements. In particular, capacitive coupling downhole leads to erroneous resistivity readings. The invention compensates for such coupling by measuring a survey voltage between the resistivity tool voltage and a reference voltage on the wireline cable. A correction voltage is measured between a point on the armor around the wireline cable and the reference voltage. The characteristics of a transmission wireline used at a specific site are measured and are combined with the measured downhole correction voltage and survey voltage to determine more accurately formation resistivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Moore, Horacio A. Zea
  • Patent number: 6188223
    Abstract: An apparatus for borehole electric field telemetry includes a source of modulated voltage or current, at least one axially extending collar collar connected between pipe sections in a pipe string, and a system of insulated wireline components providing electrical connections, insulated from drilling fluids, between the ends of the one or more aforementioned insulative collars in the pipe string, to transmit the voltage or current. The source of modulated voltage or current comprises an electrical pulse-producer for producing short duration pulse wave forms selected to obtain optimum transmission characteristics in the underground formation. The electrical connections are to the drillstring, and there are upper and lower instrument housings associated with the electrical connections, which are upper and lower connections. The housings are supported within the pipe string, the upper housing located above at least one of the insulative collars, and the lower housing projecting below the insulative collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Scientific Drilling International
    Inventors: Donald H. Van Steenwyk, James N. Towle, Timothy Price
  • Patent number: 6147497
    Abstract: The use of Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) to map subsurface hydraulic conductivity. EIT can be used to map hydraulic conductivity in the subsurface where measurements of both amplitude and phase are made. Hydraulic conductivity depends on at least two parameters: porosity and a length scale parameter. Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) measures and maps electrical conductivity (which can be related to porosity) in three dimensions. By introducing phase measurements along with amplitude, the desired additional measurement of a pertinent length scale can be achieved. Hydraulic conductivity controls the ability to flush unwanted fluid contaminants from the surface. Thus inexpensive maps of hydraulic conductivity would improve planning strategies for subsequent remediation efforts. Fluid permeability is also of importance for oil field exploitation and thus detailed knowledge of fluid permeability distribution in three-dimension (3-D) would be a great boon to petroleum reservoir analysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: James G. Berryman, William D. Daily, Abelardo L. Ramirez, Jeffery J. Roberts