Abstract: A wellbore communications system comprising a surface computing unit. The surface computing unit comprises a processing module and a communications module, one or more downhole modules arranged within the wellbore, and a wireless communications channel communicatively coupling one or more the downhole modules and the surface computing unit. The surface computer unit and one or more of the downhole modules are configured to encode data with an iterative code prior to transmission on the wireless communications channel.

Abstract: A logging system and method for measuring propped fractures and down-hole subterranean formation conditions including: a radar source; an optical source; an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal from the optical source according to a signal from the radar source; a photodiode for converting the modulated optical signal output from the optical modulator to the source radar signal. A transmitter and receiver unit receives the source radar signal from the photodiode and transmits the source radar signal via at least one antenna attached to the casing and in communication with at least one photodiode into the formation and receives a reflected radar signal. A mixer mixes the reflected radar signal with the source radar signal to provide an output. This can describe fractures connected to the wellbore and differentiate between the dimensions of the two vertical wings of a propped fracture.

Abstract: Mud pulse telemetry systems and methods that employ some combination of modulated pulse positions, modulated pulse widths, and modulated pulse amplitudes to increase telemetry data rates. In at least some of the employed coding techniques, information is conveyed by the positions of both the upward and downward transitions. In some embodiments, fixed symbol intervals are used to convey combinatorial coded waveforms. In other embodiments, variable length symbol intervals include both a pulse position interval and a pulse width interval. The two intervals can be independently varied to convey telemetry data. Subject to specific system constraints, optimal coding efficiencies may be expected at data rates of between four and seven bits per symbol interval.

Abstract: Apparatus for the wireless transmission of data, and preferably also of power, across a space between a length of production tubing and a surrounding casing in a petrochemical well, includes a pair of inductively-coupled coils, a first of which is located on the exterior of the production tubing generally coaxially therewith, and the second of which is located on the interior of the casing generally coaxially therewith. This may be used in particular as part of a system for transmitting power and data to/from a sensor monitoring the pressure and/or other environmental conditions within the “B” annulus B of a sub-sea well.

Abstract: The well test system has a net oil computer NOC that captures and stores information from disparate well instrumentation devices, measures produced oil, water, and gas quantities based on the information and controls well processes based on the quantity measurements. The NOC includes operational software that collects instrumentation data from a plurality of wells. Configuration software downloads user programmable configuration information to the NOC, which enables the NOC to record data from a wide variety of flow devices, water test meters, or the like. User programmable alarms are included. A plurality of controllers can control processes associated with individual wells. A wireless communication system electronically sends data and test results to cell phones, radio devices, and the like. A daily test data log provides a historical database, which is analyzed to formulate “Data Confidence” information for each well. The net oil computer is operable with two-phase or three-phase separators.

Abstract: An electric system for measurement and control in an oil/gas well using transmission of electric signals and supply of electric power. The system is provided with a current loop having an essentially constant current in a current loop and a number of downhole network nodes (1N) which are connected to the system.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed herein relating to transmitting data within a borehole. The method and system include having a transmitter disposed at a first location within the borehole and configured to generate a first signal, and more than one receiver and/or repeater disposed at a second location within the borehole. The receivers and/or repeaters are configured to receive the first signal, and further are configured to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A technique for communicating data within a wellbore is provided. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving digital data and encoding the digital data into symbols each representative of one or more data bits of the digital data. In this embodiment, the method also includes modulating the phase of an acoustic wave within the wellbore to represent the plurality of symbols, wherein modulating the phase of an acoustic wave includes changing the phase of the acoustic wave such that the acoustic wave includes smooth phase transitions between successive phases representative of the plurality of symbols. Various additional methods, systems, and devices are also provided.

Abstract: A drilling control system monitors and compares drilling and completion operation sensor values and autonomously acts in response to conditions such as a kick or surge. Sensors in various combinations may monitor return fluid flow rate, fluid inflow rate, wellhead bore pressure, temperature of returning fluid, torque, rate of penetration and string weight change. The control system has corresponding control logic to monitor, warn and act based on the sensor inputs. The actions may include the warning of support personnel, closing an annular blowout preventer, shearing drill pipe using a ram shear, pumping heavier fluid down choke and kill lines, disconnecting the riser or various other actions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one marked-up digital image of a geographic area including the dig area, the image including at least one indicator to delimit the dig area, is electronically processed by converting the at least one indicator to a plurality of geographic coordinates representing the delimited dig area. Information relating to a locate request ticket identifying the dig area to be excavated is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored, wherein the locate request ticket includes image data and non-image data associated with the dig area. The image data includes the at least one marked-up digital image of the geographic area surrounding the dig area, and the non-image data includes the plurality of geographic coordinates representing the delimited dig area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering communication and/or power downhole. The apparatus may include an information network configured to use a multi-drop deterministic protocol. The method may include delivering information over the information network. The method may include delivering power over the information network.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a drill string is provided. The system includes an apparatus having a first coupler, a second coupler, a frame and an actuator. The first coupler may be operatively connectable to the drill string and the second coupler may be operatively connectable to a top drive of a handling system thereby allowing communication between a surface system and a downhole system. The frame may support the first coupler and the second coupler. The frame may be operatively connectable to the handling system. The actuator may be for moving the frame with the first and second couplers between an engaged position operatively connected to the top drive and an uppermost drill pipe, and a disengaged position a distance from the uppermost drill pipe whereby the first and second couplers selectively establish a communication link between the surface system and the downhole system.

Abstract: The invention is a method of determining a free point in stuck drill pipes, comprising the steps of: a. measuring a first magnetic permeability (?1) based on a time-induced decay of the electromagnetic field generated by application of an electric current pulse to the unextended pipe (l0); b. applying a force to the pipe to extend the pipe (l1); c. measuring a second magnetic permeability (?2) of the extended pipe (l1); and d. comparing the first and second magnetic permeabilities (?1 and ?2) along the drill string to determine the free point based on the change of magnetic permeability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating optical communications and sensing, with downhole optical or other sensors, in high temperature oilfield applications. The apparatus can include a downhole telemetry cartridge for downhole use at temperatures in excess of about 115 degrees Celsius. The apparatus can also include a downhole light source optically connected to the telemetry cartridge. The light source may include at least one remotely pumped laser optically connected to a surface pump laser via optical fiber(s). The remotely pumped laser may drive the downhole optical or other sensors for their operations.

Abstract: The invention provides for electromagnetic transmission and reception used in detecting relative changes associated with nano devices existing within an oil reservoir. The system enables monitoring of the relative movement of the nano devices in the oil and/or water over a given area based on the incremental or relative changes of the intensity of the reflections over time. In one embodiment, a source of electromagnetic energy from an array of antennae transmitting immediately in the far field recharges a power source embedded in the nano devices. In another embodiment, the return signals from the nano devices maps the morphology of ensembles of nano devices. In yet another embodiment the transmission controls the movement of the nano devices and controls the function preformed by the nano devices relative to effecting changes in the well to improve production of oil.

Abstract: Methods and systems for borehole telemetry utilizing a tool configured or designed for deployment in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation. The tool includes a downhole telemetry module; a surface telemetry module; and a datalink between the downhole and surface modules configured or designed for transferring data over two or more data communication channels, wherein the transferred data comprises coding at a transmitter to increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the data.

Abstract: A system for communicating with downhole tools and devices is disclosed. The system includes multiple communication devices which, in combination, permit operators at the surface to operate downhole tools and to receive feedback regarding the state of the tools.

Abstract: An electric dipole transmission system includes an uphole dipole assembly adapted for receiving downhole telemetry data. The uphole dipole assembly includes a gap sub, an electric dipole transmitter, a battery stack and a wireline receiver. A short hop receiver assembly is connected to the lower end of the uphole dipole assembly by a wireline. A downhole dipole assembly operatively connected to the uphole dipole assembly includes a short hop transmitter, a battery stack and a sensor assembly.

Abstract: A detector includes a sonde having a housing and comprising a scintillator disposed within the housing and a calibration source coupled to the scintillator to fluoresce the scintillator at a known wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The detector further includes an electromagnetic radiation sensing device coupled to the scintillator and disposed within the housing and a first programmable/re-programmable processing module (PRPM) coupled to the electromagnetic radiation sensing device and disposed within the housing. The PRPM is programmed to process signals from the electromagnetic sensing device based on a user-defined analysis mode selected from the group of modes consisting of filtering, windowing, discriminating, and counting.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for use in well, subsea, and oilfield-related environments employs one or more wireless network devices that offer short-range wireless communication between devices without the need for a central network which may have a device using a BLUETOOTH protocol. The system may be used for telemetry, depth correlation, guidance systems, actuating tools, among other uses.

Abstract: In order to emulate the inputs from a DHS, RTD type sensors are typically employed, externally heated, and the input provided into an interface unit. At best such an approach provides a stop-gap solution that is cumbersome and not reliably repeatable. Such temporary inputs seldom provide the equivalent communications protocol verification between the surface controller of the DHS and the external communications device. Each DHS commercially available also uses different MODBUS register addresses for the requested data, as well as a variation in the number of parameters expected from the DHS itself, ranging from 3 to 7, depending on the vendor of choice. In this new design, a number of potentiometers are used to provide a variable signal level to the microprocessor, acting as variable parameters from the downhole sensor, the settings of which can be repeated for reliable test results.

Abstract: A system for automating service operations at a well includes a service rig having at least one input device, an engine connected to an engine electronic control unit having a engine controller area network, a plurality of crown sheeves, a cable, an output device, a communication infrastructure, and at least one of a computer and an operator station; at least one remote server in electronic communication with the communication infrastructure; and a web portal in electronic communication with the at least one remote server.

Abstract: A method for generating an alert or advice for drilling a borehole penetrating an earth formation includes: receiving with a processor a borehole image from a downhole tool disposed at a drill tubular drilling the borehole; detecting a first breakout and a second breakout shifted approximately 180° apart from the first breakout if breakouts are in the image using a method for detecting breakouts implemented by the processor; and generating an alert or advice with the processor if the first and second breakouts are detected.

Abstract: A drilling log data logger 10, and system incorporating the same, has means 14-40 to receive drilling event related data, electronic storage means to store said input data, and output means 12,42 to output said data on demand. A related drilling log data recordal method for at least one drilling operation includes entering 100 initial drilling data into a data logger 10, said initial drilling data relating to at least one said drilling operation, creating current progress drilling data 108 in the data logger based on said initial drilling data, entering subsequent drilling data 110 into the data logger relating to one or more of a drilling task, drilling progress, drilling equipment or drilling operators of said drilling operation, comparing the subsequent drilling data 110 with the current progress drilling data 108; and updating the current progress drilling data 108 using the subsequent drilling data 110.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for terminating communication on a communication line between a carrier and at least one node located at a subsurface location. The apparatus may include a control member configured to initiate termination of communication in response to a controlled signal. The apparatus may also include a communication linkage configured to terminate the communication in a manner that cannot be remotely restored in response to the control member. The apparatus may also include a power source to maintain power to the communication linkage termination operation. The apparatus may be configured to use energy from the communication line to cause the communication linkage to terminate communication. The apparatus may be configured to use a communication linkage that is at least partially consumable. The method includes the use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for enabling communication between an underwater fluid extraction facility and a remote location comprises a fiber-optic cable connected between the facility to the remote location, signal transmission means at the remote location for transmitting signals to the fiber-optic cable, a distribution hub for receiving signals from the other end of the cable and at least one secondary hub located at the facility in communication with the distribution hub. Communication between the facility and the remote location is effected using a Local Area Network. Preferably Ethernet signalling is used throughout the network.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote monitoring of well operations. The apparatus may include an alerts module positioned proximate a well, at least one well parameter sensor in communication with the alerts module, and a well operation control module in communication with the alerts module. The apparatus may further include a remotely positioned well monitoring station in communication with the alerts module, and a plurality of user terminal in communication with the well monitoring station.

Abstract: A remote asset management system comprising a network of programmable wireless modules, each having an antenna and an identification module and configured to communicate via a radio communication protocol. The system further includes a plurality of assets each linked to one of the programmable wireless modules and configured to be managed by the linked programmable wireless module. A remote system server service platform is configured to receive remote asset data from at least one of the programmable wireless modules, pass the remote asset data to and from the wireless modules, send messages to at least one of the programmable wireless modules, monitor the programmable wireless modules by requesting and receiving current mode information, and remotely program the programmable wireless modules.

Abstract: To synchronize units of a formation evaluation/drilling operation evaluation system, a time delay associated with a communications link between a master unit and a slave unit of the formation evaluation/drilling operation evaluation system is determined. The master unit has a master time clock that provides universal time. The time delay associated with the communications link is used to enable synchronization of time provided by a slave time clock in the slave unit to the universal time.

Abstract: Remote sensing systems are provided including a recorder, a cable network and a plurality of downhole sensor nodes. The cable network comprises a first cable and a second cable. The first and second cables form a loop. The recorder and the plurality of downhole sensor nodes are connected to the cable network in series. The first cable delivers power to the nodes and the second cable comprises a power return and closes the loop to the recorder.

Abstract: A communication module for use in wellbore logging operations. The module is attachable around a wireline, slickline, tubing or coiled tubing having a logging tool on its end. The module includes a drive means for transporting it down the line, a controller for controlling its operation, and communications for communicating with the logging tool. Communication between the module and the logging tool includes the transfer of data and operational instructions.

Abstract: An apparatus to update data in a well control system includes a central control unit in communication with a communications network, the central control unit comprising a first display database, an end device in communication with the communications network, the end device comprising a local hardware database, and an operator's panel in communication with the communications network, the operator's panel comprising a second display database, wherein the local hardware database is configured to automatically update data to a primary display database designated from one of the first and the second display databases, wherein the primary display database is configured to automatically update the data to the other of the first and the second display databases.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to enhance logging data images. Some system embodiments include a dowhole tool, at least one sensor, and a processing system. The downhole tool gathers two-dimensional logging data while moving through a borehole. The sensor(s) measure at least one characteristic of the downhole tool's operation or environment, such as tool motion, offset distance, borehole geometry, and/or properties of the borehole fluid. Such characteristics can cause smearing or spreading of the tool's logging data measurements. Accordingly the processing system determines a de-spreading function based at least in part on the measured characteristic(s) and applies the de-spreading function to the two-dimensional logging data to obtain an enhanced logging data image, which can be presented to a user via a user interface.

Abstract: A method of conducting a well treatment service job. The method comprises assembling an oilfield communication network. The oilfield communication network comprises a plurality of mobile terminals distributed across a plurality of well sites and a plurality of base transceiver stations. Some of the mobile terminals are coupled to each other in wireless communication by the base transceiver stations. The method further comprises preparing a well for the well treatment service job, performing one or more well treatment steps, collecting one or more data parameters associated with the well treatment service job, and communicating the one or more data parameters from at least a first one of the mobile terminals via the oilfield communication network.

Abstract: An apparatus to remotely archive data from a blowout preventer includes a first system controller in communication with the blowout preventer and a communications network, and a second system controller in communication with the blowout preventer and the communications network. A first remote server and a second remote server are connected to the communications network. The first remote server is configured to archive the data from the blowout preventer through the first local controller and the communications network. The first remote server is also configured to archive the data from the blowout preventer through the second system controller upon a failure of the first system controller resulting from damage in an oilfield component.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, device, and method for generating pulse signals that correlate to geological information in a wellbore. The system and method comprises a pulse generating device longitudinally and axially positioned within an annular drill collar flow channel such that the drilling fluid flows through the annular drill collar flow channel and the drilling fluid is guided into two sets of selectively reversible flow, upper and lower flow connecting channels, wherein the connecting channels are connected to an inner flow channel and the annular drill collar flow channel, and wherein the annular drill collar flow channel is acted upon by one or more flow throttling devices thereby transmitting signals. The device utilizes a turbine residing near and within proximity of a flow diverter that diverts drilling mud into and away from turbine blades such that the force of the drilling mud causes the turbine blades and the turbine to rotationally spin around a coil assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a downhole drill bit with a body intermediate a shank and a working surface. Extending from the work surface is a wear resistant electric transmitter electrically isolated from the drill bit body. A wear resistant electrically conductive receiver, also electrically isolated from the bit body, may be connected to a tool string component. The working surface may also have at least two wear resistant electrodes located intermediate the transmitter and receiver that are adapted to measure an electric potential in the formation.

Abstract: A wellbore data acquisition and communication system includes a mobile communication and computing device. the device includes at least a data input device, a geodetic position signal receiver and a data communication device. The system includes a remote database having stored thereon information related to specific wellbores. The database is configured to receive the geodetic position of the mobile device and communicate back to the mobile device at least one of previously recorded information pertaining to a specific wellbore and data input fields pertaining to the specific wellbore.

Abstract: A cable link may include a first link connector in signal communication with at least one sensor in a drill string and coupled to the drill string, a second link connector spaced apart from the first link connector and in signal communication with a telemetry system, the second connector link coupled to the drill string, and a linking cable having signal connectors at each end thereof, the linking cable having at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber therein, the signal connectors each configured to latch proximate a respective one of the first and second link connector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to determine a clock signal when separate clocks are used. In one embodiment, a disciplined clock system comprising an update subsystem and a synthesis subsystem is provided. A first clock phase estimate is provided to the update subsystem and used, along with the update subsystem, to determine a frequency offset estimate and a phase offset estimate. The clock signal is determining using the frequency offset estimate, the phase offset estimate, and the synthesis subsystem. Alternatively, two clocks can be synchronized by generating a signal associated with a first clock; modulating the signal; transmitting the modulated signal; receiving the modulated signal by a receiver associated with a second clock; correlating the received signal; determining the time of arrival of the received signal; determining the time difference between the two clocks; and synchronizing the two clocks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for sensing a characteristic of a borehole. An exemplary apparatus includes a conductive pipe; an inlet, connected to the conductive pipe, for applying pulse to the conductive pipe; a resonant network device connected with the conductive pipe; and a transducer which is in operative communication with the resonant network device to measure a borehole characteristic, the transducer being configured to sense a modulated vibration frequency induced in the resonant network device when a pulse is applied to the inlet.

Abstract: A method for analyzing an oilfield network. The method includes collecting oilfield data from an oilfield network, modeling a first wellsite and a second wellsite using the oilfield data to create a first production model of the first wellsite and a second production model of the second wellsite. The method further includes modeling a sub-network of the oilfield network to create a third production model of the sub-network. The modeling of the sub-network includes identifying a junction of branches associated with the first wellsite and the second wellsite. A fourth production model is created for the junction by combining the first production model with the second production model. The production model of the sub-network is created using the fourth production model of the junction. The method further includes solving the oilfield network based on the third production model to create a production result, and storing the production result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling oil well drilling equipment is disclosed. One or more sensors are distributed in the oil well drilling equipment. Each sensor produces a signal. A surface processor coupled to the one or more sensors via a high speed communications medium receives the signals from the one or more sensors via the high speed communications medium. The surface processor is situated on or near the earth's surface. The surface processor includes a program to process the received signals and to produce one or more control signals. The system includes one or more controllable elements distributed in the oil well drilling equipment. The one or more controllable elements respond to the one or more control signals.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.

Abstract: A method for ordering telemetry messages containing attributes individually not sufficient to establish total ordering is provided. An initial rank value is assigned for a first telemetry message. For a subsequent telemetry message, it is determined if an attribute of the subsequent telemetry message indicates an ordering of the subsequent telemetry message with respect to the first telemetry message. If the attribute indicates the ordering of the subsequent telemetry message, a subsequent rank value is assigned to the subsequent telemetry message one higher than a highest rank value already assigned, otherwise a correct slot of the subsequent message is determined by minimizing a distance from an S slot corresponding to the highest rank value already assigned to a first non-empty slot by application of a Lazy Walker algorithm.

Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to devices and methods for energizing and detecting a wave-energizable apparatus on an item movable with respect to a working surface of a drilling rig. One illustrative device disclosed herein includes at least one mat adapted to be positioned on a working surface of a drilling rig and a plurality of spaced-apart energizing apparatuses operatively coupled to the at least one mat. Additionally, each of the plurality of spaced apart energizing apparatuses of the disclosed device is adapted to energize a wave-energizable apparatus attached to an item that is movable adjacent to the mat and relative to the working surface.

Abstract: Method for locating a cell phone or PDA, e.g., arranged in or on a movable asset, includes obtaining information at the cell phone or PDA relating to reception of signals, transmitting the information from the cell phone or PDA to a remote facility and determining the location of the cell phone or PDA from the information at the remote facility. The cell phone or PDA may obtain DGPS signals and transmit them to the remote facility. In this manner, the location of the cell phone and the asset in or on which it is arranged, or the person carrying the cell phone can be determined at the remote location.

Abstract: A method for analyzing formation data includes decomposing the formation data into simple components that can be used to reconstruct the formation data, wherein the decomposing is performed at a first location and includes a process to minimize an overlap between the simple components; and transmitting parameters representing the simple components to a second location for reconstructing the formation data. A system for analyzing formation data that includes a processor and a memory that stores a program having instructions for decomposing the formation data into simple components that can be used to reconstruct the formation data, wherein the decomposing is performed at a first location and includes a process to minimize an overlap between the simple components; and transmitting parameters representing the simple components to a second location for reconstructing the formation data.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a Christmas tree assembly installed on a subsea hydrocarbon well includes receiving a plurality of parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly. A health metric for the Christmas tree assembly is determined based on the parameters. A problem condition with the Christmas tree assembly is identified based on the determined health metric.