Abstract: A transmission system in a downhole component comprises a plurality of data transmission elements. A coaxial cable having an inner conductor and an outer conductor is disposed within a passage in the downhole component such that at least one capacitor is disposed in the passage and having a first terminal coupled to the inner conductor and a second terminal coupled to the outer conductor. Preferably the transmission element comprises an electrically conducting coil. Preferably, within the passage a connector is adapted to electrically connect the inner conductor of the coaxial cable and the lead wire. The coaxial capacitor may be disposed between and in electrically communication with the connector and the passage. In another embodiment a connector is adapted to electrical connect a first and a second portion of the inner conductor of the coaxial cable and a coaxial capacitor is in electrical communication with the connector and the passage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for borehole logging, the method comprising collecting detector output data from a radiation detector of a borehole logging tool, and resolving individual signals in the detector output data by (i) determining a signal form of signals present in the data, (ii) making parameter estimates of one or more parameters of the signals, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least a signal temporal position, and (iii) determining the energy of each of the signals from at least the signal form and the parameter estimates. The logging tool is shorter, logging tool speed is greater, dwell time is shorter and/or resolution is improved.

Abstract: Channel estimation and signal equalization is used in a mud-pulse telemetry system for uplink communication during drilling of wellbores.

Abstract: A deep water subsea tree completion having a distributed temperature sensing system. In a described embodiment, a method of installing an optical fiber in a well includes the steps of: conveying an optical fiber section into the well; and monitoring a light transmission quality of the optical fiber section while the section is being conveyed into the well.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Also provided are apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more perforating guns, release devices, and explosive devices in a string to be lowered into a wellbore. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, “each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. Control and power functions are accomplished with voltage of different polarities for safety.

Abstract: To communicate measurement data from a well, data corresponding to measurement data collected by multiple sensors in a well is transformed downhole and passed to an intermediate communications device, which device in turn passes a subset of that data to a destination communications device. The destination communications device applies a second transformation to the data received from the intermediate communications device. The first and second transformations are designed such that meaningful data can be recovered at the destination communications device even though only a subset of the original transformed data has been received.

Abstract: A system having a number of land units [100, 4000, 5000] is disclosed which operates to efficiently find and create boreholes [5] to one or more underground targets [1]. Each of the land units [100, 4000, 5000] may be remotely controlled from a central command unit [6000]. The land unit also may be self-controlled, or partially controlled by the central command unit [6000]. The system [10] is reconfigurable to reallocate tasks to functional land units [100, 4000, 5000] which were originally allocated to land units which have been destroyed and are now non-functional.

Abstract: A method of enabling communication between components of a hydrocarbon extraction plant, the plant having an underwater hydrocarbon extraction installation including at least one hydrocarbon extraction well with an associated tree, comprises providing a plurality of RF communication means at respective components of the installation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, apparatus and systems for automating or metering fluid recovered at a well. According to one example, a system is described for automating the fluid recovery of oil wells using a pump jack or oil extractor. A communications device is installed with each system to allow remote bi-directional communications to monitor, control, and diagnose problems with the device or system.

Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location include a downhole tool with a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, a brake cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The system associates position of the valve with pressure transduction. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of the wellbore.

Abstract: A portable device and associated method are described for use with a system in which a locating signal is transmitted from within the ground during an operational procedure. The locating signal includes a transmission frequency that is selectable from a group of discrete transmission frequencies in a frequency range and the region includes electromagnetic noise that can vary. The portable device includes a receiver having a bandwidth that includes the transmission frequency range and is operable for measuring the electromagnetic noise in the transmission frequency range to establish a frequency content of the electromagnetic noise for use in selecting one of the discrete transmission frequencies that is subsequently transmitted as the locating signal during the operational procedure. The locating signal can be transmitted from a boring tool, a pullback arrangement or an inground cable. A predicted maximum operational depth for a transmitter can be determined prior to the operational procedure.

Abstract: A subsea data and power transmission apparatus includes primary and secondary open magnetic circuits with coils for wireless data and power transfer between a drilling tool and a drilling rig. The primary magnetic circuit is U-shaped and the secondary is O-shaped. Both magnetic systems are electrically insulated. The electrical signal and power are transferred from one magnetic circuit to another through an air or water gap between the magnetic circuits. The U-shaped and O-shaped magnetic circuits allow communication and power transfer remotely with no mechanical or electrical connectors.

Abstract: A system includes a Christmas tree assembly mounted to a hydrocarbon well, an optical feedthrough module, and a plurality of optical sensors. The optical feedthrough module is operable to communicate through a pressure boundary of the Christmas tree assembly. The plurality of optical sensors is disposed within the Christmas tree assembly for measuring parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly and is operable to communicate through the optical feedthrough module.

Abstract: A Full-Duplex Pre-equalized OFDM system for high speed telemetry down-hole wire-line communication. The system compensates for the narrow bandwidth, high attenuation of, and noise in a downhole wireline using Trellis Code Modulation and Reed Solomon encoding.

Abstract: An oscillating shear valve system for generating pressure fluctuations in a flowing drilling fluid comprising a stationary stator and an oscillating rotor, both with axial flow passages. The rotor oscillates in close proximity to the stator, at least partially blocking the flow through the stator and generating oscillating pressure pulses. The rotor passes through two zero speed positions during each cycle, facilitating rapid changes in signal phase, frequency, and/or amplitude facilitating enhanced, multivalent data encoding. The rotor is driven by a motorized gear drive. In one embodiment, a torsional spring is attached to the motor and the resulting spring mass system is designed to be near resonance at the desired pulse frequency. The system enables the use of multivalent encoding schemes for increasing data rates.

Abstract: A system for communicating information in a borehole between tool assemblies in a tool string includes receiving an information signal and separating a first signal that may be a power and low speed signal. A second signal is separated and demodulated from the information signal. The first signal and second signal are transmit to electronic devices that process data from an earth formation. After the first and second signals are transmit to one or more electronic devices, the signals are modulated and/or filtered and then combined into the information signal. The first signal is at one frequency and the second signal is at a different frequency. The apparatus includes a main signal line that couples to a second signal line and third signal line in the tool assembly.

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 system and a method use dual telemetry for tools located in a wellbore. A first telemetry system and a second telemetry system coordinate communication with the tools. Both the first telemetry system and the second telemetry system may transmit data regarding the tools and/or drilling conditions from the tools to a surface location simultaneously. The first telemetry system or the second telemetry system may communicate with the surface location if communication using the other telemetry system is interrupted. The first telemetry system and the second telemetry system may have a master/slave relationship so that data requests from a specific telemetry system do not interfere with data requests from the other telemetry system.

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: 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 one or more data communication channels utilizing at least one telemetry scheme selected from a plurality of telemetry schemes based on at least one downhole parameter.

Abstract: A communication system transmits data in a control system for an underwater fluid well. A communications link is located between first and second facilities of the well. A data transmitter for transmitting data from one of the facilities to the other via the communications link has both a relatively high speed modem and a relatively low speed modem.

Abstract: Data retrieval tags, drillstring communications systems and methods, and computer programs are disclosed. The data retrieval tag includes an insulator substrate, at least one analog memory cell disposed on the insulator substrate and an antenna coupled to the analog memory.

Abstract: Subterranean oilfield high-temperature devices configured or designed to facilitate downhole monitoring and high data transmission rates with laser diodes that are configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, at temperatures in excess of 115 degrees centigrade without active cooling.

Abstract: For use in a drilling operation that includes uphole electronic equipment (120) and a drill string (12) suspended in an earth borehole (11), the drill string having at least one downhole tool (100) thereon, the drill string having a section of wired drill pipe (WDP) that is part of a communication link between the downhole tool and the uphole electronic equipment; an interface (140) for communicating between the section of wired drill pipe and a communication source/destination, including: a housing having a generally cylindrical outer shape and having a passage therethrough; the housing having a WDP end connectable to the section of wired drill pipe and a further end connectable to the communication source/destination; a WDP circuit module disposed within the housing, the WDP circuit module being electrically coupleable with the wired drill pipe section; and a further circuit module, disposed within the housing, the further circuit module being electrically coupled with the WDP circuit module and electricall

Abstract: An electric system especially 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 (5,6) having an essentially constant current in a current loop and a number of downhole network nodes (1N) which are connected to the system.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source. A total magnetic field is measured during a calibration routine prior to a drilling procedure. During the drilling procedure, a magnetic field measurement is obtained. Using a ratio of the measured magnetic field and the calibrated field, a set of possible angles and distances is calculated. After the source is advanced a known distance, a second magnetic field measurement is obtained. A second ratio is calculated and a second set of possible angles and distances is calculated. The relative location of the source is then determined using the first set and second set of values, along with the known distance and a pitch angle of the source.

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 device for detecting the position occupied by a mobile element operatively associated therewith in relation to a reference position, comprising at least one container containing a fluid and a detector device operatively connected to said container, said detector device being configured so as to provide a signal to indicate the actual position of said mobile element as a function of at least one parameter recorded thereby and indicative of an operative condition of the fluid, or of a condition of operative interaction between the fluid and the detector device.

Abstract: A method and system for generating output files which represent computer displayable geographically related data related to the oil and gas industries. The method and system provides an approach for representing vast amounts of data related to oil and gas industry assets geographically so that the data may be displayed in two and three-dimensions. The method and system provide a way of inputting raw data and outputting a file that may be processed by a geographic information system software package to visually represent the data geographically on the surface of the earth. The output file may also be in a number of other file formats and readable by other software applications.

Abstract: A downhole electrical transmission system having first and second tubular bodies coupled together by mating threads, each tubular body having a bore. An electrical conductor assembly is disposed within the bore of each tubular body. At least one end of each assembly has an electrical contact surrounded by a dielectric material, the electrical contact and dielectric material forming a polished, planar mating surface. The mating surfaces span an entire cross section of the end and are perpendicular to a central axis of the tubular bodies. The mating surfaces of each electrical conductor assembly are substantially engaged at a compressive load when the tubular bodies are fully mated.

Abstract: Token authorized packet exchange between a plurality of store-and-forward nodes in a downhole networking environment and respective applications for data processing and communication are described herein.

Abstract: A system for remote control of operation control elements that are arranged in a well to control recovery of gas and/or oil from the well. A first system part is located outside the well and connected to a second system part that is located in the well and operatively connected to the operation control elements. All semiconductor components are housed in the first system part. The second system part houses electromechanical components that actuate the operation control elements upon command from the first system part. A method for remote control of down-hole operation control elements in an oil and/or a gas well completion. A first system part located outside the well is equipped with all semiconductor components that are included in the system. A second down-hole system part is equipped with electromechanical components that are actuated from the first system part for actuation of the operation control elements.

Abstract: At least one antenna array including three mutually orthogonal antennas each sharing a common center point senses an electromagnetic signal emitted by a buried object such as a utility line, pipe or sonde. A circuit at least partially mounted in a housing is connected to the array and determines a location of the buried object by measuring signal strength and field angles in three dimensions without having to align the antenna array relative to the buried object while eliminating nulls and false peaks. A graphical user interface (GUI) has user-friendly icons, symbols, menus, numbers and graphical and auditory representation of signal strength. A plurality of different underground objects can be simultaneously detected and their different locations can be simultaneously indicated to a user via audible sounds and/or visual images on a display.

Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool body; a simple transmitter comprising a single antenna disposed on the tool body; four simple receivers, each comprising a single antenna, disposed on the tool body and spaced apart from the simple transmitter to form four arrays; and an electronic module for controlling operation of the four arrays, wherein the simple transmitter is configured to generate a magnetic field having a transverse component, wherein each of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and at least one of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the transverse component of the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and wherein the four arrays are configured to provide measurements at least three depths of investigation.

Abstract: A subsea production system adapted for wireless communication so that production tree operation can be controlled locally wirelessly from a workover umbilical or remotely controlled vehicle. The production system includes a wellhead assembly and an umbilical termination connected to an umbilical that extends to above the sea surface. Dedicated wireless communication devices can be attached to one or both of the wellhead assembly and the umbilical termination. The wireless communication devices can include a radio frequency modem, a sonar device, an infrared communication device, a light emitting diode, an optical modem, and combinations thereof; the wireless communication can include radio frequency waves, acoustic waves, and electromagnetic waves. A subsea control module can be included for controlling/actuating devices in or associated with the production system. The subsea control module can be adapted for wireless communication.

Abstract: Method and system for determining a characteristic of a subsurface formation traversed by a wellbore. A fluid flow rate in the wellbore is established, the flow being associated with fluid movement in one or more layers in the formation. Fluid data is generated from the fluid flow. The fluid flow rate in the wellbore is selectively altered, and fluid data is re-generated pertaining to the altered flow rates. The fluid data is processed to determine desired reservoir parameters and/or characteristics of an identified stratum in the formation. A method identifies inflexion points on a single phase oil only curve plot using the fluid data to determine layer characteristics and flow stability.

Abstract: An item (e.g. a drill bit) handling method, the item for use in a well operation, the method including producing information about an item used for a specific well task, the information including design information and intended use information, producing an item identification specific to the item, associating the information with the item identification producing thereby an information package, installing the information package in at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and applying the at least one wave-energizable apparatus to the item. 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 and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A riser having a riser body having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and two spaced-apart ends, at least one identification assembly on the riser body, the identification assembly having an assembly body and a wave energizable apparatus in the body, the assembly body having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a channel therethrough in which is positioned part of the riser body, the assembly body releasably secured on the riser body, and the wave energizable apparatus positioned within the assembly body. 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 and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A cable assembly for use in a hydrocarbon well of extensive depth. The cable assembly may be effectively employed at well depths of over 30,000 feet. Indeed, embodiments of the assembly may be effectively employed at depths of over 50,000 feet while powering and directing downhole equipment at a downhole end thereof The assembly may be made up of a comparatively high break strength uphole cable portion coupled to a lighter downhole cable portion. This configuration helps to ensure the structural integrity of the assembly in light of its own load when disposed in a well to such extensive depths. Additionally, the assembly may be employed at such depths with an intervening connector sub having a signal amplification mechanism incorporated therein to alleviate concern over telemetry between the surface of the oilfield and the downhole equipment.

Abstract: Token authorized node discovery between a plurality of store-and-forward nodes in a downhole networking environment and respective applications for data processing and communication are described herein.

Abstract: A system and method of data acquisition and transmission for use in a channel for conveying liquid and/or gas, such as a wellbore. The system includes one or more of data acquisition modules for acquiring data relating to conditions adjacent the module and transmitting the data to a terminal collection station or adjacent data acquisition module via an electromagnetic signal. Each data acquisition module is configured to transmit the signal such that an element of the channel adjacent the data acquisition module acts as a waveguide.

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: A method of transmitting borehole image data from a borehole location to a remote location includes obtaining a set of image data describing formation surrounding a borehole using a logging tool at a selected depth or range of depths in the borehole, extracting one or more image features from the set of image data downhole, and transmitting a representation of the extracted image features to the surface.

Abstract: A method of conducting a well treatment service job, comprising assembling an oilfield communication network comprising a plurality of mobile terminals distributed across a plurality of well sites and a plurality of base transceiver stations, wherein some of the mobile terminals are coupled to each other in wireless communication by the base transceiver stations; 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: A well system may be provided comprising a first primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to a surface device and a first secondary inductive coupler. The first secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a first portion of the well. In addition, the well system may comprise a second primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to the surface device and a second secondary induction coupler. The second secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a second portion of the well. The flow through at least one of the first and second portions of the well may be adjusted via at least one of the one or more completion components. A method for completing a well comprising inductive couplers may also be provided.

Abstract: A method of drilling a well. The method includes calculating an estimated formation dip angle, wherein said estimated formation dip angle being based on offset well data, seismic data, core data, pressure data. Next, the method includes drilling a well with a logging while drilling means so that real time logging data is generated along with drilling data and calculating an instantaneous formation dip angle. Next, real time logging data is obtained and a target formation window is projected ahead of the well path that includes a top of formation and a bottom formation. The method includes monitoring the real time logging and drilling data and drilling the well through the target formation window. The method further includes changing the estimated instantaneous formation dip based on the obtained data and adjusting the target formation top and bottom window.

Abstract: Waveforms for controlled source electromagnetic surveying. The waveforms have frequency spectra that include three or more frequencies spaced at substantially equal intervals on a logarithmic frequency scale and spanning a bandwidth of about one decade or more, at least three of which frequencies have approximately equal corresponding amplitudes.

Abstract: A borehole conveyance system that integrates wireline type downhole instrumentation into the drill string tripping operations that are typically performed in a borehole drilling operation to increase the types of measurements that can be obtained during the drilling operation and reduce equipment costs and maintenance costs. Certain wireline type tools can be used during drilling operations to yield measurements superior to their LWD/MWD counterparts, but not during any drilling operation in which the drill string is rotating while other types of wireline tools can be used to obtain measurements not possible with LWD/MWD systems.

Abstract: A system for use in controlling a hydrocarbon production well has a: computer at a control location remote from a well tree of the well. A processor at the well tree applies control signals to and receives signals from devices of well tree. The processor also receives further signals associated with the operation of the well. A bi-directional communication link extends between the remote computer and the well tree processor. The well tree further has a communications router coupled with the processor and receiver, for multiplexing the signals from devices at the well head and the further signals on to the bi-directional link.