Abstract: A wireline logging sonde (10) for sensing fluid properties in a borehole has a main body (12) and a plurality of sensor capsules (30) mounted peripherally of the main body on fingers (22, 24). The sensor capsules transmit data signals at radio frequency to the main body, and are powered from the main body by inductive coupling. The need to provide pressure-proof wire connections between the main body and into the sensor capsules is thus completely avoided.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling system is disclosed which includes a first electromagnetic transducer sealingly disposed in an outer wall of a tool mandrel, the mandrel adapted to be positioned in a drill collar. A second electromagnetic transducer is sealingly disposed in an interior of a port in the drill collar. The second transducer is positioned so that it is proximate the first transducer when the mandrel is positioned in the drill collar. A third electromagnetic transducer is sealingly disposed in an exterior of the port in the collar. The second and third transducers define a sealed chamber in the port. The second and third transducers are electrically coupled to power conditioning and signal processing circuits disposed in the chamber. A fourth transducer is positioned proximate the third transducer. The fourth transducer is electrically coupled to at least one of a sensor, an external communication line and an external power line.

Abstract: A system and method for profiling and modifying fluid flow through a wellbore. The system comprises a logging system, a downhole unit, and a deployment system. The logging system comprises a logging tool. The downhole unit is operable to house the logging tool. In addition, the downhole unit is operable to selectively secure a retrievable fluid barrier within a wellbore casing. The deployment system is operable to deploy the downhole unit in the wellbore casing. The method comprises deploying the downhole unit into the wellbore and securing the retrievable fluid barrier below a first group of perforations. The method also comprises operating the logging tool to detect a wellbore fluid parameter.

Abstract: An underwater hydrocarbon production system comprises power supply means (1,3,4) at or for use at a remotely located station (2) for providing DC; electrical means (6) at or for location underwater for using DC to provide power for an underwater device; and transmission cabling (5) for transmitting DC from the power supply means to the electrical means.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for transmitting power and communicating signals to the remote sensing unit and for receiving communication signals from the remote sensor, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing an internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit for those embodiments in which a wireline tool is being used to communicate with remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is a standalone sensor that is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit.

Abstract: A sequential hydraulic well control system provides actuator selection and operation utilizing pressure applied to hydraulic lines in a sequence. In a disclosed embodiment, an actuation control device of a well control system includes multiple pistons, at least one of which is included in a latch for selectively permitting and preventing displacement of another of the pistons. When one of the pistons displaces in response to pressure applied sequentially to hydraulic inputs of the control device, an associated actuator is placed in fluid communication with the inputs.

Abstract: A reservoir production control system includes a plurality of wells for producing a reservoir linked to a central computer over a downhole communication network and a surface communication network. Both the downhole and the surface communication networks are wireless communications paths for transmitting downhole data and surface data to the central computer. Both networks include a series of interconnected tubing or pipe that allows transmission of data over electrically isolated portions of the pipe and tubing. After integrating and analyzing all relevant data and comparing the data with a reservoir model, the central computer initiates changes in a plurality of downhole control devices associated with the wells, thereby optimizing the production of the reservoir.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator system includes a power source, a controller in communication with the power source, a piezoelectric stack comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements disposed within a sleeve to define a chamber at one end of the sleeve, pressure accumulators in fluid communication with the chamber, a flow control valve in communication with the accumulators, and a hydraulic piston in fluid communication with the flow control valve. The communication between the power source and the controller may be electrical or photo communication, and the power source is preferably remotely located relative to the other elements of the hydraulic actuator system. The method for controlling a remotely located hydraulic actuator includes communicating a signal to the hydraulic actuator, pressurizing a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator, and directing the hydraulic fluid to a cylinder in the hydraulic actuator to bias a piston either into or away from the cylinder.

Abstract: A hybrid, hardwired (4) and wireless (8) well communication system comprises a fiber optical, electrical or other signal transmission conduit (4) extending from the wellhead into the well and one or more wireless signal transducers (7) that are located at a distance from the conduit (4) and transmit wireless signals (8) to one or more signal converters (5) which are coupled to the conduit, and which are located near branchpoints (3) of a multilateral well.

Abstract: A downlink telemetry system providing improved apparatus and methods for communicating instructions via pressure pulses from surface equipment to a downhole assembly. The apparatus comprises a surface transmitter for generating pressure pulses, a control system, and a downhole receiver for receiving and decoding pulses.

Abstract: A communication protocol based upon the Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) protocol developed for telephone communications is used for two way transmission of data between a downhole logging device and a surface device. The total available bandwidth for a pair of conductors is determined by the length of the conductors and the choice of conductors (operational mode) of a conventional 7 conductor wireline. The available bandwidth is partitioned into channels with a bandwidth of 4.3125 kHz, each of the channels carrying a portion of the data. A contiguous subset of the channels is used for downward communication and another subset is used for upward communication. The bit loading is dynamically determined based upon monitoring of the noise level. Optionally, more than one mode of the 7 conductor wireline may be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless and cableless communication between a control station and a remote unit downhole uses the tubular of the well as a waveguide. The downhole portion includes a receiver, a programmable logic interface and means responsive to receipt of a control signal for initiating an action, such as detonation of at least one explosive charge.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing noise in a measured telemetry signal. The method includes tracking a characteristic of at least one harmonic of a noise component in the measured telemetry signal band. The at least one harmonic has a frequency outside a telemetry signal band. The characteristic of the noise component is determined for at least one other harmonic thereof. The at least one other harmonic has a frequency inside the telemetry signal band. A noise reference is generated from the characteristic of the in band harmonic, and the noise reference is combined with the measured telemetry signal to generate a noise-canceled telemetry signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-task system which can suppress the increase of required volume of RAM and which enables a multiplex interruption, and a car controlling unit utilizing that system. A memory area (RAM) utilized in executing a processing is divided into a task area 50 for carrying out a task processing and an interrupt area 60 for carrying out an interrupt processing. An interrupt level is given to the interrupt processing in accordance with its priority. The interrupt area is prepared so that the number thereof is same as that of the interrupt level. This system can suppress the increase of memory areas to be consumed as the interrupt area and can guarantee that all interrupt processings are operated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing well planning and design includes performing a general-level design. The general-level design involves generating a proposed well configuration based on inputs from a user. The proposed configuration, generated by a software module, includes a well trajectory, the reservoir-wellbore interface, and completion equipment. The proposed configuration is refined by an optimizer based on a performance measure or a target constraint.

Abstract: A remote sensing unit for sensing subsurface formation is provided. The remote sensing unit is an active device with the capability of responding to control commands to determine subsurface formation characteristics, and transmitting corresponding data values. Some embodiments of the remote sensing unit include a battery, or a capacitor for storing charge. The embodiments that include the capacitor receive RF power that is converted to a DC signal for storing charge on the capacitor. When the charge is depleted to a specified point, the remote sensing unit prompts the wellbore tool to transmit additional RF power to recharge the capacitor. The remote sensing unit is provided with RF power to wake it up and to place it into an operational mode, and/or to send modulated data values that are then transmitted to the surface where operational decisions for the well may be made.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the profile and position of a well component in a well bore and transmitting this information to a surface mounted display unit to aid an operator in performing subsea well operations. The apparatus includes an instrumented flange with appropriate end connections to allow connecting the flange between the annular preventer and the drilling riser. The instrumented flange is sufficiently long to allow a first plurality of sensor units to be arranged circumferentially around the axial bore of the flange in a single plane and a second plurality of sensor units to be arranged in a helical pattern along the axis of the flange. The output signals of the sensor units are processed at a signal processing unit which then transmits the information to a display unit at the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surveying a subterranean borehole is disclosed which uses two sets of accelerometers joined by a joining structure which prevents relative rotation between the two sets, the whole apparatus being arranged to permit movement along a borehole to one or more survey positions. Each set of accelerometers measures the gravity in at least two directions at its respective positions, and then from these measured values it is possible to calculate the borehole inclination and azimuth. The present invention is particularly suitable for use in areas with high magnetic interference, or for measuring boreholes with low inclinations. Tests of the present invention shows that an accuracy similar to that obtained by gyro surveys was achievable.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: A system and method is described for safely and economically providing up to 1800 watts to downhole equipment over existing logging cables. In one embodiment, the system includes a standard multiconductor logging cable which supports orthogonal signal transmission modes on circumferentially spaced insulated conductors. A high-power power source on the surface is coupled to the insulated conductors in the cable to drive a power signal on the lowest impedance signal transmission mode. Bearing in mind that high-power electrical currents can present a safety hazard, system safety may be enhanced by the addition of a reliable current imbalance detector configured to shut down all power sources when currents in the insulated conductors don't add up to zero. The system may further include multiple power sources operating on different independent signal transmission modes, and may also include multiple telemetry channels which share the power transmission modes via frequency multiplexing.

Abstract: The invention is a method of packaging an electronic tag. The method includes heating the electronic tag to remove contaminants from an internal volume. The internal volume is filled with a potting material and is hermetically sealed within an outer shell.

Abstract: A component, such as an electric motor, for use in a subterranean environment. The component comprises an attached recording system to record the cumulative use time of the component. The recording system typically includes a timing circuit or other circuit to output data related to use of the component. This data is recorded by a recording device to maintain a cumulative total.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow drilling rod for transmitting information, said rod being for placing in a borehole filled with drilling mud.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a location and an orientation of an underground boring tool by employment of a radar-like probe and detection technique. The boring tool is provided with a device which generates a specific signature signal in response to a probe signal transmitted from above the ground. Cooperation between the probe signal transmitter at ground level and the signature signal generating device provided at the underground boring tool results in accurate detection of the boring tool location and, if desired, orientation, despite the presence of a large background signal. Precision detection of the boring tool location and orientation enables the operator to accurately locate the boring tool during operation and, if provided with a directional capacity, avoid buried obstacles such as utilities and other hazards. The signature signal produced by the boring tool may be generated either passively or actively, and may be a microwave or an acoustic signal.

Abstract: The systems and the methods relating to process control optimizations systems useful to manage oilfield hydrocarbon production. The systems and the methods utilize intelligent software objects which exhibit automatic adaptive optimization behavior. The systems and the methods can be used to automatically manage hydrocarbon production in accordance with one or more production management goals using one or more adaptable software models of the production processes.

Abstract: Data transmission in pipeline systems A first set of apparatus is arranged for transmitting data from a point in a cased section of a well 1, 3 to a remote location. The apparatus may be used as a relay station 6 to increase operational depth. Signals are applied to and received from the string 1 at the relay station 6 and a selected length of the string 1 is provided with insulating spacer means 9 on either side of the relay station to ensure that the string 1 and casing 3 are effectively isolated for a selected minimum distance. This enables potential differences to be both applied to and detected from the string 1, thus allowing data transmission and reception. A second set of apparatus is arranged for transmitting from an internal unit 408 inside a cased section of the well 401, 403 to the immediate surrounding area outside the casing 403. The internal unit 408 injects current into the string 401. A toroid 415 which surrounds the casing 403 is provided to pick up signals.

Abstract: An annular wire harness for use in drill pipe comprising two rings interconnected by one or more insulated conductors. The rings are positioned within annular grooves located within the tool joints and the conductors are fixed within grooves along the bore wall of the pipe. The rings may be recessed within annular grooves in order to permit refacing of the tool joint. The rings are provided with means for coupling a power and data signal from an adjacent pipe to the conductors in such a fashion that the signal may be transmitted along the drill pipe and along an entire drill string.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of communicating in a tubular system (20) through a media (65) disposed therein and actuating a controllable device (58) are disclosed. The apparatus and method utilize a transmission apparatus (16) at a transmission node that is in communication with the media (65). The transmission apparatus (16) generates pressure impulses that are propagated through the media (65). The pressure impulses may be either positive or negative pressure impulses depending upon the selected transmission apparatus. The pressure impulses are detected by a reception apparatus (77) at a reception node. The detection apparatus may detect the pressure impulses as variation in the media (65) or as variation in the tubular system (20) caused by the pressure impulses. Once the detection apparatus (77) has detected the appropriate pressure impulse or pattern of pressure impulses, a signal may be generated to actuate the controllable device (58).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for webserver-based well instrumentation, logging, monitoring and control provide convenience and economy in well site and off-site operations. In a described embodiment, a well tool includes a webserver connected to a sensor and an actuator of the tool. In response to a condition sensed by the sensor, a person utilizing a network to access a web page supported by the webserver at a remote location may operate the actuator to control operation of the well tool.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided that includes coupling an identification tag to a drilling component and providing information associated with the drilling component in the identification tag. The identification tag receives an incoming electromagnetic signal during an operation involving the drilling component. The identification tag responds to the incoming electromagnetic signal by communicating an outgoing electromagnetic signal that includes the information associated with the drilling component.

Abstract: A method for actuating or installing downhole equipment in a wellbore employs non-acoustic signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) to locate, inventory, install, or actuate one downhole structure in relation to another downhole structure. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a first downhole structure that comprises a non-acoustic (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming wellbores. In one method, one or more wellbores are drilled along preplanned paths based in part upon seismic surveys performed from the surface. An acoustic transmitter conveyed in such wellbores transmits acoustic signals at a one or more frequencies within a range of frequencies at a plurality of spaced locations. A plurality of substantially serially spaced receivers in the wellbores and/or at surface receive signals reflected by the subsurface formations. The sensors may be permanently installed in the boreholes and could be fiber optic devices. The receiver signals are processed by conventional geophysical processing methods to obtain information about the subsurface formations. This information is utilized to update any prior seismographs to obtain higher resolution seismographs. The improved seismographs are then used to determine the profiles of the production wellbores to be drilled.

Abstract: Distributed selectable fiber optic sensing system include a plurality of fiber grating sensors 12 connected to an optical fiber 10 and installed in an oil/gas well 15 and an instrumentation box 20 at the surface which selects which of the sensors 12 to activate, or provide output data from to a display 26 or to a remote link 32, such as the internet. The box 20 has a transceiver/converter 22 which provides a source optical signal 14 and receives a return optical signal 16,18 and which converts the return signal 16,18 to a signal indicative of the parameters being measured by the sensors 12. A sensor selection signal is provided from the remote link 32, the keyboard 28 to the converter 22 which is indicative of which of the sensors 12 to be selected to provide output data for. The end user only pays for the sensors 12 that are selected.

Abstract: A system and method of fail safe communication of information between surface equipment and downhole equipment are disclosed. The system comprises two or more repeaters (34, 35, 36) disposed within a wellbore (38) such that two repeaters (34, 35) will receive each signal carrying information that is telemetered. The repeater (35) that is farther from the source (44) will include a memory device (292) that stores the information carried in the signal. A timer device (293) also in the repeater (35) that is farther from the source (44) will trigger the retransmission of the information after a predetermined time period unless the repeater (35) that is farther from the source (44) has detected a signal carrying the information generated by the repeater (34) that is closer to the source (44).

Abstract: An electromagnetic pickup apparatus (46) and method for use of the same is disclosed. The apparatus (46) comprises a probe (60) that is insertable into a bore hole (64) or a trench (70) and a conductive backfill composition (62) that substantially surrounds the probe (60) having intimate contact with the probe (60) and the earth, thereby establishing a highly electrically conductive region (66) between the probe (60) and the earth.

Abstract: A system for tagging and monitoring subsea installations such as valves used in hydrocarbon production includes a torque tool provided with a read/write head for inductive interaction with a data storage capsule on a valve installation, the capsule storing valve identification and status data. When the torque tool is operatively engaged with the shaft (or an adaptor) of the valve, the read/write head inductively energizes the capsule and inductively receives identification data from the capsule, as well as operating data of previous operation, and this data is sent to a console in an ROV so as to ensure correct identification of the valve and proper subsequent operation by the tool.