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: 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: A power and signal distribution system comprises a converter unit connected to a plurality of control units. The converter unit and the control units are arranged in areas difficult to access, for instance on the sea bed. The converter unit is connected to a remote monitoring and supplying device via at least one cable connection. Each control unit has assigned thereto at least one production apparatus for crude oil or natural gas corresponding gate valves, chokes, biops, actuators. In some embodiments, the power and signal distribution system the converter unit comprises a data separation device and a voltage converter. The converted voltage from the voltage converter is transmitted together with data/signals from the converter unit to at least one of the control units.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for identifying anomaly object types during classification of foreground objects extracted from image data. A self-organizing map and adaptive resonance theory (SOM-ART) network is used to discover object type clusters and classify objects depicted in the image data based on pixel-level micro-features that are extracted from the image data. Importantly, the discovery of the object type clusters is unsupervised, i.e., performed independent of any training data that defines particular objects, allowing a behavior-recognition system to forgo a training phase and for object classification to proceed without being constrained by specific object definitions. The SOM-ART network is adaptive and able to learn while discovering the object type clusters and classifying objects and identifying anomaly object types.

Abstract: Methods for prioritizing load management messages on IP-based networks utilizing an Active Load Directory and IP capable two-way gateway. The messages being received from, or sent to, the ISP through the gateway contain a blend of regulated and unregulated data. The regulated data is high-priority utility load management data such as, equipment status and load control instructions. The unregulated data consists of Internet messages such as email and web site data. These methods process all regulatory data before unregulated data within strict time limits, providing the greatest possible load management control and energy savings. The methods emulate dedicated network processor memory in a manner that permits the rules for prioritizing, scheduling, and routing to remain the same across both hardware and software implementations.

Abstract: A top drive assembly may comprise a drive motor that provides rotational torque to a drill string for driving the drill string into the earth. A sensor and a transmitter may be located on a section of the drill string or on a device that can be incorporated into a drill string. The sensor may take measurements of the drill string that is rotating during the drilling operation. If the sensor is located near the top drive assembly, the sensor may take measurements of an upper portion of the rotating drill string during the drilling operation. The transmitter may wirelessly transmit the sensor information in real-time to a coordinator or main radio. The transmitter may also be located near the top drive assembly and during the drilling operation, may transmit from the rotating drill string while located in a position above the earth's surface.

Abstract: A subsea control module has a casing inside which there is at least one pair of electrodes, there being electronic means connected with the electrodes of the or each pair for monitoring at least one electrical characteristic between the electrodes as a result of a fluid to which the electrodes are exposed. This can include, for example, a change due to an ingress of seawater and/or an ingress of hydraulic fluid into the interior of the casing. The or each pair of electrodes include an array in which each electrode of the pair has finger portions interleaved with finger portions of the other electrode.

Abstract: A device for evaluation of the operational capabilities of an aircraft for informing a user about the capabilities of the aircraft to carry out a mission. Included are means for detecting malfunctions of aircraft equipment adapted for functioning during a mission. An evaluation device includes means for acquisition of information about the mission; a means for calculating observed feasibility level of the mission on the basis of at least one detected malfunction and the information obtained about the mission of the aircraft; and a means for presenting a synthetic reactive indicator, representative of the observed feasibility level of the mission in at least one instant of the mission. The means for acquisition, calculation and presentation are adapted for functioning during the mission, to inform the user about the observed feasibility level of the mission depending on the detection of new malfunctions and/or the modifications of the mission in course.

Abstract: Methods for drilling a new well in a field having a plurality of existing cased wells using magnetic ranging while drilling are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling a new well in a field having an existing cased well includes drilling the new well using a bottom hole assembly (BHA) having a drill collar having by an insulated gap, generating a current on the BHA while drilling the new well, such that some of the current passes through a surrounding formation and travels along a casing of the existing cased well, measuring from the BHA a magnetic field caused by the current traveling along the casing of the existing cased well, and adjusting a trajectory of the BHA to avoid a collision between the new well and the existing cased well based on measurements of the magnetic field.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for tamper detection of electronic devices (110) in closed units which is robust and low cost. The object is achieved by a method in an electronic device (110) for detecting if a cover (100) enclosing the electronic device (110) has been opened. The cover (100) comprises an enclosing assembly (250) which is adapted to fasten the cover (100) into a closed position. The electronic (device 110) comprises a non volatile memory (120). The non volatile memory (120) comprises a stored reference signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250) when the cover (100) was fastened into a closed position. The method comprises the following steps: (Creating 1003) a signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250). Comparing (1004) the created signature with the reference signature. Detecting (1007) that the cover 100 has been opened when the comparing (1004) results in a difference.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor system includes a coherent-detection optical time domain reflectometry system to extract phase information from optical signals returned from a fiber optic sensor arrangement in response to a plurality of interrogating pulses. The system includes a frequency-shifting circuit to repeatedly translate the frequency of an optical pulse generated by a narrowband source to generate a train of interrogating pulses of multiple frequencies. The optical signals returned from the sensor arrangement in response to the pulse train is mixed on a photodetector with light from the narrowband source that has not been shifted to generate mixed output signals. The mixed output signals are filtered into frequency bands, and the phase for each frequency band is extracted.

Abstract: A subsea control module has a casing (1) inside which there is at least one pair of electrodes, there being electronic means (26-33) connected with the electrodes of the or each pair for monitoring at least one electrical characteristic between the electrodes as a result of a fluid to which the electrodes are exposed, the or each pair of electrodes comprising an array (19) in which each electrode of the pair has finger portions interleaved with finger portions of the other electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring physical parameters in an oil and/or gas well, the apparatus being connectable to a wellhead of the oil and/or gas well. The apparatus comprises a flange assembly configured with a through bore and an end termination, in which through bore a sensor and associated electronics are arranged. The sensor, including a first electronic circuitry, is connected to a second electronic circuitry via transmission devices that are passed through a pressure-tight element arranged in the through bore. The invention also relates to a wellhead for use with an oil and/or gas well with a plurality of casings defining a plurality of annili. The wellhead is configured with a plurality of through-holes, each leading into a respective annulus of the well, and each through-hole is connected to an apparatus as mentioned above.

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: Subsea test apparatus comprises: a connector for mating with a corresponding connector of subsea apparatus to provide at least one of electrical, optical, and fluid connection between the test apparatus and the subsea apparatus; measuring means connected to the test apparatus's connector and operable underwater in a measurement mode; a power supply arranged to power the measuring means; and disconnection means for disconnecting the test apparatus's connector from a mated subsea apparatus's connector. The measuring means, in said measurement mode, is arranged to perform at least one measurement, via the mated connectors, on connected subsea apparatus, and the test apparatus further comprises indicating means operable underwater and arranged to provide an indication of a result of the or each measurement.

Abstract: A method of transmitting power and/or data between downhole equipment and a surface through a circuit including an alternating current (AC) powered motor and its associated power cable for powering the downhole equipment is disclosed, where the data is transmitted at frequencies outside the normal operating ranges that are thought acceptable. Associated circuitry and apparatus for performing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus of downhole time interlaced communications are provided. The method includes setting command intervals for first and second communications systems associated with downhole tools. Each command interval is a delay value between consecutive commands greater than an actual command duration to define periods of communications inactivity. The command interval of the second communications system is slightly greater than that of the first to overcome any drift. The method includes detecting communications interference between the systems and applying temporarily a positive command interval shift to the first communications system and a negative command interval shift to the second communications system so that a duration of a resynchronization is minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product, and methods for data management, are provided. An exemplary apparatus includes one or more PDHMS surface units each having a serial interface to provide a continuous real-time data stream of captured data, a data storage medium for storing collected downhole process data during a downstream communication link failure, a controller configured to cause the PDHMS surface unit to store recovery data during the downstream communication failure, and a broadband interface to provide recovery file transmission of recovery data stored during the downstream communication link failure. The apparatus can also include a RTU configured to collect the continuous real-time data collected by the PDHMS surface unit and to transmit the collected data to a SCADA system, which can function as a time synchronization master for the RTU and PDHMS surface units, and which can forward the collected data to other systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for initializing a wellbore survey tool comprises a base portion and a first mounting portion mechanically coupled to the base portion. The first mounting portion can be adapted to be mechanically coupled to at least one directional reference system configured to provide data indicative of an orientation of the at least one directional reference system with respect to a reference direction. The apparatus of certain embodiments further comprises a second mounting portion mechanically coupled to the base portion, the second mounting portion configured to be mechanically coupled to a wellbore survey tool such that the wellbore survey tool has a predetermined orientation with respect to the at least one directional reference system.

Abstract: In order to improve the reduction of interference among cells such as pico cells and ease operations of arranging and controlling the cells, a wireless communication area measuring apparatus includes: a signal measuring unit for calculating wireless environment indicators at measuring points based on measured data of received signal strength indicators of a plurality of base stations; a transmission power determination unit for adjusting transmission power of the base stations based on margins of the received signal strength indicators; and a display unit for outputting adjustment results of the transmission power of the base stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus prevent eavesdropping via a computer by detecting and alerting if more than one authorized driver is controlling a interface circuit that is providing audio or video input information. Further, prevention is performed by detecting and alerting if more than one authorized application programming interface is receiving audio or video input information from an authorized driver. Also, prevention is performed by detecting and alerting if more than one authorized software application is receiving audio or video input information from an authorized driver. In addition, prevention is performed by detecting and alerting upon first receipt of audio or visual information by an authorized software application via an authorized application programming interface and authorized driver.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for discovering object type clusters using pixel-level micro-features extracted from image data. A self-organizing map and adaptive resonance theory (SOM-ART) network is used to classify objects depicted in the image data based on the pixel-level micro-features. Importantly, the discovery of the object type clusters is unsupervised, i.e., performed independent of any training data that defines particular objects, allowing a behavior-recognition system to forgo a training phase and for object classification to proceed without being constrained by specific object definitions. The SOM-ART network is adaptive and able to learn while discovering the object type clusters and classifying objects.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for identifying anomaly object types during classification of foreground objects extracted from image data. A self-organizing map and adaptive resonance theory (SOM-ART) network is used to discover object type clusters and classify objects depicted in the image data based on pixel-level micro-features that are extracted from the image data. Importantly, the discovery of the object type clusters is unsupervised, i.e., performed independent of any training data that defines particular objects, allowing a behavior-recognition system to forgo a training phase and for object classification to proceed without being constrained by specific object definitions. The SOM-ART network is adaptive and able to learn while discovering the object type clusters and classifying objects and identifying anomaly object types.

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 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 communicating with a receiver during an electromagnetic survey. In one implementation, the method may include sending a survey signal to a subsurface region, wherein the survey signals is a first electromagnetic signal and sending a diagnostic signal to the receiver. The diagnostic signal is a second electromagnetic signal having a diagnostic message.

Abstract: A system for measuring downhole parameters is disclosed. The system includes: a carrier configured to be disposed in a borehole in an earth formation; at least one optical fiber sensor in operable communication with the carrier; a measurement assembly including an electromagnetic signal source configured to transmit a first interrogation signal into the optical fiber sensor and a detector configured to receive a reflected signal indicative of a downhole parameter in response to the interrogation signal; and a processor configured to automatically receive scattered signals from the optical fiber sensor, generate distributed scattering data indicative of a condition of the optical fiber sensor and analyze changes in the distributed scattering data to identify changes in the condition of the optical fiber sensor.

Abstract: A field device for use in monitoring or controlling an industrial process includes two wire process control loop electrical connections. Digital communications monitoring circuitry coupled to the electrical connections and is configured to control power to the field device electrical circuitry in response to a digital signal on the two wire process control loop.

Abstract: A system to monitor drilling rig activity and to provide and manage drilling rig information, program product, and associated methods are provided. The system can include a communication network, a drilling rig information management server, a database accessible to the processor of the server, and drilling rig information management program product stored in the memory of the drilling rig information management server and including instructions that when executed by the processor of the drilling rig information management server cause the server to perform the operations of retrieving drilling rig location data from the database responsive to user selection of a geospatial location attribute, accessing digital mapping data to display a digital map associated with the user selected geospatial location attribute, and providing data to display indicia of a drilling rig location for at least one drilling rig overlaid upon and spatially oriented to at least portions of the digital map.

Abstract: Devices capable of being disposed in a wellbore for outputting acoustical signals for monitoring downhole parameters are described. Receiving devices positioned remote from the devices and can receive the acoustical signals and determine the downhole parameters. The devices can output acoustical signals in response to fluid flow or otherwise.

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 method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for filtering a signal from a plurality of distributed sensors is disclosed. The signal is obtained from the plurality of distributed strain sensors. A first subspace of a measurement space of the obtained signal is selected, wherein the first subspace is characterized by a step having a selected step size. An error for a filter corresponding to the first subspace is estimated and the step size when the estimated error meets a selected criterion. A second subspace characterized by a step having the adjusted step size is selected and the signal is filtered by applying a filter corresponding to the second subspace.

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: A system for obtaining and displaying such images and environmental information from environments is disclosed, as well as a sensor device and a host configured for use in the system, the sensor device having camera assemblies, environmental sensors, and being connected to the host via a wireless communications link. Methods for obtaining and presenting the images and environmental information using system 100 are also disclosed.

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 downhole signal receiving system where a pair of setting devices (51) are used to electrically connect with downhole structure and are connected to one another by a bulk conductor (52). Signals are extracted by using a detecting means (53) that does not interrupt the conduction path. The tool provides a low impedance conduction path along which signals from the surrounding structure can flow to facilitate detection.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a solenoid (1) of a directional control valve (DCV) associated with a subsea control module (6) in a subsea hydrocarbon production system is disclosed. A voltage is applied across a coil of the solenoid, for moving the armature (4) thereof, and a current through the coil is sensed to produce an indication of if and when the armature is moved.

Abstract: A method is provided which transmits information using a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along a drill string. In this method, a first node obtains a transmission status of a second node. When the transmission status of the second node indicates that the second node meets a selected performance threshold, information is sent from the first node to the second node. When the transmission status of the second node indicates that the second node does not meet its performance threshold, then the first node obtains a transmission status of a third node. When the transmission status of the third node indicates that the third node meets a selected performance threshold, information is transmitted from the first node to the third node for relaying along the drill string.

Abstract: A communications system comprises a primary wireless network and at least one secondary wireless networks, the primary and secondary wireless networks differing in at least one characteristic, at least one sensor unit comprising a means for sensing a parameter and a node of that secondary network adapted to transmit data relating to the parameter via that secondary network, at least one local data gathering point associated with the at least one secondary wireless network, incorporating a node of that secondary wireless network, a node of the primary network, and a control unit adapted to receive data signals from the at least one sensor unit via the secondary network, construct an outgoing data signal incorporating information from the received data signal, and transmit the outgoing data signal via the primary network, the primary wireless network being a multipoint radio network.

Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods for providing real-time reservoir management of one or more reservoirs across one or more fields are provided. A system can include multiple monitoring wells and at least one injection well in communication with a central facility including a reservoir management computer or server positioned to provide real-time reservoir management of the one or more reservoirs. The computer can include, stored in memory, reservoir management program code, which when executed, can cause the computer to perform the operations of calibrating an injection well model for each of one or more injection wells positioned in a reservoir responsive to real-time injection rate and wellhead pressure data associated therewith, calculating static reservoir pressure for each of the injection wells responsive to the respective calibrated injection well model and responsive to respective surface injection rate and wellhead pressure data, and generating real-time automated isobaric pressure maps.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a downhole logging tool that includes two or more tilted antennas having equal tilt angles mounted in or on the tool body. The downhole logging tool may be, for example, a wireline or while-drilling tool, and it may be an induction or propagation tool. Various symmetrized and anti-symmetrized responses may be computed and used to infer formation properties and drilling parameters.

Abstract: Measurements made with at least two sensors (flow rate or pressure) during generation of a message concurrently with operation of a noise source are used to estimate a channel transfer function. The estimated transfer function is then used to attenuate pump noise in a mud pulse telemetry system. 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.

Abstract: In one oil production operation, a fluid conduit transports a fluid from a wellhead to a floating production platform. To prevent an occurrence of formations that obstruct the flow of fluid in the fluid conduit, a forecast is made as to whether a flow assurance curve will intersect an operating curve of the fluid conduit. In the event that the operating curve and the flow assurance curve will intersect, the appropriate personnel may be alerted so that they may attempt to prevent the hydrate forming conditions from occurring in the pipe. Which personnel are alerted may be based on a level of criticality. The level of criticality may be based on an estimated time period remaining until the flow assurance curve and the operating curve will intersect.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for decoding a signal sent from a measurement-while-drilling tool. In order to decode the signal, a decoder implementation that is communicative according to a decoder implementation protocol and that is configured to decode the signal into a decoded signal is instantiated. The decoder implementation protocol is then conformed to a transmission protocol. The signal is sent to the decoder implementation according to the transmission protocol. Because the decoder implementation protocol has been conformed to the transmission protocol, the decoder implementation can receive the signal and can decode it. One way in which the decoder implementation protocol can be conformed to the transmission protocol is through the use of a translation layer between the module that sends the signal to be decoded and the decoder implementation.

Abstract: A technique facilitates monitoring of parameters in a well environment. At least one sensor is positioned downhole in a wellbore to measure a desired parameter or parameters. Data from the sensor is sent uphole to an electrical wellhead outlet which is integrated into the wellhead. The wellhead and integrated electrical wellhead outlet provide a simple system architecture that may be used to process well parameter data as desired.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing machine health information. In one embodiment, a machine may include a storage device that is configured to store collected machine health data. The storage device has a module that is configured to determine a data characteristic and a communication characteristic. The storage device is further configured to determine, based on the data characteristic and the communication characteristic, whether to transmit a set of machine health data to an off-board system. Further, the storage device is coupled to a transmitter that is configured to transmit the set of machine health data to the off-board system.

Abstract: Displaying data sets indicative of physical parameters associated with a formation penetrated by a wellbore. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: obtaining data regarding a trajectory of a wellbore; obtaining a first data set indicative of a first physical parameter associated with a formation penetrated by the wellbore; obtaining a second data set indicative of a second physical parameter associated with the formation; displaying a two-dimensional image that simulates a three-dimensional trajectory of the wellbore, the two-dimensional image from a particular viewpoint relative to the three-dimensional trajectory of the wellbore; displaying along the two-dimensional image a representation of the first data set on a first surface that abuts the trajectory of the wellbore; and displaying along the two-dimensional image a representation of the second data set on a second surface that abuts the trajectory of the wellbore.

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 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: A control apparatus for controlling a multi-phase rock drilling event carried out with a rock drilling rig. In a display of the rock drilling rig or a control unit thereof, a first section is settable for substantially invariable information sources and a second section for information sources to be changed according to the rock drilling situation. Further, a situation-specific rock drilling definition is set in the control apparatus about at least one information source, information relating to which is to be displayed during the rock drilling situation. The working phase of the rock drilling event is checked, and an information source suitable for the phase is selected on the basis of the definition. Information relating to the at least one selected information source is displayed in the display part during execution of the rock drilling phase.