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: In one aspect, a method for assessing quality of a downhole data is provided. The method, according to one embodiment, may include defining a quality criterion based on one or more parameters of interest, determining a quality assessment value for a first data, determining a quality assessment value for each run of a plurality of runs using the quality criterion, determining a quality factor from the computed quality assessment values of the plurality of runs, and determining a quality level of the first data using the quality assessment value of the first data and the quality factor of the computed quality assessment values.

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: A diagnostic test sequence optimizer includes a diagnostic test selector that determines a group of diagnostic test procedures related to a specific symptom and vehicle type from a pool of diagnostic procedures. A failure mode analyzer then selects one or more factors that can affect resolution of a vehicle operational problem and performs a failure mode analysis to quantify a comparative utility of the individual tests, and a factor weighter assigns a weight to each of the factors. A vehicle receiver receives information regarding the history of the test subject vehicle, and a sequence optimizer places the diagnostic test procedures in an optimized sequence in accordance with the comparative utilities of the individual diagnostic procedures, user preferences and a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis compiled by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

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: A system for subsea wellbore monitoring is disclosed. The system includes: a communication control unit configured to be disposed at a sea floor and connected to a monitoring unit that is disposable in communication with the wellbore; a plurality of control unit connection ports disposed on the control unit and configured to operably connect with the subsea wellbore, the plurality of control unit connection ports including at least one blank control unit connection port; and a switch disposed in the control unit including a plurality of switch connection points, the plurality of switch connection points including at least one blank switch connection point configured to be operably connected to the at least one blank control unit connection port. A method of modifying a subsea wellbore monitoring system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing mobile platform fault data. The method includes automatically collecting raw fault data regarding at least one fault that occurs onboard the mobile platform utilizing a central maintenance computer (CMC) onboard the mobile platform. The raw fault data is automatically transmitted from the CMC to an onboard computer system (OCS) of the mobile platform and to a central computer system (CCS) located remotely from the mobile platform. The method additionally includes automatically generating at least one electronic mobile platform cabin (MPC) draft fault report from the raw data utilizing a first portion of an electronic logbook function (ELB1) of the OCS. Execution of the ELB1 additionally generates a MPC draft fault report notification message viewable on an OCS display and is automatically downloaded to the CCS.

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 of signal processing includes providing at least a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor spaced in a drilling system and using an algorithm to separate the downwardly propagating waves from the upwardly propagating waves. In one or more examples, an algorithm may include determining a velocity of pressure signals in a wellbore, time-shifting and stacking pressure signals from at least the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to determine a downwardly propagating noise signal, and subtracting the downwardly propagating noise signal from at least the signal from the first pressure sensor.

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: A cable detection apparatus includes; a plurality of conductors which transmit signal information, a detection control circuit operably connected to a first conductor of the plurality of conductors, wherein the detection control circuit outputs an output signal as a first detection signal when a predetermined signal level is detected from the first conductor and outputs a second detection signal when the predetermined signal level is not detected from the first conductor, and a multiplexer operably connected to the detection control circuit which receives one of the first and second detection signals and selects between a digital signal input and an analog signal input based on the output signal of the detection control circuit and outputs the selected signal input to a conductor of the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: An arrangement including a first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip connected thereto, where the second semiconductor chip is additionally connected to electrical loads and drives these electrical loads on the basis of a timing which is prescribed to it by load control data, and where the first semiconductor chip transmits to the second semiconductor chip the aforementioned load control data and pilot data which control the second semiconductor chip, and where the second semiconductor chip transmits to the first semiconductor chip diagnostic data which represent states prevailing in the second semiconductor chip or events which occur. The first semiconductor chip transmits appropriate pilot data in order to prescribe to the second semiconductor chip what transmission rate is to be used by the second semiconductor chip to transmit the diagnostic data to the first semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A system for loading a hardware configuration into downhole configurable hardware includes a surface control unit in communication with a downhole tool string component over a downhole network. The surface control unit initially has the hardware configuration and transmits it through the downhole network to the configurable hardware. The hardware configuration is implemented in the configurable hardware. The configurable hardware is preferably an FPGA.

Abstract: A system for real-time data surveillance in an oilfield operation includes a data collection system deployed at a well site for collecting oilfield data; an office-based computer system for storing and analyzing the oilfield data; a portable device, wherein the portable device includes at least one program for communicating with the office-based computer system, for surveying the oilfield data stored in the office-based computer system, and for causing the office-based computer system to perform a process implemented on the office-based computer system; and a communication system providing communication links among the data collection system, the office-based computer system, and the portable device.

Abstract: An exemplary system for managing the deployment of a seismic data acquisition system uses a module configured to execute a plurality of task in the field by receiving one or more seismic devices. The module may include a power source that provides electrical power to the seismic devices. The module may also include a processor programmed to retrieve data stored in the seismic devices, perform diagnostics, facilitate inventory and logistics control, configure seismic devices and update data or pre-programmed instructions in the seismic device.

Abstract: A memory logging system for determining the status of a sliding sleeve valve disposed within the borehole. The sliding sleeve contains signal inducing devices. A logging tool is conveyed through the sliding sleeve and time intervals between sensor excursions induced by the sleeve's signal inducing devices are recorded and stored within the tool memory. These data are subsequently recovered when the tool is returned to the surface of the earth, and sensor excursion data are processed in a surface processor to ascertain relative axial positions of the sliding sleeve outer housing and the insert. The condition of the sliding sleeve is determined from these relative axial positions.

Abstract: A downhole tool system includes a first downhole tool and a second downhole tool. The first downhole tool includes a first controller operable to receive an actuation signal including a tone. The first controller actuates the first downhole tool if the tone is a first specified frequency and changes the first downhole tool to communicate the actuation signal to the second downhole tool if first downhole tool is not actuated in response to the actuation signal. A second downhole tool includes a second controller operable to receive the actuation signal. The second controller actuates the second downhole tool if the tone is a second specified frequency. The second frequency is different from the first frequency.

Abstract: Dimensionality reduction systems and methods facilitate visualization, understanding, and interpretation of high-dimensionality data sets, so long as the essential information of the data set is preserved during the dimensionality reduction process. In some of the disclosed embodiments, dimensionality reduction is accomplished using clustering, evolutionary computation of low-dimensionality coordinates for cluster kernels, particle swarm optimization of kernel positions, and training of neural networks based on the kernel mapping. The fitness function chosen for the evolutionary computation and particle swarm optimization is designed to preserve kernel distances and any other information deemed useful to the current application of the disclosed techniques, such as linear correlation with a variable that is to be predicted from future measurements. Various error measures are suitable and can be used.

Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of remote object identification based on passive and/or active radiation, namely, to systems for to identifying radioactive objects, including concealed ones. A mobile and yet highly-efficient object detection and identification system detects gamma, X-ray and neutron radiation. A distributed multilevel system for a departmental (restricted) use, as well as an open system for common use, is proposed. The expert system is designed to be multilevel. At a low level, the capacity of the portable computer sensor of the expert system is used; at a higher level, functioning of the local network of the expert system through communication links is implemented; and the next level represents the global specialized expert system performance in real time. The transfer from a lower level to a higher level takes place in the case of radioactive object identification failure or ambiguity.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an inside of a manhole in which the inside of the manhole is monitored using a simple communication and power supply unit is closed.

Abstract: To characterize an electrical cable that is deployed in a well, a voltage input is applied to the electrical cable at an earth surface location, where the well extends from the earth surface location. A current response resulting from the voltage input is measured at the earth surface location. At least one parameter of the electrical cable is computed according to the measured current response.

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 process control system (1) comprises at least one process control computer (2) and field units (4) connected thereto via a bus system. An, in particular, intrinsically safe data transmission device (5) is connected between the process control computer and the assigned field units. This data transmission device comprises a data adaptation device (6) and a data distributing device (7). In order to be able to connect more field units per data adaptation device while simultaneously reducing the costs per field unit, the data adaptation device (6) and its assigned supply devices (8) have an explosion-proof design, and each supply device is connected to the data distributing devices via an explosion-proof line, whereby these data distributing devices or field units connected thereto have a barrier device for limiting the applied power.

Abstract: A designated function or “golden” slot for implementing and managing re-configurable SDR modules is provided. In an embodiment, the slot includes at least one radio frequency (RF) front end for providing an interface with at least one antenna. In addition, the slot may include at least one slot modem coupled to the RF front end for implementing at least one designated function and at least one input/output (I/O) module coupled to the slot modem. The designated function or “golden” slot is capable of implementing and managing the at least one designated function in a re-configurable module during standard and emergency operations.

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 system, tool and method of communicating data between a wellbore and the surface are provided that include the features of transmitting data from a number of tools in the wellbore to the surface at a first data rate via a communication link in a tubing that supplies fluid under pressure, detecting occurrence of a fault relating to the data communication link is below a threshold, and switching transmission of least some of the data from the tools by generating pressure pulses through the fluid in the tubing at a second data rate that is lower than the first data rate.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a tubing section with multiple sensors at a consistent speed to improve the analysis and grading of tubing retrieved from an oil well. An analysis speed can be pre-set or input based on the tubing being analyzed and the sensors employed. The analysis data can be retrieved and charted based on whether the data was obtained within the required analysis speed. The data can then be displayed for grading and color-coded based on the data obtained within the required ranged and that obtained outside the range. Further, the display can remove the data obtained outside the required range and link together the remaining data to improve the grading process of the tubing sections.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a first equipment section that includes a first inductive coupler and a second equipment section that includes a second inductive coupler. The second equipment section is adapted to be run downhole into the well after the first equipment section is run downhole into the well to engage the first equipment section. A mechanism of the apparatus indicates when the first inductive coupler is substantially aligned with the second inductive coupler.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of well operations. The system 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 system may further include a remotely positioned well monitoring station in communication with the alerts module, and a user terminal in communication with the well monitoring station.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a tubular for downhole operations. The tubular comprises a bottomhole assembly. The bottomhole assembly comprises a first downhole tool having a first sensor that is to generate a first data, wherein a first entity is at least one of a controller or an owner of the first downhole tool. The bottomhole assembly comprises a second downhole tool having a second sensor that is to generate a second data, wherein a second entity is at least one of a controller or an owner of the second downhole tool. The first data and the second data are to be coded in a common format. The bottomhole assembly also comprises a processor to execute instructions to receive and process the first data and the second data.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an operation conducted in a well in accordance with the present invention includes running a service tool into the well; delivering a material through the service tool; obtaining data using a plurality of sensors carried by the service tool; communicating the data to a local electronic hub; transmitting the data from the local electronic hub to a surface processor; and displaying the wellbore data on the surface processor.

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: The transfer function of the communication channel in a mud pulse telemetry system is determined by sending a known signal through the channel and spectral analysis of the received signal. The known signal may be a chirp signal or a stepped frequency signal. Based on the determined transfer function, operating parameters of the pulser are adjusted.

Abstract: A pollution information message system provides a system and method for generating and transmitting pollution information messages. In one embodiment, the pollution information message system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to monitoring devices. Control room operators receive a pollution information message from an identifiable transceiver. The transceiver, identified by an identification code, indicates a location and the nature of the detected pollution.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for utilizing a radio frequency communication system to wirelessly exchange data with well logging tools and external devices. A logging tool component is operably fitted with an extension antenna which travels through the thick casing of the logging tool. The extension antenna enables data exchange, for example, between radio frequency identification tags inside the logging tool and devices outside of the logging tool.

Abstract: Techniques for testing a station, such as a wireless-enabled device, are described. A first method relates to evaluating a station configured to communicate with at least one access point. Another device is controlled to communicate wirelessly with the station by transmitting a wireless signal. The first device is controlled, via software, to reduce the strength of the wireless signal, and the response of the station is evaluated. A second method relates to evaluating a station configured to communicate in accordance with a wireless communication standard. Another device is controlled to engage in wireless communication with the station in a manner that does not comply with the wireless communication standard, and the station's response is evaluated. A third method relates to evaluating a station that can be configured to communicate in different communication modes.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a tubing section with multiple sensors at a consistent speed to improve the analysis and grading of tubing retrieved from an oil well. An analysis speed can be pre-set or input based on the tubing being analyzed and the sensors employed. The analysis data can be retrieved and charted based on whether the data was obtained within the required analysis speed. The data can then be displayed for grading and color-coded based on the data obtained within the required ranged and that obtained outside the range. Further, the display can remove the data obtained outside the required range and link together the remaining data to improve the grading process of the tubing sections.

Abstract: In an automobile, communications to and from the automobile are in the form of messages. Such messages are referred to as “electronic car-mail” or “C-mail” messages as each message has a destination or origination address which includes an identifier, e.g., a vehicle identification number (VIN), identifying the automobile. The messages may be delivered to the automobile from a remote server through a communications network, e.g., the Internet. One such message may contain a recall notice to the automobile. Another message may contain just-in-time map information for navigation, depending on the current location of the automobile. Yet another message may contain advertising information concerning selected entities, e.g., restaurants, gas stations, department stores, etc., also depending on the current location of the automobile. The messages transmitted from the automobile to the remote server may contain, e.g.

Abstract: A system and methods of transmitting information between a first location and a second location comprise transmitting a data signal and a known signal from one of the first location and the second location over a signal channel having a first noise component. A second noise component is measured in a noise channel adjacent the signal channel. The data signal, the known signal, and the first noise component are received at the other location. The first noise component is estimated based on the second noise component. The estimated noise component is combined with the received data signal and the received known signal to generate noise-cancelled received data and received known signals. The noise-cancelled received known signal is processed to obtain an estimate of the channel transfer function. The estimated channel transfer function is combined with the noise-cancelled received data signal to reconstruct the transmitted data signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a computer controlled apparatus for use in wellbore completions. A touch-screen is provided that facilitates commands and information that is entered by an operator ordering movement of a downhole tool. In another embodiment, real-time information about the status of the downhole tools is transmitted to the apparatus based upon operating variables within the system, like pressure, flow rate, total flow, and time.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a wireless stimulus downhole in the well and actuating a casing conveyed tool in response to the communication.

Abstract: A multiplexing system is provided for a plurality of sensors disposed in a tank containing a potentially explosive environment and excited from a common excitation circuit outside of the tank through a corresponding plurality of signal lines that penetrate the tank. The multiplexing system comprises: a multiplexer switch for each sensor, each multiplexer switch disposed outside of the tank in series with the corresponding signal line between the common excitation circuit and the corresponding sensor in the tank.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and apparatus for reducing noise in a detected electromagnetic wave used to telemeter data during a wellbore operation. In one embodiment, two surface antennae are placed on opposite sides of the wellbore and at the same distance from the wellbore. The signals from the two antennae are summed to reduce the noise in the electromagnetic signal transmitted from the electromagnetic downhole tool.

Abstract: A system is provided to allow automated planning and scheduling of the work flow for reconfigurable production systems having a plurality of modules, with each module having alternative capabilities. The system includes a system controller, at least one planning function, and at least one scheduling function.

Abstract: A communication system for communication with a downhole tool comprising: a first communication transceiver in a first tool for measurement while drilling and a second communication transceiver in at least one of the first tool, a second tool for measurement while drilling, and an external instrumentation interface. The communication system also includes a bus system comprising a first conductive connection and a second conductive connection in each of the first tool and at least one of the first tool, a second tool and an external instrumentation interface, said first conductive connection and the second conductive connection of the first tool in operable communication with the first communication transceiver and the first conductive connection and the second conductive connection of the at least one of the first tool, a second tool and an external instrumentation interface also in operable communication with the second communication transceiver.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for telemetry between downhole devices and surface devices. In particular, the methods and related apparatus may send a first datum of a first parameter in an uncompressed form, and send a second datum of the first parameter in compressed form.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for telemetry between downhole devices and surface devices. In particular, the methods and related apparatus may send a first datum of a first parameter in an uncompressed form, and send a second datum of the first parameter in compressed form.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing an elongated sub body adapted to receive a run-in tool within its inner bore. The run-in tool including nuclear sources and sensors to provide nuclear formation evaluation while tripping. The nuclear sources and sensors align with partially or fully penetrating windows in the sub to allow for measurements through the sub. The sub wall includes an inner passage adapted to direct radiation energy emitted from within the sub back to the sub bore to align the run-in tool within the sub. The sub also includes fully penetrating openings in its walls to provide through-tubular signal passage. Hydraulic isolation at the sub openings is provided by pressure barrier means. A run-in tool configuration also includes antennas, neutron, and gamma-ray sources/sensors to provide a retrievable triple combo system.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide for transmitting data from a downhole location to the surface. In one embodiment, a communications medium provides data transfer capabilities to the surface. A first downhole instrument is associated with the communications medium in order to measure a first downhole parameter and transmit first data relative to the first downhole parameter to the surface via the communications medium at a first time. A second downhole instrument is associated with the communications medium in order to measure a second downhole parameter and transmit second data relative to the second downhole parameter to the surface via the communications medium at a second time such that the first data is interleaved with the second data.

Abstract: A remote power meter monitoring system using spread spectrum transmitters, fast frequency shift keying, spread spectrum receivers and a computer. The spread spectrum transmitter uses a chip code generator, preamble register, address register data register and oscillator coupled to a microprocessor to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal. The spread spectrum receiver acquires synchronization of the spread spectrum signal using a microprocessor to despread and detect the transmitted information, which relates to data from a power meter.