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.

Abstract: A drilling system utilizing a plurality of independent telemetry systems. The drilling system uses a drill collar as a pressure housing for downhole components of the system. One or more sensors are disposed within the pressure housing. These sensors can be MWD sensors, LWD sensors, or both MWD and LWD sensors. A plurality of independent borehole telemetry systems is used to telemeter sensor response data to the surface of the earth. Each sensor cooperates with a downhole component of at least one of the independent telemetry systems. The plurality of telemetry systems can be of the same type, such as a mud pulse systems. Alternately, the telemetry systems can be of different types including a mud pulse system and an electromagnetic system.

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 method and apparatus for drilling at least one wellbore from an offsite location is provided. Each wellbore is located at a wellsite having a drilling rig with a downhole drilling tool suspended therefrom. The downhole drilling tool is selectively advanced into the earth to form the wellbore. The downhole drilling tool is operated according to a wellsite setup. Wellsite parameters are collected from a plurality of sensors positioned about the wellsite. The wellsite parameters are transmitted to an offsite control center. The offsite control center performs an analysis of the wellsite parameters and automatically adjusts the wellsite setup from the offsite control center based on the analysis.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a data signal from a sensor that is positioned within a well bore, during a hydraulic fracturing operation. The method further comprising detecting a microseismic event, that is caused by the hydraulic fracturing operation, wherein the detecting comprises performing a noise canceling operation on the data signal.

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

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

Abstract: A system and method of interfacing a drilling machine with one of a number of different walk-over guidance systems involves receiving an ID signal from a particular walk-over guidance system selected for use with the drilling machine. A protocol library associated with the particular walk-over guidance system is accessed in response to the ID signal. The protocol library is used to effect communication between the particular walk-over guidance system and a control system of the drilling machine during cooperative use of the particular walk-over guidance system and drilling machine. Using the protocol library involves converting, as prescribed by the protocol library, locator signals received from the particular walk-over guidance system from a locator protocol to a common protocol used by the control system of the drilling machine. Locator and drilling machine data of various types can be presented to a drilling machine operator via an on-board display.

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 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: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to acquire downhole data associated with a borehole casing, process a portion of the downhole data at a downhole location to provide processed data, regulate surface motor power received at a motor downhole, filter the surface motor power, and transmit the processed data to a surface location on a monoconductor that also carries the surface motor power. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for updating a software of a sub-sea controller (31) located under the sea level. The sub-sea controller manages a plurality of tools in a sub-sea well. An application module (35) is downloaded into the sub-sea controller. The application module is executed using a virtual machine (36) implemented within the sub-sea controller.

Abstract: Electronic control system for a submarine actuator, said actuator comprising a container body, from which a drive shaft projects that is suitable for inserting in a seat of said submarine device. The system comprises an electronic control board for at least one electric motor arranged inside said container body suitable for moving said drive shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a downhole tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a telemetry system for communicating with a downhole tool in a wellbore includes a first electrode. A modulated electric current flows from the first electrode through a formation to the downhole tool. The telemetry system also includes a downlink box, which provides the modulated electric current to the first electrode. The downhole tool comprises a sensor unit, which detects the modulated electric current. The telemetry system includes a second electrode that allows the modulated electric current to return to the downlink box. The telemetry system also includes an uplink telemetry, wherein the uplink telemetry does not comprise electromagnetic telemetry. In some embodiments, the downlink may be operated while mud pumps are turned off. The downlink may also be operated while the downhole tool is sending uplink telemetry by a method other than electromagnetic current.

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 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: A method and system for conducting a seismic survey by lowering a string of intelligent clampable sensor pods with 3-C sensors into a borehole. The string of pods is serially interconnected by a cable having a conductor pair which provides both power and data connectivity. The uppermost sensor pod is connected to a downhole telemetry and control module. The cables and pods use connectors to allow assembly, customization, repair, and disassembly on site. Each pod has an upper and a lower connector, a processor, and memory which is coupled to both the upper and the lower connectors. Each pod is capable of simultaneous and independent serial communications at each connector with the memory. The telemetry and control module is designed to query the pods to determine the system configuration. The telemetry and control module then simultaneously triggers all pods to acquire data, the pods storing the collected data locally in the memory.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include receiving shunt current in one or more conductors according to a sensed component of power distributed by the conductors through one or more transformers coupled to the conductors and determined by an inductance associated with the transformers and a capacitance associated with the conductors.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method for use in a time lapse, marine seismic survey includes accessing a set of baseline seismic data; accessing a set of acquired, time lapse seismic data; and interpolating a set of time lapse seismic data from the baseline seismic data and the acquired time lapse seismic data, at least one of the baseline seismic data and the acquired time lapse seismic data being multicomponent data. In other aspects, a program storage medium is encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computing device, perform the above method and a computing apparatus programmed to perform one or more of such methods.

Abstract: The present invention concerns application of a unique conductive electrode geometry used to form an efficient wideband, one- or two-way wireless data link between autonomous systems separated by some distance along a bore hole drill string. One objective is the establishment of an efficient, high bandwidth communication link between such separated systems, using a unique electrode configuration that also aids in maintaining a physically robust drill string. Insulated or floating electrodes of various selected geometries provide a means for sustaining or maintaining a modulated electric potential adapted for injecting modulated electrical current into the surrounding sub-surface medium. Such modulated current conveys information to the systems located along the drill string by establishing a potential across a receiving insulated or floating electrode.

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: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for remotely actuating a downhole tool. In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for activating a downhole tool in a wellbore, the downhole tool having an actuated and unactuated positions. The apparatus includes an actuator for operating the downhole tool between the actuated and unactuated positions; a controller for activating the actuator; and a sensor for detecting a condition in the wellbore, wherein the detected condition is transmitted to the controller, thereby causing the actuator to operate the downhole tool. In one embodiment, conditions in the wellbore are generated at the surface, which is later detected downhole. These conditions include changes in pressure, temperature, vibration, or flow rate. In another embodiment, a fiber optic signal may be transmitted downhole to the sensor. In another embodiment still, a radio frequency tag is dropped into the wellbore for detection by the sensor.

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 method and a system for managing information relating to boreholes and further an identifier utilized by the method and the system. An identifier which includes machine-readable information is arranged in connection with a borehole under examination. The readable information may be an identification code or, alternatively, measurement information on the borehole to be stored in the identifier.

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 system and method for communicating data between a downhole tool and a surface controller is provided that comprises a rotating drill string extending in a borehole and having a downhole telemetry module disposed proximate a bottom end thereof and transmitting a first signal across a telemetry channel. A surface telemetry module is disposed proximate a top end of the rotating drill string and is adapted to receive the first signal transmitted by the downhole telemetry module across the transmission channel. The surface telemetry module has a radio frequency transmitter disposed therein for transmitting a second signal related to the first signal. A stationary communication module has a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive the second signal.

Abstract: A subsea communication system includes addressable nodes in a wellbore and addressable nodes on a floor, where the nodes in the wellbore and on the floor are able to communicate wirelessly with each other, such as through a formation.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a high-speed measurement system has a first and a second well bore. A first and second plurality of network nodes is integrated into and spaced at intervals along the first and second well bore, respectively. A communications channel connects each plurality of network nodes forming a first and second downhole network. A signal source is in communication with the first downhole network and a signal receiver is in communication with the second downhole network; and a common clock source is in communication with both the signal source and the signal receiver over the first and second downhole networks, respectively. The signal source and signal receiver are synchronized with the clock source and the signal source is adapted to send a signal to the signal receiver through a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A well site communication system for providing communication from downhole devices to surface systems and from surface system to downhole systems, and methods of using are presented. The communication system is particularly applicable for use with spooled conveyances disposed on a reel. The communication system comprises a communication assembly that may be provided in the reel. The communication assembly may be used to process data or information received from devices disposed in a wellbore and the communication assembly may communicate wirelessly with surface or downhole devices.

Abstract: A longitudinally segmented acoustic transducer for a cement bond logging (CBL) tool having a plurality of adjoining PZT ring-like segments driven synchronously in parallel by one or more pulses and caused to vibrate in an anti-resonant mode, substantially below the resonant frequency of an individual segment when used in a transmitting application. When used in a receiving application, each of the plurality of transducer rings are caused to vibrate by acoustic signals detected by the transducer array, also in an anti-resonant mode. High speed digital signal processing enables on-depth, high quality data for all azimuths at each depth to be obtained, processed, normalized and either sent to the surface in real time for each 20 Hz firing cycle, as the CBL tool is pulled toward the surface, or stored in a memory module in digital form for later retrieval. Built-in calibration factors used for normalizing the output signals to the operating conditions of use may be accessed at any time.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well includes an assembly and a telemetry tool. The system includes an assembly that performs a downhole measurement. The system also includes a downhole telemetry tool to modulate a carrier stimulus that is communicated through a downhole fluid to communicate the downhole measurement uphole.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for receiving a telemetry signal with a receiver that is moveably disposed within a drillstring. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a surface module coupled to the upper end of a drillstring, an upper module detachably connected to the surface module, and a lower module moveably disposed within the drillstring. The lower module is coupled to the upper module by an extendable cable. A telemetry signal receiver is disposed on said lower module, which also includes a tractor assembly for moving the lower module through the drillstring.

Abstract: A system for sharing information between downhole drill strings is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a first drill string and a communications network integrated into the first drill string. The communications network includes multiple nodes spaced at selected intervals along the first drill string to gather subterranean data along the first drill string. The system further includes a second drill string and a real-time communication link between the first drill string and second drill string. The communication link is used to transit the subterranean data from the first drill string to the second drill string to control the second drill string.

Abstract: A transmission system between a voltage source and a wireline tool comprising a first loop to transmit a signal between the voltage source and the wireline tool. The first loop has a first transformer coupled to the voltage source. The system also comprises a second loop, electrically independent of the first loop, to transmit the signal between the voltage source and the wireline tool. The second loop has a second transformer coupled to the voltage source. If the first loop fails, the first transformer is isolated from the voltage source.

Abstract: A method for downlink communication with a downhole tool having a mud-powered downhole motor that includes receiving a sensor signal related to a rotational speed of a rotor in the mud-powered downhole motor, and interpreting the sensor signal to derive a downlink signal.

Abstract: A system for loading an executable code into volatile memory in a downhole tool string component comprises a surface control unit comprising executable code. An integrated downhole network comprises data transmission elements in communication with the surface control unit and the volatile memory. The executable code, stored in the surface control unit, is not permanently stored in the downhole tool string component. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the downhole tool string component comprises boot memory. In another embodiment, the executable code is an operating system executable code. Preferably, the volatile memory comprises random access memory (RAM). A method for loading executable code to volatile memory in a downhole tool string component comprises sending the code from the surface control unit to a processor in the downhole tool string component over the network. A central processing unit writes the executable code in the volatile memory.

Abstract: A subsea communications module includes an interface to communicate with a surface facility over a communications link using a packet-based protocol. The communications link can be implemented with a fiber optic line, wire-based line, and/or other types of communications lines.

Abstract: A method for reducing vibration of a drilling tool assembly is disclosed. The method includes modeling the drilling tool assembly based on input parameters, simulating a vibration of a drill string coupled with a vibration of a drill bit, determining an initial total vibration from output parameters generated by the simulation, determining a location for at least one vibrational control device based on the initial total vibration to reduce the initial total vibration, and disposing the at least one vibrational control device on the drill string at the determined location.

Abstract: A method for communicating with a downhole device is provided. The method includes predefining an encoding language including codes understandable to the device, the codes represented in the language as predefined value combinations of drill string rotation variables such as rotation rate or duration. The method further includes rotating a drill string at first and second rates and measuring the rotation rates downhole. The first measured rotation rate is processed downhole in combination with the second measured rotation rate to acquire a code in the language at the downhole device. Embodiments of the invention are useful, for example, for transmitting commands from the surface to a downhole device such as a directional drilling tool. Exemplary embodiments of this invention advantageously provide for quick and accurate communication with a downhole device without substantially interrupting the drilling process.

Abstract: Well data and production control commands are transmitted from a remote central data store to wells at a remote location with a well hopping system and method, preferably through a radio frequency (RF) network. Request packets are sent through a field station to one or more well units until it reaches the destination well unit. The destination well unit executes the data request or the command and sends a response data packet back to the central data store through the RF network using the same well hopping system and through the field station. The central data store reads and stores the data. One or more satellite offices are connected to the central data store and can download data from the central data store or send/receive data packets to/from the well units. Oxygen content in production gas can be detected and transmitted to the central store for monitoring and reporting.

Abstract: A bit rate Agile Onboard Telemetry formatting system addresses the increased demands on the efficiency of telemetry systems. The present invention thins and reorders data streams, adjusting bit rates of a PCM stream using a bit-locked loop to match the desired information rate exactly. The present invention accomplishes the adjustment through hardware by synthesizing a clock whose operating frequency is derived from the actual timing of the input format. Firmware manages initialization and error management.

Abstract: A slickline data transmission system for a high pressure oil-field well comprises inductive couplers at opposite ends of a slickline in order to establish real-time radio communication between down-the-hole logging toolstrings and supervisory control and data acquisition equipment on the surface. A frequency shift keyed (FSK) carrier centered around radio is used to send data up to the surface and commands back down to the toolstring. The toolstring itself can be a conventional one with a TDMA interface originally intended to be memory-dumped when the toolstring is returned to the surface.

Abstract: A system and method of interfacing a drilling machine with one of a number of different walk-over guidance systems involves receiving an ID signal from a particular walk-over guidance system selected for use with the drilling machine. A protocol library associated with the particular walk-over guidance system is accessed in response to the ID signal. The protocol library is used to effect communication between the particular walk-over guidance system and a control system of the drilling machine during cooperative use of the particular walk-over guidance system and drilling machine. Using the protocol library involves converting, as prescribed by the protocol library, locator signals received from the particular walk-over guidance system from a locator protocol to a common protocol used by the control system of the drilling machine. Locator and drilling machine data of various types can be presented to a drilling machine operator via an on-board display.

Abstract: In order to control the sonde of an underground object, such as an underground boring tool, a predetermined sequence of rotation steps is applied to the object and that sequence is detected. The detection of the appropriate sequence causes the sonde to change its function, for example by changing the carrier frequency of the signal transmitted by the sonde on to change the data output sequence or transfer rate, or to change output power. While it is possible to use a single rotation step, the use of more than one step, with each step to be carried out within a predetermined time, reduces the risk of error.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in assessing down-hole drilling conditions are disclosed. The apparatus includes a drill string, a plurality of sensors, a computing device, and a down-hole network. The sensors are distributed along the length of the drill string and are capable of sensing localized down-hole conditions while drilling. The computing device is coupled to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors. The data is transmitted from the sensors to the computing device over the down-hole network. The computing device analyzes data output by the sensors and representative of the sensed localized conditions to assess the down-hole drilling conditions. The method includes sensing localized drilling conditions at a plurality of points distributed along the length of a drill string during drilling operations; transmitting data representative of the sensed localized conditions to a predetermined location; and analyzing the transmitted data to assess the down-hole drilling conditions.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pump for circulating pressurized fluid in a wellbore. A control device controls the pump which a conduit interconnects to the wellbore. A downhole transducer detects changes in fluid pressure at a downhole location and generates signals accordingly. A processor generates actuator commands based on the signals. Actuators activate a downhole tool based on the actuator command. A modulating valve modulates the fluid pressure. A remote transducer detects the pressure remotely from the downhole transducer. The control device causes the pump to generate acoustic signals in the fluid via wave forms which the downhole transducer detects. The modulating valve generates wave forms in the fluid. The control device sends control signals via the fluid to the downhole transducer. Consequently the processor actuates the tools. Following correct actuation the modulating valve generates signals via pressure changes which the remote transducer receives to indicate successful tool deployment.

Abstract: A downhole drilling system is disclosed in one aspect of the present invention as including a drill string and a transmission line integrated into the drill string. Multiple network nodes are installed at selected intervals along the drill string and are adapted to communicate with one another through the transmission line. In order to efficiently allocate the available bandwidth, the network nodes are configured to use any of numerous burst modulation techniques to transmit data.

Abstract: A controller, a system, and a method of controlling the operation of the controller of an electric device. The method comprises: sending a user interface software packet stored in the controller's memory to a first external device; disassembling the user interface software packet in the first external device into executable user interface server software and user interface client software; sending the user interface client software from the first external device to a second portable external device; the user interface client software communicating with the user interface server software via a wireless radio connection between the first external device and the second portable external device; the user interface server software converting the commands issued by the user interface client software and transferring the commands to the controller's interface; and the controller executing an operation according to the converted command received via its interface.

Abstract: A telemetry system involving a shear-type mud pulser valve as the preferred embodiment is described. The control system includes a motor driver for the mud pulser which, in essence, moves one movable plate with respect to a stationary plate to create openings of various sizes. Pressure is sensed uphole of the pulser valve and is compared in real time to the desired pressure pulse amplitude. By allowing different relative rotational positions of the rotatable plate with respect to the stationary plate, different amplitudes can be achieved to further enhance the transmission of data to the surface. The control system compensates for wear in the mud pulser valve itself as well as drastic changes in mud flow and pressure. The configuration is simple and not prone to fouling from grit or other particles in the mud.