Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly includes a printed circuit board, a radio frequency detection circuit, and one or more damping elements. The radio frequency detection circuit is in electrical communication with the printed circuit board and defines a ring-down time interval. The one or more damper elements is mechanically coupled to the printed circuit board and has a damping coefficient that makes the duration of a mechanical ring-down time interval of the printed circuit board assembly shorter than the electrical ring-down time interval of the radio frequency detection circuit.

Abstract: Systems for inspecting pipes or cavities including a camera head, a coaxial push-cable, and a video signal transmitter and a communicatively coupled camera control unit (CCU) are disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system for estimating a parameter of an earth formation includes at least one formation parameter sensor disposed at a first downhole component and configured to measure a parameter of an earth formation to generate formation parameter data, and one or more processors in operable communication with the at least one formation parameter sensor. The one or more processors are configured to perform: generating a mechanics model of at least one of the first downhole component and a second downhole component, the mechanics model based on geometrical data representing at least one of the first downhole component and the second downhole component; estimating a misalignment of the at least one formation parameter sensor by using the mechanics model; and correcting the formation parameter data based on the misalignment.

Abstract: A transmitter is carried proximate to an inground tool for sensing a plurality of operational parameters relating to the inground tool. The transmitter customizes a data signal to characterize one or more of the operational parameters for transmission from the inground tool based on the operational status of the inground tool. A receiver receives the data signal and recovers the operational parameters. Advanced data protocols are described. Pitch averaging and enhancement of dynamic pitch range for accelerometer readings are described based on monitoring mechanical shock and vibration of the inground tool.

Abstract: A well-logging tool includes a magnetic field logging tool and a borehole seismic array, which includes a plurality of seismic sensor devices coupled together in series. Each seismic sensor device includes a sensor housing and at least one seismic sensor carried by the sensor housing. A magnetometer is carried by the sensor housing to sense the local magnetic field. A controller cooperates with the magnetic field logging tool to generate a log of the local magnetic field relative to the true earth geographic pole. The controller cooperates with the borehole seismic array to determine an orientation of each seismic sensor device based upon the respective sensed local magnetic field and log of the local magnetic field relative to the earth geographic pole.

Abstract: A method for removing cyclic noise from a borehole image includes transforming the image into the frequency domain using a two-dimensional (2-D) transform (e.g., using a discrete cosine transform). The cyclic noise components (peaks) are removed from the transformed image which is then inverse transformed back into the spatial domain using an inverse 2-D transform to obtain a corrected image. An automated method enables the cyclic peaks to be identified and removed from the borehole image via downhole processing.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes a sensor having a plurality of spaced conductive contact elements, a sensing member that moves by gravity and contacts at least two contact elements in the plurality of contact elements to create an electrical short between such at least two contact elements and a circuit coupled to the contact elements configured to generate electrical signals in response to the electrical short between the contact elements.

Abstract: Measurements made by a rotating sensor on a bottomhole assembly are used to determine the toolface angle of the BHA. The method includes using a phase locked loop (PLL) to determine a phase difference between the sensor output and a reference signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for relative positioning of wells. A method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may include drilling a new well in a field having at least three completed wells using a drilling tool that includes a magnetometer. The method may further include driving current on a first pair of the at least three completed wells and then driving current on a second pair of the at least three completed wells, wherein the current is driven on each of the first and second pairs in a balanced mode. The method may also include measuring a direction of a first magnetic field generated by the current on the first pair using the magnetometer, measuring a direction of a second magnetic field generated by the current on the second pair using the magnetometer, and determining a location of the drilling tool relative to the completed wells based on the direction of the first magnetic field and the direction of the second magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus for initializing a tool configured to be moved along a wellbore includes 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 further includes a mounting portion configured to be mechanically coupled to the tool such that the tool has a predetermined orientation with respect to the at least one directional reference system.

Abstract: A system for estimating downhole parameters includes: at least one parameter sensor disposed along a downhole component and configured to measure a parameter of one or more of a borehole and an earth formation and generate parameter data; and a processor in operable communication with the at least one parameter sensor, the processor configured to receive the parameter data and deformation data relating to deformation of the downhole component. The processor is configured to: generate a mathematical model of the downhole component deformation in real time based on pre-selected geometrical data representing the downhole component and the received deformation data; estimate, in real time, an alignment of the at least one parameter sensor relative to at least one of another parameter sensor and a desired alignment; and in response to estimating a misalignment of the at least one parameter sensor, correct the parameter data based on the misalignment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for determining an orientation of a wellbore survey tool at a first position with respect to a reference direction. At least one first signal is indicative of an orientation of a directional reference system with respect to the reference direction. The directional reference system is positioned at a second position spaced from the first position. At least one second signal is indicative of a relative orientation of the wellbore survey tool with respect to the directional reference system. The orientation of the wellbore survey tool at the first position is determined in response at least in part to the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal.

Abstract: A system for measuring an acoustic property of material penetrated by a well borehole. The system uses a borehole logging tool comprising preferably one acoustic transmitter and preferably a plurality of acoustic receivers. An independent measurement is used to determine azimuthal orientation of the tool within the borehole. Firings of the transmitter are based upon azimuthal orientation of the tool. Receiver responses resulting from preferably a plurality of transmitter firings per tool revolution are combined to form at least one composite transmitter response. The composite receiver response is compensated for adverse effects of the tool operating eccentered within the borehole.

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 downhole drilling apparatus incorporating an orientation sensor (24) is disclosed. The orientation sensor is mounted to a housing (16) for providing a signal representing the orientation of the housing, and is connected to a first transceiver coil (26). A second transceiver coil (30) and a series of magnets (32) are mounted to a rotary shaft (18). As the shaft rotates relative to the housing, passage of the magnets past the first transceiver coil generates a voltage to provide electrical power to the sensor, and electromagnetic coupling between the first and second transceiver coils enables signals from the sensor to be transmitted to a measurement while drilling tool mounted on the rotary shaft.

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

Abstract: 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 determining the position and/or orientation of electromagnetic receivers in a network of receiver instruments at a remote location, a first receiver instrument including one or more electromagnetic sensors, the system comprising transmitting means to send a characteristic signal, detecting means to detect transmitted signals from a plurality of receiver instruments, depth measurement means to measure the depth of the first instrument, recording means to store data from the transmitting means, the detecting means and the depth measurement means, and processing means for processing data from the receiver instruments.

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

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for evaluating an earth formation includes making measurements with a logging tool having a first depth of investigation in a borehole in the earth formation. A first dip of the formation is estimated using multi-component measurements. The estimated dip is compared with a second dip measurement in the borehole. The results of the comparison are stored on a tangible medium.

Abstract: A communications system includes a first wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications over a first frequency band, and a second wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications using at least a portion of the first frequency band. The system includes an inter-system communications link between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. The inters-system communications link is used to coordinate the use of the first frequency band. The system further includes an interference reducer configured to reduce interference between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. Related methods are also disclosed.

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 method for determining a drilling event includes measuring a first signal from a sensor over a first selected time interval, measuring a second signal from the sensor over a second time interval, determining if a noise is reduced in the second signal.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for use in well, subsea, and oilfield-related environments employs one or more wireless network devices that offer short-range wireless communication between devices without the need for a central network which may have a device using a BLUETOOTH protocol. The system may be used for telemetry, depth correlation, guidance systems, actuating tools, among other uses. 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. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A system and method for simulating a component in a telematics system is described. The system and method includes a simulating a component and a establishing a communication link between the simulated component and a corresponding carlet in a telematics control unit (TCU). The simulated component can also be adjusted to a desired condition and the TCU can be monitored for a responsive output.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for using optical sensors to determine the position of a movable flow control element in a well control tool. A housing has a movable element disposed within such that the element movement controls the flow through the tool. An optical sensing system senses the movement of the element. Optical sensors are employed that use Bragg grating reflections, time domain reflectometry, and line scanning techniques to determine the element position. A surface or downhole processor is used to interpret the sensor signals.

Abstract: A method for surveying a borehole is disclosed which uses first and second gravity measurement devices disposed at corresponding first and second positions in the borehole and a supplemental reference measurement device disposed at the first position. Exemplary supplemental reference measurement devices include magnetometers and gyroscopes. The method includes determining a reference borehole azimuth at the first position using the supplemental reference measurement device, determining a change in borehole azimuth between the first and second positions using the first and second gravity measurement devices and determining the borehole azimuth at the second position by applying the change in borehole azimuth the reference azimuth. A system adapted to execute the disclosed method and a computer system including computer-readable logic configured to instruct a processor to execute the disclosed method are also provided.

Abstract: An acoustic position measurement system and method includes an acoustic transmitter operable to transmit a sound wave into an underground well bore in a target formation. The sound wave is configured to reflect from a boundary formation proximate the target formation. The system includes an acoustic receiver operable to receive a reflected sound wave. The reflected sound wave comprises a reflection of the sound wave from the boundary formation. The system also includes an electronics portion electrically coupled to the acoustic receiver. The electronics portion is operable to process the reflected sound wave and produce, based upon a characteristic of the reflected sound wave, data output indicative of a position of the acoustic position measurement system in the target formation.

Abstract: A coal bed anomaly detection and imaging system comprises a synchronous transmitter and receiver that are separated by a geologic structure with embedded and hidden anomalies. The receiver is housed in a shuttle body that can be pumped into a borehole by water or air pressure. The shuttle may itself employ hydraulic inching mechanism to move within the drillhole. Signal measurements are reported out over a fiberoptic pigtail. A separate radio signal path provides synchronization between the transmitter and receiver. The receiver shuttle is tethered by this fiberoptic pigtail, and it can be withdrawn from the borehole by the tether.

Abstract: A device and a method for the measurement of the angle of drift of a borehole that extends from the surface of the ground downwardly into the earth. The device comprises a generally hollow protective exterior casing, a microprocessor control; and, a sensor pack. At least the microprocessor control and the sensor pack are received and contained within the exterior casing. The sensor pack includes one or more accelerometers mounted upon a sensor chassis that is positioned within the casing and situated generally parallel to its longitudinal axis. The sensor chassis has one or more mounting surfaces for receiving and securing the one or more accelerometers to the sensor chassis. The mounting surfaces are configured such that the one or more accelerometers when secured to the chassis are held and retained at an inclined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the exterior casing and the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are employed to detect underground objects for use with a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine. A drill pipe is configured to cooperate with the HDD machine to produce a horizontal bore. A transmit apparatus is provided with the drill pipe and transmits electromagnetic probe signals ahead and/or to the side of the drill pipe. A receive apparatus is provided with the drill pipe and receives electromagnetic return signals resulting from the probe signals. A processor, coupled to the transmit and receive apparatuses, compares at least some of the return signals, and generates an alert signal indicative of a detected object in proximity with the drill pipe. HDD machine activity is modified, such as by reducing or halting drill pipe advancement, in response to the alert signal.

Abstract: The specification describes a system and related method for determining the orientation of acoustic vector sensors installed in well bores that utilizes acoustic signals of known orientation in the casing to determine the orientation of the acoustic vector sensors. The acoustic vector sensors may be part of a string of acoustic sensors for acoustic or seismic surveys of subsurface formations, or may also be coupled to downhole devices for which orientations need to be know.

Abstract: A coal bed anomaly detection and imaging system comprises a synchronous transmitter and receiver that are separated by a geologic structure with embedded and hidden anomalies. The receiver is housed in a shuttle body that can be pumped into a borehole by water or air pressure. The shuttle may itself employ hydraulic inching mechanism to move within the drillhole. Signal measurements are reported out over a fiberoptic pigtail. A separate radio signal path provides synchronization between the transmitter and receiver. The receiver shuttle is tethered by this fiberoptic pigtail, and it can be withdrawn from the borehole by the tether.

Abstract: Method and systems for reducing effects of magnetic field interference that may interfere with a magnetic field signal generated at or near an underground object, where the magnetic field signal is used to monitor the location of the underground object. At least two different moving averages of a plurality of samples that are representative of a detected magnetic field signal strength are produce. Each of the different moving averages is a moving average of a different number of the plurality of samples. A respective quality metric (e.g., variance) is then determined for each of the different moving average. One of the moving averages is selected based on the determined quality metrics. Further signal processing is then performed using the selected moving average. For example, the selected moving average is used to monitor the location of the object.

Abstract: A system for the determination of pile parameters includes at least one structure for measuring pile data. The structure for measuring pile data is disposed within a measurement range from a pile. A wireless transmitter is communicably connected to the structure for measuring pile data, the wireless transmitter for transmitting the pile data to at least one remotely located receiver. Pile data is preferably encoded in the transmitted data signal. The remotely located receiver is communicably connected to a device for determining at least one pile parameter from the pile measurement data. A method for driving piles includes the steps of wirelessly transmitting pile data to at least one remote receiver, determining at least one pile driving process parameter from the pile data, and driving the pile using the determined pile driving parameter.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A pile driving analyzer (PDA) which obtains, processes and stores pile driving data. The PDA is operable as an independent self-contained unit, or may be used in conjunction with a remote computer system. Position data indicative of the position of a pile, and pile data indicative of characteristics of a pile may be automatically input to the PDA. When used in conjunction with the remote computer system, the PDA may be controlled remotely by the remote computer system. Alternatively, the PDA may be controlled locally by an operator, and data acquired by the PDA provided to the remote computer system for monitoring and/or storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a subsurface instrument and a system for the collection and transmission of deep ocean data utilizing standard buoy mooring lines. The system includes a moored surface buoy and a submerged data collection instrument both inductively coupled to the buoy cable. The instrument has a transducer responsive to the characteristics of seawater. A slave modem is interconnected to the transducer through an A/D converter allowing analog transducer signals to be converted to standard telephone modem signals. The modem signals are inductively coupled into the mooring cable and received by a master modem located in the buoy. The buoy may contain a satellite transceiver allowing transmission of the signals to a remote location. The subsurface instrument is battery powered and battery life is extended by powering down when the instrument is not in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a downhole video system that is suitable for use with a standard wireline transmission line, without the need for coaxial or fiber optic cable. A downhole video camera transmits a digitized video signal that may be multiplexed with orientation, sound, and other telemetry data. At the surface, an enhanced video is displayed simultaneously with processed sound to give an operator a better understanding of the conditions downhole. In addition, multiple modes are provided, including a “burst” mode to provide high resolution, full motion video, thereby circumventing the severe bandwidth limitations of standard electrical transmission lines.