Abstract: A unified mud-pulse (MP)-electromagnetic (EM) telemetry assembly and a downhole telemetry tool are provided including a downhole EM telemetry transmitter apparatus. The EM telemetry transmitter apparatus comprises a modulator configured to transmit at least one EM signal through transmission medium. The modulator comprises a first reactive circuit and a second reactive circuit, and a plurality of switches controlled by a controller to alternatingly switch the modulator between a first configuration and a second configuration. The EM signals are transmitted by passing one of the reactive circuits and bypassing the other reactive circuit.

Abstract: Systems of the present disclosure relate to metal-to-metal seals for oilfield tubulars. A pin for a metal-to-metal seal, comprises a pin nose and a support structure. A gap extends between the pin nose and the support structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatus structured to install an optical fiber cable into a well at a well site. In a from-bottom-to-top embodiment, an anchor deployed at a selected location in a hole of the well can be used and the optical fiber cable can be pulled up to a surface of the well from the selected location. In a from-top-to-bottom embodiment, an optical fiber cable can be moved down from the surface until an end of the optical fiber cable is locked at a selected location by a catcher disposed at the selected location. With the optical fiber cable in the well, a portion of the optical fiber cable can be coupled to surface instrumentation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods can be implemented in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein enable the automation of perforation gun deployment to a downhole location in a well at an oilfield. For example, at least one perforation gun may be deployed into the well with a conveyance line coupled to a head of a downhole tool string that includes the at least one perforation gun, and advanced with pump assistance from at least one pump unit at the oilfield. Deployment of the at least one perforation gun may be adjusted by a coordinated controller in an automated manner based at least in part on monitoring of a pump rate of the at least one pump unit and a tension at a head of the downhole tool string.

Abstract: A drill pipe joint includes an annular groove formed within its loadable primary or secondary shoulders. The groove may be formed in both shoulders. The groove may have parallel or non-parallel side walls and an undulating bottom wall. One or more of the respective walls may be deformed by peening that may increase the surface hardness of the respective walls. The hardened region may extend a distance from the deformed wall surfaces. An annular wired channel may be disposed within the groove. The channel may comprise a magnetically conductive electrically insulating material enclosing a wire coil on three sides and partially enclosing a top side of the channel. One end of the wire coil may be attached to a backstop that may be grounded to the walls of the groove. The other end of the wire coil may pass through an opening in the channel exiting the shoulder.

Abstract: A unified mud-pulse (MP)-electromagnetic (EM) telemetry assembly and a downhole telemetry tool are provided including a downhole EM telemetry transmitter apparatus. The EM telemetry transmitter apparatus comprises a modulator configured to transmit at least one EM signal through transmission medium. The modulator comprises a first reactive circuit and a second reactive circuit, and a plurality of switches controlled by a controller to alternatingly switch the modulator between a first configuration and a second configuration. The EM signals are transmitted by passing one of the reactive circuits and bypassing the other reactive circuit.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for optimizing mud-pulse communications in a wellbore. The system may include a mud pulser positionable in the wellbore and a surface detection system. The mud pulser can transmit a sequence of waveforms having various data rates to the surface detection system for synchronizing the mud pulser with the surface detection system. The surface detection system may receive the sequence of waveforms from the mud pulser and may determine one or more waveforms of the sequence of waveforms having amplitudes exceeding a predefined threshold. The surface detection system may then determine which of the one or more waveforms has a fastest data rate, and select the fastest data rate for use in subsequent communications with the mud pulser.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for a single-line transmission along a plurality of pipes secured end-to-end are disclosed. A system of the disclosure includes a plurality of pipes connected end-to-end forming a pipe string. Each pipe of the plurality of pipes includes an exterior wall, an internal protective coating, and a waveguide. The waveguide for each pipe of the plurality of pipes is connected to at least one other waveguide for at least one other pipe such that a wave path is formed that extends a length of the plurality of pipes. The system further includes a transceiver configured to transmit a signal along the wave path.

Abstract: A transformer configured for use in connection with a variable speed motor drive includes primary windings and secondary windings. The secondary windings are configured as wye-windings and a ground lead and a plurality of phase leads. The transformer includes a ferrite blocking circuit connected to the ground lead.

Abstract: A modular downhole logging system includes a transmitter module having a local frequency, wherein the transmitter module transmits interrogation signals into a formation based on the local frequency. The downhole system also includes a receiver module axially-spaced from the transmitter module and that receives response signals corresponding to the interrogation signals, wherein the receiver module includes sampling logic and sync estimation logic. The sync estimation logic is configured to perform sync estimation operations including estimating the local frequency of the transmitter module based on analysis of response signal Fourier transform results corresponding to different frequencies. The sampling logic/clock is configured to sample the response signals based on the estimated local frequency of the transmitter module, wherein a processor derives formation property values using the sampled response signals.

Abstract: A complete telemetry system and methods for downhole operations. The telemetry system includes an instrumented near-bit sub located below the Mud Motor and connected to the drill bit as well as a conventional MWD tool located above the mud motor. Parameters such as inclination of the borehole, the natural gamma ray of the formations, the electrical resistivity of the formations, and a range of mechanical drilling performance parameters are measured. Electromagnetic telemetry signals representing these measurements are transmitted uphole to a receiver associated with the conventional MWD tool located above the motor, and transmitted by this tool to the surface via mud pulse signals. The system is particularly useful for accurate control over the drilling of extended reach and horizontally drilled wells.

Abstract: A method of operating a telemetry system includes automatically populating a base field of a schema in an event definition using a logging library of the telemetry system for an event of an instrumented application, and automatically populating a conditional field of the schema in the event definition using the logging library in response to a selected condition for the event.

Abstract: A constant amplitude adjusting method and system for pressure pulse of drilling tool including obtaining a current flow velocity value of mud at the rear of a pressure pulse generator in the drilling tool, and sending the current flow velocity value to a controller; the controller compares the current flow velocity value with a preset flow velocity value, and sends an adjustment instruction to the pressure pulse generator according to the comparison result; the pressure pulse generator adjusts the opening degree according to the adjustment instruction of the controller. The adjusting system comprising a pressure pulse generator for generating a pressure pulse wave, and the opening degree is adjustable.

Abstract: System for cableless bidirectional data transmission in a well for the extraction of formation fluids comprising: a plurality of rods connected to each other in succession so as to form a rod string, which extends from the surface to the bottom of the well, the rod string being associable with a plurality of sensors configured for continuously detecting a plurality of parameters relating to the fluids circulating in the well and to the rock formation surrounding the well and/or to safety devices or other remote-controlled well instrumentation; a plurality of communication modules applied at predefined distances along the rod string and configured for the transmission of signals from and towards the bottom of the well; each of the communication modules including at least one metal plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating pressure pulses in a fluid flowing in a downhole tool includes a stator, a rotor, a motor, and an electronics module. The stator and the rotor each have one or more flow passages. The motor oscillates the rotor relative to the stator to align and misalign the flow passage(s) of the stator and the rotor to thereby generate the pressure pulses. The electronics module drives the motor using at least a first signal and a second signal. The motor causes the rotor to have an information-transmitting oscillation in response to the first signal and a cleaning oscillation in response to the second signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are telemetry systems and methods that employ a plurality of electromagnetic transceivers disposed outside a well casing string at a corresponding plurality of depths along the casing string. Each transceiver includes one or more toroidal inductors circumferentially surrounding the casing string and inductively coupled thereto to allow signal transmission between transceivers via currents induced in the casing. In some embodiments, signals are relayed via a chain of transceivers to facilitate indirect communication between a surface facility and other transceivers located too deep for direct communication to the surface.

Abstract: A method for operating a drilling system that has a mud pump disposed on an earth surface and a drill string with a bottom hole assembly (BHA) in a borehole. The method involves turning the mud pump ON or OFF according to a pre-determined sequence so that the mud flow in the borehole fluctuates between high and low. The mud pulser in the bottom hole assembly senses the fluctuation in the mud flow and generates a binary signal accordingly. The mud pulser further sends the binary signal to a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool in the bottom hole assembly. The binary signal executes one or more firmware in the MWD tool.

Abstract: A control system for generating and utilizing at least one or more addressed datagrams that communicate information to and from devices along piping assemblies comprising; one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, and one or more controllers, wherein the transmitters transmit information via one or more addressed datagrams encoded within a working medium to one or more receivers among the piping assemblies, is described. Transmitters convert datagrams into signals that are transmitted within the working medium and the receivers receive signals from the transmitters and also convert signals from the working medium which is converted back into datagrams. The controllers receive and decode the datagrams so that the controllers selectively communicate and perform logical operations on piping assembly devices according to directions received from the addressed datagrams.

Abstract: Real time monitoring of a predetermined set of downhole parameters related to downhole status of a well comprises deploying a casing module as part of a casing string to a first predetermined location downhole, the casing module comprising a set of components, deploying a tubing module as part of a tubing string, typically within the casing string, where the tubing module comprises a set of tubing module components, and deploying a power generator to a distance within the well, typically as part of the tubing string and typically as part of the tubing module, and operatively connecting the power generator to the tubing module to effect power transmission from the power generator, generated downhole, to the tubing module and from the tubing wireless power transfer transmitter to the casing module.

Abstract: A magnetic ranging system, in some embodiments, comprises: a wellbore in a formation; a conductive casing in said wellbore; and excitation and return electrodes electrically coupled to the conductive casing, the excitation electrode positioned downhole relative to the return electrode, the excitation and return electrodes generating a current in the casing, said current resulting in an electromagnetic signal that propagates through said formation toward a sensor in another wellbore.

Abstract: Water-in-oil subterranean treatment fluids with improved stability and environmental compatibility comprise esteramides as emulsion stabilizer.

Abstract: A pressure wave system having a tubular member, a signal source, a sensor, and a source of noise, has a noise interference system employing one or more a lateral branches to cancel pressure noise, and/or amplify or filter the pressure wave signal. A related method generates the pressure wave signal, connects the lateral branch or branches to amplify or filter the signal and/or cancel noise from the system, and receives the signal or a response of the system to the signal. The lateral branches are simple pipe stubs or loops that can be made using ordinary piping components, or are more complex designs.

Abstract: An example method for determining borehole acoustics using an electromagnetic sensing apparatus may include positioning a downhole tool within a borehole disposed in a formation. The downhole tool may comprise at least one acoustic source and at least one electromagnetic (EM) sensor. An acoustic wave may be emitted from the at least one acoustic source. The acoustic wave may generate an electrical signal when an EM field is present within the borehole. The electrical signal may be measured with the at least one EM sensor. At least one downhole characteristic may be determined based, at least in part, on the measured electrical signal.

Abstract: A system including a hydrocarbon extraction system configured to receive a pressurized fluid, the hydrocarbon extraction system, including a non-invasive capacitive pressure measurement system configured to measure a pressure of the pressurized fluid, the non-invasive capacitive pressure measurement system, including a housing, a core configured to rest within the housing, and an insulative material between the core and housing wherein the insulative material is configured to provide a gap between the core and the housing to form a capacitor.

Abstract: A method for selecting a drilling fluid pressure pulse transmission frequency in a downhole telemetry tool comprises: emitting a frequency sweep wave in a drilling fluid that comprises pressure pulses over a range of frequencies and over a period of time; measuring a pressure of the drilling fluid at the telemetry tool while the frequency sweep wave is being emitted; determining a signal strength at each frequency in the range of frequencies from the measured pressure of the drilling fluid; and selecting at least one frequency in the range of frequencies that meets a selected signal strength threshold as a telemetry signal transmission frequency for the telemetry tool.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and systems structured to transmit data from downhole sensors to the surface at a well site. The transmission can be implemented to overcome downhole connections that can act as obstructions to direct electrical and optical communication in a wellbore. Electrical signals from one or more sensors in a sensor unit, located on a side of a downhole connection in a wellbore opposite the surface of the wellbore, can be used to drive an acoustic transmitter to transmit an acoustic signal via a production string or casing or fluid in the production string or casing across the downhole connection, where the acoustic signal is received on the surface side of the downhole connection. Data correlated to the received acoustic signal can be provided to a surface location of the wellbore. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods can be implemented in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include energy harvesting devices, methods to operate the energy harvesting devices, and downhole power generating systems. In one embodiment, an energy harvesting device includes an outer stator having a first cavity formed therein. The energy harvesting device further includes a rotor disposed within the first cavity, the rotor including a second cavity, at least one radial slot, and a helical slot extending from a first end of the rotor towards a second end of the rotor. The energy harvesting device further includes an inner stator disposed within the second cavity. The energy harvesting device further includes an armature adjacent to the rotor, the armature coupled to at least one winding coupled to an electrical component to provide an electrical current to power the electrical component. The energy harvesting device further includes a housing coupled to the outer stator.

Abstract: A downhole telemetry well system transmits data at a high rate inside a tubular pipe by encoding signals on a Stoneley wave. Telemetry devices for the Stoneley mode are implemented in short pipe joints inserted at various intervals between the tubulars. Each telemetry device includes Stoneley transducers, which may act as a transmitter, receiver, or repeater. The Stoneley telemetry devices transmit and receive the Stoneley waves making up the carrier of the signal. The Stoneley telemetry devices may be powered by on-board batteries or via some remote power source.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean wellbore using a drill string comprising the steps of: a. injecting a drilling fluid into the well bore via the drill string and removing said drilling fluid from an annular space around the drill string (the annulus) via an annulus return line, b. oscillating the pressure of the fluid in the annulus, c. determining the wellbore storage volume and wellbore storage coefficient for each fluid pressure oscillation, d. using the wellbore storage volume and wellbore storage coefficient to determine the proportion by volume of gas and proportion by volume of liquid in the annulus during that pressure oscillation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to allow continuous recovery and broadcast of data and commands to and from a tubular string (32) through all phases of drilling and completion running in a wellbore. A RF transceiver (76/74) is located on the tubular string, the transceiver being adapted to receive signals and broadcast the signals, and a RF transceiver (88/90) is located remote from the tubular string and adapted to receive the broadcasted signal by virtue of an antenna (92) arranged within a fluid filled annulus (60) around the tubular string. RF transmission through the wellbore using distributed RF transceivers providing data and command transmission up and down the tubing string.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus for measuring drilling fluid characteristics. The downhole apparatus may comprise one or more sensors located within a housing. The sensors may include one or more of an imaging device, a resistivity/conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flowmeter and a fluid density sensor. The downhole apparatus may also include a controller for receiving measurements and/or determining optimal electromagnetic telemetry transmission settings. The downhole apparatus may also comprise a transmitter for transmitting the measurements and/or the optimal electromagnetic transmission settings. The downhole apparatus may be operated to determine optimal transmission settings for an electromagnetic telemetry system. Optimal transmission settings may include settings relating to one or more of frequency, amplitude, voltage, current, and power.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for sensing and communicating sensed downhole parameters using a hybrid micro-structured fiber optic cable are provided. The micro-structured fiber optic cable may be used to communicate and/or amplify sensor signals indicative of the sensed downhole parameters. These sensed downhole parameters may include one or more of a downhole temperature, pressure, magnetic field, electromagnetic energy, radioactivity, telemetry signal, or some other downhole measurement. The micro-structured fiber optic cable may include opto-electronic circuitry built into the internal structure of the cable for modulating the optical signal based on the sensed parameters. The opto-electronic circuitry may include diodes, triodes, and other components that are communicatively coupled to external sensors used to measure downhole parameters.

Abstract: A telemetry system with a plurality of controllers and telemetry systems, where the controllers are configured to obtain information from one or more sensors and transmit that information on one or more of the plurality of telemetry systems. The configuration of a controller may be changed so as to change which information is transmitted on a given telemetry system.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for transmitting downhole data are provided. The devices include a rotor-stator modulator configured for use in a drill string, and a drive and control system configured to drive the rotor according to a modulation scheme resulting in both oscillating and full rotational movement. The modulation scheme can comprise a trajectory algorithm such as a QAM trajectory algorithm. The systems include a modulator disposed within a drill string which creates modulated pulses according to an algorithm providing for both oscillating and full rotational movement of the rotor, and may also include a demodulator. The methods include transmitting coded data by driving a rotor relative a stator disposed in a drill string according to a modulation scheme that provides both oscillating and full rotational movement and results in modulated mud pulses representative of data recorded downhole, and may involve decoding the data.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a well string element for transmitting data in a well. The well string element (20c) includes an elongated body (80) that defines a through channel (110) and also includes a side pocket (92) that is open to ambient (91); and an acoustic modem (60) provided in the pocket (92) and configured to emit acoustic waves. The acoustic modem (60) is configured to receive electrical signals from one or more sensors (50, 52), transform the electrical signals into the acoustic waves and emit the acoustic waves into a wall (112) of the elongated body (80) when receiving an acoustic wake-up call from a device (70) outside the drill string element (20c).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for minimizing erosion of a transmission cable extending through a downhole drilling assembly. The drilling assembly includes an elongated flow diverter having a plurality of apertures for diverting the drilling fluid from an axial flow through a transmission shaft to a radial flow through a drive shaft. Exemplary flow diverters are configured to minimize erosion of transmission cables that may be present adjacent to the flow diverters.

Abstract: A downhole signal transmission system provides electric radiofrequency signals that are coupled to electrically conductive or non-conductive fluids through electrical insulators. A plurality of signal repeaters are tuned to the frequencies of the radiofrequency signals, and a plurality of transmission lines terminated by resonance circuits are also provided such that the terminating resonance circuits resonate on the frequencies of the electric radiofrequency signals. The plurality of signal repeaters and plurality of transmission elements are arranged to be redundant such that a failure of one or more of the signal repeaters or a failure of one or more of the transmission elements does not substantially affect the operation of the data transmission system. The signal repeaters and transmission elements also are arranged such that a failure of any of the signal repeaters or a failure of any of the transmission elements is communicated to the surface.

Abstract: An arrangement having a piston configured to move along an axial pathway a rotating seal configured to seal an inside environment from an outside environment, the rotating seal configured to be acted upon by a pressure exerted from the piston, a differential pressure sensor measuring a pressure difference between a first fluid from the outside environment and a second fluid on the inside environment, a motor connected to the piston, the motor configured to actuate the piston to a position along an axial pathway and an electronic feedback control system connected to the motor, the electronic feedback system configured to interface with the differential pressure sensor and maintain a pressure generated by the piston onto the rotating seal to a desired pressure.

Abstract: A managed bulk drilling system that employs a guide wire for ranging and crosswell telemetry. Some system embodiments include multiple drilling assemblies operating in the vicinity of a reference well that contains an electrical cable. The electrical cable is coupled to a surface control system. The control system uses the electrical cable as part of an antenna to receive uplink signals from the drilling assemblies and to broadcast down-link signals to the drilling assemblies. The uplink signals can include position data and the downlink signals can include individual steering commands to adjust the trajectories of each drilling assembly. The cable can also generate a guidance field for the drilling assemblies to detect and follow.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise in downhole fluid communications includes processing first and second received signals in combination with a strobe signal from an active pump to obtain pump signatures at first and second spaced measurement locations. The pump signatures are used to compute a transfer function of the fluid channel between the two measurement locations. The transfer function may then be used to estimate the telemetry signal traveling in the uphole direction.

Abstract: A system and method to synchronize distributed measurements in a borehole are described. The system includes a plurality of wired segments coupled together by couplers and a plurality of nodes configured to measure, process, or relay information obtained in the borehole to a surface processing system, each of the plurality of nodes comprising a local clock and being disposed at one of the couplers or between couplers. The system also includes a surface processing system coupled to a master clock and configured to determine a time offset between the master clock and the local clock of an nth node among the plurality of nodes based on a downhole generated synchronization signal.

Abstract: A stacked-ring, slow-wave acoustic telemetry isolation system and method for use with tubular assemblies such as drillpipe or production tubing comprising an acoustic wave transmitter, the acoustic isolator behaving such that a “down” wave propagated toward the isolator is reflected back substantially in phase with an “up” wave propagated from the acoustic wave source away from the isolator. The acoustic isolator is similarly effective in reflecting “up” propagating waves originating from below the isolator, hence further protecting the acoustic wave source from possible deleterious interference. It causes substantially all of the emitted wave energy to travel in a chosen direction along the drill pipe, thus aiding the efficiency of acoustic telemetry said pipe.

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: Remote operation of downhole tools in a subterranean wellbore is performed by inserting untethered, mobile devices sequentially into the wellbore. The mobile devices can include motive means, power supply, communication and data storage means, etc. In one embodiment, the method comprises maneuvering a first mobile device into proximity with a downhole tool, the device powering the tool. The first device is then removed, such as by flowing up or dissolving. The now-powered tool is used to perform a test or other operation. A second mobile device is maneuvered into proximity with the downhole tool and data is transferred. The second device is retrieved with the data or, using on-board logic devices, provides “if-then” commands to the downhole tool. Alternately, a third mobile device can be used to power and transfer commands to the tool. The method can be used for various tasks, such as opening bypass ports on ICD valves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods of oil and gas well logging, monitoring, and the field of electrically powering submersible devices like electrical motors in oil and gas wells.

Abstract: A generally three-part EM gap sub comprising a first conductive cylinder incorporating a male tapered threaded section, a second conductive cylinder incorporating female tapered threaded section, both axially aligned and threaded into each other is described. One or both tapers incorporate slots whereby non-conductive inserts may be placed before assembly of the cylinders. The inserts are designed to cause the thread roots, crests and sides of the tapered sections of both cylinders to be spatially separated. The cylinders can be significantly torqued, one into the other, while maintaining an annular separation and therefore electrical separation as part of the assembly procedure. The co-joined coaxial cylinders can be placed into an injection moulding machine wherein a high performance thermoplastic is injected into the annular space, thereby forming both an insulative gap (the third part) and a strong joint between the cylinders in the newly created EM gap sub.

Abstract: A method of interpreting a signal transmitted through a drilling fluid disposed within a telemetry channel of a wellbore that includes defining a finite number of distinct message signals for representing conditions within the wellbore. The method also includes transmitting one of the message signals through the telemetry channel, and receiving a distorted signal that includes the message signal as distorted by transmission through the telemetry channel. A channel impulse response is estimated and applied to at least one of the message signals to generate at least one predicted signal. A comparison is made between the predicted signal and the distorted signal, and an estimation is made as to which of the finite number of message signals is included in the distorted signal based on the comparison.

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

Abstract: An electromagnetic telemetry repeater. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising inducing an electrical signal along a metallic tubular (the electrical signal carrying the information and the inducing within a borehole beneath the ocean floor), sensing an electric field proximate to the ocean floor, sensing a magnetic field proximate to the ocean floor, recreating the information using one sensed field as indicative of the information and the other sensed field as indicative of the noise, and sending the information toward the ocean surface.

Abstract: A communication system for communicating information with a compliant medium is disclosed, the communication device includes a constrained fluid, a valve, a modulator, a sensor and a demodulator. The constrained is fluid distributed along a length. The valve is configured to operatively engage a second point relative to the length. The modulator configured to actuate the valve according to information. The sensor configured to measure pressure at a first point relative to the length, where the first point is distant from the second point. The demodulator is coupled to the sensor to recover the information.