Abstract: An inground isolator and associated method can provide an electrically isolated break in a drill string using electrical insulating members/isolators that are supported by a housing. During drill string operations, the isolators are subject only compressive forces responsive to both extension (pushing) and retraction (pulling) by the drill string. The isolators can be formed from an electrically insulating material such as a ceramic material. An interchangeable inground tool system is described which integrally serves to provide an electrically isolating gap in the drill string.

Abstract: A method for estimating a steady state response of a drill string in a borehole includes calculating a first displacement of the drill string in a frequency domain for a first excitation force frequency and a number of multiples of this frequency using an equation of motion of the drill string. The equation of motion has a static force component, an excitation force component, and a non-linear force component with respect to at least one of a deflection and a derivative of the deflection of the drill string. The method further includes: transforming the first displacement from the frequency domain into a time domain; calculating a non-linear force in the time domain; calculating a frequency domain coefficient derived from the calculated non-linear force in the time domain; and calculating a second displacement of the drill string in the frequency domain using the equation of motion and the frequency domain coefficient.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for transmitting data along tubing in a borehole, comprising generating an acoustic signal using a transmitter at a first location on the tubing, and receiving the acoustic signal at a receiver at a second location on the tubing. The method and system further comprise: (i) generating the acoustic signal at the transmitter at a first frequency and bit rate; (ii) receiving the acoustic signal at the first frequency at the receiver and attempting to synchronize the receiver at the first frequency, and (iiia) if the synchronization is successful, continuing to transmit the acoustic signal so as to pass the data from the transmitter to the receiver; or (iiib) if the synchronization is unsuccessful, adjusting the frequency and/or bit rate of the signal and repeating steps (i)-(iii) on the basis of the adjusted 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: A system, method and device may be used to monitor conditions in a borehole. Well tubing and casing act as a conductive pair for delivering power to one or more downhole active sensors. At the surface, power and signal are isolated so that the same conductive pair may act to transmit the sensor signals to the surface. In an embodiment, the sensor signals are RF signals and the surface electronics demodulate the RF signals from the sensor power.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating a signal downhole includes a downhole pipe configured to be coupled to another downhole pipe and a protection tube secured to the downhole pipe. A transmission line is disposed in the protection tube and configured to communicate the signal. A communication device is disposed in the downhole pipe and configured to communicate the signal to another downhole pipe. An end of the transmission line is configured to be axially movable with respect to the downhole pipe in order to have the end of the transmission line extending from the protection tube to establish a connection between the transmission line and the communication device.

Abstract: A latching assembly for wellbore logging tools includes a bottom hole assembly to be disposed on a distal end of a drill string. The bottom hole assembly includes a landing sub (310) having a bore with a latching mechanism that includes latch jaws (321) and bias springs (323). The latch jaws can receive a landing shoulder (215). The biasing spring has a closing arm (352) and an opening arm (354) to respectively close and open the latch jaws. The bottom hole assembly includes a tool string (200) that includes the landing shoulder for engaging with the latch jaw of the landing sub, the biasing spring, and a logging assembly that includes at least one logging tool for obtaining and storing data about at least one geologic formation penetrated by the wellbore.

Abstract: A drillstring first tube portion (10) for connection to further tube portions (24,26) of a drillstring via respective connection means has a side wall (16) including non ferromagnetic material, and at least one downhole survey device (12) mounted directly or indirectly on or within the side wall. The survey device has at least one survey instrument to obtain survey data, a power source (22) and wireless communication means (18) to wirelessly receive and/or transmit survey data within or on the side wall. A method of conducting a downhole survey of drilling using such an apparatus is also disclosed, as well as a method of obtaining data gathered downhole. The survey device and a core orientation device (32) may communicate wirelessly, such as when passing each other.

Abstract: A communication apparatus, an air conditioning system having the same, and a communication method for the air conditioning system using a refrigerant pipe are provided. The refrigerant pipe may be used as a transmission line to allow communications between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and a low frequency band signal and a core having an inductance value appropriate for the characteristic of a pipe communication frequency may be used to perform the pipe communication, which allows communications between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit without a separate communication line, resulting in minimizing noise interruption and affection of surge, and avoiding signal strength attenuation and signal radiation.

Abstract: Specific embodiments of disclosed downhole telemetry systems and methods employ time-reversal pre-equalization. One downhole telemetry system embodiment includes an acoustic transducer and a digital signal processor. The acoustic transducer transmits an acoustic signal to a distant receiver via a string of drillpipes connected by tool joints. The digital signal processor drives the acoustic transducer with an electrical signal that represents modulated digital data convolved with a time-reversed channel response. Due to the use of time-reversal pre-equalization, the received signal exhibits substantially reduced intersymbol interference.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment includes an electrically-conductive member having an outer and/or inner surface coated with an electrically-insulating material, a transmitter placed at a first location on the electrically-conductive member that induces electromagnetic wave signals that travel along the coated surface of the electrically conductive member, and a receiver placed at a second location spaced from the first location on the electrically-conductive member that detects the electromagnetic induced by the transmitter.

Abstract: A well advisor system and console for monitoring and managing monitoring and managing data stream quality in well drilling and production operations. The system may be accessed through one or more workstations, or other computing devices, which may be located at a well site or remotely. The system is in communication with and receives input from various sensors. It collects real-time sensor data sampled during operations at the well site. The system processes the data, and provides nearly instantaneous numerical and visual feedback through a variety of graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”), which are presented in the form of an operation-specific console. A plurality of data checks are dynamically run on the data streams to determine the presence and quality of the data, and data quality indicators are presented on the various consoles and dashboards.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to monitor a first condition associated with transmitting or receiving a signal in a formation or on a drill string, or both, over a first selected interval of a drill string located down hole; to monitor a second condition associated with transmitting or receiving the signal in the formation or on the drill string or both, over a second selected interval of the drill string; to compare the first condition to the second condition to provide a comparison result; and based on the comparison result, to select one of the first selected interval or the second selected interval to transmit or receive the signal in the formation or on the drill string, or both. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A sonde based antenna is used for communication within a wellbore. The sonde based antenna may include a toroidal antenna positioned about a conducting element. The sonde may be positionable within a gap sub. The sonde may be electrically connected to the first and second tubulars of the gap sub such that the tubulars are electrically coupled by the conducting element and are otherwise electrically insulated. The sonde may include a first and second structural member, the first and second structural members being electrically insulated except by the conducting element. The first and/or second structural element may extend through and/or around the toroidal antenna to, for example, add structural rigidity to the sonde.

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: An adaptor (64,66) has attachment means to releasably attach a core orientation instrument (60) or survey probe to a drill string component and/or drill string, preferably by one or more screw threads (70, 72, 76, 78), retaining screws, bolts, clips or pins or welding/soldering. Anti release means, such as a circlip, can be used to prevent release of the adaptor. A survey system for obtaining data from a drilling operation includes a core orientation instrument, a downhole survey probe and a common single remote controller/data logger configured to control or communicate with both the survey probe and the core orientation instrument. Further, a survey system includes multiple components arranged in a portable container for transport and deployment at a drilling site include a survey probe, a core orientation instrument and a single controller configured to control or communicate with the survey probe and core orientation instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an acoustic sensor that receives a signal propagated by a well formation. The acoustic sensor includes a sensing component that receives the signal, a transmitter that transmits information based on the signal, and a receiver that receives the information. The transmitter and receiver are wirelessly coupled. The transmitter and receiver may be inductively coupled, capacitively coupled, or optically coupled, or the transmitter may transmit information using radio waves. The transmitter may be encapsulated in a polymer. The acoustic sensor may be part of a system including a downhole tool that detects subterranean conditions. The downhole tool may include a retaining member that retains the acoustic sensor within an outer layer of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A tool for communicating data between multiple locations downhole includes a tool body, a first antenna including at least one electrode disposed within a wall and electrically insulated from the tool body, and an electronic circuit configured to generate an encoded electrical signal and propagate the encoded signal through the electrode into a medium surrounding the tool, and a second antenna coupled to the tool body, and an electronic circuit configured to receive an electrical signal induced by the second antenna.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the drilling of a wellbore by enhancing the ability to relay data. The system comprises a saver sub designed to connect a top drive unit with a wired drill pipe without requiring modification of the top drive unit. The saver sub comprises an electronics package, a battery, and an antenna coupled to a saver sub mandrel.

Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle equipped with electric motors (1, 4) for driving or braking drive wheels (3, 6), and an electric motor controller (33) for controlling the electric motors includes: wheel speed detectors (9 to 12) for detecting the wheel speed of the drive wheels and that of idler wheels (7, 8); computing means (22 to 28, 35 to 38) for computing the slip ratio of the drive wheels based on the wheel speed of the drive wheels and that of the idler wheels; and a determiner (29) for determining that the drive wheels are slipping if the slip ratio exceeds a slip ratio determination value. If the wheel speed of the idler wheels is lower than set speeds Va2, Vb2, then the determiner (29) changes the slip ratio determination value to a value having as the same sign as, and a larger absolute value than, the values ?a2, ?b2 used when the wheel speed of the idler wheels is higher than the set speeds Va2, Vb2.

Abstract: A lateral bore communication system where data signals are transmitted across the break in conductive path between a main bore and a lateral bore using a downhole structure section which has an electrode provided around a tubing portion and separated therefrom by an insulating layer.

Abstract: A method of communication from the surface with to the downhole logging tool string is disclosed. The method includes movement of the drill pipe string up or down at the surface to create coded signature signals by the downhole logging tool string and send those signature signals to a processor in the downhole logging tool string that has been preprogramed to recognize the signature signals.

Abstract: An inground housing supports a transmitter for receiving electrical power from a battery. The transmitter transmits at least one signal using at least two different transmit power levels for at least one of locating the transmitter and characterizing an orientation of the transmitter. Based on detecting the battery voltage, the transmitter selects one of the transmit power levels. Transmitter output power can be controlled based on one or both of signal gain and duty cycle.

Abstract: A system for signal transmission along a drill string is disclosed. A first drill pipe section and a second drill pipe section each comprise an inner pipe. A first repeater sub is coupled to the first drill pipe section and the second drill pipe section at a first position along the drill string. The first repeater sub comprises a first toroid corresponding to the first drill pipe section and a second toroid corresponding to the second drill pipe section. A signal transmitted through the first drill pipe section, an inner mandrel of the repeater sub and the inner pipe of the first drill pipe section is received by the first toroid. The first repeater sub processes the signal received by the first toroid to generate a processed signal and transmits the processed signal to the second drill pipe through the second toroid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transferring signals through a drill pipe system during drilling of a subsurface well. The drill pipe system comprises a first pipe (1) provided concentric inside a second pipe (2) by means of hanging devices (3, 3a). The first pipe (1) is electrically insulated from the second pipe (2). A first signal transceiver is electrically connected to the top of the drill pipe system. A second signal transceiver is electrically connected along or in the bottom of the drill pipe system. The first and second signal transceivers are electrically connected to the first and second pipes (1, 2) for transferring the signals through the drill pipe system.

Abstract: A method for estimating a steady state response of a drill string in a borehole includes calculating a first displacement of the drill string in a frequency domain for a first excitation force frequency and a number of multiples of this frequency using an equation of motion of the drill string. The equation of motion has a static force component, an excitation force component, and a non-linear force component with respect to at least one of a deflection and a derivative of the deflection of the drill string. The method further includes: transforming the first displacement from the frequency domain into a time domain; calculating a non-linear force in the time domain; calculating a frequency domain coefficient derived from the calculated non-linear force in the time domain; and calculating a second displacement of the drill string in the frequency domain using the equation of motion and the frequency domain coefficient.

Abstract: A method of communication from the surface to the downhole LT is disclosed. The method includes movement of the DS string up or down at the surface to create coded signals by the downhole TS and send those signature signals to a processor in the TS string that has been preprogramed to recognize the signature signals.

Abstract: An electronic frame for use in a downhole component coupling mechanism includes: a first frame element including at least one retaining structure configured to retain an electronic component; and a second frame element configured to be disposed at the first frame element, the second frame element permanently joined to the first frame element to isolate the electronic component from downhole fluids and form the electronic frame, the electronic frame configured to be disposed in a coupling assembly of a first downhole component and a second downhole component and constrained axially by the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A well pipe for inductive connection to a well tool includes a tubular pipe string and an inductive pipe element. The pipe string includes an inner pipe wall defining a longitudinal opening, where a compartment is provided radially in a radial groove of the inner pipe wall and the inductive pipe element is provided in the compartment. The well tool includes a tool body and an inductive tool element provided in a groove provided radially on the outside of the tool body. The inductive tool element is connected to the tool body by a connection device, where the inductive tool element is movable between a run state and a set state, where the inductive tool element is provided in the groove in the run state and where the inductive tool element is radially protruding from the groove in the set state.

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 element for a drill string including a body with a generally axisymmetric appearance and a wave type communication device installed in the body. The communication device includes a set of antennae including plural antennae distributed at a periphery of the body, about an axis of symmetry thereof, and capable of operating in transmission and in reception, operating electronics capable of organizing transfer of data, in transmission and in reception, an actuator capable of selectively connecting the antennae of the set to the operating electronics, and an antenna monitor configured to regularly evaluate a reception quality parameter for at least one sub-assembly of the set of antennae, to repetitively select one or more antennae of the set as a function of reception quality parameters derived from the sub-assembly and to command the actuator to connect the selected antenna or antennae to the operating electronics.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to transform acquired data into transformed data using at least one transform selected from a plurality of transforms according to an optimization metric calculation that operates on single, fixed-length packets of the transformed data, and a preselected quality criterion threshold. Further activity may include transmitting an amplified version of an electrical signal in a geological formation, the electrical signal including the transformed data. The amplified version may be received, and further activity may include transforming the transformed data into an estimate of acquired data, the transforming using at least one transform selected from a plurality of transforms according to an optimization metric calculation that operates on single, fixed-length packets of the transformed data and/or the estimate, and a preselected quality criterion threshold. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting data across a tool joint connection. In one embodiment, the system includes a first data transmission element connected to a first downhole component, a second data transmission element connected to a second downhole component, and a biasing element biasing at least one of the first and second data transmission elements towards the other data transmission element such that the first and second data transmission elements are in data communication with each other.

Abstract: A system for signal transmission along a drill string is disclosed. A first drill pipe section and a second drill pipe section each comprise an inner pipe. A first repeater sub is coupled to the first drill pipe section and the second drill pipe section at a first position along the drill string. The first repeater sub comprises a first toroid corresponding to the first drill pipe section and a second toroid corresponding to the second drill pipe section. A signal transmitted through the first drill pipe section, an inner mandrel of the repeater sub and the inner pipe of the first drill pipe section is received by the first toroid. The first repeater sub processes the signal received by the first toroid to generate a processed signal and transmits the processed signal to the second drill pipe through the second toroid.

Abstract: An inground isolator and associated method can provide an electrically isolated break in a drill string using electrical insulating members/isolators that are supported by a housing. During drill string operations, the isolators are subject only compressive forces responsive to both extension (pushing) and retraction (pulling) by the drill string. The isolators can be formed from an electrically insulating material such as a ceramic material. An interchangeable inground tool system is described which integrally serves to provide an electrically isolating gap in the drill string.

Abstract: It is disclosed a communication arrangement for transmission of communication signals along a pipe line where the communication arrangement comprises: a pipe with outer pipe walls made of a conductive material, a non conductivity coating surrounding said pipe where the coating has dielectric properties, an outer coating/layer or fluid that has conductive properties which encapsulates the non conductivity coating, and at least one radio frequency transmitter and one radio frequency receiver configured to transmit electromagnetic fields in the coating.

Abstract: Oilfield drilling utilizes downhole data transmitted to surface for formation evaluation and steering of directional wellbores. A leading technology in providing subsurface to surface communication is Electro-Magnetic (EM) Telemetry. This technology is typically employed with a downhole antenna concentric with the bore of an electrically insulating “gap sub” portion of the system. The antenna blocks the bore from further use to conduct other sensors or equipment through. One aspect of the invention is to integrate the antenna into the structure of the gap sub, thereby clearing the bore for conducting other tools through, and also protecting the antenna from the harsh drilling environment, including abrasion, erosion, shock, and vibration. Another aspect of this invention enables the antenna to serve a secondary function as an anti-rotation feature between the two halves of the gap sub.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are described for purposes of initiating a response to detection of an adverse operational condition involving a system including a drill rig and an inground tool. The response can be based on an uphole sensed parameter in combination with a downhole sensed parameter. The adverse operational condition can involve cross-bore detection, frac-out detection, excessive downhole pressure, a plugged jet indication and drill string key-holing detection. A communication system includes an inground communication link that allows bidirectional communication between a walkover detector and the drill rig via the inground tool. Monitoring of inground tool depth and/or lateral movement can be performed using techniques that approach integrated values. Bit force based auto-carving is described in the context of an automated procedure.

Abstract: Methods, a system and antennas are provided for transmitting or receiving signals from a hydrocarbon production well. The well comprises a well bore formed in a formation, a production liner/tubing extending axially along the well bore, and an inductive coupling disposed around the liner/tubing. The liner tubing is electrically coupled to the formation at two axially separated locations and is electrically isolated from the formation between the locations. For transmitting, an alternating current signal to the inductive coupling to induce a current in the liner/tubing, the liner tubing forming a dipole antenna that generates an electromagnetic radiation signal propagating through the formation. For receiving, the dipole antenna is exposed to an electromagnetic radiation signal propagated through the formation which induces an alternating current signal in the tubing and the current signal is detected at the inductive coupling.

Abstract: A bi-directional acoustic telemetry system is presented for communicating data and/or control signals between a first modem and a second modem along tubing. The system includes a communication channel defined by the tubing, a transducer of the first modem, and a transducer of the second modem. The transducer of each modem are configured to transmit and receive data and/or control signals, and are further configured to electrically communicate with a power amplifier characterized by an output impedance Zs and a signal conditioning amplifier characterized by an input impedance Zr. The system also includes a reciprocal response along the communication channel between the output impedance Zs and the input impedance Zr.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a method of installing a transmission system in a hydrocarbon production well. The transmission system is operable for transmitting power and/or control signals down the well or for transmitting data signals back up the well. The well comprises a main well bore, a production tubing inside the main well bore and a branch off the production tubing. The branch comprises a side track tubing. The method includes: providing a sensor and/or load assembly in the branch; installing a first inductive coupler of an induced current transmission arrangement around the production tubing in the main well bore, and connecting the sensor/load assembly to the first inductive coupler via a communication link. Another aspect relates to a hydrocarbon production well installation.

Abstract: Gamma pulse telemetry. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: reading data associated with a borehole penetrating an earth formation; encoding the data in a first plurality of gamma bursts, the encoding by an encoding system coupled within the drill string, and where the each gamma burst travels a first distance along the borehole; receiving the first plurality of gamma bursts by a receiver system coupled within the drill string; and decoding the first plurality of gamma bursts and thereby recovering the data.

Abstract: An acoustic transceiver assembly including a housing, an oscillator, and a blocking element. The housing has at least one inner wall defining a cavity. The cavity has a first end and a second end defining an axis of said acoustic transceiver assembly. The oscillator is provided in said cavity. The oscillator is provided with a transducer element, and a backing mass positioned adjacent to the transducer element. A blocking element is positioned inside the cavity and adjacent to the oscillator. The blocking element is adapted to restrain a portion of said backing mass at a first pressure to thereby restrain the backing mass from lateral movement relative to the axis of the acoustic transceiver assembly. The blocking element is also adapted to release the backing mass at a second pressure.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna configured to communicate with an RFID tag. The system also includes an antenna tuner electrically coupled to the RFID antenna, and configured to manually tune the RFID antenna to match an inductance of the RFID tag.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to transmit a data signal along a transmission line extending lengthwise along a drill string, the transmission line comprising an outer conductive path provided by a tubular wall of a drill pipe that extends along the drill string; and an internal conductive path extending along an interior passage that is bounded by a radially inner cylindrical surface of the drill pipe and along which drilling fluid is conveyed, the inner conductive path being substantially insulated from the outer conductive path. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to data transmission in a wellbore. In one aspect, a system for communicating electromagnetic waves in a wellbore is provided. The system includes a sensor equipment package for sensing a parameter in the wellbore and generating an electromagnetic wave. The system further includes an expandable composite tubular having a conducting member and an insulating member. The composite tubular is configured to be expanded from a first diameter to a second larger diameter, wherein the composite tubular in the second larger diameter forms a connection with the wellbore. In another aspect, a method of using a system for communicating electromagnetic waves in a wellbore is provided. In a further aspect, a system for providing electrode contact surfaces between a sensor equipment package and a surrounding tubular disposed in a wellbore is provided.

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

Abstract: A drill string communication system is described. An uphole transceiver can couple a signal onto the drill string at a power that is always greater that a selectable power for a downhole signal. Communication from a drill rig to an inground tool can be re-initiated using a maximum uphole transmit power of an uphole transceiver. A procedure can establish a new set of transmission parameters for a drill string signal to establish communication between the drill rig and the inground tool. The system can include a walkover locator that receives an active/inactive status-controlled electromagnetic locating signal. Responsive to a locating signal degradation, a reconfiguration command can modify the locating signal. The uphole transceiver and a downhole transceiver can automatically modify at least one parameter of a downhole signal. An uphole receiver can apply a compensation response to a transferred signal to compensate for a drill string channel transfer function.

Abstract: Data associated with drilling operations, downhole components, wellbores, or well formations can be acquired by providing one or more data acquisition modules having one or more sensors into one or more recessed chambers formed within a drill bit, stabilizer reamer, or other downhole tool, enabling direct rather than inferential data to be obtained for analysis. The modules can be programmed with pre-selected trigger thresholds, such that data acquisition is initiated when certain conditions are met, and can be interchanged with other types of modules at the surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole measurement and communications are disclosed. The system includes a communications medium, at least partially disposed in a drillpipe, a processor coupled to the communications medium, at least two sensor modules coupled to the communications medium, where at least one of the sensor modules is along a drillpipe, and at least one communications coupler to couple at least one sensor module to the communications medium.