Electromagnetic Energy (e.g., Radio Frequency, Etc.) Patents (Class 340/854.6)
  • Patent number: 11906685
    Abstract: Discriminating between a cable locating signal and a false cable locating signal is described. A reference signal, which contains a locating signal frequency impressed on it, is transmitted in a way which provides for detection of a phase shift between the locating signal and the false locating signal. Based on the phase shift, a receiver is used to distinguish the locating signal from the false locating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau
  • Patent number: 11846162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a subsea deployable installation and workover control system (IWOCS) skid (1) for connection to a subsea component (2), the skid (1) comprising: a wireless communication unit (3) for communication with a wireless communication unit (4) at a topside installation (10); a control system (69) for data storage and/or data filtering and transferring the filtered data to the wireless communication unit (3) and receiving data from the wireless communication unit (3); a self-contained fluid system comprising a fluid supply tank (5, 8), the fluid system being configured to be connected to a fluid connection on the subsea component such as to provide fluid to the subsea component (2); an electric power source (7) for supplying electric power to the communication unit (3) and the control system (69). It is further described a method of performing installation or workover operation(s) on a subsea component using an installation workover control system (IWOCS) skid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventors: Ole Vidar Jonsjord, Kjetil Halset, Steinar Saugerud
  • Patent number: 11814946
    Abstract: A method for identifying zones in an annulus with poor cementing that may include deploying a fiber optic cable within the wellbore, creating a temperature gradient in the wellbore, and collecting temperature data over a period of time as the wellbore returns to a thermal equilibrium. The method may also include comparing the temperature data collected by the fiber optic cable at one or more locations to predicted temperature data over the period of time at the one or more locations to identify locations where the measured temperature data deviates from the predicted temperature data for identifying locations or zones of the annulus that have poor cementing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Siva Rama Krishna Jandhyala, John Paul Bir Singh, Krishna Babu Yerubandi
  • Patent number: 11796703
    Abstract: A downhole device is provided that is intended to be co-located with an optical fiber cable to be found, for example by being fixed together in the same clamp. The device has an accelerometer or other suitable orientation determining means that is able to determine its positional orientation, with respect to gravity. A vibrator or other sounder is provided, that outputs the positional orientation information as a suitable encoded and modulated acoustic signal. A fiber optic distributed acoustic sensor deployed in the vicinity of the downhole device detects the acoustic signal and transmits it back to the surface, where it is demodulated and decoded to obtain the positional orientation information. Given that the device is co-located with the optical fiber the position of the fiber can then be inferred. As explained above, detecting the fiber position is important during perforation operations, so that the fiber is not inadvertently damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Silixa Ltd.
    Inventors: Craig Milne, Brian Frankey, Tom Parker, Mahmoud Farhadiroushan
  • Patent number: 11795937
    Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly has a SAW (surface acoustic wave) sensor on a motor shaft. A SAW electronic circuit mounts to the motor housing. The SAW electronic circuit has an antenna closely spaced to the SAW sensor for monitoring torque on the motor shaft. A controller at an upper end of the well supplies power to the motor. A motor gauge unit mounted to a lower end of the motor transmits signals to the controller. A signal line extends from the SAW electronic circuit to the motor gauge unit for transmitting signals from the SAW electronic circuit to the motor gauge unit, and from the motor gauge unit to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Semple, David Tanner
  • Patent number: 11781421
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for magnetically ranging while drilling with a coiled tubing unit or drill pipe by way of a an electrically conducive but environmentally electrically insulated wire installed through a coiled tubing spool or drill pipe complete with electrically insulative subs in the coiled tubing bottom hole assembly or drill pipe. The method and systems allow for the injection of excitation current into the formation by way of selectively electrifying various drill stem components, thereby facilitating current collection on a target tubular which radially emanates a magnetic field about the target well tubular(s). The method and devices allow for the construction of complex downhole current injection configurations which allow for modification of the bottom hole assembly to maximize target well signal generation in the presence of adverse environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Gunnar LLLP
    Inventor: Clinton Moss
  • Patent number: 11761264
    Abstract: A magnetic ranging system for use with a drilling assembly in a borehole in a formation, the drilling assembly including a drill string, a drill bit and a bottomhole assembly (BHA) connected to the drill bit, the BHA including a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) system, a bi-directional MWD telemetry interface, and a steerable component, may comprise at least one ranging magnetometer incorporated into the BHA. The ranging magnetometer may be configured to collect ranging measurements from behind the drill bit and the ranging magnetometer may be configured to transmit measurement data. The magnetic ranging system may include at least two ranging magnetometers, with one ranging magnetometer positioned above the MWD system and one ranging magnetometer positioned below the MWD system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SCIENTIFIC DRILLING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ben Hawkinson, Jamie Dorey, Douglas Ridgway
  • Patent number: 11750414
    Abstract: A security system architecture including bidirectional communication between a sensor control device and one or more sensor devices coupled to the controller is provided. Such functionality is provided by virtue of a bidirectional wireless transceiver and processor in each sensor device. Embodiments of the present invention further provide this functionality by virtue of a coordinating transceiver coupled to the security system controller for communication with the sensor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Wade Cohn, Lewis Clay Dearman, James Edward Kitchen
  • Patent number: 11732553
    Abstract: A well installation comprising downhole power delivery apparatus for delivering electrical power from a surface power source S to a downhole tool T. The well installation comprises downhole metallic structure (2) running down into a borehole. The apparatus comprises an electrical cable (3) for carrying electrical power from the surface power source S, a power transfer arrangement (4) and a power pick up arrangement (5). The cable 3 runs down into the borehole together with the metallic structure (2) to the power transfer arrangement (4) which is provided at a first downhole location for transferring electrical power carried by the electrical cable (3) onto the downhole metallic structure (2) for onward conduction. The power pick up arrangement (5) is provided at a second downhole location, spaced from the first, for picking up electrical power from the downhole metallic structure (2) for supply to the downhole tool T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: METROL TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Steven Martin Hudson, Leslie David Jarvis
  • Patent number: 11634950
    Abstract: A magnetic ranging system for use with a drilling assembly in a borehole in a formation, the drilling assembly including a drill string, a drill bit and a bottomhole assembly (BHA) connected to the drill bit, the BHA including a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) system, a bi-directional MWD telemetry interface, and a steerable component, may comprise at least one ranging magnetometer incorporated into the BHA. The ranging magnetometer may be configured to collect ranging measurements from behind the drill bit and the ranging magnetometer may be configured to transmit measurement data. The magnetic ranging system may include at least two ranging magnetometers, with one ranging magnetometer positioned above the MWD system and one ranging magnetometer positioned below the MWD system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: SCIENTIFIC DRILLING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ben Hawkinson, Jamie Dorey, Douglas Ridgway
  • Patent number: 11549364
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to precise position determination for the downhole placement and position of the tubing-side portion of a behind-casing measurement system. The position determination can be used to establish precise alignment of the system and thus prevent signal loss. A system according to some aspects includes a casing-side antenna mountable between a well casing and a formation wall and a processing device connected to the casing-side antenna. The processing device is operable to measure signal intensities for a signal received from at least one tubing-side antenna, calculate a position of the tubing-side antenna relative to the casing-side antenna based on the signal intensities, and transmit the position to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Trond Hagen
  • Patent number: 11473398
    Abstract: Fluid flows, such as slurries, conditioning fluids, spacer fluids, or the like, may be modified to carry materials having high magnetic permeability characteristics that can be detected by a magnetic permeability sensing apparatus positioned along the fluid flow path in wellbores or downhole tools. Sensed presence of the high magnetic permeability material by the sensing apparatus positioned in the fluid flow path may result in initiation of an operational event. The operational event may include, but not limited to closing or opening a valve, moving a component, conveying a signal, activating or deactivating a device, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Jones, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Patent number: 11476582
    Abstract: A system for downhole frequency re-tuning includes a receiver antenna, a receiver matching network, a transmitter antenna, the transmitter antenna outputting a signal that is received at the receiver antenna, a transmitter matching network, a power amplifier providing operational power to the transmitter antenna, and a frequency sweeping system. The frequency sweeping system includes an oscillator, coupled to the power amplifier, the oscillator providing an input signal to the power amplifier to adjust power output to the transmitter antenna. The system also includes a circulator, positioned between the power amplifier and the transmitter matching network, the circulator directing the operational power to the transmitter antenna. The system further includes a reflected power meter, coupled to the circulator, the reflected power meter receiving reflected power at the transmitter antenna responsive to receiver antenna. The system also includes a control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stanislav Wilhelm Forgang, Yi Liu
  • Patent number: 11434726
    Abstract: Self-winding power generating device, system, and method are disclosed. The device includes a mechanical winding knob for receiving mechanical energy from a downhole environment, a gear train including a plurality of gears engaged with each other, wherein a first gear in the gear train is operatively connected to the mechanical winding knob, and configured to receive mechanical energy from the mechanical winding knob and transfer the mechanical energy to a second gear in the gear train, a spiral spring attached to one of the gears in the gear train, the spiral spring configured to self-wind and store the mechanical energy upon receiving the mechanical energy from the first gear, and a power generation unit configured to receive the mechanical energy from a last of the plurality of gears and convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Chinthaka Pasan Gooneratne, Bodong Li
  • Patent number: 11411298
    Abstract: An extended dipole antenna for an uplink transmitter positioned in a wellbore includes an electromagnetic telemetry system interface sub, wired or lined drill pipe segment, and upper dipole terminating sub. The electromagnetic telemetry interface sub includes an outer tubular in electrical contact with a negative output of the uplink transmitter and an inner conductor in electric contact with a positive output of the uplink transmitter. The wired or lined drill pipe segment includes an outer tubular in electrical contact with the outer tubular of the electromagnetic telemetry interface sub and an inner conductor in electric contact with the inner conductor of the electromagnetic telemetry system interface sub. The upper dipole terminating sub including an outer tubular at least partially in electric contact with the outer tubular of the wired or lined drill pipe segment and an inner conductor in electric contact with the inner conductor of the wired or lined drill pipe segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SCIENTIFIC DRILLING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew A. White, Brett Van Steenwyk
  • Patent number: 11339644
    Abstract: Systems and methods for active ranging-while-drilling (ARWD) for collision avoidance and/or well interception. A method for electromagnetic ranging of a target wellbore may include disposing an electromagnetic ranging tool in a wellbore, wherein the electromagnetic ranging tool comprises an electromagnetic transmitter and an electromagnetic receiver; exciting a subterranean formation with the electromagnetic transmitter; adjusting at least one orientation of the electromagnetic transmitter, the electromagnetic receiver, or both the electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver; exciting the target wellbore with the electromagnetic transmitter; measuring at least one component of an electromagnetic signal from the target wellbore with the electromagnetic receiver; and determining at least one ranging parameter of the target wellbore based, at least in part, on the at least one component of the electromagnetic field measured by the electromagnetic receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Akram Ahmadi Kalateh Ahmad, Burkay Donderici, Hsu-Hsiang Wu
  • Patent number: 11328584
    Abstract: Included are inductively coupled sensors for downhole electric submersible pumps and methods of use. An example inductively coupled sensor comprises an electric submersible pump sensor, at least one receiving coil coupled to the electric submersible pump sensor; wherein the receiving coil is inductively coupled to a three-phase power cable of an electric submersible pump. An example method comprises placing an inductively coupled sensor in a wellbore, conducting current in the three-phase power cable; wherein current in the three-phase power cable induces a voltage in the receiving coil sufficient to power the electric submersible pump sensor, and sensing the operating parameter of the electric submersible pump with the electric submersible pump sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Walter Dinkins, Tom Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 11236607
    Abstract: A system that can be deployed through production tubing in existing wells aid in eliminating the necessity to remove tubing from the well to install a gauge on the outside the production tubing or as part of the tubing string. The system comprises a hybrid tool which comprises a gauge system capable of being deployed through tubing to a pre-determined depth in the well. The gauge system comprises one or more wireless gauges to provide real time data from downhole to a surface location where the data are transferred to the surface using acoustic pressure travelling through production pipe and/or pressure pulses travelling through the produced fluid to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Tubel LLC
    Inventor: Paulo Tubel
  • Patent number: 11220902
    Abstract: A method for predicting a telemetry mode of a downhole tool includes receiving a signal from the downhole tool at a computing system at a surface. The method also includes predicting the telemetry mode of the downhole tool based on the signal. The method also includes switching a telemetry mode of the computing system to match the telemetry mode of the downhole tool. The method also includes demodulating the signal using the computing system after the telemetry mode of the computing system has been switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David Conn
  • Patent number: 11143021
    Abstract: A resonant receiver for electromagnetic telemetry of wellbore-related data can be used to improve signal reception for transmitting or receiving low-amplitude downhole signals that include noise. A system can comprise a surface assembly with an antenna for wirelessly communicating signals with equipment positioned downhole in a wellbore. The surface assembly can comprise an amplifier and a tank circuit operable to resonate at a resonant frequency to pass a received signal at the resonant frequency to the amplifier while also shunting noise outside of the resonant frequency to ground. In some embodiments, a downhole transceiver in wireless communication with the surface assembly can comprise a similar tank circuit and amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick William Torbett, David Lyle, John Kenneth Snyder
  • Patent number: 11118446
    Abstract: A system and method are described which are useful for monitoring parameters of drilling fluid within a drilling system comprising a drilling assembly. The drilling assembly is connected between a drilling platform and a wellhead and is useful for more safely drilling a wellbore necessary for hydrocarbon exploration and production by signaling the occurrence of a kick. The drilling assembly comprises a reader module for reading data information of at least one RF tag dispersed in a returned drilling fluid. The data information of the RF tag is transmitted to a controller via a communication link to calculate related parameters of the returned drilling fluid. A method for monitoring parameters of drilling fluid, and an allied blowout preventer for a drilling system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Weihua Shang, Gang Cheng, Ran Niu, Yao Chen, Fengguo Tian
  • Patent number: 11108146
    Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool mandrel, an antenna disposed on the tool mandrel and including one or more coil windings wrapped about the tool mandrel, an antenna shield disposed about the antenna and including at least two pieces, and a constraining element to limit rotational motion of the antenna shield about the tool mandrel. The constraining element is disposed in a through hole defined in the antenna shield and a cavity defined in the tool mandrel, and the antenna shield and the tool mandrel are coupled to each other via an interference fit between the constraining element and the through hole and the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Minh Dang Nguyen, Lay Wei Ang
  • Patent number: 11060394
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for downhole measurement during operation of a drilling system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Diana Westerwaal Gheorghe, Jan-Jette Blangé, Paul Anthony Donegan McClure
  • Patent number: 10929620
    Abstract: A harmonic tag system includes a harmonic tag and a first antenna configured to receive a fundamental signal and transmit an identifier of the harmonic tag at a fundamental frequency. The harmonic tag system includes an energy harvesting unit configured to convert the fundamental signal into power. The power activates a sensor. The harmonic tag system also includes a harmonic doubler configured to generate a harmonic signal at a harmonic frequency based on (i) the fundamental signal and (ii) a sequence. The harmonic tag system further includes a digital modulation unit configured to selectively trigger an activation of the harmonic doubler. The harmonic doubler is triggered sequentially in an off state and an on state, and the digital modulation unit produces the sequence. The harmonic tag system also includes a second antenna configured to transmit data of the sensor at the harmonic frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Premjeet Chahal, Saikat Mondal
  • Patent number: 10901106
    Abstract: Discriminating between a cable locating signal and a false cable locating signal is described. A reference signal, which contains a locating signal frequency impressed on it, is transmitted in a way which provides for detection of a phase shift between the locating signal and the false locating signal. Based on the phase shift, a receiver is used to distinguish the locating signal from the false locating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau
  • Patent number: 10815768
    Abstract: A disclosed subsurface detection system includes a first communication device positioned in a borehole and configured to scan a plurality of frequencies in at least a portion of an annulus surrounding an exterior of a tubing including the casing string in the borehole or an interior of the tubing including the casing string. The plurality of frequencies include a first frequency corresponding to a first type of RFID tag and a second frequency corresponding to a second type of RFID tag. The first communication device is further configured to detect a response to the scan from an RFID tag of the first type or the second type in the portion of the annulus or the interior of the tubing. The system further includes a processor configured to receive communication of the detected response from the first communication device, and based on the detected response, determine one or more characteristics of an environment around the corresponding RFID tag (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Yusef H. Alaas, William J. Schaecher, Thanh T. Tran, Krishna Ravi
  • Patent number: 10753196
    Abstract: A system or apparatus for use in downhole communication or detection comprises a downhole arrangement defining a throughbore and primary and secondary elements. One of the primary and secondary elements is provided on the downhole arrangement and the other of the primary and secondary elements is provided in the throughbore. The primary and secondary elements are configurable for coupling of an electromagnetic field therebetween. The primary or secondary element which is provided in the throughbore may be provided on a tool such as a shifting tool which is deployable through the throughbore. The secondary element may be configured to provide the electromagnetic field coupled between the first and second elements with one or more characteristic features. The system may be configured for use, in particular though not exclusively, for communicating information to and/or from a downhole tool in an oil or gas well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh Clarkson, Daniel George Purkis, Matthew Knight
  • Patent number: 10669840
    Abstract: A downhole system (10, 110, 210) includes a tubular (18) having a longitudinal axis (32), and a trace (46) applied on the tubular (18). The trace (46) includes a conductive portion (60) formed from an electrically conductive material (58) and the trace (46) is configured to deliver a signal between uphole and downhole locations of the tubular (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Shailesh Shashank Dighe, Antonio Bottiglieri, Andrew Christopher Holley, Li Li, Timothy T. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 10584576
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include well ranging apparatus and systems that comprise well casing material installed in a well, well cement attached to the well casing material, and a device to conduct electromagnetic waves, the device disposed along a length of the well, substantially parallel to the well casing material, the device to be used in direct transmission or backscatter transmission of ranging signals. In some embodiments, the device comprises at least one of a conductor, an insulated conductor, a coaxial cable, a waveguide, a capacitor, or an inductor. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsu-Hsiang Wu, Yijing Fan
  • Patent number: 10408004
    Abstract: This system invention relates to the use of short hop communications to transfer data between 2 modules inside a well. A system deployed in a well permanently or semi-permanently collects data from downhole parameters such as pressure, temperature, vibration, flow and fluid identification and stores the information in the system memory. The receiver module is deployed in the well via slick line, electric line or coil tubing with the purpose of retrieving the data from the system memory by interfacing with the downhole module via wireless short hop communications. The receiver module can also send commands into the downhole module to change its data collection parameters. Upon completion of the data transfer, the collector is returned to the surface where the data is again wirelessly transferred to a processing system such as a Personal Computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Tubel Energy LLC
    Inventor: Paulo Tubel
  • Patent number: 10267143
    Abstract: A drilling area network hub is located proximate to a drill rig and includes an uphole transceiver in bidirectional communication with a downhole transceiver by utilizing the drill string as an electrical conductor. Certain information is collected including rig-based and/or location information. At least one field report is generated based on the certain information to characterize at least one of an inground operation, an operational condition of the downhole transceiver, an operational condition of the uphole transceiver, and an operational condition of the drill rig. A drilling area network server receives the field report from the Internet at a remote location and can generate a custom report and/or recommended actions based on field data. Region specific parameters can be applied to the operation of a drilling system. The drilling area network hub can transfer data logs to the remote location according to assigned priorities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hall
  • Patent number: 10228483
    Abstract: A permanent monitoring tool is provided and disposed in a wellbore. Measurements are made at different times using the permanent monitoring tool on a region of a formation penetrated by the wellbore. One or more properties of the formation are inferred at one or more depths of investigation within the region using the measurements. Any changes in the one or more inferred formation properties are determined and one or more reservoir management decisions are made based on the determined changes. The well may be an observation well, an injector well, or a production well. The permanent monitoring tool may be a magnetic resonance tool or an electromagnetic tool. The measurements may be stacked to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal. Different depths of investigation may be selected using antenna arrays of different lengths. The inferred properties may be saturation or resistivity. Conductive or non-conductive casing may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrea Valori, Mohammed Badri, Reza Taherian
  • Patent number: 10167715
    Abstract: Mechanisms for induction-based resistivity measurements can be provided for use in geo-steering in a drilling operations environment. An antenna assembly can provide effective protection for antenna sections without hindering propagation of electromagnetic signals. The antenna assembly can include a bobbin disposed about a collar of a tool string; an antenna disposed on an outer surface of the bobbin; an outer adhesive layer covering the antenna and at least a portion of the bobbin; and a protective layer disposed against the outer adhesive layer; wherein the outer adhesive layer fills a space radially between the bobbin and the protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazi M. Rashid, Michael J. Levchak, Alexei Korovin
  • Patent number: 10151808
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-detecting depth nuclear magnetic resonance logging tool and probe, and an antenna excitation method, the probe of nuclear magnetic resonance logging tool includes: a housing, a magnet and an antenna array apparatus; the magnet is fixedly arranged in the housing; the antenna array apparatus includes at least two groups of antenna arrays distributed along circumference of the magnet, and each group of antenna arrays include N layers of independently fed antennas; k-th layer antenna is arranged between the magnet and (k+1)-th layer antenna, k=1, 2, . . . N?1; the antenna is fixed on a support, and the support is fixedly connected to the housing. In the present invention, stratum information detection at different azimuth angles is achieved by exciting different antenna arrays, so that circumferential recognizing capability of nuclear magnetic resonance logging tool probe is improved and three-dimensional (radial, axial and circumferential) stratum detection is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM-BEIJING
    Inventors: Lizhi Xiao, Zhe Sun, Guangzhi Liao, Sihui Luo, Xin Li, Qunjie Du, Wei Liu, Weiliang Chen, Jie Wang
  • Patent number: 10122196
    Abstract: A battery charging arrangement including a communication borehole having a conductive component, a subject borehole having a conductive component, a surface conductor electrically connecting the communication borehole and the subject borehole, an inducer of a voltage difference between the communication borehole and the subject borehole, a portion of a formation in which the communication borehole and the subject borehole are defined, having a resistivity conducive of creation of a circuit, and a battery in one of the communication or subject boreholes configured to be charged using current from the circuit. A method for charging a battery in a downhole environment including electrically connecting at least two boreholes to one another, inducing voltage in the boreholes, creating a circuit through the boreholes and through a portion of a formation, charging the battery with the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Ernesto Sequera, John Wakefield
  • Patent number: 9920621
    Abstract: A magnetic system for determining the location of a wellbore component in a first string relative to a wellbore component in a second string. The system includes a circumferentially distributed array of magnets positioned in the first string that is operable to produce a magnetic field in the wellbore proximate the location of the array of magnets. A magnetic field detector is operably associated with the second string and is operable to detect a magnetic signature of the magnetic field. One of the first and second strings is stationary within the wellbore. The other of the first and second strings is moveable in the wellbore such that the magnetic field detector is moveable relative to the magnetic field and such that when the magnetic field detector identifies the magnetic signature, the location of the array of magnets is correlated with the magnetic field detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Frosell, Michael L. Fripp, Zachary R. Murphree
  • Patent number: 9810055
    Abstract: A drilling area network hub is located proximate to a drill rig and includes an uphole transceiver in bidirectional communication with a downhole transceiver by utilizing the drill string as an electrical conductor. Certain information is collected including rig-based and/or location information. At least one field report is generated based on the certain information to characterize at least one of an inground operation, an operational condition of the downhole transceiver, an operational condition of the uphole transceiver, and an operational condition of the drill rig. A drilling area network server receives the field report from the Internet at a remote location and can generate a custom report and/or recommended actions based on field data. Region specific parameters can be applied to the operation of a drilling system. The drilling area network hub can transfer data logs to the remote location according to assigned priorities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hall
  • Patent number: 9422811
    Abstract: A tool is to be used within a wellbore including a wall and extending into a formation with formation fluid. The tool includes a packer expandable against the wellbore wall with ports included within the packer to enable formation fluid to flow into the tool from the formation. The ports are arranged in a first port configuration optimized based upon a first predetermined formation property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sylvain Bedouet, Adriaan Gisolf, Cosan Ayan, Peter Hegeman, Ryan Sangjun Lee
  • Patent number: 9176246
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software can be used to identify properties of fractures in a subterranean zone. In some aspects, a basic plane orientation is determined for each of a plurality of basic planes. The basic planes are defined by coplanar subsets of microseismic event data from a fracture treatment of a subterranean zone. The quantity of the basic plane orientations in each of a plurality of ranges is calculated. In some implementations, a histogram is displayed to indicate the quantity of basic plane orientations in each of the orientation ranges. A dominant fracture orientation is identified for the subterranean zone based on one or more of the identified quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianfu Ma, Avi Lin, Harold Grayson Walters
  • Patent number: 9175558
    Abstract: A sensor array system includes a sensor array comprising a first sensor disposed underground and a second sensor disposed underground, and a processor communicatively coupled to the sensors of the sensor array, the processor operative to receive signals from the sensors of the sensor array indicative of seismic activity, and identify a position of a portion of a borehole machine operative to induce the seismic activity while disposed in an underground borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Theodore J. Vornbrock, Jr., Aaron M. Foulk, William Suliga, Thomas Pepin, Michael A. Toreno, Mark Olender, Richard Pitre
  • Patent number: 9062537
    Abstract: A set of instructions is stored on at least one computer readable medium running on a downhole computer system of a measurement while drilling (MWD) system. The set of instructions is used in extracting outputs from sensors and providing data streams having one or more data series (e.g., survey data, drilling data). The set of instructions further provide for transmitting the data series to a surface computer system and interrupting the data series based on one or more trigger events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Bench Tree Group, LLC
    Inventors: Aubrey Holt, Michael Brownlow, Greg Hill
  • Publication number: 20150145688
    Abstract: A sensor system and method for sensing conditions of a pipeline is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensors that sense a condition of the pipeline, generate a signal indicative of the condition, and communicate the signal. A pipeline device navigates the pipeline receives the signal, stores a value corresponding to the condition, and selectively communicates value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventor: Timothy Graff
  • Patent number: 9035789
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic down-hole asset monitoring is provided that monitors tagged down-hole assets wherein the assets travel into and out of an oil or gas well. A rig reader system, a controller and a computer incorporating a graphic user interface are connected to monitor tagged assets moving into and out of a drill head. The rig reader portion may be a ring shaped device having therein an integrated antenna array and radio frequency identification interrogators that interrogate an SAW or RFID tag as it moves through the ring shaped device. The integrated antenna array may include evenly distributed antennas about an interior surface of the ring shaped device that are covered by a radome that seals the antenna array and interrogators against contamination from caustic chemicals and other substances found on or around an oil rig platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HM ENERGY, LLC
    Inventors: Duke Loi, Tim Mueller, Kathleen Hanafan
  • Patent number: 9031505
    Abstract: A communications device is disclosed that includes a united integrated circuit card (UICC) that provides a single wire protocol (SWP) current signal to a near field communications (NFC) device. The SWP current signal is filtered by a filter to remove noise from the SWP current signal. The filter is precharged by a reference voltage when the SWP current signal is in a low state and then filters the SWP current signal when the SWP current signal is in a high state. A switching network provides the filter with the reference voltage to precharge when the SWP is current signal is in the low state and then provides the filter with the SWP current signal to filter when the SWP current signal is in the high state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Europe Limited
    Inventor: David John Miles
  • Publication number: 20150123808
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features are directed to an electric subsurface safety valve including an integrated communications system that can be disposed in a wellbore. The electric subsurface safety valve can include a body adapted to be coupled to a cable, a communications system disposed in the body, and a closure mechanism. The body can be disposed within the wellbore. The communications system can include one or more transceiving devices and a processing device. The transceiving devices can communicate signals via the cable to a rig at the surface and can wirelessly communicate signals to target tool in the well system. The processing device can process signals received by the one or more transceiving devices for communication via the cable. The closure mechanism can be positioned in a passageway defined by the wellbore and can control a flow of fluid to through the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Dan Vick, JR., Bruce Edward Scott, Joseph Steven Grieco
  • Publication number: 20150102938
    Abstract: A telemetry system and method of downhole communication is disclosed. A first electromagnetic signal propagates through a first annular region between a work string and a wellbore wall and is received at an electromagnetic receiver of a repeater. A second electromagnetic signal related to the received first electromagnetic signal is created at a processing unit coupled to the electromagnetic receiver. The second electromagnetic signal is transmitted from a transmitter of the repeater into a second annular region between the work string and the wellbore wall. The repeater may be detachably coupled to the work string and may facilitate communication between a first communication device at one of an uphole location and a downhole location and a second communication device at another of the uphole location and the downhole location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Ellen E. Read
  • Patent number: 8994550
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Guillaume Millot, Erwann Lemenager
  • Publication number: 20150061885
    Abstract: A sub for a wired pipe system that includes a body includes an outer surface and a pin end and a first transmission device located in or near the pin end. The sub also includes a communication collar that at least partially surrounds the outer surface and that is rotatable relative to the body, a second transmission device in electrical communication with the first transmission device and a transmission line that electrically connects the first and second communication devices and that passes at least partially through the body. The sub further includes a third transmission device located in the communication collar in communication with the second transmission device. In the disclosed sub, the first, second and third transmission devices are all of the same type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephan Mueller, Ingo Roders, Kai Schoenborn
  • Patent number: 8947256
    Abstract: An intelligent monitoring system for a sucker rod including a monitor center, a remote wireless communication equipment communicating with the monitor center and connected with a movement detection and storage equipment of the sucker rod, a radio frequency reader/writer, and a radio frequency storage chip. The movement detection and storage equipment of the sucker rod is connected with the radio frequency reader/writer. The radio frequency storage chip is disposed on the sucker rod to store the information of the sucker rod. The monitoring system can detect and record reciprocating or circumvolving movement of the sucker rod as well as the motion state of the sucker rod in an oil well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Shandong Nine-Ring Petroleum Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minchang Xin, Haifeng Zhang, Tian Sang, Weihua Mao, Jialu Tang, Liang Yin, Juguo Zhang, Xinfang Yang
  • Publication number: 20150015411
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Michael H. Johnson