Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring data from a logging tool to a surface computer that involves attaching a stand-alone data dump device to the logging tool after the logging tool has gathered data about downhole parameters. After attaching the data dump device, data contained in a memory of the logging tool is copied to a memory of the data dump device. In one embodiment, once data copying between the logging tool and data dump device is complete, the data dump device is disconnected from the logging tool and connected to a surface computer which reads the data previously copied to the data dump device. A second embodiment of the data dump device has a radio frequency communication link between the surface computer and the data dump device to allow a wireless communication between the surface computer and the data dump device and/or logging tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting data downhole in a well bore, even during drilling operations, are disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises an antenna and some associated electronic circuitry. The antenna includes a plurality of arrayed transceiver elements and the electronic circuitry steers transmission or reception through the antenna by controlling the application of power to the array elements. In operation, a transceiver unit containing such an antenna is positioned proximate a remote sensor placed into a formation. An electromagnetic signal is then steered to communicate with the remote sensor over a wireless link.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise in borehole electromagnetic telemetry systems in which a signal receiver is positioned at a distance from a drill site borehole at which the signal receiver couples strongly to a signal from a signal transmitter disposed in the borehole and weakly to drill site noise emanating from the drill borehole, a noise receiver is positioned at a distance from the drill site borehole at which the noise receiver couples substantially only to magnetotelluric and/or drill site noise, the contributions of the magnetotelluric noise and drill site noise are determined, and subtracted from the signal received by the signal receiver, resulting in a reduced noise signal.

Abstract: Data or control signals are communicated over a three phase power cable supplying power from a surface location to a motor/pump assembly located within a wellbore utilizing modulated radio frequency signals. The radio frequency signals may be impressed on the power cable through physical taps to the power cable conductors or by reactive coupling to the power cable. The transmission frequency is selected from a range of frequencies which propagate through the motor windings and up the power cable with sufficient amplitude to be received and processed. The modulated RF signal may be transmitted concurrently with the three phase power on the power cable, and simultaneous bidirectional communications between the surface and downhole locations may be supported utilizing, for example, discrete frequencies for transmission in different directions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic borehole telemetry system providing improved signal to noise ratio. Adaptive filters use noise channels as references to remove noise from the signal channel. Improved sensors provide noise channels with reduced signal content. Motion sensors are used to detect noise and provide a noise channel free of signal content. The motion sensors are shielded from electromagnetic signals to prevent detection of the telemetry signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing an elongated sub body adapted to receive a run-in tool within its inner bore. The run-in tool including nuclear sources and sensors to provide nuclear formation evaluation while tripping. The nuclear sources and sensors align with partially or fully penetrating windows in the sub to allow for measurements through the sub. The sub wall includes an inner passage adapted to direct radiation energy emitted from within the sub back to the sub bore to align the run-in tool within the sub. The sub also includes fully penetrating openings in its walls to provide through-tubular signal passage. Hydraulic isolation at the sub openings is provided by pressure barrier means. A run-in tool configuration also includes antennas, neutron, and gamma-ray sources/sensors to provide a retrievable triple combo system.

Abstract: Devices and methods for incorporating a gap sub assembly into a drill string to electrically isolate portions of a transmitter assembly within, for example, an MWD tool located within the drill string. The gap sub assembly incorporates upper and lower subs having an insulated interconnection. A central conductor assembly is axially disposed within the lower sub and does not extend through the length of the gap sub. The central conductor assembly is used to transmit electrical power and data across the gap sub assembly between the upper portions of the drill string and transmitter components housed within the MWD tool disposed below the gap sub assembly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing noise in a measured telemetry signal. The method includes tracking a characteristic of at least one harmonic of a noise component in the measured telemetry signal band. The at least one harmonic has a frequency outside a telemetry signal band. The characteristic of the noise component is determined for at least one other harmonic thereof. The at least one other harmonic has a frequency inside the telemetry signal band. A noise reference is generated from the characteristic of the in band harmonic, and the noise reference is combined with the measured telemetry signal to generate a noise-canceled telemetry signal.

Abstract: A method of monitoring service operations performed on a well involves creating, directly at the well site, a cohesive report of what work was done to the well and which of several contractors did the work. The report includes supporting data generated by one or more transducers. The transducers sense various conditions of a process or service operation, which is being performed by a contractor with the assistance of a special service vehicle. The report is computer generated and can be conveyed from a remote well site to a home base location using two computers communicating across a wireless communication link. The method is particularly useful when the work at the well involves several independent contractors using different service vehicles to perform different service operations.

Abstract: An antenna structure is separately and independently formed with respect to a downhole tool. The antenna is adapted for easy and rapid deployment on the tool. An independently formed ‘partial ring section’ (or arcuate shaped member) contains an antenna coil. In one embodiment, two or more of the independently formed partial ring sections are placed in a recess on the tubular forming the downhole tool. In another embodiment, the partial ring sections can also be placed in one or more longitudinally distributed sections about the tool. Another embodiment includes partial ring sections forming an antenna with multiple coils of differing orientation to provide directional sensitivity.

Abstract: A boring tool is moved through the ground in a region which includes at least one electrically conductive in-ground line and which is subject to static magnetic fields including tie magnetic field of the earth.

Abstract: A downhole electromagnetic telemetry system with an increased data rate is disclosed. In one embodiment, a PSK data transmission system is used to transmit data in a downhole electromagnetic telemetry system for Measure While Drilling (MWD) applications. MWD applications suffer from data rates that are not well suited for the ever-increasing amount of data that needs to be transmitted. One method of increasing the data rate includes increasing the carrier frequency, but this can cause undesirable signal attenuation and distortion. Conversely, decreasing the carrier frequency provides the reward of a stronger signal at the risk of aliasing, especially with wide bandwidth signals. A derivation is disclosed predicting that the frequency may actually be decreased while increasing the number of phase states to achieve a higher data rate, without affecting the bandwidth. The system and method disclosed may advantageously provide a robust, low-power electromagnetic telemetry system with an increased data rate.

Abstract: An electromagnetic borehole telemetry system providing improved signal to noise ratio. Adaptive filters use noise channels as references to remove noise from the signal channel. Directional detectors provide a signal channel with reduced noise content and improved noise channels with reduced signal content. Directional detectors may be magnetometers aligned with the magnetic field, or antennas aligned with the electric field, of signal or noise sources. Alignment may be performed by beam steering of the outputs of a three-channel detector, which may detect both signal and noise.

Abstract: The present invention comprises tools (20) for deployment downhole in a wellbore for aiding in the production of hydrocarbons. In an exemplary embodiment, the tools (20) comprise a tool body (24); an electrically powered device (22) disposed proximate the tool body (24); a removable power source (26) for providing power to the device disposed in the tool body (24), the power source connected to or mounted into or about the tool body (24), the power source (26) further being fixed or replaceable downhole; and a wireless communications device (57) operatively connected to the electrically powered device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole communication and measurement utilizing an improved metallic tubular having an elongated body with tubular walls and a central bore adapted to receive a run-in tool. The tubular including slotted stations to provide through-tubular signal transmission and/or reception. Hydraulic isolation between the interior and exterior of the tubular is provided by pressure barrier means at the slotted stations. Sensors and/or sources are mounted on the run-in tool, which is adapted for transmission through a drill string to engage within the tubular in alignment with the slotted stations. A run-in tool configuration includes a modulator for real-time wireless communication with the surface and/or remote downhole tools. A tubular and run-in tool configuration also includes inductive couplers for wireless signal data transfer. A method for measuring a formation characteristic utilizing a run-in tool adapted with an interchangeable end segment for multi-mode downhole transport.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole communication and measurement utilizing an improved metallic tubular having an elongated body with tubular walls and a central bore adapted to receive a run-in tool. The tubular including slotted stations to provide through-tubular signal transmission and/or reception. Hydraulic isolation between the interior and exterior of the tubular is provided by pressure barrier means at the slotted stations. Sensors and/or sources are mounted on the run-in tool, which is adapted for transmission through a drill string to engage within the tubular in alignment with the slotted stations. A run-in tool configuration includes a modulator for real-time wireless communication with the surface and/or remote downhole tools. A tubular and run-in tool configuration also includes inductive couplers for wireless signal data transfer. A method for measuring a formation characteristic utilizing a run-in tool adapted with an interchangeable end segment for multi-mode downhole transport.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole communication and measurement utilizing an improved metallic tubular having an elongated body with tubular walls and a central bore adapted to receive a run-in tool. The tubular including slotted stations to provide through-tubular signal transmission and/or reception. Hydraulic isolation between the interior and exterior of the tubular is provided by pressure barrier means at the slotted stations. Sensors and/or sources are mounted on the run-in tool, which is adapted for transmission through a drill string to engage within the tubular in alignment with the slotted stations. A run-in tool configuration includes a modulator for real-time wireless communication with the surface and/or remote downhole tools. A tubular and run-in tool configuration also includes inductive couplers for wireless signal data transfer. A method for measuring a formation characteristic utilizing a run-in tool adapted with an interchangeable end segment for multi-mode downhole transport.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole communication and measurement utilizing an improved metallic tubular having an elongated body with tubular walls and a central bore adapted to receive a run-in tool. The tubular including slotted stations to provide through-tubular signal transmission and/or reception. Hydraulic isolation between the interior and exterior of the tubular is provided by pressure barrier means at the slotted stations. Sensors and/or sources are mounted on the run-in tool, which is adapted for transmission through a drill string to engage within the tubular in alignment with the slotted stations. A run-in tool configuration includes a modulator for real-time wireless communication with the surface and/or remote downhole tools. A tubular and run-in tool configuration also includes inductive couplers for wireless signal data transfer. A method for measuring a formation characteristic utilizing a run-in tool adapted with an interchangeable end segment for multi-mode downhole transport.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for use in well, subsea, and oilfield-related environments employs one or more wireless network devices that offer short-range wireless communication between devices without the need for a central network which may have a device using a BLUETOOTH protocol. The system may be used for telemetry, depth correlation, guidance systems, actuating tools, among other uses. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for establishing electrical connection to permanent downhole oilfield installations using an electrically insulated conducting casing. Current is caused to flow in the casing by a source on the surface connected to the casing. One or more permanent downhole installations are electrically connected to the casing, and the electrical connection to the casing is used to power the downhole installations. The downhole installations also inject a signal into the insulated casing that passes via the casing to a surface readout which detects and records the downhole signals.

Abstract: An electromagnetic antenna extension assembly for connection downhole into a pipe string between a data transmission unit and an electromagnetic antenna. Further, a method for connecting the data transmission unit with the antenna utilizing the assembly. The antenna includes an outer antenna member and an inner antenna member having a lower electrical connector. The data transmission unit includes an outer transmission member and an inner data transmission tool having an upper electrical connector connectable with the lower connector of the inner antenna member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for establishing electrical connection to permanent downhole oilfield installations using an electrically insulated conducting casing. Current is caused to flow in the casing by a source on the surface connected to the casing. One or more permanent downhole installations are electrically connected to the casing, and the electrical connection to the casing is used to power the downhole installations. The downhole installations also inject a signal into the insulated casing that passes via the casing to a surface readout which detects and records the downhole signals.

Abstract: A system of physical optics is provided which is employed in the design of indoor wireless communication systems, where transmitters are placed and oriented within a model of a building complex. The system provides for forward tracing of rays, which makes practical signal coverage displays that respond interactively to communication system design changes. The physical optics system consists of a method of generating semi-rectangular cone elements covering space, and a method of enumerating receiver test points within each cone for accumulation and display of electromagnetic signal coverage.

Abstract: A telemetry transmitter located in a portion of a drill string comprises an input for receiving and transmitting data obtained from at least one transducer arranged to sense a parameter of the drill string and/or a parameter of the surrounding medium. The transmitter comprises a magnetic dipole arranged to transmit an electromagnetic data signal, a current dipole arranged to transmit an electromagnetic data signal and control means for adaptively varying the power output from the magnetic and current dipoles, according to the orientation of the portion of the drill string containing the transmitter and according to the electrical resistivity of the medium surrounding the portion of the drill string containing the transmitter.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for communicating with the remote sensing unit, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing a internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit. The remote sensing unit is an active device with the capability of responding to control commands by determining certain subsurface formation characteristics such as pressure or temperature, and transmitting corresponding data values to a wellbore tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for connecting two metal parts. The device comprises a first element (1) having a female conical surface and a second element (5) having a male conical surface, at least one of the two surfaces being coated with a thin layer (12) of an electrically insulating material. The two elements (1, 5) are inserted one inside the other so that they are mechanically joined and electrically insulated.

Abstract: A well servicing system includes a vehicle that travels to perform a service operation at several well sites while monitoring and recording data that reflects the performance of the operation at each site, and then associates that data with unique well site identifiers. The information is stored and secured against tampering to provide a reliable record of what work was done at each particular well site.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for automated control and positioning of a mandrel within a pipe during bending operations. Position detection is accomplished by means of a low frequency electromagnetic signal transmission from a coil placed in close proximity parallel to the pipe outer surface. This signal is detected by a pair of orthogonal receiving coils mounted on the mandrel in close proximity to the pipe inner surface. The phases of the received signals with respect to the transmitted signal and the ratio of the amplitudes of the two received signals is used to estimate the relative position of the transmitter and the receivers. Control of the mandrel along with transmission of reference phase information is accomplished via a high frequency direct sequence spread spectrum radio link between a computer console outside the pipe mounted on the bender and a computer unit mounted inside the pipe on the mandrel.

Abstract: A downhole magnetic hollow core dipole antenna has a high permeability material magnetic core composed of laminated sections placed around a section of drill pipe and running substantially along the length of the pipe. The magnetic core is then surrounded by electrically conductive windings, which in turn are surrounded by a protective sleeve which, if conductive, is split to prevent power-robbing eddy current generation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use down a bore hole to reduce the viscosity of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid in the bore hole. The apparatus includes a housing having a size for disposition in the bore hole. At least one ultrasonic transducer is carried by the housing. The ultrasonic transducer preferably has an active element changeable from a first shape to a second shape in the presence of an electromagnetic field. An electromagnetic field is provided through at least a portion of the active element to change the shape of the active element. An acoustic element is coupled to the active element for providing ultrasonic energy to the hydrocarbon-containing fluid in the bore hole. A method for reducing the viscosity of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid in a bore hole is additionally provided.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pickup apparatus (46) and method for use of the same is disclosed. The apparatus (46) comprises a probe (60) that is insertable into a bore hole (64) or a trench (70) and a conductive backfill composition (62) that substantially surrounds the probe (60) having intimate contact with the probe (60) and the earth, thereby establishing a highly electrically conductive region (66) between the probe (60) and the earth.

Abstract: Wireless integrated miniature sensing stations which can be organized into a communicating network allow sensitive detection and analysis of vibration, infrared radiation, sound, or other physical signals indicative of an intruder or condition to be monitored over a wide area. The sensing stations operate on low power and include a sensor or sensors, a digital signal processor, a microprocessor, and a wireless transceiver for communication. Network communication is facilitated by multiple relayed transmissions from station to station.