Abstract: A downhole tool interface is connected to a downhole tool at a surface location. The downhole tool interface retrieves downhole information and wirelessly transmits the downhole information to a remote computing device. The downhole tool interface remains connected to the downhole tool during storage and/or transportation. The downhole tool interface collects status information to transmit to a remote computing device, allowing a drilling operator to better understand the conditions during storage and/or transportation.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present disclosure may position a cementing tool within a casing string of a wellbore. Such a system may include a fiber optic cable coupled to the cementing tool and may include a distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system interrogator positionable at a surface of the wellbore for transmitting an optical signal through the fiber optic cable such that a plurality of temperatures along the fiber optic cable may be identified. A reel may be used when dispensing the fiber optic cable from a first end of the fiber optic cable in response to a tension in the fiber optic cable as the cementing tool travels down the casing string behind a cement composition. A processor in communication with the DTS system may be configured to monitor the plurality of temperatures along the fiber optic cable while the cement composition cures.

Abstract: A non-rotary joint for connecting a static component to a rotatable component includes an adapter on a rotatable part. A motor is joined to rotate the rotatable part. A connector is joined to the static component. The connector can be moved by an actuator from a first position joined with the adapter to a second position positioned away from the adapter. A controller is joined to control the motor and the actuator. The controller signals the actuator to move to the second position when the motor is activated and signals the actuator to move to the first position when said motor is deactivated. In a practical embodiment, the non-rotary joint makes a connection between a static signal carrier and a cable on a winch drum.

Abstract: A multi-channel remote audio monitoring device based on a heterodyne interferometric laser Doppler vibrometer. The multi-channel remote audio monitoring device transmits two invisible laser beams to a reflecting surface being vibrated by sound sources in the proximity. Reflected beams constituting two channels are then received back and converted into audible signals for on-line listening and on-line storing. Aforementioned signals can also be processed for on-line noise reduction purposes through a graphical user interface and a filtering module.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the use of partially reflective materials and coatings for optical communications in a wellbore environment are provided. In one embodiment, methods for remote communication in a wellbore comprise: positioning an optical fiber in the wellbore, wherein at least a portion of the optical fiber comprises a partially reflective coating; transmitting an output optical signal from an optical source through the optical fiber; and receiving a reflected optical signal from the optical fiber at an optical detector, wherein at least one optical property of the reflected optical signal is indicative of a downhole condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods regarding a reel, downhole tool, control system, and rotary joint. The reel is disposed at a wellsite surface and containing coiled tubing. A first optical conductor is carried with the coiled tubing. The downhole tool is connected to the coiled tubing for conveyance within the wellbore via the coiled tubing. The control system is disposed at the wellsite surface. The rotary joint is disposed in association with the reel and transmits optical communications between the control system and at least one of the downhole tool and the coiled tubing disposed within the wellbore, via at least the first optical conductor and a second optical conductor extending at least partially between the rotary joint and the control system.

Abstract: A dual use cable includes at least one fiber optic cable encased in a metallic component that is encased in a layer of polymer material. The polymer material is surrounded by a tube or armor wire strength members embedded in one or two additional polymer material layers. A final assembly can include an outer metallic component or an outer layer of polymer material. The at least one fiber optic cable transmits data and the armor wire strength members and/or metallic components transmit at least one of electrical power and data.

Abstract: A system that is positionable in a wellbore in a subterranean formation can include a first transceiver that is positionable external to a casing string in the wellbore. The first transceiver can wirelessly transmit data using a modulation technique that is selected from among multiple modulation techniques based on a fluid property of a fluid in the wellbore and a property of the subterranean formation. The system can also include a second transceiver that is positionable in the wellbore and operable to receive the data.

Abstract: This application describes methods and apparatus for downhole monitoring in real-time. The method involves interrogating an unmodified optic fiber (102) arranged along the path of a well bore (106) to provide a distributed acoustic sensor and sampling data gathered from a plurality of sensing portions of the fiber. The sampled data is then processed to provide a real-time indication of the acoustic signals detected by the sensing portions of the fiber. The real-time indication provides information to an operator or controller of the downwell process with real-time feedback data regarding what is happening during the downwell process which allows the identification of any problems and adjustment of the process parameters.

Abstract: A system includes a light source and a nonlinear converter optically coupled to and remote from the light source. The nonlinear light converter converts a light pulse received from the light source to a broadened or spectrum-shifted light pulse. The system also includes a sensor in situ with the nonlinear light converter. The sensor performs a sense operation based on the broadened or spectrum-shifted light pulse and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the sense operation. The system also includes an electro-optical interface in situ with the sensor that transforms the electrical signal to an optical signal for conveyance to a signal collection interface.

Abstract: A downhole optical system can include an optical fiber disposed in a subterranean well, and an optical fiber amplifier which amplifies optical power in a core of the optical fiber in the well, the amplifier being optically pumped with optical power in another core of the optical fiber in the well. Another downhole optical system can include an optical fiber disposed in a subterranean well, the optical fiber comprising multiple cores, and an optical fiber amplifier comprising multiple cores optically coupled respectively to the optical fiber multiple cores in the well.

Abstract: A coiled tubing tractor assembly including a hydraulically powered tractor coupled to a coiled tubing having a fiber optic therethrough to provide communicative means, for example, to a monitor coupled to the tractor. The fiber optic may also be employed to control movement of the coiled tubing tractor. Additionally, a diagnostic tool may be coupled to the tractor wherein the tractor provides a communicative link between the diagnostic tool and the monitoring device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optics with increased acoustic sensitivity are provided. Acoustic sensing of a wellbore, pipeline, or other conduit/tube based on DAS may have increased acoustic sensitivity through fiber optic cable design and/or increasing the Rayleigh backscatter property of a fiber's optical core. Some embodiments may utilize a resonant sensor mechanism with a high Q coupled to the DAS device for increased acoustic sensitivity.

Abstract: A visualization system for visualizing data obtained in a borehole includes a processor configured to process the data based on user input and instructions and provide output for display on a display device. The system may also include a computer-readable medium configured to store the instructions, the instructions including commands to output values of two or more types of parameters at two or more depth values. The instructions may include commands to provide a perspective top-down or bottom-up fly-through display of the borehole including a zoomed-in image of values closest to a user. The processor may also output a display of a photographic image at each of the two or more depth values based on a correspondence between the values of the two or more types of parameters and the plurality of parameters associated with the photographic image.

Abstract: A telemetry apparatus and method for communicating data from a down-hole location through a borehole to the surface is described including a light source, an optical fiber being placed along the length of the wellbore and receiving light from the light source, a transducer located such as to produce a force field (e.g. a magnetic field) across the optical fiber and its protective hull without mechanical penetration of the hull at the down-hole location, one or more sensors for measuring down-hole conditions and/or parameters, a controller to provide a modulated signal to the magnetic field generator, said modulated signal being under operating conditions representative of measurements by the one or more sensors, and an optical detector adapted to detect changes in the light intensity or polarization of light passing through the fiber.

Abstract: An ensemble including a pipe for transporting substances which can flow, the pipe having a structure forming a coaxial transmission line including: a first tubular layer of electrically conductive material; a second tubular layer of electrically conductive material; and at least one first layer of dielectric material mounted in-between the first and the second layers of electrically conductive material, such that: the first layer of electrically conductive material forms an outer conductor of a section of the coaxial transmission line; the second layer of electrically conductive material forms an inner conductor of the section of the coaxial transmission line, and further including an electromagnetic coupler coupling the coaxial transmission line with a complementary coaxial transmission line carried by a pipe complementary to the pipe.

Abstract: An optical device (32) transfers an optical signal to or from an electronics unit (30) used in relation to downhole equipment of a drilling operation. The device includes a body (38) and an optical signal direction or light path altering means (40), the body having a light path arranged to allow the optical signal from a light source (16,18) associated with the electronics unit to pass to the optical signal direction altering means, the optical signal direction altering means arranged to cause the optical signal to change direction of travel within the body of the optical device.

Abstract: Mitigating back reflection in fiber optic cables when coupling two fiber optic cables, for example, for implementing in harsh environments including wellbores. As described below, light from a source can travel toward a target through a first fiber optic cable and a second fiber optic cable coupled to the first fiber optic cable using a coupling system. The two fiber optic cables can be coupled such that all or a portion of back reflection at the coupling part is absorbed rather than permitted to travel back toward the source through the first fiber optic cable.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for hybrid cable telemetry. The methods can include positioning a toolstring in a wellbore. The toolstring can include an uphole telemetry cartridge and a downhole telemetry cartridge respectively adapted to send and receive telemetry data. The toolstring can also include a hybrid logging cable having optical fibers and copper conductors that can operatively couple the uphole telemetry cartridge to the downhole telemetry cartridge. The method can also include transferring data between the uphole telemetry cartridge and the downhole telemetry cartridge across the optical fibers and the copper conductors. The method can further include measuring a data transmission rate on the optical fibers and the copper conductors. The method can also include comparing the data transmission rate to a predetermined threshold. The method can further include detecting a data transmission failure when the data transmission rate falls below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Non-contacting means of measuring the material velocities of harmonic acoustic telemetry waves travelling along the wall of drillpipe, production tubing or coiled tubing are disclosed. Also disclosed are contacting means, enabling measurement of accelerations or material velocities associated with acoustic telemetry waves travelling along the wall of the tubing, utilizing as a detector either a wireless accelerometer system or an optical means, or both; these may also be applied to mud pulse telemetry, wherein the telemetry waves are carried via the drilling fluid, causing strain in the pipe wall that in turn causes wall deformation that can be directly or indirectly assessed by optical means. The present invention enables detection of telemetry wave detection in space-constrained situations. The invention also teaches a substantially contactless method of determining the time-based changes of the propagating telemetry waves.

Abstract: A method of logging a well can include conveying an optical waveguide and at least one signal generator with a conveyance into the well, causing the signal generator to generate at least one signal in the well, and receiving the signal as distributed along the optical waveguide. A well logging system can include a conveyance with an optical waveguide, and at least one signal generator which is conveyed by the conveyance into a well with the optical waveguide, whereby the signal generator generates at least one signal received with the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A sensing and data acquisition system may provide a sensing assembly including a signal conditioner to receive an electrical signal from a sensor affixed onto an asset and supply an encoded digital representation of a sensed parameter. An acoustic modem may be connected to the signal conditioner to receive the encoded digital representation of the sensed parameter and transmit an acoustic signal based on the encoded digital representation of the sensed parameter. A data acquisition line may be proximate to the asset and may be non-contactively coupled to the sensing assembly. The data acquisition line may include an optical fiber acoustically coupled to the acoustic modem and responsive to the encoded digital representation of the sensed parameter transmitted by the modem to effect an optical change in an acoustically-responsive portion of the fiber. The optical change may be measurable to detect the encoded digital representation of the sensed asset parameter.

Abstract: A disclosed system for downhole time domain reflectometry (TDR) includes a surface electro-optical interface, a downhole electro-optical interface, a fiber-optic cable that couples the surface electro-optical interface and the downhole electro-optical interface, and an electrical transmission line that extends from the downhole electro-optical interface into a wellbore environment to enable TDR operations. A described method for downhole TDR includes transmitting an optical signal to a downhole environment, converting the optical signal to an electrical signal in the downhole environment, reflecting the electrical signal using an electrical transmission line in the downhole environment, analyzing data corresponding to the reflected electrical signal, and displaying a result of the analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are wireline tool systems including a casing collar locator tool and one or more logging tool(s). The logging tool(s) collects information regarding a formation property or a physical condition downhole, and produces a modulated magnetic field to communicate at least some of the collected information. The casing collar locator tool includes a light source and a sensor. The light source transmits light along an optical fiber in accordance with a sensor signal. The sensor produces the sensor signal in response to magnetic field changes attributable to passing collars in a casing string, and to the modulated magnetic field produced by the logging tool(s). Related telemetry methods are also described.

Abstract: A system for measuring a parameter within a well comprises a first and second apparatus. The first apparatus comprises a first reel of first wound optic fiber line (or fiber) able to be unwound from the first reel and at least a first sensor able to measure the parameter of the well, wherein information on the parameter can be transmitted through the first optic fiber. The second apparatus comprises a second reel of second wound optic fiber line able to be unwound from the second reel, an extremity of the second optic fiber being fixed to a reference point. A light transmitter or receiver device is linked to the reference point and able to generate or detect a light pulse through the second optic fiber line. Means to exchange the light pulse between first and second optic fiber line are also provided.

Abstract: A wellbore measurement instrument includes a housing configured to move along an interior of a wellbore. At least one sensor configured to measure a wellbore parameter is disposed in the housing. A controller disposed in the housing. The controller including at least one of a data storage device and a device to control operation of the at least one sensor. A first optical communications port is disposed in a first aperture in the housing. The first optical communications port includes an electrically operated light source. The first aperture in the housing is sealingly closed by a port plug having an optically transparent window therein. The port plug is configured to resist entry of wellbore fluid into an interior of the housing.

Abstract: A method for estimating a parameter includes: generating an optical signal, the optical signal modulated via a modulation signal; transmitting the modulated optical signal from a light source into an optical fiber, the optical fiber including a plurality of sensing locations disposed along the optical fiber and configured to reflect light; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from the plurality of sensing locations; and combining, in parallel, each of a plurality of reference signals with the reflected signal to estimate a value of the parameter.

Abstract: A method for estimating a parameter includes: transmitting a control signal to a coherent optical source, the control signal configured to chaotically vary an output of the optical source and generate a chaotically excited optical signal; transmitting the optical signal from the optical source into an optical fiber, the optical fiber including at least one sensing location; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from the at least one sensing location; and estimating a value of the parameter using the reflected signal.

Abstract: Acoustic communication apparatus for use with downhole tools are described. An example acoustic communication apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a first acoustic transducer to generate first acoustic signals. The first acoustic transducer is mounted in an interior of a first drill collar to transmit the first acoustic signals via at least a portion of a body of a drillstring or a mud channel within the drillstring to a second drill collar. Additionally, the example acoustic communication apparatus includes a first receiver mounted to the first drill collar to receive second acoustic signals transmitted from the second drill collar.

Abstract: A telemetry system for use in developing a field of wells has a first downhole device capable of transmitting and/or receiving signals disposed in an appraisal well, an electronics control system located at or near the top of the appraisal, a cable disposed in the appraisal well that provides signal communication between the first downhole device and the electronics control system, and a second downhole device capable of transmitting and/or receiving signals disposed in a second wellbore. The signal is passed through the cable between the first downhole device and the electronics control system. From there, the signal may be re-transmitted to a desired location.

Abstract: A system for data communication connection in an architecture including an optical fiber communication line running from a communication service provider source to a proximity of at least one building, a fiber optic branch line extending from a point along the communication line generally towards the at least one building, and a receptacle, comprises a communication unit, a fiber optic cable coupled to the communication unit, and at least one connector adapted to couple the branch line to the fiber optic cable coupled to the communication unit. The connector may reside within the receptacle, and at least one of the communication unit, the cable, the branch line, the connector, and the receptacle may provide a visual indication that coupling of the branch line and the cable is effected.

Abstract: Methods and systems for borehole telemetry utilizing a tool configured or designed for deployment in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation. The tool includes a downhole telemetry module; a surface telemetry module; and a datalink between the downhole and surface modules configured or designed for transferring data over one or more data communication channels utilizing at least one telemetry scheme selected from a plurality of telemetry schemes based on at least one downhole parameter.

Abstract: A logging system and method for measuring propped fractures and down-hole subterranean formation conditions including: a radar source; an optical source; an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal from the optical source according to a signal from the radar source; a photodiode for converting the modulated optical signal output from the optical modulator to the source radar signal. A transmitter and receiver unit receives the source radar signal from the photodiode and transmits the source radar signal via at least one antenna attached to the casing and in communication with at least one photodiode into the formation and receives a reflected radar signal. A mixer mixes the reflected radar signal with the source radar signal to provide an output. This can describe fractures connected to the wellbore and differentiate between the dimensions of the two vertical wings of a propped fracture.

Abstract: A wireless communication and drill string telemetry system. The communication system is used for communicating information along a drill string between a boring tool and a boring machine. An insulator assembly provides an electrically insulated gap between the drill string communication path and a soil engaging electrode for the electrical return path. A transmitter assembly includes a data transmitter for encoding and transmitting a data signal. A signal coupler couples the data signal to the drill string and provides a controlled electrical connection between the drill string communication path and the soil engaging electrode. The signal coupler comprises a transformer and a current regulating circuit to adjust a voltage across the transformer's primary winding. A receiver assembly is disposed proximate the drilling machine and includes a toroidal pickup coil and a signal processing assembly.

Abstract: Fiber-optic cable systems are useful for locating a cementing apparatus in the wellbore, for example a cement plug. A reel of fiber-optic cable is attached to the cementing apparatus. At the surface the cable is attached to a stationary position where it is connected to a light transmitter/receive device. As the cementing apparatus travels down the cased wellbore, the cable unwinds, thereby changing the nature of the reflected light signal and allowing one to deduce the position of the cement plug within the well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering communication and/or power downhole. The apparatus may include an information network configured to use a multi-drop deterministic protocol. The method may include delivering information over the information network. The method may include delivering power over the information network.

Abstract: A multi-channel downhole telemetry system for enabling communication in a wellbore. The system includes a downhole transmitter operable to optically transmit a first data stream on a first optical channel and a second data stream on a second optical channel. A downhole receiver is operable to receive the first data stream and the second data stream. An optically transmissive fluid disposed in the wellbore provides a medium for the optical transmission of the first data stream and the second data stream between the downhole transmitter and the downhole receiver. The optically transmissive fluid contains suspended solids having refraction surfaces that scatter the optically transmitted data streams in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a parameter of interest from an optical device placed along a fiber optic cable in a wellbore is disclosed. Light is propagated a light through the fiber optic cable from a light source. A first detector receives a first signal responsive to interaction of the propagated light and the optical device, wherein the first signal has a delay. A second detector receives a second signal and a digital delay device delays the received second signal. A sampling device obtains a selected signal from the first signal using the delayed second signal, and a processor determines the parameter of interest using the selected signal.

Abstract: A cable includes at least one plastic impregnated fiber layer and at least one conductor in contact with the at least one fiber layer. In some examples, the fiber may be glass fiber, aramid fiber or carbon fiber. In some examples, the plastic may be thermoset plastic, thermoplastic or chemically set resin. In some examples, the conductor may be an electrical conductor or an optical fiber.

Abstract: A downhole component includes a body portion and a photonic crystal waveguide coupled to the body portion that is configured to receive a signal from a device.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a piezoelectric transducer to generate an acoustic signal that is to modulate along a mandrel, wherein the piezoelectric transducer includes at least one piezoelectric element and at least one electrode that is without non-permanent joints.

Abstract: A communication connection in a subsea well for converting an optical signal from an optical fiber to an electrical signal, comprising a small form factor pluggable device.

Abstract: Single fiber optical telemetry systems and methods are disclosed. The methods and systems facilitate input and output via a single fiber optic interface. The optical telemetry systems and methods also facilitate faster data transmission rates between surface and downhole equipment in oilfield applications.

Abstract: A completion assembly has an expandable sealing element provided on an outer surface of the completion assembly. The expandable sealing element has a slot. The slot of the expandable sealing element enables the expandable sealing element to expand around a spoolable sensor array.

Abstract: The teachings described herein are generally concerned with systems and methods for selectively enabling an electronic device, such as an optical transceiver, that is configured to communicate with a remote computer. In one example of such a method, identification data is initially transmitted from the electronic device to the remote computer. At the remote computer, a determination is made as to whether the identification data is valid. If the identification data is valid, the remote computer generates encrypted data based upon the valid identification data. The encrypted data is then transmitted to the electronic device, where the encrypted data and the identification data are process to facilitate a determination as to whether operation of the electronic device will be enabled. The scope or extent to which the electronic device can be enabled is defined by predetermined criteria.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a storage medium to store data. The apparatus also includes a connector having an optical interface for data communication, coupled to the storage medium, to communicate in a combustible gas environment.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a piezoelectric transducer to generate an acoustic signal that is to modulate along a mandrel, wherein the piezoelectric transducer includes at least one piezoelectric element and at least one electrode that is without non-permanent joints.

Abstract: Methods and systems for borehole telemetry utilizing a tool configured or designed for deployment in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation. The tool includes a downhole telemetry module; a surface telemetry module; and a datalink between the downhole and surface modules configured or designed for transferring data over one or more data communication channels utilizing at least one telemetry scheme selected from a plurality of telemetry schemes based on at least one downhole parameter.

Abstract: A fiber optical sensing cable is inserted into an underwater well by: connecting a housing (12A) comprising a coiled or spooled U-shaped fiber optical sensing cable (21) to the wellhead (2) of the well (1) such that an opening (14) in the wall of the housing (12A) is connected to a guide tube (15) extending into the underwater well (1); —inserting the U-shaped nose section (21A) of the fiber optical sensing cable (21) via the opening (14) into the guide tube (15), thereby uncoiling at least part of a pair of substantially parallel sections of the fiber optical sensing cable of which the lower ends are interconnected by the U-shaped nose section; and connecting the upper ends (21B) of the substantially parallel sections of the fiber optical sensing cable to an optical signal transmission and/or receiving unit via e.g. a pair of wet mateable connectors that are connected to a pair of underwater fiber optical transmission cables (14).

Abstract: Subterranean oilfield sensor systems and methods are provided. The subterranean oilfield sensor systems and methods facilitate downhole monitoring and high data transmission rates with power provided to at least one downhole device by a light source at the surface. In one embodiment, a system includes uphole light source, a downhole sensor, a photonic power converter at the downhole sensor, an optical fiber extending between the uphole light source and the photonic power converter, and downhole sensor electronics powered by the photonic power converter. The photonic power converter is contained in a high temperature resistant package. For example, the high temperature resistant package and photonic power converter may operate at temperatures of greater than approximately 100° C.