Abstract: A subsea well control system comprises: a well tree (6 or 7) having a subsea control module (10 or 11); and a power and communications distribution module (5) for communication with the subsea control module via a communication link (8 or 9) between the subsea control module and the distribution module. The link comprises a 4-wire dual twisted copper pair as part of an RS422-based interface.

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: A system for communicating with a slickline tool is disclosed. The system includes a closed-loop electrical circuit including a surface module, a forward path, a tool, and a return path. The forward path includes a slickline cable.

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 two or more data communication channels, wherein the transferred data comprises coding at a transmitter to increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the data.

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: The present technique relates to the distribution of power and data signals throughout a networked system. For example, three-phase power may be conducted to a device over a set of conductors. One of the conductors, however, may be configured to conduct, in conjunction with a neutral conductor, both one phase of three-phase power as well as data signals in accordance with a predetermined data communications protocol. As an alternate example, the present technique may comprise a set of a first power conductors configured to conduct three-phase power and a secondary power conductor which works in conjunction with an auxiliary conductor to conduct power and data-signals. Additionally, the present technique provides for the maintenance data communications and a level of power upon the interruption of three-phase power to a particular component or device.

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 system for monitoring and/or controlling at least one device mounted on a tubing string of a well, the system comprising: a down-well cable for conveying a signal to and/or from at least one device mounted on a tubing string of a well; a temporary surface cable for conveying a signal between the at least one device and a first monitor/control station prior to and/or during installation of a tubing string in a well; a permanent surface cable for conveying a signal between the at least one device and a second monitor/control station after installation of the tubing string in a well; and switch means configurable between a first configuration, in which the down-well cable and the temporary cable are connected, and a second configuration, in which the down-well cable and the permanent cable are connected.

Abstract: The device relates to an installation comprising a cavity extending from the surface of the ground and provided with at least one electrically conductive tubular element. The device comprises a single-strand smooth cable for supporting an action and/or measurement assembly, which cable is electrically conductive and has a breaking strength greater than 300 daN, and is disposed in the tubular element. The surface of the cable is electrically insulated at least in part from said tubular element. The device includes transmitter means and receiver means for transmitting and receiving an electrical and/or electromagnetic signal, said means being situated in the vicinity of the surface and in the cavity, and being electrically connected to the cable and to the tubular element and/or an underground formation. The invention is applicable to transmitting information and to controlling tools in an oil well.

Abstract: A downhole electrical transmission system having first and second tubular bodies coupled together by mating threads, each tubular body having a bore. An electrical conductor assembly is disposed within the bore of each tubular body. At least one end of each assembly has an electrical contact surrounded by a dielectric material, the electrical contact and dielectric material forming a polished, planar mating surface. The mating surfaces span an entire cross section of the end and are perpendicular to a central axis of the tubular bodies. The mating surfaces of each electrical conductor assembly are substantially engaged at a compressive load when the tubular bodies are fully mated.

Abstract: To characterize an electrical cable that is deployed in a well, a voltage input is applied to the electrical cable at an earth surface location, where the well extends from the earth surface location. A current response resulting from the voltage input is measured at the earth surface location. At least one parameter of the electrical cable is computed according to the measured current response.

Abstract: A technique facilitates control over multiple well tools. Multiple well tools can be actuated between operational positions. The well tools are coupled to a plurality of multidrop modules with each multidrop module typically being coupled to one or two well tools. Control lines are connected the multidrop modules, and the multidrop modules have the capability of controlling a number of well tools greater than the number of control lines. Each well tool can be actuated individually by providing pressure inputs through one or more of the control lines.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling transportation traffic signal beacons including powering a signal, encoding a signal state, and decoding the signal state at the beacon is presented. Furthermore, traffic signal beacons may be placed along the length of a bridge to warn of a bridge collapse. The metallic cable that powers the beacons may also function as a bridge collapse detection sensor.

Abstract: A system is disclosed as having first and second tubular tool string components. Each component has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the first component is coupled to the second end of the second component through mating threads. First and second inductive coils are disposed within the first end of the first component and the second end of the second component, respectively. Each inductive coil has at least one turn of an electrical conductor, and the first coil is in magnetic communication with the second coil. The first coil has more turns than the second coil.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for a downhole communication in a well. The well has a metallic structure which includes an insulated metallic, fluid carrying, control line. The method comprises the steps of applying signals to the control line at a first location and extracting the signals from the control line at a second location. There is also provided a downhole communication system for use in a well having a metallic structure. The metallic structure includes an insulated metallic, fluid carrying, control line. The system comprises means for applying signals to the control line at a first location and means for extracting the signals from the control line at a second location. The control line acts as a signal channel. Other methods and apparatus making use of control line carrying no fluid and/or the metallic shielding of cable having insulated metallic shield are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating data between a downhole tool and a surface controller is provided that comprises a rotating drill string extending in a borehole and having a downhole telemetry module disposed proximate a bottom end thereof and transmitting a first signal across a telemetry channel. A surface telemetry module is disposed proximate a top end of the rotating drill string and is adapted to receive the first signal transmitted by the downhole telemetry module across the transmission channel. The surface telemetry module has a radio frequency transmitter disposed therein for transmitting a second signal related to the first signal. A stationary communication module has a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive the second signal.

Abstract: A system for transmitting information between downhole components has a first downhole component with a first mating surface and a second downhole component having a second mating surface configured to substantially mate with the first mating surface. The system also has a first transmission element with a first communicating surface and is mounted within a recess in the first mating surface. The first transmission element also has an angled surface. The recess has a side with multiple slopes for interacting with the angled surface, each slope exerting a different spring force on the first transmission element. A second transmission element has a second communicating surface mounted proximate the second mating surface and adapted to communicate with the first communicating surface.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include receiving shunt current in one or more conductors according to a sensed component of power distributed by the conductors through one or more transformers coupled to the conductors and determined by an inductance associated with the transformers and a capacitance associated with the conductors.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for coupling communications signals onto a medium-voltage power line includes a first connector, a second connector and one or more components. The first connector is adapted to couple to a low-voltage communications line. The second connector is adapted to couple to a surge arrester. The one or more components are operable to substantially match the impedances between the surge arrester and the low-voltage communications line.

Abstract: A system for transmitting power to components of a downhole drill string is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a power source providing an alternating current at a first frequency. A rectifier is provided to convert the alternating current to direct current. An inverter converts the direct current to an alternating current at a second frequency, different from the first frequency, and more efficient for power transmission. An inductive coupler converts the alternating current at the second frequency to an alternating magnetic flux for transmission across a tool joint of a downhole drill string. The magnetic flux may be detected by another inductive coupler, magnetically coupled to the first inductive coupler, to convert the alternating magnetic flux back to an alternating current at the second frequency.

Abstract: Borehole instruments are powered by AC instrument power transmitted on all three phases of a power cable concurrently carrying three phase motor power, the instrument power transmitted at a multiple of the motor power frequency and having a corresponding fraction of the motor power voltage, and received via a capacitive coupling sufficient to withstand high-voltage cable insulation testing. The phase-to-neutral motor power provides approximately the same power level to the borehole instruments if a phase shorts to ground.

Abstract: An improved method of permanently marking the location of a tubular joint, the method including creating a cavity into the end surface of one of the tubular ends that are to be joined by a forge weld or screw thread connection, inserting a marker into said cavity and subsequently joining the tubular ends.

Abstract: A communications system employing discrete multi-tone (“DMT”) modulated signals on a communications channel formed by inductively-coupled pipe. In one embodiment, the communications system includes a string of wired pipe joints that couple a transmitter to a receiver. Each pipe joint in the string possesses threaded ends configured for mechanically connecting with other pipe joints, a electrical or inductive coupler at each threaded end, and an insulated conductor that electrically connects the couplers. The transmitter and receiver communicate via DMT modulated signals transported by the wired pipe string. The system may further include multiple repeaters in the string. Each repeater may be configured to receive a DMT-modulated signal, to recover information from the DMT-modulated signal, and to retransmit the information in the form of a DMT-modulated signal.

Abstract: A data communication system for use in downhole applications wherein electrical energy is supplied over a multiple-conductor power cable to an ESP motor assembly. A downhole unit is AC-coupled to the conductors of the power cable through the wye point of the ESP motor assembly. A surface unit is AC-coupled to the conductors of the power cable. Uplink communication of telemetry data occurs over an AC communication scheme supported by the downhole unit and the surface unit. Downlink communication of remote control command data occurs over a different AC communication scheme supported by the surface unit and the downhole unit. These AC communication schemes provide an independent supply of power to the downhole environment. All communication between the surface and downhole environment is accomplished through the power cable without the use of additional communication lines. Data communication is maintained in the event of a ground fault on the power cable.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a seismic survey by lowering a string of intelligent clampable sensor pods with 3-C sensors into a borehole. The string of pods is serially interconnected by a cable having a conductor pair which provides both power and data connectivity. The uppermost sensor pod is connected to a downhole telemetry and control module. The cables and pods use connectors to allow assembly, customization, repair, and disassembly on site. Each pod has an upper and a lower connector, a processor, and memory which is coupled to both the upper and the lower connectors. Each pod is capable of simultaneous and independent serial communications at each connector with the memory. The telemetry and control module is designed to query the pods to determine the system configuration. The telemetry and control module then simultaneously triggers all pods to acquire data, the pods storing the collected data locally in the memory.

Abstract: A suspended well logging device for use in a wellbore drilled in an earthen formation may include a cable configured to be conveyed into the wellbore; a single twisted pair of conductors positioned in the cable; and a conductive armor surrounding the single twisted pair of conductors. In embodiments, the device may further include a first channel formed using the single twisted pair of conductors; a second channel formed using the single twisted pair of conductors and the armor; and a wellbore logging tool coupled to an end of the cable.

Abstract: A well site communication system for providing communication from downhole devices to surface systems and from surface system to downhole systems, and methods of using are presented. The communication system is particularly applicable for use with spooled conveyances disposed on a reel. The communication system comprises a communication assembly that may be provided in the reel. The communication assembly may be used to process data or information received from devices disposed in a wellbore and the communication assembly may communicate wirelessly with surface or downhole devices.

Abstract: An expandable tubular sleeve having utility for lining a downhole tubular member includes a tubular body having a portion that is predisposed to initiate expansion thereof under the application of internal fluid pressure. The predisposed portion of the body may be a plastically-deformed portion formed, e.g., by application of mechanical force to a wall of the body. The predisposed portion of the body may be defined by a portion of the body having reduced wall thickness. The reduced wall thickness may be achieved, e.g., by reinforcing the wall thickness everywhere except the predisposed portion. The predisposed portion of the body may be formed by modifying the material properties of the body, e.g., by localized heat treatment. The sleeve and related apparatuses and methods are useful for securing and protecting a cable having one or more insulated conductive wires for transmission of signals between locations downhole and at the surface.

Abstract: A sensor array includes an array of nodes coupled to an optical transmission line. The nodes include a transducer, and encoder, and a transmitter. The transducer senses an environmental condition such as temperature and pressure. The encoder encodes readings from the transducer by means of a characteristic frequency to indicate which node generated the reading. The transmitter transmits the encoded reading to a decoder located near the opening of the oil well, or other blind hole. Power is transmitted to the nodes through the transmission line. A photo-electric converter at the node converts the optical power to electrical energy that is stored to power the node.

Abstract: A transmission system in a downhole component comprises a data transmission element in both ends of the downhole component. Each data transmission element houses an electrically conducting coil in a MCEI circular trough. An electrical conductor connects both the transmission elements. The electrical conductor comprises at least three electrically conductive elements insulated from each other. In the preferred embodiment the electrical conductor comprises an electrically conducting outer shield, an electrically conducting inner shield and an electrical conducting core. In some embodiments of the present invention, the electrical conductor comprises an electrically insulating jacket. In other embodiments, the electrical conductor comprises a pair of twisted wires. In some embodiments, the electrical conductor comprises semi-conductive material.

Abstract: A tubular component in a downhole tool string has a first end and a second end. The first end includes first and second inductive couplers, and the second end includes third and fourth inductive couplers. The component further has a first conductive medium and second conductive medium. The first conductive medium is connecting the first and third couplers, and the second conductive medium is connecting the second and fourth couplers. The first and second ends may include additional inductive couplers and the component may include an additional conductive medium connecting the additional couplers. A tubular component in a downhole tool string may have a first end and a second end and electronic equipment disposed in the component. The first end may have a first plurality of inductive couplers, and the component may further have a conductive medium connecting each inductive coupler of the first plurality of inductive couplers and the electronic equipment.

Abstract: A wireline logging assembly includes a cable having primary conductors, secondary conductors, and a central conductor. A first power source excites the primary conductors using a first propagation mode. A first telemetry transceiver excites the primary conductors using a second propagation mode orthogonal to the first mode. A second power source excites the secondary conductors and a second telemetry transceiver excites the central conductor. In one embodiment, the diameter of the primary conductors is greater than a diameter of the secondary conductors. The primary conductor includes four primary conductors symmetrically positioned around the center conductor and the secondary conductors include a secondary conductor positioned in the interstice between each pair of adjacent primary conductors.

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: A signaling apparatus comprises a magnet and a shield moveable relative to the magnet. The shield is moveable relative to the magnet between a first position in which the magnet is relatively exposed and a second position in which the magnet is relatively shielded. The apparatus can include a synchronization signal source, a downhole sensor signal source, and/or means for modulating the magnetic field in response to the signal from any source. A method of using the signaling apparatus to locate a bottomhole assembly includes moving the shield so as to modulate the magnetic field created by the magnet, sensing the modulation of the magnetic field, and determining the location of the bottomhole assembly using the information collected. The BHA can be located using phase shift or amplitude measurements. Receivers detecting the modulated magnetic field can be at or below the earth's surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting geophysical surveys comprising a multiplicity of intelligent electrodes provided on a multi-conductor cable, for receiving a command signal in response to which predetermined electrodes are connected to selected conductors in the cable. Each intelligent electrode is identical in all respects, including its programming, resulting in simplified construction of the cable and easy replacement of the intelligent electrodes. Instead of assigning a unique address code to each switch in a series of take-outs on a multi-conductor cable, each electronic switch is programmed with the same address code. That is, each switch is programmed to be activated when it receives a code command that, for example, is prefaced with a particular address, e.g. the number 1. The second part of the code (y) instructs the switch as to which conductor in the multi-conductor cable is to be connected to the local electrode at the location of the switch.

Abstract: A power delivery system for a wireline tool includes two independent power transmission loops operating on a standard six-conductor cable. The two loops each connect directly to a respective terminals of a DC auxiliary power supply. Each loop also couples through a transformer to an AC instrument power supply. Another transformer for telemetry signals facilitates bidirectional communication between the downhole tool and an uphole computer.

Abstract: A connection system is provided for facilitating a downhole electrical reservoir monitoring and/or control system operated by a surface system. The connector system includes a set of fuses and a fuse blowing circuit for isolating a short circuit event and restoring functionality to the remaining components of the downhole system.

Abstract: A method of transmitting information between a salt-cavern and the surface of the ground, the cavern being drilled in geological formation beds and being connected to the surface via an access borehole cased at least in part by metal tubes and presenting at least one safety valve, the method consisting in suspending a string of tools from a hanger system positioned in the access borehole downstream from the safety valve and in electrical contact with the metal tubes, the string of tools including at least one measuring device connected to the hanger system via a first segment of conductor cable and an information transceiver operating by means of waves and connected to the measuring device via a second segment of conductor cable, the transceiver being positioned in such a manner as to be in contact with structural means linked to the cavern; and establishing coupling between the transceiver and the structural means, in order to enable information to be transmitted between the measuring device and the surface

Abstract: A data sonde for use in horizontal drilling is provided, the data sonde comprising an antenna for emitting a first modulated signal from the data sonde, the first signal comprising zero and non-zero emission components in different periods, and a receiver for receiving an intermittent second data signal during first signal zero emission periods. A method of operation of the same is also provided.

Abstract: A downhole telemetry system having a surface transceiver, a cable, and a downhole transceiver coupled to the surface transceiver via the cable. The surface transceiver isolates an uplink signal from a combined uplink/downlink signal on the cable using time-domain signal cancellation. The downhole transceiver isolates a downlink signal from the combined uplink/downlink signal using time-domain signal cancellation. In the surface transceiver, the time-domain signal cancellation may be performed by running the combined uplink/downlink signal through a coil of a transformer while running a copy of the downlink signal through an opposite coil of the transformer. Likewise, in the downhole transceiver, the time-domain signal cancellation may be performed by running the combined uplink/signal through a coil of a transformer while running a copy of the uplink signal through an opposite coil of the transformer.

Abstract: An improved data telemetry system for multi-conductor wirelines to achieve satisfactory transmission of analog and digital signals with frequency content up to 100 kHz by assigning at least two conductors to a first terminal of a data transmittal means and to a first terminal of a data receiver means and connecting at least one additional conductor to a second terminal of a data transmittal means and to a second terminal of a data receiver means. Pairing conductors reduces attenuation and crosstalk and permits the signal to contain multiple frequency modulated carrier bands with individual channel bandwidths of up to 3 kHz or higher.

Abstract: A method for actuating or installing downhole equipment in a wellbore employs non-acoustic signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) to locate, inventory, install, or actuate one downhole structure in relation to another downhole structure. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a first downhole structure that comprises a non-acoustic (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for downhole power delivery. In one embodiment, the system delivers computer-regulated downhole power voltages, and may be configured to customize signal waveforms and power allocation on the various independent signal transmission modes to maximize the power capacity of the logging cable subject to its maximum voltage rating. In one embodiment, the system includes a standard multiconductor logging cable which supports orthogonal signal transmission modes on circumferentially spaced insulated conductors. A high-power power source on the surface is coupled to the insulated conductors in the cable to drive a power signal on the lowest impedance signal transmission mode. The system may further include multiple power sources operating on different independent signal transmission modes, and may also include multiple telemetry channels which share the power transmission modes via frequency multiplexing.

Abstract: For collecting data from a water well, down-hole sensors are housed in modules. The modules are arranged to be screwed together in-line to form a vertical string. Mechanically, the modules are secured to each other only by the screw connection. Data is transmitted to the surface on a 2-wire cable, there being no other electrical connection between the modules and the surface. The modules are connected in multi-drop configuration to the 2-wire cable. Data is transmitted using time-division multiplexing.

Abstract: A robust transmission element for transmitting information between downhole tools, such as sections of drill pipe, in the presence of hostile environmental conditions, such as heat, dirt, rocks, mud, fluids, lubricants, and the like. The transmission element maintains reliable connectivity between transmission elements, thereby providing an uninterrupted flow of information between drill string components. A transmission element is mounted within a recess proximate a mating surface of a downhole drilling component, such as a section of drill pipe. The transmission element may include an annular housing forming a trough, an electrical conductor disposed within the trough, and an MCEI material disposed between the annular housing and the electrical conductor.

Abstract: A method for concurrently communicating over each phase of an electrical power distribution network (N). A first outbound signal (SO1) is transmitted over one phase (AN-A) of a bus (S) by an outbound modulation unit. The unit is released as soon as the first outbound signal (SO1) is transmitted so the unit can transmit a second outbound signal (SO2) over a second phase (BN-B or CN-C) of the bus. The second outbound signal is transmitted concurrently with an inbound signal (IB1) sent in response to the first outbound signal (SO1). The unit is again released, as soon as the second outbound signal (SO2) is transmitted, so the unit can transmit a third outbound signal (SO3) over the third phase (BN-B or CN-C) of the bus. This third outbound signal is transmitted concurrently with a second inbound signal (IB2) sent in response to the second outbound signal (SO2). The method allows concurrent communications over all three phases of the network (N).

Abstract: A system for use in a well having completion zones includes a surface node and a plurality of downhole nodes positioned in the completion zones. A communications link extends into the well and is coupled to the surface node and downhole nodes. The communications link includes channels coupling successive nodes, and the surface node and downhole nodes are coupled in a loop by the channels.

Abstract: A wired drill pipe telemetry system includes a surface computer; and a drill string telemetry link comprising a plurality of wired drill pipes each having a telemetry section, at least one of the plurality of wired drill pipes having a diagnostic module electrically coupling the telemetry section and wherein the diagnostic module includes a line interface adapted to interface with a wired drill pipe telemetry section; a transceiver adapted to communicate signals between the wired drill pipe telemetry section and the diagnostic module; and a controller operatively connected with the transceiver and adapted to control the transceiver.

Abstract: A power line communications technique (PLC) is disclosed which allows communications across any three phase electric system by modulating the impedance through earth between any two points of differing voltage on the electrical system in order to use the power supply as the communications power source thereby using the power supply current as the communications carrier. No additional coupled communications source is required and modulation of an earth link current at the power frequency is especially suitable for remote electrical loads, such as an oil well electric submersible pump, where it is most cost effective to only have the three power conductors and no neutral nor signal wires in the power cable. Embodiments of the invention are described.

Abstract: A power delivery system for a wireline tool includes two independent power transmission loops operating on a standard six-conductor cable. The two loops each connect directly to a respective terminals of a DC auxiliary power supply. Each loop also couples through a transformer to an AC instrument power supply. Another transformer for telemetry signals facilitates bidirectional communication between the downhole tool and an uphole computer.