Abstract: A sensor plug positionable in a perforation extending into a wall of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The sensor plug includes a plug sleeve disposable in a perforation extending through the wellbore wall, a pin positionable in the plug sleeve a sensor and circuitry. The pin is adapted to expand the plug sleeve as it is advanced therein whereby the plug sleeve seals the perforation. The sensor plug may be deployed into the sidewall of the wellbore by a downhole tool.

Abstract: A subsea communications module includes an interface to communicate with a surface facility over a communications link using a packet-based protocol. The communications link can be implemented with a fiber optic line, wire-based line, and/or other types of communications lines.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transmitting and receiving a discrete multi-tone (DMT) modulated signal in a fluid. Some illustrative embodiments may be a method comprising transforming an input data series into an information-carrying signal (the information-carrying signal carrying input data from the input data series as modulations of at least one of a plurality of evenly spaced frequency bins), and applying the information-carrying signal to a transducer that converts the information-carrying signal into pressure variations within a fluid.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a device in a well, according to which a sensor associated with the device monitors any movement of the device in the well and outputs a corresponding signal. The signal is processed and transmitted to a remote location.

Abstract: Method and systems for reducing effects of magnetic field interference that may interfere with a magnetic field signal generated at or near an underground object, where the magnetic field signal is used to monitor the location of the underground object. At least two different moving averages of a plurality of samples that are representative of a detected magnetic field signal strength are produce. Each of the different moving averages is a moving average of a different number of the plurality of samples. A respective quality metric (e.g., variance) is then determined for each of the different moving average. One of the moving averages is selected based on the determined quality metrics. Further signal processing is then performed using the selected moving average. For example, the selected moving average is used to monitor the location of the object.

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. Multiple noise channels are coupled to series connected adaptive filters for removing each noise source from the signal channel. The order of noise removal is selected to remove the most significant first.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for receiving downhole acoustic signals, processing the signals into electric signals, then transmitting the signals wirelessly to a remote above-surface monitoring station. The apparatus is mountable to an above-surface rotatable component used in borehole application. The apparatus includes an instrument housing, and a clamping assembly attached to the housing and having sufficient length and flexibility to enable the apparatus to surround the perimeter of the rotatable component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well-bore sensor apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a downhole tool carrying at least one sensor plug for deployment into the sidewall of a well-bore. The apparatus may also be used in conjunction with a surface control unit and a communication link for operatively coupling the sensor plug to the surface control unit. The sensor plug is capable of collecting well-bore data, such as pressure or temperature, and communicating the data uphole via a communication link, such as the downhole tool or an antenna. The downhole data may then be analyzed and control commands sent in response thereto. The sensor plug and/or the downhole tool may be made to respond to such control commands. In some embodiments, multiple surface control units for corresponding wells may be networked for decision making and control across multiple well-bores.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a device in a well, according to which a sensor associated with the device monitors any movement of the device in the well and outputs a corresponding signal. The signal is processed and transmitted to a remote location.

Abstract: In a remote data acquisition system a control unit transmits a radio signal simultaneously to a plurality of remote units. Each remote unit receives the radio signal at different times dependent on various system delay factors. A compensating delay is added in each remote unit in order to trigger each remote unit for data acquisition at the same time.

Abstract: A pulser providing pressure based accoustic telemetry in a fluid column includes a formed turbine and valve wheel moveable as one unit, an aft turbine configured to drive the valve wheel and a brake to inhibit movement of the aft turbine. During periods when the aft turbine is slowed relative to the formed turbine and valve wheel, the aft turbine blocks misalign with blades of the valve wheel inhibiting fluid flow therepast. A pressure buildup is caused hereby until the brake is released allowing the aft turbine blades to realign with the valve wheel by resuming speed rotation thereby terminating pressure buildup.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-contained sensor module for use in a subterranean well that has a well transmitter or a well receiver associated therewith. In one embodiment, the sensor module comprises a housing, a signal receiver, a parameter sensor, an electronic control assembly, and a parameter transmitter; the receiver, sensor, control assembly and transmitter are all contained within the housing. The housing has a size that allows the module to be positioned within a formation about the well or in an annulus between a casing positioned within the well and an outer diameter of the well. The signal receiver is configured to receive a signal from the well transmitter, while the parameter sensor is configured to sense a physical parameter of an environment surrounding the sensor module within the well. The electronic control assembly is coupled to both the signal receiver and the parameter sensor, and is configured to convert the physical parameter to a data signal.

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: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: A telemetry system involving a shear-type mud pulser valve as the preferred embodiment is described. The control system includes a motor driver for the mud pulser which, in essence, moves one movable plate with respect to a stationary plate to create openings of various sizes. Pressure is sensed uphole of the pulser valve and is compared in real time to the desired pressure pulse amplitude. By allowing different relative rotational positions of the rotatable plate with respect to the stationary plate, different amplitudes can be achieved to further enhance the transmission of data to the surface. The control system compensates for wear in the mud pulser valve itself as well as drastic changes in mud flow and pressure. The configuration is simple and not prone to fouling from grit or other particles in the mud.

Abstract: The systems and the methods relating to process control optimizations systems useful to manage oilfield hydrocarbon production. The systems and the methods utilize intelligent software objects which exhibit automatic adaptive optimization behavior. The systems and the methods can be used to automatically manage hydrocarbon production in accordance with one or more production management goals using one or more adaptable software models of the production processes.

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 downhole buried utility sensing and data transmission system for connection at the lower end of a drill string has sensors capable of detecting the existence of various different types of buried utilities and objects and making calculations as to the radial separation distance between the detected utilities and the drill head and transmitting data between the down hole drill head to the surface. The sensors respond to material properties used to construct the utility lines or the energy fields created by the operation of these lines (pipes and cables) or from the energy associated with transmission of the particular utility service, including sound energy resulting from fluid flow and electromagnetic energy from electric currents.

Abstract: A system for sensing subterranean acoustic waves emitted from an acoustic source includes a plurality of laser sources, a plurality of subterranean optical sensors, at least one optical detector, and electronics. The laser sources each emit light at a different frequency. The subterranean optical sensors receive the light and alter the light in response to the acoustic waves. The optical detector receives the altered light and outputs an electrical signal. The electronics receives the electrical signal and converts it into seismic data format. Preferably, the light emitted from the optical sources is modulated at a plurality of modulation frequencies. The electronics can be used to demodulate the signal. The electronics may demodulate the electrical signal by mixing the signal with periodic waveforms having frequencies corresponding to the modulation frequencies and twice the modulation frequencies.