Abstract: A method and system to be used in well inspection. An acoustic signal is transmitted from a well inspection tool into a well structure and one or more return signals is detected using at least one receiver. At least one processor is used to generate variable density log (VDL) data that includes multiple waveforms in a time domain from the one or more return signals. A number of independent components to be used based on variances in the VDL data is determined and the multiple waveforms are decomposed into multiple components associated with one or more local structure variances of the well structure using independent component analysis (ICA) and the number of independent components. Characteristics of the well structure is determined based in part on patterns or features associated with one or more independent components from the multiple components.

Abstract: A vault inspection system is configured to obtain visual inspection data of an underground utility vault without disturbing the components within the vault. A support apparatus supports a pole that is used to advance an inspection structure into the vault. A mount frame can be configured to position the support apparatus over an access opening so that the pole will not contact components within the vault. The inspection structure can be a robot that is lowered to the floor of the vault. The inspection structure can also be an expandable vision system that can be compacted for advancement through the access opening, and expanded within the vault to provide greater perspective for obtaining inspection data.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to initiating adjustment of an operation associated with an underwater drilling system, which may include receiving at least one underwater image; identifying the reference object in the at least one underwater image, wherein a position of the reference object is fixed relative to an underwater borehole or an underwater cloud; determining a first parameter associated with the reference object; identifying the underwater cloud in the at least one underwater image; determining a second parameter associated with the underwater cloud; adjusting the second parameter associated with the underwater cloud based on the first parameter associated with the reference object; and initiating an adjustment of the operation associated with the underwater drilling system based on the adjusted second parameter associated with the underwater cloud.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting a problem associated with a drilling operation based on the properties of a formation cutting. The system can include a camera for generating an image of the formation cutting extracted from a subterranean formation. The system can include one or more sensors for detecting one or more characteristics of the subterranean formation or a well tool. The system can provide the image as input to a first model for determining one or more properties of the formation cutting based on the image. The system can provide the one or more properties and the one or more characteristics as input to a second model for detecting a downhole problem associated with the drilling operation. The system can transmit an alert indicating the downhole problem and optionally a recommended solution to a user.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for enabling a remotely-located expert to monitor an inspection by a non-expert, the apparatus comprising an inspection device capable of being operated by the non-expert, which is configured to generate inspection data indicative of a condition of a test object, and a communication unit configured to: divide the inspection data into first and second data; transfer the first data for being presented to the remotely-located expert at a first time, to facilitate substantially real-time monitoring of the inspection by the expert; and transfer the second data for being presented to the remotely-located expert at a second time, which is later than the first time, to facilitate non-real time monitoring of the inspection by the expert.

Abstract: A method and system to be used in well inspection. An acoustic signal is transmitted from a well inspection tool into a well structure and one or more return signals is detected using at least one receiver. At least one processor is used to generate variable density log (VDL) data that includes multiple waveforms in a time domain from the one or more return signals. A number of independent components to be used based on variances in the VDL data is determined and the multiple waveforms are decomposed into multiple components associated with one or more local structure variances of the well structure using independent component analysis (ICA) and the number of independent components. Characteristics of the well structure is determined based in part on patterns or features associated with one or more independent components from the multiple components.

Abstract: Seismic data are obtained by recording simultaneously in seismic streamer, acquired by activating approximately simultaneously two or more seismic sources towed at two positions in the vicinity of seismic streamers. A residual is updated iteratively for an inversion solution for the activations of the two or more seismic sources. The iterative updating of the residuals utilizes a sequence of overlapping temporal windows containing reflection events and utilizes normal moveout corrections based on largest reflection events in each temporal window. A final updated residual is added to a final updated model result.

Abstract: A camera system comprises illumination and optical components that manage illumination from the illumination source to the camera sensor in a highly efficient manner to image a wide field of view. The camera sensor comprises a modular compound imaging lens and a corresponding illuminator. The illuminator is capable of emitting a field of illumination that is wide in one plane (e.g., the tangential plane) and relatively narrow in the orthogonal plane (e.g., the sagittal plane). The modular compound lens receives scattered light from the viewing field and focuses the light to one or more imaging sensors (e.g., 3D imaging sensors). The modular lens images a wide field of view substantially equal to the field of illumination of the illuminator and is oriented such that the field of view of the lens substantially overlaps the field of illumination of the illuminator, yielding a high collection efficiency.

Abstract: This description relates to computer simulation of physical processes, such as computer simulation of multi-species flow through porous media including the determination/estimation of relative permeabilities for the multi-species flow through the porous media.

Abstract: Systems and methods provided herein. In one embodiment, a borescope system includes a probe to capture images and a display a settings menu, measurements, the images captured by the probe, or any combination thereof. In addition, the borescope system a processor programmed to display a user interface to enable a user to control movement of the probe, adjust settings, navigate menus, make selections, or any combination thereof. The processor is communicatively coupled to the probe, and the display, and is programmed to instruct the borescope to enter a live menu view when an articulation mode is selected from the settings menu. In the live menu view, the processor is programmed to instruct the display to display the images captured by the probe, and to enable a user to control the movement of the probe and adjust articulation sensitivity of the probe while viewing the images on the display.

Abstract: Fouling of or damage to an electromagnetic radiation-transparent window can preclude one from obtaining satisfactory images with an image acquisition unit, such as a camera. Certain types of environments may be particularly prone toward promoting fouling or damage, and manual cleaning or repair of an electromagnetic radiation-transparent window may be difficult in some circumstances. These issues may be particularly prevalent when imaging drill cuttings and other solids obtained from a wellbore due to the complex sampling environment in which these solids are often disposed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a borehole image deriving from a downhole tool in a wellbore of a geological formation, identifying one or more patches that correspond to sediment particles on the fullbore image, computing one or more characteristics for each of the one or more patches. The one or more characteristics may include long/short axis length, size, roundness, sphericity, orientation, or some combination thereof. The method may also include displaying a visual representation for each of the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a much improved process for locating underground utilities where a field technician is provided with a device that presents the location of the underground utility in context with the surroundings. The device uses a screen present an image of the underground utility in its proper perspective with respect to the surroundings using data gathered from a number of sources. The data used to create the image includes location data of both the underground utility and the position of the device along with perspective attributes such as traditional compass orientation, perspective relative to the horizon, and any perceivable movement of the device.

Abstract: A validation tool (100) has a central body member (10) with threaded connections at each end (12, 13), as well as a central bore (11) extending there through. At least one battery powered video camera (20) or other optical data sensor is disposed along an outer surface of the body member and can be selective activated and de-activated. Optional mirror(s) (50) are provided to permit optimum viewing of the surrounding environment, while visual images and/or other sensed data is recorded and stored on at least one data storage media. The validation tool can be used for various purposes including wellbore integrity and verification that drilling mud has been fully displaced with completion fluid in a wellbore.

Abstract: Estimating casing wear. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: capturing an image comprising cuttings and casing wear particles on a shale shaker in a drilling operation, the capturing by at least one camera associated with the shale shaker; identifying casing wear particles shown in the image, the identifying by a computer system; and estimating a volume of casing wear based on the identifying.

Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining borehole images at a surface installation while a borehole-imaging downhole tool is logging a borehole are provided. One such method may involve, while the downhole tool is disposed in the borehole, obtaining a first borehole image at a first depth of investigation using the borehole-imaging downhole tool. Compression electronics may compress the first borehole image to obtain a first compressed borehole image. Compressing the first borehole image may involve exploiting a symmetry characteristic of the first borehole image to increase compression efficiency or exploiting a similarity of the first borehole image with a second borehole image to increase compression efficiency, or both. The compressed borehole image then may be efficiently transmitted to the surface installation via a telemetry system.

Abstract: A symmetry attribute is described that may be used for determining seismic stratigraphic features in a formation. In one example, seismic input data from a formation is processed to determine an attribute by selecting a center trace, assigning a first cluster of the traces to a left image and a second cluster of the traces to a right image, and determining symmetry about the center trace between the left and the right images.

Abstract: A camera assembly (10) for the inspection of passageways, particularly wellbores, and designed to operate in high temperature environments. A camera assembly for the inspection of wellbores comprises an elongate housing (12) having a first end (30) and a second end (42) and, extending between the ends, a side wall comprising an inner wall (22) and an outer wall (24), with a vacuum formed between the inner and outer walls; an elongate relay lens (52) having a first end (56) and a second end (62), the relay lens being located within the housing; an optically transparent window (46) located at the first end of the relay lens; an image sensor (48) located at the second end of the relay lens for capturing an image of an object viewable through the relay lens and window; and a light source (16) arranged to emit light from the housing, for illuminating the viewable object.

Abstract: A disclosed downhole optical imaging tool includes a light source and a camera enclosed within a tool body having at least two sidewall windows. A first window transmits light from the light source to a target region in the borehole, while a second window passes reflected light from the target region to the internal camera. The target region is spaced along the borehole away from the second window in a direction opposite the first window. In some embodiments, this configuration is provided by angling the first and second windows with respect to the sidewall, or by shaping the windows to cast and receive light from a “forward” direction. Some tool embodiments include motion and/or orientation sensors that are employed by a processor to combine separately captured images into a panoramic borehole image. It can be employed during drilling operations employing air or a substantially transparent liquid as a drilling fluid.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a borehole inspection device, a borehole inspection system and a method for loading explosives in boreholes. The borehole inspection device comprises a tubular casing (7), illumination means (10) and image capturing means (9) housed in the casing (7), at least one circulation duct (16) for a fluid (4), and a diffusing element (1) suitable for spraying the fluid (4) circulating through the at least one circulation duct (16) onto a transparent closure (2) allowing the illumination and the image capture through it.

Abstract: At least a portion of a wellsite is disposed in a control volume of three-dimensional space. At least one camera is configured to provide three-dimensional imaging of the control volume. At least one device is disposed in, or is expected to be moved into, the control volume so that the at least one device is included in the three-dimensional imaging when the at least one device is disposed in the control volume and the at least one camera provides the three-dimensional imaging. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one camera is connected to a drilling rig.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method, apparatus, a computer program and computer for automated detection of pipe (2) in a drilling operation, where the method comprising: using one or a plurality of sensors (41) to obtain one ore a plurality of data sets and/or images representing the pipe area, the data sets and/or images representing 3D and/or 2D images of the drilling operation; and processing the data sets and/or images to identify the pipe in the data sets and/or images.

Abstract: A video coding device may be configured to code a bitstream including multiple views plus depth information. Two of the views may have reduced resolutions, while a third view may have a full resolution. The third view may be predicted relative to upsampled versions of the two reduced-resolution views. Each view may include texture data and depth data, such that a view component may include a texture component and a depth component. Moreover, the texture and depth components may be arranged within an access unit according to a particular order, which may simplify component extraction from the access unit.

Abstract: A fluid separator separates a fluid flow into a plurality of fluid portions, and delivers at least a first fluid portion of the plurality of fluids to a flow conduit. An imaging-based measurement device includes a light source and an image sensor. The imaging-based measurement device measures the first fluid portion in the flow conduit. An imaging processor in the imaging-based measurement device processes the measurement data to determine a characteristic of the first fluid portion.

Abstract: A visual inspection system [100] includes a remote end [110] that is moved through a conduit [1] with a flexible pushrod [400]. The remote end [110] having at least one carriage assembly [130] with encoders [140] indicating a distance traveled within the conduit [1]. The visual inspection device [100] has a longitudinal camera [150] to identify view down the length of the conduit [1], but also has at least one transverse camera [160] adapted to visually inspect an inside surface [3] of the conduit [1]. Also, the transverse camera [160] may be used to inspect other conduits that connect to conduit [1].

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways, a camera system for the inspection of passageways and a method of illuminating a passageway during inspection with a camera. An optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways comprises a first optical portion arranged to transmit light into a camera, a second optical portion arranged to transmit light emitted from a light source, the second optical portion located adjacent the first optical portion, and barrier means arranged to prevent light being transmitted from the second optical portion into the first optical portion.

Abstract: Drill bit assembly imaging systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes directing light conveying an image of a target through a portion of a drill bit assembly and capturing the image via an image sensor disposed inside the drill bit assembly. The example method also include determining drilling information based on the image via an image processor disposed inside the drill bit assembly.

Abstract: A camera assembly (10) for the inspection of passageways, particularly wellbores, and designed to operate in high temperature environments. A camera assembly for the inspection of wellbores comprises an elongate housing (12) having a first end (30) and a second end (42) and, extending between the ends, a side wall comprising an inner wall (22) and an outer wall (24), with a vacuum formed between the inner and outer walls; an elongate relay lens (52) having a first end (56) and a second end (62), the relay lens being located within the housing; an optically transparent window (46) located at the first end of the relay lens; an image sensor (48) located at the second end of the relay lens for capturing an image of an object viewable through the relay lens and window; and a light source (16) arranged to emit light from the housing, for illuminating the viewable object.

Abstract: An automated method for texture segmentation (11) of geophysical data volumes, where texture is defined by double-window statistics of data values, the statistics being generated by a smaller pattern window moving around within a larger sampling window (12). A measure of “distance” between two locations is selected based on similarity between the double-window statistics from sampling windows centered at the two locations (13). Clustering of locations is then based on distance proximity (14).

Abstract: A pipe inspection system may include a cable storage drum and a length of resilient flexible push-cable. An asymmetric bearing device supports the cable storage drum for rotation about the rotational axis in a pay-out direction and an opposite pay-in direction. In one embodiment, the asymmetric bearing device automatically decreases, without the for manual adjustment, an amount of friction exerted against rotation of the cable storage drum upon reversal of the direction of rotation of the cable storage drum from the pay-out direction to the pay-in direction.

Abstract: A marine well with shallow-water flow monitoring is for monitoring an open hole section of the marine well during marine drilling operations. The shallow water flow monitoring system uses time periods and intervals while mud pumps are turned off. The system uses a video feed, and a processor with data storage containing a discharge category model, and wherein the data storage receives a drilling parameter data feed, a seismic profile data feed, a logging while drilling data feed, and a measurement while drilling data feed, to verify a determined discharge category as a baseline discharge category. The system provides an alarm when a discharge emergency is ascertained due to a change in discharge category without an anticipated change or changes outside acceptable limits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of visualising a downhole environment using a downhole visualisation system. The downhole visualisation system comprises a downhole tool string comprising one or more sensors, a downhole data processing means for processing the sensor signals to provide sensor data, an uphole data processing means for uphole processing and visualisation, and a data communication link operable to convey the sensor data from the downhole data processing means to the uphole data processing means, the sensors being capable of generating sensor signals indicative of one or more physical parameters in the downhole environment. The downhole visualisation system further comprises a downhole data buffering means capable of receiving the sensor data from the downhole data processing means and temporarily storing the sensor data in the downhole data buffering means.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to acquire live video stream information from an imaging device, the information including down hole cuttings image information, and then to process the down hole cuttings image information to determine data that quantifies at least one of a shape, a size distribution, or a volume of the down hole cuttings. Further activities include publishing changes in the data in conjunction with probable conditions associated with a borehole drilling operation or a borehole pumping operation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An inspection system and method for use in underground utility construction, especially underground boring operations, is provided. The inspection system generally includes a sensor, a sensor carrier apparatus, and an output device. The sensor is employed to obtain inspection data regarding the condition of a tunnel created in an underground boring operation. The sensor carrier is adapted to incorporate the sensor and connect to means for transporting the sensor through the tunnel. The output device receives an output signal from the sensor corresponding to the inspection data and presents it to an operator for interpretation and/or otherwise documents and/or records the inspection data.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting remote subsurface inspections from above is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support structure, a telescoping mast held by a coupling and born by the support structure, an imaging system held by an extendable portion of the telescoping mast and an offsetting mechanism. The apparatus may also include an articulating radial arm with pivots for locating the telescoping mast. The support structure of the apparatus may also include an adaptor section for fitting to a receiver of a hitch of a vehicle. A method for conducting remote subsurface inspections from above is also disclosed. The method of inspection includes the steps of locating an access point on a working surface, positioning an apparatus for conducting remote subsurface inspections from above, manipulating the telescoping mast above the access point, lowering it and reviewing images from the imaging system.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an open hole section of a marine well for shallow-water flow during marine drilling operations. The system for monitoring uses time periods and intervals while mud pumps are turned off. The system uses a video feed, and a processor with data storage containing a discharge category model. The data storage receives a drilling parameter data feed, a seismic profile data feed, a logging while drilling data feed, and a measurement while drilling data feed, which are used to verify a determined discharge category as a baseline discharge category. The system provides an alarm when a discharge emergency is ascertained due to a change in discharge category without an anticipated change, or changes outside acceptable limits.

Abstract: A bidirectional telemetry system for data transfer over relatively long distances such as, for example, within an oil or gas well. Data is transferred via cable such as a single conductor cable used for the transmission of various types of logging data including, but not limited to, video signals, pressure and temperature information. A video or other signal can be electronically converted into an amplified current modulated telemetry equivalent, transmitted along a cable having a varied impedance characteristics, and electronically converted back into a compliant voltage modulated composite video standard.

Abstract: A system includes a visual inspection system and an image analysis system. The visual inspection system includes an inspection camera that captures images from within an interior of at least one of a utility line and a tunnel for installing a utility line, and a first communication interface that communicates image data corresponding to the images. The image analysis system includes a second communication interface that receives the image data from the visual inspection system, a model adaptation module that modifies a classifier model based on at least one of feedback data and training data, and a classifier module that implements the classifier model to identify a plurality of features in the image data corresponding to defects and that modifies the image data according to the identified plurality of features. The defects include at least one of a cross-bore, a lateral pipe, and an imperfection.

Abstract: A remote visual inspection system and method for transmitting live digital video of an ongoing inspection to remote network sites is disclosed.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes: an insertion portion which is inserted into a device under inspection; a projection unit which projects a striped pattern including a plurality of linear patterns onto an object; an imaging unit which is provided in the insertion portion and images the object onto which the striped pattern is projected and generates image data; a specification unit which specifies an area of interest of the object in an image based on a position of the striped pattern in the image based on the image data; and a measurement unit which measures the area of the object using the image data.

Abstract: An illuminated camera apparatus can be used downhole in wellbores or other environments lacking ambient or available light. Light generated by a light emitting diode or other light source is pointed or reflected toward a glass light pipe that conveys such light past a camera or other visual image sensor. The conveyed light is diffused to evenly illuminate the surrounding environment into the field of view of the camera or other visual image sensor. At least one heat sink can be provided to absorb and/or retain heat, and isolate such heat from thermally sensitive components.

Abstract: A method for removing cyclic noise from a borehole image includes transforming the image into the frequency domain using a two-dimensional (2-D) transform (e.g., using a discrete cosine transform). The cyclic noise components (peaks) are removed from the transformed image which is then inverse transformed back into the spatial domain using an inverse 2-D transform to obtain a corrected image. An automated method enables the cyclic peaks to be identified and removed from the borehole image via downhole processing.

Abstract: A method for determining far field maximum stress direction of formations penetrated by a wellbore from multiaxial electromagnetic induction measurements and formation image measurements made in the wellbore includes determining whether fractures exist in a far field from the wellbore using the multiaxial electromagnetic induction measurements. The fractures are determined to be naturally occurring or induced using the formation image measurements. Orientation of the fractures when determined to be induced are determined. The far field maximum stress direction is then determined based upon the determined orientation.

Abstract: A method for removing cyclic noise from a borehole image includes transforming the image into the frequency domain using a two-dimensional (2-D) Fourier Transform, removing cyclic noise components from the transformed image, and inverse transforming the image back into the spatial domain using an inverse 2-D Fourier Transform. The cyclic noise component may also be isolated by subtracting the corrected image from the original image or by removing all non-cyclic noise components from the transformed image prior to inverse transforming. Removal of the cyclic noise from a borehole image tends to enable the identification of borehole features and provide for improved accuracy in formation parameter evaluation. Evaluation of the cyclic noise component may also enable the source of the noise to be identified and mitigated.

Abstract: A system and methods to deblend seismic data from a plurality of sources and received by a plurality of sensors as shot gathers are disclosed. The deblending is performed by a Mutual Interdependence Analysis Method to separate contributions of different shots. Deblending is also performed by applying a measure of coherence in parallel data domains such as Common Shot Gather and Common Midpoint. Deblending is also achieved by using the hyperbolic nature of seismic data in the common midpoint domain. Deblended signals are estimated and are applied to create a seismic image. Also, Bergman iteration based migration is applied directly on the blended seismic shot gathers without first deblending as an alternative method. The methods are applied in seismic imaging for exploration of natural resources.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a borehole inspection device, a borehole inspection system and a method for loading explosives in boreholes. The borehole inspection device comprises a tubular casing (7), illumination means (10) and image capturing means (9) housed in the casing (7), at least one circulation duct (16) for a fluid (4), and a diffusing element (1) suitable for spraying the fluid (4) circulating through the at least one circulation duct (16) onto a transparent closure (2) allowing the illumination and the image capture through it.

Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging-while-drilling and look-ahead imaging of a geological formation using a borehole devices measuring multi-component vector and/or tensor logging data. An electromagnetic field transmitter generates an electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic receivers measure the response from the geological formation around the borehole and ahead of the device at various receiving positions. A central processing unit may compute a migration field by simulating the replacement of the receivers with conceptual transmitters, calculate an integrated sensitivity of the recorded electromagnetic field data, compute a reference field, and calculate a cross power spectra of the reference and the migration fields or cross correlation functions between the reference and the migration fields.

Abstract: An unmanned apparatus for use in traversing and inspecting at least a portion of an elongated structure. The unmanned apparatus includes at least one structural member defining a recess sized and configured to receive the portion of the elongated structure. In one aspect, the unmanned apparatus includes a clamping mechanism coupled to the structural member, wherein the clamping mechanism is capable of detachably attaching the unmanned apparatus to the elongated structure. A locomotion system is actuated while the unmanned apparatus is attached to the elongated structure causing the unmanned apparatus to traverse at least a portion of the elongated structure. The unmanned apparatus includes a plurality of cameras and/or at least one sensor capable of providing information regarding the structural integrity of the interior and/or exterior of the elongated structure. A method of inspecting and traversing at least a portion of the elongated structure is also described.

Abstract: A self-leveling camera head includes an eccentric leveling weight assembly that is supported inside an outer housing for free rotation about an axis. The leveling weight assembly can be removably coupled to a separate camera module assembly supported inside the outer housing for rotation about the axis so that its images will be “upright”, i.e. earth normal. A slip ring assembly includes a fixedly mounted connector assembly that removably mates with a contact assembly mounted to the camera module assembly. In an alternative embodiment the camera module assembly does not rotate within the outer housing. Instead a processing circuit processes a video output from a high resolution image sensing device in the camera module assembly, generates a sub-sampled region and rotates it into a predetermined orientation for display. The output of an orientation sensor in the camera head may be processed to achieve the predetermined desired orientation of the video that is stored or displayed.

Abstract: A technician performs a locate operation of an underground utility in a dig area of proposed excavation by applying one or more physical colored markers (e.g., paint, flags, other colored markers) to ground, pavement or other surface to indicate a presence or an absence of the underground utility in the dig area. A digital image of a geographic area comprising the dig area is displayed on a display device, and one or more electronic colored markers corresponding to the physical colored marker(s) are added to the displayed digital image so as to generate a marked-up image. Information relating to the marked-up image is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored so as to document the locate operation.