Well Logging Or Borehole Study Patents (Class 702/6)
  • Patent number: 8433516
    Abstract: An instrumentation system for assessing operation of a reciprocating pump system which produces hydrocarbons from a non-vertical or a vertical wellbore. The instrumentation system periodically produces a downhole pump card as a function of a directly or indirectly measured surface card and a friction law function from a wave equation which describes the linear vibrations in a long slender rod. A control signal or command signal is generated based on characteristics of the downhole pump card for controlling the pumping system. It also generates a pump and well analysis report that is useful for a pump operation and determination of its condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lufkin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam G. Gibbs, Doneil M. Dorado, Kenneth B. Nolen, Eric S. Oestreich, Jeffrey J. Dacunha
  • Patent number: 8433517
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring depth, velocity, or both depth and velocity of instrumentation within a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a downhole portion movable within the wellbore in a direction generally parallel to the wellbore. The apparatus further includes a first acceleration sensor mounted at a first position within the downhole portion. The first acceleration sensor generates a first signal indicative of a first acceleration in a first direction generally parallel to the wellbore at the first position. The apparatus further includes a second acceleration sensor mounted at a second position within the downhole portion. The second acceleration sensor generates a second signal indicative of a second acceleration in a second direction generally parallel to the wellbore at the second position. The apparatus further includes a bend sensor generating a third signal indicative of an amount of bend of at least a portion of the downhole portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Gyrodata, Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger Ekseth, Stephen Victor Mullin, John Lionel Weston
  • Patent number: 8428919
    Abstract: A method for constructing a velocity vector field from a grid and a set of fluxes for each face of the grid cells. The cells are first subdivided and internal fluxes are calculated for each cell subject to the constraints of the flux for each cell and to achieve the minimum energy state for the each cell. The minimum energy state is computed efficiently using a divergence-free correction method without introducing a pressure variable. Then, the velocity vector field is constructed from the subcell fluxes using mixed finite element interpolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Rossen R. Parashkevov
  • Patent number: 8423332
    Abstract: A stiffness matrix H? is designed as PiTCPi or a linear combination form thereof, where a spatial first-order difference operator, which operates on a state vector, of a displacement vector at each discrete grid point is Pi and the matrix of elastic constants is C. The mass matrix T? is derived using finite-difference approximations at the discrete grid points so that the result of the matrix ?Tnum operating on a state vector corresponding to rotations or translations is 0, where T is a positive definite diagonal mass matrix and ?Tnum=T??T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Robert Geller, Hiromitsu Mizutani, Nobuyasu Hirabayashi, Nozomu Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20130090853
    Abstract: High-frequency data capture for diagnostics is provided. An example system collects device data at a high acquisition rate. The collected data can be diagnostic when a critical event occurs, but need not be stored permanently or transmitted to a remote server unless needed. In an implementation, the data is stored in a dynamic circular buffer and the resolution of the data is tapered in real-time to maintain a lean data size of the entire buffer contents. High-resolution is maintained for recent data, while a decreasing resolution is applied to aging data. A triggering event changes the system from transmitting low bandwidth status information to transmitting the entire leaned-down data record stored in the buffer. After the triggering event, the system can also transmit incoming diagnostic data to the remote server at a high data resolution, and then can taper the resolution of the data transmission over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffery P. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130090856
    Abstract: Apparatus for calculating service life expectancy of wellbore intervention tools comprising one or more sensors, power means, control means and wireless connectivity means. Also a method of the measuring and calculating the service life expectancy of wellbore intervention tools using this apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Oivind Godager
  • Patent number: 8417456
    Abstract: Downhole drilling vibration analysis uses acceleration data measured in three orthogonal axes downhole while drilling to determine whether drilling assembly's efficiency has fallen to a point where the assembly needs to be pulled. In real or near real time, a downhole tool calculates impulse in at least one direction using the measured acceleration data over an acquisition period and determines whether the calculated impulse exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold for the acquisition period. If the impulse exceeds the threshold, the tool pulses the impulse data to the surface where the calculated impulse is correlated to efficiency of the assembly as the drillstring is used to drill in real time. Based on the correlation, operators can determine whether to pull the assembly if excessive impulse occurs continuously over a predetermined penetration depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Lee Mauldin, Barry Vincent Schneider, Mark Adrian Smith
  • Publication number: 20130085674
    Abstract: Accurate, real-time formation fluids analysis can be accomplished using the systems and techniques described herein. A fluid analyzer includes a first mode of analysis, such as an optical analyzer, configured to determine a physical (optical) property of a fluid sample. The fluid analyzer also includes another mode of analysis, such as a composition analyzer, such as a gas chromatographer, configured to determine an elemental composition of the fluid sample. A data processor is configured to determine a quantity, such as a weight percentage, of a target component of the fluid sample in response results obtained from the first and second modes of analysis. Beneficially, the results are obtained at least in near real-time, allowing for interim results, such as results from the first analyzer to be used for one or more of tuning the compositional analyzer and for implementing quality control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oleg Zhdaneev, Christopher Harrison, Youxiang Zuo, Dingan Zhang, William H. Steinecker, Gordon R. Lambertus, Neil Bostrom
  • Patent number: 8407005
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for determining the conductivity of anisotropic formations surrounding a borehole. The method comprises measuring the gradient of the magnetic field by an electromagnet logging tool in a borehole in the subsurface formation. The instrument comprises one or several closely positioned parallel receiver coils and one or several closely positioned parallel transmitter coils with the magnetic direction of the transmitter coils parallel or different from the magnetic moment direction of the receiver coils. In an embodiment, a gradient induction instrument consists of a tri-axial transmitter array and up to 27 pairs of receiver coils, measuring some or all magnetic gradient components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Technoimaging, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Zhdanov
  • Publication number: 20130073206
    Abstract: Various resistivity logging tools, systems, and methods are disclosed. At least some system embodiments include a logging tool and at least one processor. The logging tool provides transmitter-receiver coupling measurements that include at least direct coupling along the longitudinal tool axis (Czz), direct coupling along the perpendicular axis (Cxx or Cyy), and cross coupling along the longitudinal and perpendicular axes (Cxz, Cyz, Czx, or Czy). The processor performs a multi-step inversion of said transmitter-receiver coupling measurements to obtain values for model parameters. Based at least in part on the model parameters, the processor determines borehole corrections for the transmitter-receiver coupling measurements and may further provide one or more logs derived from the borehole corrected transmitter-receiver coupling measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Junsheng Hou, Michael Bittar
  • Publication number: 20130066557
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to apparatuses and methods for estimating a phase offset in earth formations. The method may include estimating the phase offset by comparing signals generated and received by a first sub, the second signal being transmitted by a second sub that has been synchronized by the signal generated by the first sub. The signals may be exchanged using a first antenna on the first sub and a second antenna on the second sub. The signals may use a selected frequency. Synchronization may take place without electrical communication between the first and second subs. The method may include compensating for a propagation delay in the signals using the phase offset. The method may include using a time stamp during the synchronization. The apparatus may include a first antenna and a second antenna on first and second subs, respectively, both configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Stanislav W. Forgang
  • Patent number: 8396667
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for use in testing the swell characteristics of swellable components used in downhole exploration or production equipment, such as swellable packers. A method of measuring a test piece using a testing apparatus with a fluid chamber and a transducer is described. Measured data can be compared with data measured from a sample section of a tool to determine a relationship between swell characteristics. The determined relationships can then be used to calculate or predict swelling characteristics of swellable components, for example particular packer designs, in specific fluid samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Publication number: 20130060474
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of characterizing a subterranean formation including observing a formation using nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, calculating an answer product by computing an integral transform on the indications in measurement-domain, and using answer products to estimate a property of the formation. Apparatus and a method for characterizing a subteranean formation including collecting NMR data of a formation, calculating an answer product comprising the data, wherein the calculating comprises a formula K ? ( x ) ? ? 0 ? ? k ? ( t ) ? ? - t / x ? ? t . and estimating a property of the formation using the answer product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: LALITHA VENKATARAMANAN, TAREK M. HABASHY, FRED K. GRUBER, DENISE E. FREED
  • Patent number: 8392120
    Abstract: A method for determining fracture geometry of a subterranean formation from radiation emitted from a fracture in the formation, including measuring gamma-radiation emitted from the fracture; subtracting background radiation from the measured gamma-radiation to obtain a peak-energy measurement; comparing the peak-energy measurement with a gamma-ray transport/spectrometer response model; and determining formation fracture geometry of the fracture in accordance with values associated with the response model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. McDaniel, Cody Ryan Peeples, Robin Pierce Gardner
  • Patent number: 8392158
    Abstract: Methods for completing a well involve the use of computational models to design cement systems that are appropriate for the anticipated well conditions. Data from laboratory tests and/or numerical simulations may be employed in the models. The cement systems are designed to have a higher Young's modulus than the surrounding formation. In addition, the cement systems contain chemical-expansion agents that cause a microannulus to be deliberately formed at the cement/casing interface prior to the application of heat. The microannulus disappears during application of heat, pressure or both owing to casing expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Simon G. James
  • Publication number: 20130047696
    Abstract: A method for estimating equivalent top of fluid level or a theoretical surface annular back pressure in a subterranean wellbore includes acquiring first and second axially spaced pressure measurements in the wellbore. The pressure measurements may then be processed to compute the equivalent top of fluid level and/or theoretical surface annular back pressure of drilling fluid between the measurement locations. A tool string including a large number of axially spaced pressure sensors (e.g., four or more or even six or more) electronically coupled with a surface processor via wired drill pipe may be used to obtain a plurality of values corresponding to various wellbore intervals. The equivalent top of fluid level and/or theoretical surface annular back pressures may be used in automated managed pressure drilling operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: John Rasmus, William Lesso, John James
  • Publication number: 20130049958
    Abstract: A system and method for calibrating physical data sensing devices with physical data control devices is disclosed. The system and method are particularly useful for calibrating physical data sensing devices that measure physical data at periodic intervals different from the periodic intervals in which the physical data control device measure the physical data. The system and method provide a quick and accurate calibration between devices sampling at different rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Wesley J. Clement, Steven Tethrake, Steven Morrison
  • Patent number: 8386180
    Abstract: We describe a method of processing geophysical data including at least measured potential field data from a potential field survey of a surveyed region of the earth to provide a three-dimensional representation of the underlying geology of said surveyed region, the method comprising: inputting terrain-corrected potential field data for said surveyed region, said potential field data comprising data for a range of spatial wavelengths, geological features at different depths in said surveyed region being associated with different wavelengths in said range of wavelengths; filtering said potential field data by spatial wavelength to generate a first plurality of filtered sets of potential field data, each relating to a respective wavelength or range of wavelengths, each targeting geological features at a different respective said depth; processing each said filtered set of potential field data, to identify a set of spatial features comprising one or both of line spatial features and point spatial features in each
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ARKeX Limited
    Inventor: Mark Davies
  • Patent number: 8385604
    Abstract: The invention is provides a method of logging rock core. A digital photograph of core from a borehole is taken and the image is first processed. This involves calibration and correction, or un-distortion, of the digital image. A reference frame is included in the photograph to facilitate processing. The two-dimensional image is then used as a virtual three-dimensional model of the core enabling length and angle measurements to be logged. These include linear rock interval measurements as well as angular measurements of geological structures. The method is implemented using a software program which enables suitable hardware. The software program will be provided on a suitable computer readable medium. Manually logged data of the same kind is imported for comparison to data logged using the software program. All of this data can be displayed on the image and incrementally on a Stereonet as it is logged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ground Modelling Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: John Lisle Orpen
  • Patent number: 8386059
    Abstract: A prog analysis and execution system and method. The system includes a computer control system, an interface engine in communication with the computer control system, the interface engine being configured to receive prog information, and an action item development engine in communication with the control system, the action item development engine being configured to analyze received prog information and to determine corresponding action items. The system further includes a sensor engine in communication with the computer control system, the sensor engine being configured to receive input from at least one sensor for use in controlling a well drilling operation, and an operational equipment engine in communication with the computer control system, the operational equipment engine being configured to receive input from the computer control system and to control the well drilling operation in accordance with the determined action items in the prog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott G. Boone
  • Patent number: 8386181
    Abstract: Techniques for analyzing operation of drill bit in a borehole are disclosed herein. A method for analyzing operation of a drill bit in a borehole includes providing information describing the drill bit and a bent housing coupled to the drill bit. A path of a cutter of the drill bit is determined based on a ratio of a rotational speed of the bent housing to a combined rotational speed of the drill bit and the bent housing. The combined rotational speed is different from the rotation speed of the bent housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Christopher C. Propes
  • Publication number: 20130046473
    Abstract: A processor accepts sensor data about a geological formation from a sensor. The sensor data is such that processing the sensor data using a processing technique to estimate a parameter of the geological formation without a constraint, whose value is not yet known, produces a plurality of non-unique estimates of the parameter. The processor accepts more than two time-displaced images of fluid sampled from the geological formation. The time displacements between the images are substantially defined by a mathematical series. The processor processes the images to determine the constraint. The processor processes the sensor data using the processing technique constrained by the constraint to estimate the parameter of the geological formation. The processor uses the estimated parameter to affect the drilling of a well through the geological formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Christopher M. Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert S. Atkinson, Stephen A. Zannoni
  • Patent number: 8378684
    Abstract: A method for determining a formation type within a wellbore includes forming the wellbore such that the wellbore intersects fractures within a formation. Hydrocarbons are produced from the formation. An induction tool is disposed into the wellbore after producing the hydrocarbons. A resistivity of a portion of the formation is measured with the induction tool. The resistivity of the portion of the formation is compared with a known formation type. The formation type of the portion of the formation is determined based on the resistivity. A characteristic of the formation type is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chanh Cao Minh, Michel Claverie
  • Patent number: 8380436
    Abstract: Methods for evaluating drill pattern parameters such as burden, spacing, borehole diameter, etc., at a blast site are disclosed. One method involves accumulating the burden contributed by successive layers of rock and matching the accumulated rock burden to a target value for a borehole having a length related to the average height of the layers. Another method relates to varying drill pattern parameters and characteristics to match blast design constraints, including the substitution of one explosive material for another by the proper balance of materials and/or output energies to the associated rock burden. Analysis of deviations from target rock burdens and corrective measures are disclosed, as well as cost optimization methods. The various methods can be practiced using an appropriately programmed general purpose computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Live Oak Ministries
    Inventor: Jay Howard Heck, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20130041586
    Abstract: A method for estimating an inclination and azimuth at a bottom of a borehole includes forming a last survey point including a last inclination and a last azimuth; receiving at a computing device bending moment and at least one of a bending toolface measurement and a near bit inclination measurement from one or more sensors in the borehole; and forming the estimate by comparing possible dogleg severity (DLS) values with the bending moment value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Frank Schuberth, Hanno Reckmann, John D. Macpherson, James Albert Hood
  • Publication number: 20130041587
    Abstract: A method of determining the friction pressure drop gradient of at least one drag-reducing polymer passing through a tubing in an underground well includes determining the pressure drop, velocity and relaxation time of the drag-reducing polymer as it passes through a length of small diameter straight tubing at multiple injection rates in the lab. For each data set, the variables x=(Relaxation Time×Velocity) and y=(Pressure Drop Gradient×Diameter4×(1+De2)1.5) are calculated, wherein De is the Deborah number. Each x, y data point is plotted on a graph where the x-axis represents (Relaxation Time×Velocity) and the y-axis represents (Pressure Drop Gradient×Diameter4×(1+De2)1.5), wherein the curve formed by the plotted data approximates the x and y data for the drag-reducing polymer as it passes through the tubing in the underground well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Gomaa, Jia Zhou, Hong Sun, Qi Qu
  • Patent number: 8374793
    Abstract: A method reduces error contributions to gyroscopic measurements from a first gyroscopic sensor and a second gyroscopic sensor. The method includes receiving a first set of measurement signals and a second set of measurement signals indicative of at least one substantially perpendicular component and indicative of a substantially parallel component of the Earth's rotation. The method further includes receiving one or more measurement signals generated by a plurality of accelerometers and calculating a first and second mass unbalance offset error for the first gyroscopic sensor and the second gyroscopic sensor, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gyrodata, Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger Ekseth, John Lionel Weston, Gary William Uttecht
  • Publication number: 20130025939
    Abstract: During a drilling operation, measured data from the drilling operation may be received with a panistic inversion and risk estimate module. The panistic inversion and risk estimate module may generate a plurality of mathematical solutions from a panistic inversion that uses the measured data and one or more earth models. The one or more earth models having various parameters may be selected prior to drilling and/or while the drilling operation occurs. For each solution of the plurality of mathematical solutions generated from the panistic inversion, the panistic inversion and risk estimate module may determine if the measured data exceeds one or more probability risk thresholds associated with the drilling operation. If the measured data exceeds the probability risk threshold associated with the drilling operation, then the panistic inversion and risk estimate module may generate an alert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: DENIS HELIOT, Steven F. Crary, Jean Seydoux
  • Publication number: 20130030705
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating a geometry of a borehole penetrating the earth. The method includes: performing a plurality of borehole caliper measurements with N transducers at a plurality of times, wherein for each time a measurement set comprises measurements made by the N transducers at that time; dividing a cross-section of the borehole into S sectors; obtaining an estimate of the borehole geometry by connecting representative radius points in adjacent sectors; displacing each measurement set according to a displacement vector related to an offset of each measurement set from the estimated geometry if the displacement vector exceeds a selection criterion; iterating the obtaining an estimate of the borehole geometry and the displacing each measurement set based on a latest displacement vector; and providing a latest obtained estimate as the geometry of the borehole when all of the displacement vectors no longer exceed the selection criterion for the displacing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jianyong Pei, Thomas Dahl, John Macpherson
  • Patent number: 8362915
    Abstract: A system and a method for determining stretch or compression of a drill string is disclosed. Sensors are positioned along the drill string for collecting data for determining the stretch or compression. The stretch or the compression of the drill string may be used to calculate depths at which measurements are obtained by tools associated with the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Intelliserv, LLC
    Inventors: Shyam Mehta, Georgiy Bordakov
  • Patent number: 8355873
    Abstract: Reservoir characterization based on observations of displacements at the earth's surface. One method of characterizing a reservoir includes the steps of: detecting a response of the reservoir to a stimulus, the stimulus causing a pressure change in the reservoir; and determining a characteristic of the reservoir from the response to the stimulus. The response may be the pressure change which varies periodically over time, or a set of displacements of a surface of the earth. In another example, a method includes the steps of: detecting a set of displacements of the earth's surface corresponding to a pressure change in the reservoir; and determining a characteristic of the reservoir from the surface displacements. In yet another example, a method includes the steps of: detecting a set of displacements of the earth's surface corresponding to a change in volume of the reservoir; and determining a characteristic of the reservoir from the surface displacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Mese, Syed Hamid, Dingding Chen, Harry D. Smith, Jr., John Howard, Neal Skinner
  • Patent number: 8355872
    Abstract: A system for and method of automatically evaluating similarity between a target geological region of interest and a plurality of known geological regions of interest includes selecting a plurality of quantitative parameters describing reservoir characteristics of the target geological region of interest and defining a graphical target line based on values of the selected parameters. Comparison lines are graphically constructed for at least some of the plurality of known geological regions of interest, respective comparison lines representing respective values of the quantitative parameters describing corresponding characteristics of respective regions among the known geological regions of interest. A similarity factor between each of the comparison lines and the target line is calculated based on the plotted target and comparison lines. The comparison lines are ranked based on the calculated similarity factors, and similarity factor versus similarity rank are graphically displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Dana E. Rowan
  • Publication number: 20130013209
    Abstract: Method for predicting physical properties of a source rock formation wherein an inclusion-based (103) mathematical rock physics model (101) is constructed that treats organic matter as solid inclusions, solid background, or both, and relates anisotropic elastic and electric properties of source rock to in-situ rock and fluid properties (102). The model is calibrated with well log data and may be used to forward model calculate effective anisotropic elastic (104.1) and electrical (104.2) properties of the source rock formation, or by inversion (441-442) of sonic and resistivity log data to calculate total organic carbon (423) in terms of a difference (421) between elastic and electrical properties of the source rock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Yaping Zhu, Shiyu Xu, Enru Liu, Michael A. Payne, Martin J. Terrell
  • Patent number: 8347658
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8352227
    Abstract: A method for performing operations of an oilfield is described. The method involves selectively coupling oilfield simulators according to a predefined configuration, each oilfield simulator modeling at least a portion of the oilfield, a first oilfield simulator receives an oilfield control parameter as an input, identifying an uncertainty parameter associated with probable values each corresponding to a weighted probability, a second oilfield simulator receives the uncertainty parameter as an input, modeling the operations of the oilfield to generate an estimated performance by selectively communicating between the oilfield simulators, the operations of the oilfield are modeled with a predetermined value of the oilfield control parameter and at least one of the probable values of the uncertainty parameter; and identifying an optimal value of the oilfield control parameter based on the estimated performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Eric Klumpen, Scott Trevor Raphael, Richard Ian Torrens, Gustavo Nunez, William J. Bailey, Benoit Couet
  • Patent number: 8346481
    Abstract: Determining a value indicative of gas saturation of a formation. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including obtaining an inelastic count rate and a capture count rate of a gamma detector for a particular borehole depth, calculating a ratio of an inelastic count rate to a capture count rate for the particular borehole depth, determining a value indicative of gas saturation based on the ratio of the inelastic count rate to the capture count rate for the particular borehole depth, repeating the obtaining, calculating and determining for a plurality of borehole depths, and producing a plot of the value indicative of gas saturation of the formation as a function of borehole depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Jacobson, Weijun Guo, Jerome A. Truax, Daniel F. Dorffer
  • Patent number: 8340911
    Abstract: A compensated ensemble crystal oscillator clock system. The clock system includes preferably four quad compensated clocks, a compensated temperature sensor, and software for processing and correcting system response. Physical fabrication of elements of the quad compensated clocks, the compensated temperature sensor and cooperating software minimized drift in frequency of the oscillator clock system in harsh borehole environments encountered while drilling a borehole. The clock system exhibits a frequency stability of 2.8×10?9 or less over a temperature range of from 0° C. to 185° C. The compensated ensemble crystal oscillator clock system is particularly applicable to seismic-while-drilling operations wherein precise downhole measurements of time are required typically over a period of days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford Canada Partnership
    Inventors: Martin Sorrells, James Minto
  • Publication number: 20120323494
    Abstract: Plural sensors are deployed into a well, and measurement data regarding at least one property of the well is received from the sensors. Based on the measurement data, a first of the plural sensors that measures the at least one property in a region having an annular fluid flow is identified, and a second of the plural sensors that measures the at least one property in a region outside the region having the annular fluid flow is identified. Based on the identifying, the measurement data from selected one or more of the plural sensors is used to produce a target output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John R. Lovell, Fitrah Arachman
  • Publication number: 20120323493
    Abstract: The disclosed device provides a high-accuracy plunger arrival detection system comprising a low-power magnetometer with high sensitivity and which is capable of sampling low or high intensity magnetic fields. The device processes gathered data from sensors, stores at least some processed data in memory, executes a trending algorithm which compares the magnetic field of the plunger to the ambient magnetic field or a predetermined set of initialization values, and generates an output which is relayed to a well controller. An output signal may be via hard wire, RF, wireless or other known means. In addition, the implementation of two sensing devices mounted in series and in spaced relation to each other, can provide for an actual plunger average velocity. An actual plunger average velocity, as opposed to approximate average velocity, can be used to better optimize well control and improve safety of the overall well production system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Terry R. Wright, Burke E. Lowrey, Paul T. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8332191
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to determining attenuation factors relating to an electromagnetic signal passing through, a conductive material seen by a real sensor. A sensor is provided and disposed proximate to the material. An alternating current is passed through the sensor and the impedance of the sensor is measured. The impedance of an ideal coil is obtained from the measured impedance using electromagnetic modeling combined with a circuit analysis of the coil impedance, and the attenuation factors for the real coil in straight or feedback mode are determined by electromagnetic modeling of casing attenuation factors and impedance of an ideal coil combined with equivalent circuit modeling of the sensor transfer functions. The attenuation factors seen by the real sensor may be determined in real-time or post-survey. The material may be magnetic or non-magnetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Hong Zhang, Cyrille Levesque, Guozhong Gao, H. Frank Morrison, David Alumbaugh
  • Patent number: 8332152
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide a time-dependent calibration to essentially eliminate pipe effect in pulse-induction logging while drilling. Use of two receivers to provide calibration and measurement information allows determination of formation properties in a downhole environment while eliminating the effect of tool effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory B. Itskovich, Roland E. Chemali
  • Patent number: 8332155
    Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for characterizing hydrocarbon gas net pay zones in a subterranean reservoir including determining a sweet zone indicator from well log data, determining rock properties from well log data, and identifying one or more classes of net pay zones from the sweet zone indicator and rock properties. The sweet zone indicator may be determined by computing neutron-density separation and using the neutron-density separation and the well log data. The rock properties determined from the well log data may include total water saturation, adsorbed gas saturation, total gas content, porosity, propensity for hydraulic fracturing, uncertainty level of the total water saturation, uncertainty level of the total gas content, and baselines for the porosity and total gas content. Using the sweet zone indicator and rock properties, one or more classes of net pay zones can be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Chengbing Liu
  • Patent number: 8328527
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining pump fillage, using data arrays of pump plunger position with respect to time and/or pump plunger load with respect to time. In this manner, well operators may be able to accurately monitor the pump fillage and control the pump accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Victoria M. Ehimeakhe
  • Patent number: 8326538
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring a wellsite include transporting a mobile monitoring platform to a wellsite. The mobile monitoring platform includes a transportable chassis including two or more wheels; a mast supported by the platform and extendable vertically upward from the chassis; a transceiver including a wireless modem and an antenna; a controller adapted to communicate with the transceiver; and a power module electrically coupled to at least one of the transceiver and the processor. The methods include wirelessly receiving, at the transceiver, wellsite data from a plurality of sensors at or adjacent the wellsite; and wirelessly transmitting, in real-time, the wellsite data to a remote monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Occidental Permian Ltd.
    Inventors: Kirk Hobbs, Terrell Rowe, Judy Sisson
  • Publication number: 20120303279
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating an orientation of a downhole device conveyed into a well on a conveyance device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first sensor and a second sensor placed circumferentially spaced apart on the device to provide measurements relating to a selected downhole parameter. A processor is configured to estimate the orientation of the downhole device using a phase difference between the measurements of the first sensor and the second sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Frank Cully Firmin
  • Patent number: 8321130
    Abstract: Well logs are selected, annotated and correlated. In one example, a display of a well log showing logged information and well depths corresponding to the information is presented. Data related to the well log is searched to find a named formation near a selected depth and a name of a formation near the named formation is selected. The selected adjacent formation name is then presented on the display of the well log in association with the displayed depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: IHS Inc.
    Inventors: Carolyn Hill, Robert Michael Banks, Annette Louise deJong, Richard Eli Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8321190
    Abstract: A method of simulating fluid transport in a system for stimulating a well in a material formation of a resource reservoir, the system comprising a conduit element arranged in the well, the conduit element comprising a conduit wall including one or more openings for discharging a fluid into the material formation surrounding the conduit element; the method comprising establishing and numerically processing a transport model of fluid transport inside the conduit element. The transport model further includes a model of fluid transport in a predetermined space around the conduit element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Maersk Olie & Gas A/S
    Inventors: Jens Henrik Hansen, Kristian Mogensen
  • Patent number: 8311743
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating an estimation of an incremental recovery that can be expected from an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Process, comprising: selecting a set of reservoir properties; selecting an EOR process that is associated with the selected set of reservoir properties; and generating the estimation of the incremental recovery that can be expected from the selected EOR process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Omer M. Gurpinar
  • Publication number: 20120283950
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a fluid level and/or output flow during operation of a centrifugal pump, are provided, which may be used for production of gas and/or oil from a well, and include a vector feedback model to derive values of torque and speed from signals indicative of instantaneous current and voltage drawn by the pump motor, a pump model which derives values of the fluid flow rate and the head pressure for the pump from torque and speed inputs, a pumping system model that derives, from the estimated values of the pump operating parameters, an estimated value of fluid level and other pumping system parameters. Controllers responsive to the estimated values of the pumping system parameters control the pump to maintain fluid level at the pump input, near an optimum level, or within a safe operating range and/or output flow from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Robb G. Anderson, Thomas L. Beck
  • Patent number: 8305243
    Abstract: Systems and methods compress data and control data compression in borehole communication. The systems and methods convert original data collected by a sensor from a first domain into a second domain, wherein the original data is associated with one or more properties of an underground formation. A predetermined number of significant coefficients is selected from components of the second domain, wherein the predetermined number of significant coefficients are components of the second domain with largest amplitudes. The selected predetermined number of significant coefficients is quantized via an quantization technique and the selected predetermined number of significant coefficients is encoded into compressed data via an encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bo Yu, Han Yu