Well Logging Or Borehole Study Patents (Class 702/6)
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Patent number: 8433516Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Lufkin Industries, Inc.Inventors: Sam G. Gibbs, Doneil M. Dorado, Kenneth B. Nolen, Eric S. Oestreich, Jeffrey J. Dacunha
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Patent number: 8433517Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Gyrodata, IncorporatedInventors: Roger Ekseth, Stephen Victor Mullin, John Lionel Weston
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Patent number: 8428919Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventor: Rossen R. Parashkevov
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Patent number: 8423332Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: The University of TokyoInventors: Robert Geller, Hiromitsu Mizutani, Nobuyasu Hirabayashi, Nozomu Takeuchi
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Publication number: 20130090853Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventor: Jeffery P. Anderson
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Publication number: 20130090856Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventor: Oivind Godager
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Patent number: 8417456Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Charles Lee Mauldin, Barry Vincent Schneider, Mark Adrian Smith
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Publication number: 20130085674Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Oleg Zhdaneev, Christopher Harrison, Youxiang Zuo, Dingan Zhang, William H. Steinecker, Gordon R. Lambertus, Neil Bostrom
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Patent number: 8407005Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Technoimaging, LLCInventor: Michael Zhdanov
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Publication number: 20130073206Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventors: Junsheng Hou, Michael Bittar
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Publication number: 20130066557Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Stanislav W. Forgang
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Patent number: 8396667Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Swelltec LimitedInventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
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Publication number: 20130060474Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventors: LALITHA VENKATARAMANAN, TAREK M. HABASHY, FRED K. GRUBER, DENISE E. FREED
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Patent number: 8392120Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.Inventors: Robert R. McDaniel, Cody Ryan Peeples, Robin Pierce Gardner
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Patent number: 8392158Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Simon G. James
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Publication number: 20130047696Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: John Rasmus, William Lesso, John James
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Publication number: 20130049958Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.Inventors: Wesley J. Clement, Steven Tethrake, Steven Morrison
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Patent number: 8386180Abstract: 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 eachType: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: ARKeX LimitedInventor: Mark Davies
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Patent number: 8385604Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Ground Modelling Technologies, Ltd.Inventor: John Lisle Orpen
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Patent number: 8386059Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.Inventor: Scott G. Boone
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Patent number: 8386181Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventor: Christopher C. Propes
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Publication number: 20130046473Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC.Inventors: Wei Zhang, Christopher M. Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert S. Atkinson, Stephen A. Zannoni
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Patent number: 8378684Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Chanh Cao Minh, Michel Claverie
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Patent number: 8380436Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Live Oak MinistriesInventor: Jay Howard Heck, Sr.
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Publication number: 20130041586Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Frank Schuberth, Hanno Reckmann, John D. Macpherson, James Albert Hood
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Publication number: 20130041587Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Gomaa, Jia Zhou, Hong Sun, Qi Qu
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Patent number: 8374793Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Gyrodata, IncorporatedInventors: Roger Ekseth, John Lionel Weston, Gary William Uttecht
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Publication number: 20130025939Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: DENIS HELIOT, Steven F. Crary, Jean Seydoux
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Publication number: 20130030705Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Jianyong Pei, Thomas Dahl, John Macpherson
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Patent number: 8362915Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Intelliserv, LLCInventors: Shyam Mehta, Georgiy Bordakov
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Patent number: 8355873Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ali Mese, Syed Hamid, Dingding Chen, Harry D. Smith, Jr., John Howard, Neal Skinner
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Patent number: 8355872Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Dana E. Rowan
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Publication number: 20130013209Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventors: Yaping Zhu, Shiyu Xu, Enru Liu, Michael A. Payne, Martin J. Terrell
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Patent number: 8347658Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLCInventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
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Patent number: 8352227Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Hans Eric Klumpen, Scott Trevor Raphael, Richard Ian Torrens, Gustavo Nunez, William J. Bailey, Benoit Couet
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Patent number: 8346481Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Jacobson, Weijun Guo, Jerome A. Truax, Daniel F. Dorffer
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Patent number: 8340911Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Weatherford Canada PartnershipInventors: Martin Sorrells, James Minto
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Publication number: 20120323494Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Lovell, Fitrah Arachman
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Publication number: 20120323493Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Terry R. Wright, Burke E. Lowrey, Paul T. Roberts
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Patent number: 8332191Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Hong Zhang, Cyrille Levesque, Guozhong Gao, H. Frank Morrison, David Alumbaugh
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Patent number: 8332152Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gregory B. Itskovich, Roland E. Chemali
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Patent number: 8332155Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Chengbing Liu
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Patent number: 8328527Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Victoria M. Ehimeakhe
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Patent number: 8326538Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Occidental Permian Ltd.Inventors: Kirk Hobbs, Terrell Rowe, Judy Sisson
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Publication number: 20120303279Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Frank Cully Firmin
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Patent number: 8321130Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: IHS Inc.Inventors: Carolyn Hill, Robert Michael Banks, Annette Louise deJong, Richard Eli Herrmann
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Patent number: 8321190Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Maersk Olie & Gas A/SInventors: Jens Henrik Hansen, Kristian Mogensen
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Patent number: 8311743Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Omer M. Gurpinar
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Publication number: 20120283950Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Robb G. Anderson, Thomas L. Beck
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Patent number: 8305243Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Bo Yu, Han Yu