Well Logging Or Borehole Study Patents (Class 702/6)
  • Patent number: 8185311
    Abstract: A method of oilfield data management including collecting oilfield data from an oilfield, executing instructions on a processor to perform a domain analysis of the oilfield data by a first analysis team to generate a first analysis, the first analysis team comprising a plurality of users who analyze a portion of the oilfield data relating to one or more oilfield functions, selectively providing access to the first analysis and the portion of the oilfield data for the plurality of users based on a continued analysis of the oilfield, executing instructions on the processor to perform the domain analysis of the oilfield data by a second analysis team to generate a second analysis, the second analysis team analyzing the portion of the oilfield data relating to the one or more oilfield functions, and selectively synchronizing the first analysis and the second analysis to generate a synchronized result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arun Kumar Narayanan, Lisa Miriah Ashcroft
  • Patent number: 8185366
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for modeling the performance of a fixed cutter bit drilling an earth formation. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a drill bit and an earth formation to be represented as drilled, simulating the bit drilling the earth formation, displaying the simulating, and adjusting at least one parameter affecting the performance. The method of design is used to make a fixed cutter drill bit. In another embodiment the method includes numerically rotating the bit, calculating bit interaction with the earth formation during the rotating, and determining the forces on the cutters during the rotation based on the calculated interaction with earth formation and empirical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sujian J. Huang, Peter Thomas Cariveau
  • Publication number: 20120123683
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of performing a controlled source electromagnetic survey, which includes in one embodiment deploying a receiver and an electric dipole source. The source defines a dipole axis. An electromagnetic field is transmitted from the electric dipole source. First and second horizontal components of an electromagnetic field response are detected using the receiver. A vertical component of the electromagnetic field response is then estimated using the detected first and second horizontal components of the electromagnetic field response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Lars Ole Løseth, Lasse Amundsen, Arne Johannes Kaaijk Jenssen
  • Publication number: 20120116679
    Abstract: To perform marine electromagnetic (EM) surveying of a subterranean structure, a marine cable system is provided including a tow cable, a plurality of electromagnetic (EM) sources coupled to the tow cable, and a plurality of EM receivers coupled to the tow cable. The system is configured for deployment in a body of water to perform marine EM surveying of a subterranean structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: DAVID L. ALUMBAUGH, GUOZHONG GAO, TAREK M. HABASHY, Frank H. MORRISON, MICHAEL ORISTAGLIO, KAMBIZ SAFINYA, ANDREA ZERILLI
  • Patent number: 8175807
    Abstract: A method for determining properties of a subterranean formation. The method includes determining at least one characterization parameter based on wave velocity measurement data, determining a plurality of elastic coefficients based on the at least one characterization parameter using a plurality of equations, determining an anisotropic stress profile of the subterranean formations based on the stiffness matrix of the subterranean formation comprising the plurality of elastic coefficients wherein the elastic coefficients are approximated using the plurality of equations, and displaying the anisotropic stress profile of the subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Roberto Suarez-Rivera, Tom R. Bratton
  • Publication number: 20120109526
    Abstract: As activities are completed at a well service rig, sensors receive data and transmit it to a computer or database for storage. The sensor data, including the time it takes to complete particular activities on the rig, is evaluated to determine benchmarks. For example, data from multiple instances of an activity is organized and evaluated to determine the median value for data in that activity. Outlier data is removed and the new median and moving range is determined. A natural process limit range is then determined based on the moving range and data for each instance is compared to the natural process limit range. Instances that have data outside of the natural process limit range are noted and go through supplemental analysis to determine why the data was outside of the natural process limit range. The data can also be evaluated against activity benchmarks to determine if an activity was completed properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Lynn W. Conine, Derrek Yorga
  • Patent number: 8170799
    Abstract: A method for determining in-situ relationships between physical properties of a porous medium from a sample thereof includes acquiring a three-dimensional image of the sample and segmenting the image into pixels representing pore space and pixels representing rock grain. A plurality of sub-volumes are selected from the segmented image, and a porosity is calculated for each of the sub-volumes. A digital simulation is conducted on each of the sub-volumes to obtain a selected physical property for the sub-volume. A relationship is determined between porosity and the selected physical property using relationship data comprising the calculated porosity and the simulated physical property for each of the sub-volumes. The method includes at least one of storing and displaying the relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ingrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Dvorkin, Naum Derzhi, Meghan Armbruster, Qian Fang, Zbigniew Wojcik
  • Patent number: 8168121
    Abstract: A portable monitor used to measure landfill gas and landfill well parameters. The portable monitor includes a control unit and a measuring unit that can communication wirelessly with one another. The control unit and/or measuring unit can includes a heating arrangement to increase the temperature of one or more components in the control unit and/or measuring unit in cold environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Elkins Earthworks, LLC
    Inventor: Charles D. Elkins
  • Publication number: 20120097450
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a pair of opposing breakouts in a borehole penetrating an earth formation. The method includes: conveying a downhole tool configured to perform measurements of a property of the earth formation; producing an image of the earth formation from the measurements, the image comprising a plurality of sectors; dividing the sectors into radial segments, each segment corresponding to an opposite segment; rotating the segments at least one sector at a time until a specified angle is achieved; calculating an average value for the measurements associated with each segment for each rotation of the segments; stacking the average values for opposing segments to produce stack values; determining a maximum or minimum stack value; determining if the maximum or minimum stack value exceeds a threshold value; and detecting the first breakout and the second breakout if the maximum or minimum stack value exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stefan Wessling, Jianyong Pei
  • Patent number: 8164478
    Abstract: A data logging apparatus is provided with a separate power supply for driving external sensors, a main module including an acceleration sensor, a memory unit, a control unit embedded with a clock unit for operating a measurement value of the acceleration sensor and storing the operated measurement value into the memory unit in a time series, and a first battery for supplying power to the acceleration sensor, the memory unit, and the control unit; a second battery detachably installed at one side main unit; and a sensor mounting module installed with a plurality of sensor resting units so that sensors can be attached and detached, for receiving the second battery inside so that power of the second battery can be supplied to the sensors installed in the sensor resting units, and transferring measurement signals of the sensors to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Tae Soo Park, Won Ho Kang, Sang Eok Park
  • Patent number: 8165814
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mapping a water pathway. A group of sensors can be employed for detecting one or more features associated with the water pathway in a direction of flow through the water pathway. A buoyant vessel maintains the sensors, and the sensors assist in compiling data indicative of the detected features. The velocity in the direction of flow through the water pathway can be then determined based on data indicative of the detected feature(s). A mapping of the water pathway can be thereafter generated utilizing the velocity with respect to the features detected by the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Joshua Douglas Kenney, Ronald Nelson McGinnis, Jr., Gregory Charles Willden, Ben Allen Abbott, Ronald Thomas Green
  • Patent number: 8163242
    Abstract: A portable monitor used to measure landfill gas and landfill well parameters. The portable monitor includes a control unit and a measuring unit that can communication wirelessly with one another. The control unit and/or measuring unit can includes a heating arrangement to increase the temperature of one or more components in the control unit and/or measuring unit in cold environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Elkins Earthworks, LLC
    Inventor: Charles D. Elkins
  • Publication number: 20120095685
    Abstract: A method reduces gravity-dependent 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 triad of accelerometers and calculating a first and second mass unbalance offset error for the first gyroscopic sensor and the second gyroscopic sensor, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: GYRODATA, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Roger Ekseth, John Lionel Weston, Gary William Uttecht
  • Publication number: 20120095687
    Abstract: A method for estimating a property of an earth formation, the method includes: conveying a carrier through a borehole penetrating the earth formation; performing a measurement of total organic carbon (TOC) within a region of investigation in the earth formation using a logging tool disposed at the carrier; and correlating the measured TOC to the property to estimate the property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Brian LeCompte
  • Publication number: 20120095686
    Abstract: The apparatus employs the remote field eddy-current (RFEC) inspection technique to electromagnetically measure physical parameters of a metallic pipe. RFEC devices inserted into and displaced along a cylindrical pipes may be used to measure the ratio of pipe thickness to electromagnetic skin-depth and thus allow for the non-invasive detection of flaws or metal loss. Typically these RFEC thickness measurements exhibit a so-called double-indication of flaws, an undesired artifact due to a double-peaked geometrical sensitivity function of the device. The method describes a means by which this double indication artifact may be removed by an appropriate processing of RFEC measurements performed by an apparatus specifically designed for this purpose. The invention is particularly well designed for applications in the oilfield industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Emmanuel Legendre, Thilo M. Brill, Richard A. Rosthal, Gerald N. Minerbo
  • Publication number: 20120089335
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating a hydrocarbon fluid parameter using a hydrocarbon fluid testing module. The method may include estimating a hydrocarbon fluid parameter value where a precipitate begins to form in a hydrocarbon fluid sample. The method may also include extracting a hydrocarbon fluid sample under pre-precipitate conditions; changing at least one hydrocarbon fluid parameter, generating information indicative of precipitate formation; and communicating the estimated value of the hydrocarbon fluid parameter at the precipitate formation point. The method may also include producing hydrocarbon fluid sample from a formation using the estimated value and a bubble point. The disclosure also includes an apparatus for implementing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sunil Kumar, Sebastian Csutak, Paul A. Bergren, Rocco Difoggio
  • Publication number: 20120089336
    Abstract: A system for determining the amount of life consumed for a tool includes at least one sensor associated with the tool for generating observation data, a memory in operable communication with the at least one sensor, the memory including a database for storing the observation data generated by the sensor, and a processor in operable communication with the memory. The processor includes a model generator that generates a current model for a current run of the tool. The current model includes parameters of a functional approximation of the observation data. The processor also includes a classifier that classifies the current model and a current run estimator that determine the amount of life consumed based on the classification of the current model and a time of use associated with the current run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Dustin R. Garvey, Joerg Baumann, Joerg Lehr, Martin John, Olof Hummes
  • Publication number: 20120089334
    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: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GYRODATA, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Roger Ekseth, Stephen Victor Mullin, John Lionel Weston
  • Patent number: 8155942
    Abstract: The disclosed methods, systems, and software are described for optimizing well placement in a reservoir field. A geological model of a reservoir field, a grid defining a plurality of cells, one or more wells to be located within the plurality of cells, and an objective function are all provided. The geological model is associated with the grid defining the plurality of cells. The locations of the wells are represented by continuous well location variables associated with a continuous spatial domain. A gradient of the objective function is calculated responsive to the continuous well location variables. The locations of the wells are then adjusted responsive to the calculated gradient of the objective function. Iterative calculation of the gradient and adjustment of the wells continue until the well locations are optimized. A visual representation of the reservoir field can be generated based on the optimized well placements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Pallav Sarma, Wen Hsiung Chen
  • Publication number: 20120084008
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a time to failure of an electronic component used in a downhole environment is disclosed. A stress is applied to the electronic component to cause failure of a plurality of prognostic sensors associated with the electronic component, wherein the stress level at which a prognostic sensor fails is indicative of a stress level at which the electronic component fails. Failure times are obtained due to the applied stress for the plurality of prognostic sensors. A trend is determined from the obtained failure times of the prognostic sensors. The time of failure of the electronic component is estimated from the determined trend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sheng Zhan, Izhar Ahmad
  • Publication number: 20120084007
    Abstract: Wellbore data samples taken within a subsurface volume of interest are declustered. A weighting-based, interpolating technique is employed in a layer-based, two dimensional manner to separate slices within the subsurface volume of interest. The performance of declustering on a slice-by-slice basis may make the process less costly and/or may reduce certain artifacts or effects associated with subsurface data interpolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas T. Tran, Michael W. Waite, Michael J. Pyrcz
  • Patent number: 8149133
    Abstract: An apparatus to remotely archive data from a blowout preventer includes a first system controller in communication with the blowout preventer and a communications network, and a second system controller in communication with the blowout preventer and the communications network. A first remote server and a second remote server are connected to the communications network. The first remote server is configured to archive the data from the blowout preventer through the first local controller and the communications network. The first remote server is also configured to archive the data from the blowout preventer through the second system controller upon a failure of the first system controller resulting from damage in an oilfield component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Eric Lee Milne
  • Patent number: 8150637
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for evaluating the performance of a gas lift well are disclosed. A gas lift well surveillance kit is disclosed. A method for evaluating the performance of a gas lift well includes injecting a tracer into an annulus, measuring a concentration of the tracer present in a substance retrieved from the well, determining actual travel times of the tracer, segmenting the gas lift well into a plurality of ranges of well depth, determining lift gas loss parameters, calculating lift gas velocities in the annulus and in the production tubing for each of the plurality of ranges of well depth based on the lift gas loss parameters, and determining points of entry of the lift gas into the production tubing based on: (i) the actual travel times of the tracer, and (ii) the lift gas velocities in the annulus and in the production tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: WellTracer Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Peacock, Dan Dees
  • Patent number: 8146659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optimized method for modelling flows in a geological hydrocarbon reservoir, comprising injecting an aqueous polymer solution to sweep the hydrocarbons, determining a relationship between a parameter linked with the mobility reduction of the solution in the reservoir and the water saturation, and accounting for this relationship in a flow simulator to achieve modelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: René Tabary, Laurent Neau, Matthieu Olivaud
  • Patent number: 8141635
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for use for determining orientation of a measurement tool in a cased borehole. The measurement tool is deployed in a cased section of a borehole. The tool includes a volume containing a reference fluid having a first density, and a marker within the fluid having a different density. The position of the marker within volume containing the reference fluid is senses, and orientation information of the measurement tool is determined based at least in part on combining information relating to the position of the marker with prior recorded data representing orientation measurements made while the section of the borehole was not yet cased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chung Chang, Henri-Pierre Valero, Jean G. Saint Germain
  • Patent number: 8145462
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a drilling device utilizes well logs and drilling parameters from multiple offset wells located in proximity to the location of a desired wellbore. The well logs and drilling parameters data from the offset wells is synthesized to determine major drilling contexts including both geological trends, mechanical properties and the different well profiles. The performance of one or more drilling devices and or drilling parameters is then simulated within the selected drilling contexts of the offset wells. The simulation information is then used to select an optimized drilling device or parameter for drilling the selected wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Hubert Foucault
  • Patent number: 8145427
    Abstract: Determining a production gain index (PGI) for a petroleum reservoir provides a novel leading indicator and metric that is designed to quickly assess the potential for increases in production of petroleum from an operating petroleum reservoir when implementing a recovery plan. The PGI can be determined according to the following equation: P ? ? G ? ? I = ?? ? ? q A ? ? ? q Old where, ??qA=net actual production gain of the reservoir; and ?qOld=sum of current oil rates for existing producers. The PGI can also be determined according to the following equation: PGI=PRĂ—(GPI?1) where, GPI=the global productivity index of the petroleum reservoir; and PR=the interference factor, which accounts for any losses in aggregate production gain due to well interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: QRI Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi
  • Publication number: 20120072186
    Abstract: A production monitoring system (10) comprises a plurality of injection and production units (80) coupled in operation to sensors (410) for measuring physical processes occurring in operation in the injection and production units (80) and generating corresponding measurement signals (420) for computing hardware (400). The computing hardware (400) is operable to execute software products (300) for processing the signals (420). Moreover, the software products (300) are adapted for the computing hardware (400) to analyse the measurement signals (420) to abstract a parameter representation of the measurement signals (420), and to apply a temporal analysis of the parameters to identify temporally slow processes and temporally fast processes therein, and to employ information representative of the slow processes and fast processes to control a management process for controlling operation of the system (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Arild Boe
  • Publication number: 20120061092
    Abstract: The invention is a method for suppressing noise in controlled source electromagnetic survey data based on the frequency content of the noise. The invention recognizes that some data variations across bins cannot be attributed to resistivity variations within the earth. This variation across bins constitutes a model of noise in such surveys, and the invention mitigates noises that obey this model. Noise varying rapidly in either space or time is removed by filtering temporal frequency domain data (131) with a low-pass filter (134) having a selected cutoff frequency (133).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis E. Willen
  • Patent number: 8135541
    Abstract: Wellbore tracking by developing a wellbore deviation survey, including collecting wellbore deformation data using a caliper at each of a plurality of depths within the wellbore, collecting wellbore deviation data using a tiltmeter at ones of the plurality of depths, determining simulated wellbore deformation and deviation data using the oriented wellbore deformation data, and developing a wellbore deviation survey by calibrating the wellbore deviation data based on the oriented wellbore deviation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Davis, Etienne Samson, Craig Jackson, Ralf Krug
  • Publication number: 20120059585
    Abstract: A system for offshore hydrocarbon electromagnetic prospecting is described. The system includes a transmitter generating electromagnetic energy and injecting an electrical current into a flooded vertical cable. Electromagnetic fields generated by this current in the medium are measured by total field magnetometers or gradiometers. The measured response, which is sensitive to the resistivity of targets, is used to search for and identify hydrocarbon reservoirs. A method for offshore hydrocarbon electromagnetic prospecting is described as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Jostein KĂĄre Kjerstad, Eduard B. Fainberg, Pavel Barsukov
  • Patent number: 8131468
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for estimating a downhole property are provided. The apparatus may include a downhole tool having a predetermined temperature calibration based at least in part on an expected downhole temperature and a temperature controller in communication with the downhole tool that maintains a downhole tool temperature substantially within the predetermined temperature calibration. A method may include conveying a downhole tool having a predetermined temperature calibration based at least in part on an expected downhole temperature in a well borehole and adjusting the temperature of the downhole tool during downhole operation to maintain a downhole tool temperature substantially within the predetermined temperature calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tobias Kischkat, Ansgar Cartellieri
  • Publication number: 20120048618
    Abstract: A system and method for determining uncertainty of a wellbore orientation is disclosed. The system and method obtains a measurement related to a first orientation of a drill string at a measurement device. Based on the first orientation and drilling settings, the system and method predict a second orientation. A probability of the second orientation being within a predetermined area is also obtained. As a result of this information, an action may be taken, such as, skipping a planned static survey, obtaining a static survey prior to the plan, or changing a drilling setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: S. Ahmad Zamanian, Dimitrios Pirovolou
  • Patent number: 8126646
    Abstract: A technique includes determining a stress tensor in a formation that surrounds a wellbore. The stress tensor varies with respect to the wellbore. The technique includes running a perforating charge into the wellbore to perforate the formation and performing at least one of selecting the perforating charge and orienting the perforating charge in the wellbore based at least in part on the determination of the stress tensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brenden M. Grove, Ian C. Walton
  • Publication number: 20120046865
    Abstract: A system for measuring directional characteristics of a downhole tool includes: at least one bending moment (BM) measurement device disposed at a downhole component, the at least one BM measurement device configured to generate bending moment data at at least one depth in the borehole, the bending moment data including a bending vector of the downhole tool, a bending moment representing an amplitude of the bending vector, and a bending tool face (BTF) angle representing an orientation of the bending vector; and a processor in operable communication with the BM measurement device and configured to receive bending moment data from the BM measurement device, calculate a dogleg severity (DLS) from the bending moment and a well tool face (WTF) angle from the BTF angle, and calculate at least one of a change in inclination and a change in azimuth based on the DLS and the WTF angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gerald Heisig, John D. Macpherson
  • Publication number: 20120046866
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring a hydrocarbon production system. A fiber optic sensor system is deployed into hydrocarbon production system, so as to extend to location of interest within the system, for instance, in conjunction with a downhole component or a surface component. The fiber optic system detects vibration present in the production system component, and provides a signal indicative of the vibration to a signal acquisition and analysis unit. The vibration of the production component is analyzed and a change in system flow condition/property or a change in production system component integrity is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOERG H. MEYER, Michael Carney, Bobby D. Poe
  • Patent number: 8121791
    Abstract: A geophysical model of a subsurface region is generated based on seismic data, e.g., seismic reflection data. Migration and seismic inversion are applied to the seismic data to generate estimates of one or more physical or seismic properties of the subsurface region. Seismic inversion, such as spectral shaping inversion, is applied before or after migrating the seismic data through a variety of techniques that each avoid the amplification of dipping energy while optimizing computational efficiency and/or accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co.
    Inventors: Spyridon Lazaratos, Roy L. David
  • Patent number: 8121790
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of characterizing a well using a series of measurements taken along the sandface of that well in order to optimize a well model. The method may comprise providing a well model with a plurality of adjustable physical parameters, providing a data set made up of a plurality of sandface measurements, and running the well model with different combinations of adjustable physical parameters so that the results of the well model substantially match the results of the sandface measurements. In one embodiment, the method may comprise creating a communication pathway between the surface and the sandface including an inductive coupler. A further step may include pre-processing the plurality of the sandface measurements. In addition, a further step may be to establish or set at least one control device in order to change the flow characteristics of the production fluid in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Kimminau, George Albert Brown, John R. Lovell
  • Patent number: 8121788
    Abstract: A method for correcting errors in LWD depths includes performing torque and drag model analysis using drillstring weight, downhole friction, weight on bit, thermal expansion, rig heave and tide to produce a corrected time-depth file, wherein the torque and drag model is automatically calibrated using effective block weight, drillpipe wear, and sliding friction; and correcting time-based LWD data using the corrected time-depth file to produce depth-corrected LWD data. A system for correcting errors in LWD depths includes a processor and a memory that stores a program having instructions for: performing torque and drag model analysis using drillstring weight, downhole friction, weight on bit, thermal expansion, rig heave and tide to produce a corrected time-depth file, wherein the torque and drag model is automatically calibrated using effective block weight, drillpipe wear, and sliding friction; and correcting time-based LWD data using the corrected time-depth file to produce depth-corrected LWD data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Georgiy Bordakov, Alexander Kostin
  • Patent number: 8116979
    Abstract: A system and a method for estimating a model of a geological formation are provided. The geological formation has a wellbore extending therethrough. The method includes obtaining a first resistivity log associated with the geological formation from a LWD sensor in the wellbore. The method further includes obtaining a second resistivity log associated with the geological formation from a WL sensor in the wellbore. The method further includes calculating a plurality of horizontal resistivity values associated with the geological formation by utilizing a first inversion technique and the first resistivity log. The method further includes obtaining a plurality of invaded zone resistivity values obtained from a micro-resistivity measurement device in the WL sensor. The method further includes calculating a plurality of invaded zone thickness values proximate the wellbore by utilizing a second inversion technique and the second resistivity log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Frenkel
  • Patent number: 8112228
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium for estimating a resistivity property of an earth formation in a borehole filled with oil-based mud. The method includes conveying a logging tool into a borehole; measuring a plurality of impedance values of the earth formation, each of the plurality of impedance values being obtained at one of a plurality of measure electrodes on the logging tool; determining a coefficient related to an electrical property of the mud from a plurality of pairs of impedance values; estimating the resistivity property of the formation from the determined coefficient; and recording the resistivity property on a suitable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Alexandre N. Bespalov, Gregory B. Itskovich
  • Publication number: 20120025997
    Abstract: A computer-implemented reservoir prediction system, method, and software are provided for failure prediction for artificial lift well systems, such as sucker rod pump systems. The method includes providing well data from a production well. Attributes are extracted from the well data. Data mining is applied to the attributes to determine whether the production well is predicted to fail within a given time period. An alert is output indicative of impending production well failures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yintao Liu, Ke-Thia Yao, Shuping Liu, Cauligi Srinivasa Raghavendra, Lanre Olabinjo, Fatma Burcu Seren, Sanaz Seddighrad, Dinesh Babu Chinnapparaja Gunasekaran
  • Publication number: 20120029825
    Abstract: A system for measuring electrical resistivity survey checks a border of bedrock or a thickness of a sedimentary layer in a riverbed of a river or lake within a short time. A method for analysis of an underground structure of a riverbed using the same is also provided. The system for streamer electric resistivity survey using a survey boat comprises a streamer cable connected to the survey boat and having a plurality of electrodes attached thereto; a multi-channel resistivity meter loaded on the survey boat to measure electric resistivity from the plurality of electrodes; a first RTK GPS (Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System) loaded on the survey boat to measure a position of the survey boat in real time; and a second RTK GPS installed to a tail of the streamer cable to measure a position of the tail in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE & MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Seong-Jun Cho, Jung-Ho Kim, Myeong-Jong Yi, Jeong Sul Son
  • Patent number: 8102732
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus facilitating measurement of anisotropy are disclosed. According to some aspects, anisotropy can be determined while drilling. Monopole/quadrupole interactions, as well as monitoring dipole excitations and other methods, may be used to find the principal shear directions of a formation while drilling or during wireline or other operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jahir Pabon, Chaur-Jian Hsu, Bikash K. Sinha
  • Publication number: 20120016587
    Abstract: Enhancing resolution of distributed optical measurements along a wellbore can include acquiring optical signals during an acquisition time period, thereby producing a convolved profile along the wellbore, and deconvolving the profile using a first function corresponding to the acquisition time period, thereby determining a second function. Another method of enhancing resolution of distributed temperature measurements along a wellbore can include acquiring optical backscatter signals during at least first and second acquisition time periods, thereby producing respective first and second convolved temperature profiles along the wellbore; deconvolving the first temperature profile using a first function corresponding to the first time period, thereby determining a second function; and deconvolving the second temperature profile using the second function, thereby determining the first function corresponding to the second time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jose R. SIERRA, Gerard GLASBERGEN
  • Patent number: 8099267
    Abstract: An example method for performing an operation includes obtaining an input deck of a first simulator, the input deck being prepared based on field data for performing a simulation of the operation using the first simulator. The method further includes migrating the input deck from the first simulator to generate input for a second simulator, the second simulator being configured to simulate the operation based on the input to generate a simulation result. The method further includes storing the simulation result in a repository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Cox, Simon Bulman, Nigel Lester, Jonathan Morris, Michael Talbot
  • Patent number: 8099240
    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: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Live Oak Ministries
    Inventor: Jay Howard Heck, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120010817
    Abstract: Gravity measurements from a borehole gravity survey are obtained by continuously moving the gravity meter within the borehole. Movement-induced acceleration errors are quantified and subtracted from the gross measurements from the gravity meter to obtain actual gravity values at a multitude of measurement points within the borehole. Acceleration errors are calculated from the second differential of the true vertical depth of the gravity meter, which is computed measured length and weight and elongation characteristics of a cable which suspends the gravity meter in the borehole, upper and lower tension measurements in the cable, and the topography of the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Ethan H. Mann, Jeffrey D. MacQueen, Daniel Aliod
  • Publication number: 20120010818
    Abstract: Concurrently measuring, correlating, and processing magnetic and electric field data includes measuring base band signals, and then up-converting those band signals to a higher frequency for filtering, while at the same time preserving phase and amplitude information. All timed elements in the system are rigorously synchronized. The increased data set results in improved signal-to-noise ratio and information correlation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander Edward Kalish
  • Patent number: 8095318
    Abstract: A method for determining dip of rock formations penetrated by a wellbore using multiaxial induction measurements and imaging measurements made from within the wellbore includes estimating dip from the multiaxial induction measurements. Dip is also estimated from the imaging measurements. The dip is determined by combining the induction and imaging measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Denis Heliot, Selim Djandji, Pascal Mantran