Abstract: A method of measuring depth and/or azimuth of logging data, the logging data being related to at least one property of a zone GF, CS, CA surrounding a wellbore and being measured by at least a sensor array SA1D, SA2D, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring and storing a first logging data frame F11, F21 corresponding to a first position of the sensor array, acquiring and storing a second logging data frame F12, F22 corresponding to a second position of the sensor array, the first and second position are such that the second logging data frame F12, F22 overlaps at least partially the first logging data frame F11, F21, comparing the first F11, F21 and second F12, F22 logging data frame, and calculating a relative change in the depth ?DP and/or azimuth ?AZ of logging data measured by the sensor array SA1D, SA2D between the first F11, F21 and second F12, F22 logging data frame.

Abstract: A method of automatically correlating well logs includes selecting well loops from the well logs and creating a set of possible marker positions for each well log in each well loop. From the possible marker positions, alternate marker sets are iteratively selected. A well tie error on each loop is calculated for each selected marker set, summed over all loops and minimized.

Abstract: Plural sensors are deployed into a well, and measurement data regarding at least one property of the well is received from the sensors. Based on the measurement data, a first of the plural sensors that measures the at least one property in a region having an annular fluid flow is identified, and a second of the plural sensors that measures the at least one property in a region outside the region having the annular fluid flow is identified. Based on the identifying, the measurement data from selected one or more of the plural sensors is used to produce a target output.

Abstract: A method of predicting subsurface properties of a geologic formation includes acquiring seismic data for a subsurface region including the geologic formation of interest, computing seismic attributes of the measured seismic data over at least part of this geologic formation, determining internally consistent rock properties representative of the geologic formation, generating models of the same part of the geologic formation with these rock properties, computing synthetic seismic data from the models, computing the same attributes from these synthetic seismic data, and using Bayesian analysis to predict, from the probability of modeled attributes given the models, the probability of the actual subsurface properties given the measured attributes.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting casing is provided. In one example, a method for detecting drill casing in a downhole environment includes the steps of generating a plurality of plots of a magnetic field vector (MIN) at a series of depths; and monitoring the plots to detect proximity to the well casing.

Abstract: A prog analysis and execution system and method. The system includes a computer control system, an interface engine in communication with the computer control system, the interface engine being configured to receive prog information, and an action item development engine in communication with the control system, the action item development engine being configured to analyze received prog information and to determine corresponding action items. The system further includes a sensor engine in communication with the computer control system, the sensor engine being configured to receive input from at least one sensor for use in controlling a well drilling operation, and an operational equipment engine in communication with the computer control system, the operational equipment engine being configured to receive input from the computer control system and to control the well drilling operation in accordance with the determined action items in the prog.

Abstract: A method of predicting a well trajectory wherein the method utilises a series of parameters to calculate the trajectory. The method is characterised in that the parameters include the angle of a drill bit (23) relative to a well bore (27), and the variation of said angle during drilling wherein the variation of said angle is related to the moment on the bit (23).

Abstract: A downhole system comprises (a) a wellbore deployable container comprising an operational control circuit and a power source operationally in communication with the operational control circuit, each disposed within the container; a wellbore deployable, controllable downhole electronic frac fluid flow control module further comprising a wellbore deployable container receiving seat; and a data handling circuit; (b) a wellbore deployable, data transmission capable gauge deployable near the control module; and (c) a surface system operatively in communication with the operational control circuit and/or the control module.

Abstract: A novel database and method of classifying and searchably retrieving measurement data derived from a plurality of rock core and plug sample images that are analyzed to define their principal geostatistical attributes and characteristics, with the resulting analytical data being retrievably stored in a database, the method including calculating spatial variability of images, such as CT scan images, porosity images and other types of available images, quantifying the main image characteristics utilizing multi-azimuth variograms and simplified pattern recognition based on the histogram and variography analysis to thereby provide a means to correlate data from various geographical regions or fields by analyzing data which has the same variographic parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods provide automated log quality monitoring, thereby enabling fast, on-site determination of log quality by logging engineers as well as re-assurance to interpreters faced with geologically-improbable features in the logs. Such uses can provide early detection of logging issues, increase confidence in acquired logs, reduce unnecessary duplication of effort, and improve the reputation of the logging company. In at least some embodiments, log monitoring software applies a comparison function to axially-spaced (and/or azimuthally-spaced) sensors. The comparison function can be, inter alia, cross-correlation, mutual information, mean-square error, and ratio image uniformity, each of which can be determined as a function of a sliding window position to indicate regions wherein the log quality falls below a threshold value. It is not necessary for the log sensors to be of the same type, e.g., resistivity image sensors.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to improve design, manufacture and performance of oilfield equipment and well tools using three dimensional (3D) scanning technology and one or more feedback loops. Manufacturing processes and techniques associated with a well tool may be evaluated based on comparing “as built” 3D data with a design data file for the well tool. Based on differences between “as built” 3D data and the design data file, one or more changes in associated manufacturing procedures and/or technique may be made. Computational fluid dynamic applications may be used to simulate fluid flow characteristics of a well tool using associated design data file, “as built” 3D data and/or after use 3D data. The associated design data file, manufacturing procedures and/or procedures for use of the well tool may be modified based on comparing simulated fluid flow data with desired fluid flow characteristics for the well tool.

Abstract: A method for processing well logging data includes method dividing the well logging data into a number of constant dimensional effect segments, where each constant dimensional effect segment defines an interval having a similar dimensional effect on the log response. The well logging data is taken from a highly deviated well, which may include portions deviated at greater than 90-degrees. The method further includes dividing the constant dimensional effect segments into a number of constant property intervals, each constant dimensional effect segment including at least one corresponding constant property interval, and each constant property interval defining a wellbore distance over which a formation property is substantially constant that results in a log response having a low variance. The method further includes providing the constant property intervals to an output device.

Abstract: Systems and methods to process oilfield data are disclosed. An example system for processing oilfield data includes a first computer comprising a first processor and first memory and a second computer coupled to the first computer, the second computer having a second processor and a second memory. The example second processor has a faster processing speed than the first processor and the first memory stores an amount of oilfield data larger than the second memory and instructions for: receiving the oilfield data at the first computer, processing the oilfield data at the first computer to generate second data, transmitting at least a portion of the second data to the second computer for processing performed by the second computer, wherein the processing performed by the second computer has a higher computational load than the processing performed by the first computer, and receiving data resulting from the processing by the second computer.

Abstract: A low maintenance adjustable system for sampling gas from a well using a gas analyzer; a conditioning and filtering device; a gas trap having a plurality of couplings, a plurality of hammer unions, a plurality of base manifold pipes, a base manifold flow line, a chimney pipe connected to the base manifold flow line, a controllable valve, a reducer connected to the chimney, an expansion chamber component connected to the reducer, a restrictor mounted to the expansion chamber component, and a conduit connection connected to the restrictor for engaging a conduit to flow a gas sample from the gas trap to a gas analyzer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. The state machine need not return a signal including a unique identifier.

Abstract: A method for obtaining enhanced seismic data and optimized inverted reflectivities includes computing statistical well characterizations based upon band-limited well reflectivities for a subsurface region. Sets of processed seismic data are computed by applying differing processing sequences to seismic data corresponding to the subsurface region. Inverted reflectivities are computed by inverting the sets of processed seismic data. Statistical seismic characterizations are computed based upon the inverted reflectivities. Statistical difference measurements (SDMs) are computed between the statistical well and seismic characterizations. An optimal processing sequence is selected based upon the computed SDMs. Enhanced seismic data is obtained by processing the seismic data corresponding to the subsurface region. An optimal seismic inversion algorithm is obtained based upon the computed SDMs.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for characterizing a reservoir of interest by comparing measured downhole fluid analysis measurement data with predicted downhole fluid analysis measurement data for the corresponding depth within the reservoir. The downhole fluid analysis measurement data may comprise the results of compositional analysis, gas-oil ratio measurements, and spectrophotometry measurements. The compositional analyses may be delumped to characterize the compositional components of the downhole fluid and equations of state may be used to predict compositional gradients and fluid properties with depth. The method and system enable the user to characterize a reservoir as to its states of compartmentalization and equilibrium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various telemetry systems and methods suitable for communicating a cylindrical volume of formation property measurements to the surface. Some system embodiments include a downhole processor coupled to a telemetry transmitter. The downhole processor determines a compressed representation of the formation property measurements and/or selects a subset of the measurements for transmission uphole. The subset selection can be based on selected radial distances having characteristics that potentially indicate features of interest to a user. Such features include bed boundaries, and the characteristics include sinusoidal variation as a function of azimuth, large changes in this sinusoidal variation versus radial distance, or inversion suggesting the presence of a bed boundary.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described that combine a measurement of the physical velocity of material within the annulus of a well between the drill pipe and the wall of the well with a measurement of the area of the flow as determined from a measurement of distance between the drill pipe and the wall of the hole to determine the actual material volumetric flow rate. Changes in volumetric flow rate at one or more points along the well can be used to determine the occurrence and location of well dysfunctions. This knowledge can then be used to make decisions about treating well dysfunctions which will lead to more efficient use of drilling rig time.

Abstract: An artificial neural network, ANN, and method of training the ANN for inversion of logging tool signals into well logs of formation parameters is disclosed. Properly selected synthetic models of earth formations are used to train the ANN. The models include Oklahoma and chirp type of formations. In each model parameter contrasts of from 10 to 1 to about 100 to 1 are included. Models including maximum and minimum parameter values spanning the operating range of the selected logging tool are included. Parameter contrasts at interfaces are limited to realistic values found in earth formations. The selected models are used to generate synthetic tool signals, which are then used as inputs to the ANN for training. When the ANN coefficients are properly adjusted to produce an output matching the original models, the ANN can be used for inversion of any real signals from the selected logging tool.

Abstract: A two-axis gyroscope used on a bottom hole assembly can be used for determining a rate of rotation about the rotational axis of a BHA. The method takes advantage of possible misalignment of at least one axis of the two axis gyroscope from orthogonality with respect to the rotational axis of the BHA, resulting in the misaligned gyro being sensitive to BHA rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking the drilling progress of a borehole such as a horizontal borehole that is drilled under an obstacle along a prescribed path is based upon triangulation from two laterally separated loops of wire lying on the ground, which generate corresponding alternating magnetic fields.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and/or operating a rig site system are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for monitoring a rig site system may include obtaining sensor data at a rig site and transmitting pre-processed sensor data pertaining to the sensor data from the rig site over a network link to a monitoring site. The method may also include demodulating the pre-processed sensor data at the monitoring site to produce demodulated data. The method may also include analyzing the demodulated data at the monitoring site. The sensor data may comprise at least one of surface sensor data, MWD sensor data, or LWD sensor data, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a wellsite include transporting a mobile monitoring platform to a wellsite. The mobile monitoring platform includes a transportable chassis including two or more wheels; a mast supported by the platform and extendable vertically upward from the chassis; a transceiver including a wireless modem and an antenna; a controller adapted to communicate with the transceiver; and a power module electrically coupled to at least one of the transceiver and the processor.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for estimating an occurrence of a water breakthrough in a production well that includes estimating, at least periodically, a measure of water in the fluid produced from one or more production zones and estimating the occurrence of the water breakthrough utilizing at least in part a trend of the estimated measures of the produced fluid. A controller determines one or more actions to be taken to mitigate an effect of the water breakthrough and may automatically initiate one or more such actions.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which data compression techniques are utilized to fill a predetermined channel capacity are shown. According to one configuration, event data points within test data are selected for communication via the data communication channel and a data decimator is utilized to identify other data points within the test data to fill or substantially fill the predetermined channel capacity. The foregoing data decimator may employ one or more variables for selecting data for communication, wherein one or more of the variables are preferably adjusted in decimator iterations to select an optimum or otherwise desirable subset of data for communication. Data decimators may additionally or alternatively implement a suitable “growth” function to select the particular data for communication and/or the amount of data communicated.

Abstract: A relative error model is used to compute a relative uncertainty in the position of a first well with respect to a second well. This relative uncertainty may be computed in real time during drilling and may be used in making subsequent steering decisions during drilling. Moreover, an absolute uncertainty in the position of a first well may be obtained by combining an absolute uncertainty in the position of a second well and the relative uncertainty in the position of the first well with respect to the second well.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to process measurements of wires vibrating in fluids are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a downhole assembly and a surface assembly. The downhole assembly including a sensor to measure a waveform representative of a motion of a wire vibrating within a fluid at a downhole location in a wellbore, a waveform modeler to compute a model parameter from the measured waveform, and a first telemetry module to transmit the computed model parameter to a surface location. The surface assembly including a second telemetry module to receive the computed model parameter from the downhole assembly, and a viscosity analyzer to estimate a viscosity of the fluid from the computed model parameter.

Abstract: A completion system for use in a well includes a first completion section and a second section. The first completion section has a sand control assembly to prevent passage of particulates, a first inductive coupler portion, and a sensor positioned proximate to the sand control assembly that is electrically coupled to the first inductive coupler portion. The second section is deployable after installation of the first completion section. It includes a second inductive coupler portion to communicate with the first inductive coupler portion, to enable communication between the first completion section's sensor and another component coupled to the second section.

Abstract: Method for determining an expected value for a proposed reconnaissance electromagnetic (or any other type of geophysical) survey using a user-controlled source. The method requires only available geologic and economic information about the survey region. A series of calibration surveys are simulated with an assortment of resistive targets consistent with the known information. The calibration surveys are used to train pattern recognition software to assess the economic potential from anomalous resistivity maps. The calibrated classifier is then used on further simulated surveys of the area to generate probabilities that can be used in Value of Information theory to predict an expected value of a survey of the same design as the simulated surveys. The calibrated classifier technique can also be used to interpret actual CSEM survey results for economic potential.

Abstract: A wireline telemetry system and method of transmitting data on multiple carrier frequencies. The system and method adjust power level and number of bits-per-carrier to optimally or near-optimally utilize the capacity of the wireline cable. Due to the nature of wireline telemetry the overall power level is restricted only by the output capability of the downhole telemetry cartridge and the input power restrictions of the uphole telemetry unit receiver. The optimal power level is determined during a training sequence and is a function of such factors as cable length, cable material, cable temperature and cable geometry. The uplink and downlink transmission are executed using different modulation techniques.

Abstract: A refracture-candidate diagnostic test is an injection of compressible or slightly compressible fluid at pressures in excess of minimum in-situ stress and formation fracture pressure with pressure decline following injection test recorded to detect a fracture retaining residual width from previous stimulation treatments. The diagnostic consists of small volume injections with injection time being a small fraction of time required for compressible or slightly compressible reservoir fluid to exhibit pseudoradial flow. The fracture-injection portion of a test can be considered as occurring instantaneously. Data measurements are transformed into a constant rate equivalent pressure transformation to obtain adjusted pressures or adjusted pseudovariables which are analyzed to identify dual unit-slope before and after closure periods confirming a residual retaining width.

Abstract: A method reduces error contributions to gyroscopic measurements from a wellbore survey system having two gyroscopic sensors adapted to generate signals indicative of at least one component of the Earth's rotation substantially perpendicular to the wellbore and indicative of a component of the Earth's rotation substantially parallel to the wellbore. The method includes generating a first signal indicative of the at least one substantially perpendicular component while the first sensor is in a first orientation; generating a second signal indicative of the at least one substantially perpendicular component while the first sensor is in a second orientation; generating a third signal indicative of the substantially parallel component while the second sensor is in a first orientation; and generating a fourth signal indicative of the substantially parallel component while the second sensor is in a second orientation.

Abstract: A method for estimating a property of an earth formation in a zone of investigation, the earth formation having the zone of investigation and another zone, the method including: applying a compound pulse of electromagnetic energy to the earth formation, the compound pulse having a shape to induce a predominately greater amount of current in the zone of investigation than in the another zone, wherein the compound pulse includes a first pulse and a second pulse, the first pulse having an amplitude different from the amplitude of the second pulse; receiving a response of electromagnetic energy from the current induced by the compound pulse; and estimating the property from the response of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A multicomponent induction logging tool is used on a MWD bottomhole assembly. Multifrequency focusing that accounts for the finite, nonzero, conductivity of the mandrel is applied. Using separation of modes, the principal components and relative dip angles in an earth formation are determined. The results are used for reservoir navigation in an earth formation.

Abstract: A method for describing one or more relations in a physical or other system on me oasis of an algebraic model of the system comprises the steps of: a) collecting data comprising measurements of different quantities relating to the system; b) interpreting the measurements of the different quantities as evaluations of different variables, which together comprise a polynomial ring; c) calculating an ideal of the ring, the generators of which substantially vanish on the collected data; d) interpreting the generators as polynomial relations between the variables of the system; e) reformulating at least one of the polynomial relations as an algebraic model for one of the variables in terms of the other variables involved in this relation; and f) the algebraic model is induced to generate one or more governing relations between parameters that govern the system using only measured data of the system.

Abstract: This patent delineates methods for quantifying and mitigating dip-induced azimuthal AVO effects in seismic fracture detection using Azimuthal AVO analysis by accurately accounting for the divergence correction and azimuthal dependence of the reflection angle. Solutions are provided for three cases: (1) dipping isotropic reservoirs; (2) anisotropic reservoirs with fractures aligned in arbitrary direction; and (3) anisotropic reservoirs where vertical fractures are aligned perpendicular to the dip direction.

Abstract: A food making process comprises starting with Lupin legumes with minimum levels of alkaloids, dehulling the Lupin legumes to produce split seed kernels, mixing the split seed kernels with hot water to hydrate them into a slurry, grinding the slurry to blend and smooth it into a product base, cooking the product base to achieve a particular flavor and aroma consistent with a target food product, cooling the product base to stop cooking, and further processing the product base into a target food product like soups and beverages. In particular, the Lupinus Angustifolius variety produces the best results, but other sweet lupin varieties can be used if they have been leached of their bitter tasting alkaloids. The products produced have high levels of protein, vitamins, and other nutritional values. Both batch and continuous processes are possible.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for sensing fault-fault relationships, comprising: automatically sensing interrelationships among faults, and presenting a final model including a fault-fault intersection curve and one fault truncated at the curve to an interpreter representing the interrelationships among faults.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for numerically computing tool response sensitivities of subterranean measurement tools such as resistivity logging tools. The methods and systems enable much faster computation of sensitivities than previously available for resistivity tools. For typical tools that apply dozens or hundreds of parameters, the methods of the present invention may reduce sensitivities computation time by a factor substantially equal to the number of parameters.

Abstract: An improved methodology for managing hydrocarbon exploration of at least one prospect. The methodology involves iterative processing that allows decision makers to iterate on assumptions and refine underlying probabilistic models as well as optimize the set of recommended exploration activities that are to be performed over time as additional knowledge is gained.

Abstract: A method of TI formation evaluation is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of borehole measurements; deriving a correlation between a first TI stiffness parameter and other TI stiffness parameters where the first and other TI stiffness parameters representing mechanical behavior of the TI formation; and computing the first and other TI stiffness parameters based on the borehole measurements and the derived correlation. The method further comprises evaluating TI formation elastic properties based on the computed first and other TI stiffness parameters. The method further comprises assuming that the shear modulus parallel to TI symmetric axis can be approximated from other moduli.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a fluid level and/or output flow during operation of a centrifugal pump, are provided, which may be used for production of gas and/or oil from a well, and include a vector feedback model to derive values of torque and speed from signals indicative of instantaneous current and voltage drawn by the pump motor, a pump model which derives values of the fluid flow rate and the head pressure for the pump from torque and speed inputs, a pumping system model that derives, from the estimated values of the pump operating parameters, an estimated value of fluid level and other pumping system parameters. Controllers responsive to the estimated values of the pumping system parameters control the pump to maintain fluid level at the pump input, near an optimum level, or within a safe operating range and/or output flow from the pump.

Abstract: Two embodiments of marine geo-electric probe methods for hydrocarbon deposits survey comprise—excitation of electromagnetic field in a surveyed medium by transmitting two rectangular current pulses therethrough, the first—during forward traveling of a probe device along a profile and the second—during backward traveling thereof,—measuring instant values of the first and second electric potential differences during the time between the pulses, wherein, the equal-zero condition of the electric potential differences along the profile is ensured,—calculating three sets of normalized electrical parameters based on difference values,—solving an inverse problem via a differential equation for the dipole source voltage in an electrochemically polarizable medium using the parameters,—producing data according to said electrical parameters, and—determining conductivity of the medium, induced-polarization factor and decay time constant of the polarization potential difference.

Abstract: Software-based quality control analysis of well log data. At least some of the various embodiments are computer-readable mediums storing a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to read data from a well log, and perform a quality control analysis on the data.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that may include separating modes in a plurality of coherent time-domain signals to form a plurality of separated modes, generating frequency coherence information for each of the plurality of separated modes, and combining the frequency coherence information for each of the plurality of separated modes to form combined frequency coherence information. An apparatus and system may include a processor and a storage device that can be encoded with computer-readable instructions, wherein the instructions when read and executed by the processor may include activities such as separating modes in a plurality of coherent time-domain signals, and recombining the modes in a frequency domain.

Abstract: A method to correct for a systematic error of a sensor having a plurality of accelerometers configured to measure gravitational acceleration, the method including: rotating the plurality of accelerometers about a first axis; obtaining a first set of calibration measurements from the plurality of accelerometers from the rotation about the first axis; determining a first systematic error for each accelerometer in the plurality using the first set of calibration measurements; and removing the first systematic error from sensor measurements to correct for the systematic error.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods for forming the apparatus, and methods for operating the apparatus provide a value for a formation property or a borehole property from measurements obtained in a well. The value may be generated from determining a weighted average of the value for the formation property or the borehole property using both values corresponding to different azimuths and weights corresponding to different azimuths.