Well Logging Or Borehole Study Patents (Class 702/6)
  • Publication number: 20080262735
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating an occurrence of a water breakthrough in a production well is provided 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. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Brian L. Thigpen, Guy P. Vachon, Garabed Yeriazarian, Jaedong Lee, Chee M. Chok, Clark Sann, Xin Liu
  • Patent number: 7439494
    Abstract: Data acquired using a pulsed nuclear source are susceptible to two sources of error. One error is due to large statistical noise towards the end of an acquisition window. Another source of error is the contamination of the early portion of the data by borehole and other effects. The beginning of the processing window is adjusted based on the signal level at the end of the processing window for the preceding pulsing of the source. The end of the processing window is derived from statistical considerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: W. Allen Gilchrist, Randolph J. Walser
  • Patent number: 7437251
    Abstract: A method for correcting data from at least one sensor electrode in a sensor includes determining a potential difference (V) between two electrodes; from the potential difference (V), determining a by-pass current (Ic) for the at least one sensor electrode; and from the by-pass current (Ic) and a measured current (I), determining a corrected current (J) for the at least one sensor electrode. A computer program product and other embodiments are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tsili Wang, Stanislav W. Forgang
  • Publication number: 20080247268
    Abstract: A method for tracking a wellbore tool includes: obtaining a first image of the wellbore using an imager associated with the tool; obtaining a second image of the wellbore using the imager after a selected time period; matching the first image with the second image by shifting one of the first and second images; determining an amount of the shifting; and comparing the amount of the shifting with a reference distance to determine a distance of tool movement. A method for tracking a wellbore tool includes: obtaining an image of a wellbore feature using a first imager associated with the tool; moving the tool in the wellbore; and registering a distance of tool movement when the image of the wellbore feature is detected by a second imager spaced apart from the first imager, wherein the distance of tool movement equals a spacing between the first and second imagers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenneth Goodman
  • Patent number: 7433785
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for predicting the grain size distribution at a designated location within a water-lain sedimentary deposit. Initially, the vertical thickness of the sedimentary deposit at the designated location must be determined, as well as the vertical thickness and grain size distribution at a second location different from the designated location. Second, a distance parameter corresponding to the two locations must be determined. Finally the distance parameter is used, along with the initially determined vertical thickness at both locations and the grain size distribution at the second location to calculate the grain size distribution at the designated location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Exxon Mobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Max Deffenbaugh, William B. Heard, Chun Huh, Tao Sun, David C. Hoyal
  • Publication number: 20080240105
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for extending a serial protocol to create a network in a well monitoring environment, including determining at a receiver node whether a message subnet mask ID in a received message is different from the Node Subnet Mask ID and rejecting the received message if the subnet mask ID in the received message does not match the subnet mask ID for the receiver node. A system for extending a serial protocol to create a network in a well monitoring environment also disclosed. A data structure used by the system and method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: vMonitor, Inc.
    Inventor: Raed H. Abdallah
  • Patent number: 7426439
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for seismic data acquisition. One embodiment of the method includes accessing data acquired by at least two particle motion sensors. The data includes a seismic signal and a noise signal and the at least two particle motion sensors being separated by a length determined based on a noise coherence length. The method may also include processing the accessed data to remove a portion of the noise signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ahmet Kemal Ozdemir, Oeyvind Teigen, Lars Borgen, Vidar A. Husom
  • Publication number: 20080221796
    Abstract: 1st order free-surface multiples recorded in VSP data or reverse VSP data are processed using a 3-C 3-D vector migration method to produce an image of the subsurface. This image produces a larger coverage than that obtained in 3-C 3-D processing of reflection data acquired in the VSP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Min Lou, Xiaomin Zhao, Francis D. Doherty, James C. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20080208475
    Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate collaboration between users at an oil well site and users at a remote location. Multiple types of oil well data are collected at the oil well site to form aggregated data. The aggregated data is stored in a data aggregation server at the oil well site. Users at the oil well site and users at the remote location are allowed to access the aggregated data on the data aggregation server using a standard data format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: George Karr, Simon Fleury, Ken Landgren, Kevin Michael Shaw
  • Publication number: 20080208476
    Abstract: Method, system and computer program product for controlling a production/injection operation for an oilfield, the oilfield having a first wellsite with a producing well advanced into subterranean formations with geological structures and reservoirs therein. Data from a plurality of data sources is collected with respect to a production/injection operation, wherein the collected data includes oil production data and fluid injection data. The collected data is stored in a database. Extracted data relating to a selected performance parameter to be monitored is extracted from the database, the extracted data is processed, and a graphical representation of the processed data is dynamically displayed to enable monitoring of the selected performance parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Hossein Karami
  • Publication number: 20080208782
    Abstract: A method for stimulation of gas hydrocarbon production via imbibition by utilization of surfactants. The method includes use of fuzzy logic and neural network architecture constructs to determine surfactant use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: William Weiss
  • Patent number: 7415357
    Abstract: The subject mater herein relates to oil well testing and, more particularly, automated oil well test classification. Various embodiments described herein provide systems, methods, and software for statistical analysis and classification of oil well tests. Some embodiments include receiving a first set of oil well test results from one or more measurement devices of a well test separator, storing the first set of oil well test results in a database, and annotating one or more tests of the first set oil well test results. The annotated test results are then used to build one or more classification models to enable automated oil well test classification as new oil well tests are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International inc.
    Inventors: Petr Stluka, Karel Marik, Josef Rieger
  • Patent number: 7414405
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining tool face angles on a rotating drill collar in substantially real time is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment the apparatus includes a magnetoresistive magnetic field sensor deployed in a tool body. The apparatus further includes a programmed processor configured to calculate tool face angles in substantially real time from the magnetic field measurements. The programmed processor may optionally further be configured to correlate the calculated tool face angles with logging while drilling measurements for use in borehole imaging applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A Moore
  • Publication number: 20080195319
    Abstract: The present invention incorporates the use of geophysical, geological and formation evaluation data to develop synthetic stratigraphic columns based on depositional rules and sedimentary stacking patterns. The present invention utilizes dynamic assignment and matching whereby the synthetic columns can be easily conformed throughout the reservation characterization process as geological data becomes available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: David A. Wilkinson, Deyi Xie
  • Publication number: 20080177475
    Abstract: Methods for determining the distance and relative axial position between twin and target wells are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment the magnitude and direction of the interference magnetic field vector are processed to determine the distance and the axial position. In another exemplary embodiment, a change in direction of the interference magnetic field vector between first and second longitudinally spaced magnetic field measurements may be processed to determine the distance and axial position. In still another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a component of the magnetic field vector aligned with the tool axis may be measured in substantially real time during drilling and utilized to determine the distance between the two wells. Embodiments of this invention improve the accuracy and/or the frequency of distance determination between twin and target wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A. McElhinney, Herbert M. J. Illfelder
  • Patent number: 7403857
    Abstract: A method for estimating an azimuthal dependence of a parameter of a borehole using logging sensor measurements acquired as a function of azimuth of the logging sensors is provided. The method includes acquiring at least one logging sensor measurement and a corresponding azimuth from a downhole tool. The method further includes processing a convolution of the logging sensor measurement and corresponding azimuth with a predetermined filter to determine convolved logging sensor data for at least one azimuthal position. Certain embodiments of this invention may be advantageously utilized in LWD imaging applications to provide for superior image resolution and noise rejection as compared to prior art imaging techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Mark Haugland
  • Publication number: 20080172179
    Abstract: A method and system for integrating multiple analytical processes for evaluating risk and uncertainty elements of a petroleum system. The integrated environment provides a consistent means of analysis for evaluating multiple petroleum systems including exploration prospects and reservoirs, wherein multiple evaluation tools can be used and each of the tools has a similar “look” and “feel” so that a user can efficiently utilize all of the tools in the integrated environment. The evaluation tools analyze common data sets within the integrated environment so that a consistent evaluation of a petroleum system can be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: KIET TRAN, William D. Wiggins, Timothy R. McHargue, Larry J. Sydora, Barry Katz
  • Patent number: 7392138
    Abstract: A method includes the phases of measuring the quantity of a given gas in the gases extracted from a calibration sample of a calibration mud, in at least two stages for extraction under predetermined conditions. A family of curves representing the extraction, under the predetermined conditions, of the given gas from the drilling mud, is established on the basis of the measurements carried out. The method also includes the phases of measuring the quantity of given gas in the gases extracted from an analysis sample of the drilling mud in an extraction stage, under the predetermined conditions; and computing the given gas content of the drilling mud on the basis of the measured quantity of given gas and of a curve of the family.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Geoservices
    Inventors: Nicolas Frechin, Jérôme Breviere
  • Patent number: 7389183
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the location of stuck pipe are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of attaching a free point logging tool to a working line such as a slickline or wireline. The free point logging tool has a freepoint sensor and, optionally, an acoustic sensor. The freepoint sensor acquires magnetic permeability data in a string of pipe, while the acoustic sensor acquires acoustic data in the pipe. Two sets of data for each sensor are acquired—one in which the pipe under investigation is unstressed, and one in which the pipe is stressed. The first set and second sets of magnetic permeability data are compared to determine the stuck point location for the pipe. The first and second sets of acoustic data are compared to determine the nature in which the pipe is stuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Gray
  • Patent number: 7389184
    Abstract: A controllable seismic source is used in a seismic-while-drilling system for obtaining VSP data. Coded information is sent downhole about the signal generated by said controllable source. The information about the seismic source is used for reconstructing the source waveform and processing the VSP data. Optionally, a reference signal measured at one depth of the BHA is used for processing of signals at subsequent depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Holger Mathiszik, Ran Zhou
  • Publication number: 20080137481
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a method comprising receiving an acoustic signal that is propagated along a drill string. The method also includes correlating the acoustic signal to a first stored acoustic signal representing a first symbol, wherein the first stored acoustic signal is acquired from a propagation along the drill string in an approximately noise free environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Vimal V. Shah, Wallace R. Gardner, Donald G. Kyle
  • Publication number: 20080137474
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method which includes transmitting signals over a time period between a downhole location and a surface location during drilling of a wellbore; recording the time of each signal at the surface using a surface clock and the time of each signal downhole using a downhole clock; and correcting the downhole measurements using the recorded times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Dmitriy Dashevskiy, Patrick J. McGinley, John D. MacPherson, Andrew G. Brooks, Thomas G. Dahl, Mitchell G. Pinnell, Paul Gerard Cairns, Robin F. Randall, Mark Andrew Hill, Edward W. Robnett
  • Patent number: 7386430
    Abstract: A method for modeling borehole effects of a transverse array induction tool includes selecting a formation-borehole model having a set of parameters, wherein the set of parameters comprises a direction of tool eccentering; determining initial values for the set of parameters; computing expected responses for a selected set of arrays from the plurality of arrays of the induction tool, wherein the computing is based on the formation-borehole model; comparing the expected responses with actual responses for the selected set of arrays; adjusting values of the set of parameters, if a difference between the expected responses and the actual responses is no less than a predetermined criterion; repeating the computing, the comparing, and the adjusting, until the difference between the expected responses and the actual responses is less than the predetermined criterion; determining the borehole effects from final values of the set of parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Barber, Tracy E. Broussard, Gerald N. Minerbo, Hanming Wang, Sofia Davydycheva
  • Publication number: 20080133137
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Matthew N. Tatro
  • Patent number: 7383132
    Abstract: Method for enhancing resistive anomalies in electromagnetic geophysical survey data. Scaled values of a measured electromagnetic field parameter are plotted on a depth section at locations related to corresponding source/receiver locations. Scaling is performed relative to a reference signal selected to represent a baseline free of unknown resistive bodies. Scaled values are represented by a color scale in the display, and the color scale may be adjusted to enhance perceived anomalies. The method may be employed in either the frequency domain or the time domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth Green, Olivier M. Burtz, Denny E. Willen
  • Patent number: 7379818
    Abstract: A misalignment angle between the transmitter and receiver antenna of a multicomponent induction logging tool are estimated from quadrature component signals at multiple frequencies. A transmitter antenna having a first axial direction on a logging tool is excited at a plurality of frequencies. Signals responsive to the excitation are received at a receiver antenna having a second axial direction. A direct field between the transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna is obtained by performing multi-frequency focusing of the received signals. The misalignment angle is estimated from the direct field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael B. Rabinovich, Leonty A. Tabarovsky, Bill H. Corley, Luis M. Pelegri
  • Patent number: 7373288
    Abstract: A method for simulating compositional and/or multiphase transfers between the porous matrix and the fractures of a fractured multilayer porous medium, which are respectively saturated by a distinct liquid phase and gas phase. The method comprises constructing a geologic model representative of the networks of natural fractures of the medium and converting this geologic model into an equivalent double porosity model. Diffusion of the gas phase between the fractures and the matrix is modelled considering that a gas-liquid front exhibiting a quasi-static equilibrium at the interfaces is established from an initial time and progresses at a velocity controlled by the diffusion transfers within each phase. The transfers involve the difference between the concentration within the phase and the concentration of equilibrium between the two phases, as well as a variable exchange distance expressed as a function of the matrix saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Bernard Bourbiaux, Sébastien Lacroix
  • Patent number: 7369979
    Abstract: A method for forecasting performance for and characterizing the properties of a multilayer low permeability gas reservoir. The method includes a coupled well/reservoir predictive model that accounts for pressure drop between layers, allowing accurate, rigorous, and rapid forecasting of reservoir performance. The method provides estimates of individual layer properties such as in-situ permeability, skin factor, fracture half-length, fracture conductivity, drainage area, etc. by simultaneously history matching production data and production log data using the coupled well/reservoir predictive model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: John Paul Spivey
  • Publication number: 20080103700
    Abstract: To perform surveying of a subterranean structure, electromagnetic (EM) wavefields traveling in opposite directions are determined. A relationship is defined among the EM wavefields, where the EM wavefields include a first set of EM wavefields in a first state in which a sea surface is present, and a second set of EM wavefields in a second, different state in which the sea surface is not present. At least one EM wavefield in the relationship is determined to perform removal of sea surface-related effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. van den Berg, Aria Abubakar, Tarek Habashy
  • Patent number: 7366615
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the content of a first element in a formation which cannot otherwise be determined via a capture spectrum measurement. The methods and apparatus utilize the inelastic spectrum measurement of the first element and the inelastic and capture spectrum measurements of at least a second element. The methods and apparatus have particular application to determining the carbon content of a formation although they are not limited thereto. The inelastic and capture spectrum measurements of silicon are useful in making such determinations, although other chemical elements may be used as the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumber Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Susan Herron, James Grau, Bradley Roscoe, Michael Herron, Kenneth Stephenson
  • Patent number: 7366614
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for emergency rig monitoring are disclosed herein. The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring an offshore rig. The rig monitoring systems and methods of use can relay information regarding the rig such as location, attitude (e.g. tilt, oscillation), and local water and weather conditions. The rig monitoring systems and methods can also facilitate emergency communication for rig personnel. Access to the information can be remotely initiated and the systems can be configured to automatically respond to such initiation. The rig monitoring systems are equipped with a self-sustainable power supply for operation under conditions where external power sources are unavailable. Such rig monitoring systems and methods are particularly useful on rigs that are located in waters subject to rapid and severe changes in local weather such as storms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Russell L. Roy
  • Patent number: 7363206
    Abstract: Methods for processing pyrolytic characterizing data (pcd) from reservoir rock samples obtained from known geographical locations under circumstances that are encountered during the drilling of wells provide information that is important for assessing the relative amounts of various hydrocarbon and organic matter types found in the reservoir and for characterizing the reservoir quality and preparing compositional modeling data, and include the steps of comparing the pcd for known end-member components typically found in the geographical location with the pcd derived from test samples and applying mathematical analyses to identify the predicted composition and quantitative measure of end-members. The method is applied to model hydrocarbon moveability, reservoir injectivity; contaminants and soil an aquifer pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Jones, Henry L. Halpern
  • Patent number: 7363159
    Abstract: A technique of estimating electrical parameters of an earth formation accounts for spatial inhomogeneities and frequency dispersion. The results are achieved using a model which is evaluated to generate predicted values for a plurality of electrical signals measured in a borehole in an earth formation as a function of a first set of model electrical parameters, a second set of model electrical parameters and model spatial coordinates of boundaries between regions of the earth formation. Transformations are applied to the measured electrical signals and the predicted values. The electrical parameters and spatial coordinates are selected to cause approximate agreement between the transformed measurements and the transformed predicted values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Mark Haugland
  • Patent number: 7363158
    Abstract: A method for creating a stratigraphic model is provided. A core is obtained from a wellbore and a detailed graphic core description is created. Wireline data, including a borehole image, is obtained for a cored interval corresponding to the core and processed into an interpretable borehole image. The core description is compared with the interpretable borehole image to create a catalogue of geologic image facies. The borehole image from the entire interval of interest is compared to the catalogue to create a preliminary pseudocore description. The interpretable borehole image is interactively examined and compared with the preliminary pseudocore description to create a master pseudocore interpretation. A second master pseudocore is developed for a second wellbore. A stratigraphic model, and subsequently a reservoir model, may then be created by correlating between the master pseudocores of the first and second wellbores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Stelting, William J. Schweller, William C. Corea, William H. Crane, Lisa R. Goggin
  • Publication number: 20080091356
    Abstract: To survey a subterranean structure, first measurement data according to a first electromagnetic survey technique and second measurement data according to a second, different electromagnetic survey technique are received. An output value for surveying the subterranean structure is computed based on the first and second measurement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David Alumbaugh, Jiuping Chen, Huntly F. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20080091353
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seismic system having an array of nodes, each capable of emitting and detecting seismic signals. The array of nodes is mounted on a mobile platform in a certain geometry and is configured to acquire subsurface data, and more particularly detect shallow buried objects, while being translated over a surface. Such a seismic system allows for high subsurface point redundancy by providing a large number of channels of data used to sum the energy at a point in the subsurface. In other aspects, the invention relates to methods for processing the acquired data to increase signal-to-noise ratio. In still other aspects, the invention relates to methods for imaging the data for visualization on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Peter A. Krumhansl, Michael B. Goldsmith
  • Publication number: 20080091354
    Abstract: Methods for processing magnetotelluric data to identify subterranean deposits are provided for. The data comprise the amplitude of alternating magnetic or electrical fields recorded over time in at least two vector components at one or more locations in an area of interest. Amplitude pulses are identified in the data, wherein the pulses are time segments comprising an amplitude peak meeting defined threshold criteria in at least one vector component. The pulses are filtered at a set of predetermined frequencies to separate amplitude data at each frequency from the remainder of the amplitude data in the pulses. The frequencies correspond to subterranean depths over a range of interest. Differential impedances ?Z of the pulses at each frequency at each location are then statistically analyzed to determine a value correlated to the resistance of the earth at each frequency. The resistance values are indicative of the presence or absence of deposits at the corresponding subterranean depth at the location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Kent A. Byerly
  • Patent number: 7359845
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for displaying and forecasting the lithology and wellbore conditions to be encountered while conducting drill string operations in a wellbore. A method and system is described for predicting and modeling lithology while operating a drill string in a wellbore, comprising: developing a 3-D lithological model of a subsurface area; projecting a well path through said subsurface area; determining an open cylinder lithology display of said projected well path; and recording said determined open cylinder display. The open cylinder lithology display (the Predictive Stratigraphy Image) may be displayed with geological or structural cross-sections to compare the well path and the predicted well path, with the actual subsurface environment. Data acquired during drilling operations can be used in real time to update the model or the Predictive Stratigraphy Image, and the results compared with Predictive Image Logs and other wellbore images and data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Florent Kelfoun
  • Publication number: 20080083273
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system, tools and methods for estimating a property or characteristic of a fluid downhole. In one aspect, the method may include: heating the fluid at a selected or first location during a first time phase, taking temperature measurements of the fluid substantially at the selected location during a second time phase, and estimating the property of the downhole fluid using temperature measurements. Temperature measurements may also be taken at a location spaced apart from the first location and used to estimate the property of the fluid. The tool may include a device that heats the fluid during a first time phase and takes temperature measurements of the fluid during a second time phase. A processor uses the temperature measurements and a model to estimate a property of interest of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stefan Sroka, Peter Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20080082269
    Abstract: A method for interpreting transient electromagnetic survey data includes measuring transient response of a medium over a plurality of switching events. The measured transient response to a first one of the current switching events is modeled. Transient response to the model for at least one current switching event prior in time to the at least a first current switching event is calculated. The calculated transient response is summed with the first event measured response and the sum is compared to the electromagnetic survey measurements. The model is adjusted and the calculating summed transient responses is repeated until a difference between the summed calculated responses and the survey measurements falls below a selected threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Charles H. Stoyer, Kurt M. Strack
  • Patent number: 7346454
    Abstract: A method for depth matching borehole images and/or core section images is disclosed wherein signals from sensors at different levels on a logging tool are converted into an averaged signal representing the average bed signal at the center of the borehole at each of the different levels. A depth matching technique is applied to the averaged signals from the sensors at different levels on the logging tool to determine the optimum depth offset necessary for matching two sets of signals from sensors at the different levels of the logging tool. In an alternative embodiment of the invention a Hough transform is utilized to process the well log images and generate three-dimensional images in Hough space. The three dimensional images are converted into two-dimensional extremum curves. Depth matching is performed on the two dimensional extremum curves to calculate an offset to match the two dimensional extremum curves. The calculated offset is then applied to the well log images to depth match them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gilles Mathieu, Jean-Pierre Delhomme, Philip Cheung, Yinyu Wang
  • Patent number: 7346455
    Abstract: A wellbore evaluation system evaluates mechanical wear and corrosion to components of a well system including a production tubing string positionable in a well and a sucker rod string movable within the production tubing string. A deviation sensor determines a deviation profile of the production tubing string in the well, and a rod sensor senses and measures wear and corrosion to the sucker rod string as it is removed from the well to determine a rod profile. A data acquisition computer is in communication with the sensors for computing and comparing the deviation profile and the rod profile as a function of depth in the well. A 3-dimensional image of wellbores, with isogram mapping, may be generated and examined over the internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Robbins & Myers Energy Systems L.P.
    Inventors: Simon J. Ward, John P. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080046202
    Abstract: A method for designing an absorbent article. The steps of the method are generating a physical spatial map of saturation of a fluid within an absorbent in a physical test environment, generating a virtual spatial map of saturation of a fluid within an absorbent in a virtual test environment, identifying absorbent-fluid interaction properties for the absorbent such that the virtual spatial map of saturation approximates the physical spatial map of saturation, inputting the absorbent-fluid interaction properties into a virtual model of the absorbent article to produce a representation of at least one feature of the absorbent article, evaluating the virtual model of the absorbent article to determine the performance of the at least one feature of the absorbent article, modifying the design of the absorbent article in response to the performance of the at least one feature of the absorbent article determined from the virtual model of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Mel Allende-Blanco, Brian Bert Anderson, William Handy Hartt, Paul Martin Lipic, Mattias Schmidt, Douglas Gregory Stevens, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger
  • Publication number: 20080046186
    Abstract: A method of determining fluid phase distribution comprises receiving a plurality of oriented probe data; grouping the oriented probe data based on a depth interval; processing the grouped probe data; and generating fluid phase distribution information based on the processed result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Robert James North, QingFeng Zhu, Gang Xu, Hui Jin
  • Publication number: 20080046189
    Abstract: A method for measuring the partially saturated fluid transport properties of an absorbent. The steps of the method are generating a physical spatial map of saturation of a fluid within an absorbent in a physical test environment, generating a virtual spatial map of saturation of a fluid within an absorbent in a virtual test environment, and identifying the absorbent-fluid interaction properties for the absorbent such that the virtual spatial map of saturation approximates the physical spatial map of saturation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Mel Allende-Blanco, Brian Bert Anderson, William Handy Hartt, Paul Martin Lipic, Mattias Schmidt, Douglas Gregory Stevens, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger
  • Publication number: 20080033653
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining the value of an attribute of ambient energy at a drilling assembly at the bottom of a borehole. Ambient energy includes kinetic energy, hydraulic energy and thermal energy. Attributes include vibration frequency spectrum, pressure difference, and temperature difference. The method uses energy harvested by at least one energy-harvesting sensor to power the system. The system generates data signals from at least one energy-harvesting sensor at one or more locations along a downhole drilling assembly, and transmits data up the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jahir Pabon, Julio Guerrero, Joachim Sihler, Demosthenis Pafitis
  • Publication number: 20080023629
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the content of a first element in a formation which cannot otherwise be determined via a capture spectrum measurement. The methods and apparatus utilize the inelastic spectrum measurement of the first element and the inelastic and capture spectrum measurements of at least a second element. The methods and apparatus have particular application to determining the carbon content of a formation although they are not limited thereto. The inelastic and capture spectrum measurements of silicon are useful in making such determinations, although other chemical elements may be used as the second element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Susan Herron, James Grau, Bradley Roscoe, Michael Herron, Kenneth Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20080010020
    Abstract: Method and system of diagnosing production changes. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a plurality of devices configured to measure production parameters associated with a hydrocarbon producing well, and a processor proximate to a wellhead of the hydrocarbon producing well and electrically coupled to the plurality of devices. The processor is configured to diagnose a cause of a change of a production parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Damon J. Ellender, Duane B. Toavs
  • Patent number: 7317989
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chemometric equation to estimate fluid density, viscosity, dielectric constant and resistivity for a formation fluid sample downhole. The chemometric estimates can be used directly as estimated values for fluid density, viscosity, dielectric constant and resistivity for a formation fluid sample downhole. The chemometric estimates can also be plugged into a Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) non-linear least squares fit, as an initial estimate of the parameter to be estimated by the LM fit. If the initial parameter estimate is too far from the actual parameter values, the LM algorithm may take a long time to converge or even fail to converge entirely. The present invention estimates an initial value of a parameter that provides a high probability that the LM algorithm will converge to a global minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Peter Reittinger
  • Patent number: 7317990
    Abstract: A method for distributed processing in a subsurface environment includes running a local program on a local computation unit, wherein the local program is configured to call a remote procedure to be executed by a remote computation unit, wherein the local computation unit and the remote computation unit are disposed in a subsurface environment; initiating a remote procedure call; executing the remote procedure on the remote computation unit, while the local computation unit performs another operation; and returning a result from the executing the remote procedure to the local computation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Anshuman Sinha, Alain Dumont