Well Logging Or Borehole Study Patents (Class 702/6)
  • Patent number: 7313480
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a drilling operation involving the rotation of a bottom-hole assembly carried by a drillstring. In one embodiment, an integrated, closed-loop rigsite analysis system is provided for acquiring and analyzing real-time mud logging and downhole data, and displaying in real-time values of one or more operator-controllable parameters, along with dynamic critical values of at least one controllable operating parameter, thereby enabling an operator to modulate such parameter on a real-time basis to optimize operation. The integrated information is derived by intelligent combination of data into meaningful and useable information that can be displayed in an informative manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chenkang David Chen, Mark Smith, Scott LaPierre
  • Publication number: 20070294034
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating a wellsite design, comprising: designing a workflow for an Earth Model; building an initial Earth Model based on the workflow adapted for modeling drilling and completions operations in a hydrocarbon reservoir; calibrating the initial Earth Model thereby generating a calibrated Earth Model; and generating the wellsite design using the calibrated Earth Model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Tom Bratton, Randy Koepsell, Thomas N. Olsen, Adam Donald
  • Patent number: 7310580
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of estimating formation properties by analyzing acoustic waves that are emitted from and received by a bottom hole assembly. A bottom hole assembly may be deployed in a borehole to estimate formation properties. From the bottom hole assembly, a source signal may be emitted and at least one signal may be received by one or more receivers in the bottom hole assembly. Analysis of the frequency dependent characteristics of the received signal allows the estimation of the formation properties of interest, including pore pressure. The formation properties of interest may be used to monitor a wellbore pressure safety margin and to optimize drilling and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Minyao Zhou, Hans Thomann, Stuart Ronald Keller
  • Patent number: 7309983
    Abstract: A method for determining a characteristic of earth formations from measurements taken on the formations, includes the following steps: producing a data base that includes a multiplicity of data points, each data point representing a stored formation characteristic output related to a stored input measurement; deriving, from the data base, a mapping function; deriving an input formation measurement value; and determining an output formation characteristic value from the data base, the mapping function, and the input formation measurement value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Freedman
  • Patent number: 7308362
    Abstract: Seismic data is collected by using an electrical submersible pump assembly in a well that is producing well fluid. By sweeping the rotational speed of the pump assembly through a selected range at selected intervals, seismic waves of varying frequency are emitted. These seismic waves are then picked up with a seismic sensor located at the surface or located in another well. If the seismic sensors are located in another well, the signal from the sensor may be transmitted to the surface by superimposing the data onto the power cable leading to the pump located in that other well. The seismic survey may be repeated at regular intervals, and the results will reveal the changes that have taken place over time in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert H. McCoy, Francis D. Doherty, James C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7305305
    Abstract: A system and a method for remotely controlling logging equipment in drilled holes are provided. The method includes inputting a first command associated with either a logging tool or a hoist device coupled to the logging tool utilizing an input device operably coupled to a first computer. The first computer is located at a position remote from the logging tool. The method further includes transmitting a first communication signal having the first command from the first computer to a second computer. The method further includes controlling operation of either the logging tool or the hoist device based on the first command utilizing the second computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Nick Beeson
  • Patent number: 7302849
    Abstract: The invention relates to monitoring of fluid-filled domains in various media including, for example, subterranean formations, construction elements, bones. Claimed are a method for determining characteristic sizes of a fluid-filled crack in a medium and a system for implementation thereof. In accordance with this method, oscillations of the fluid-filled crack are registered. Wave characteristics of standing interface waves propagating along the fluid-filled crack surfaces are determined based on the registered oscillations taking medium and fluid properties into account. The fluid-filled crack characteristic sizes are calculated based on the determined wave characteristics of the standing interface waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arkady Segal, Marc Jean Thiercelin, Christian Besson
  • Patent number: 7302373
    Abstract: A method for displaying a plurality of measurement data along a borehole trajectory includes displaying a borehole model representing the borehole trajectory; and displaying the plurality of measurement data as at least one layer overlaying the borehole model, wherein the plurality of measurement data are displayed at measurement depths corresponding to measurement depths of the borehole model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Simon G. Fleury, Igor Terentyev, Denis Heliot
  • Patent number: 7301473
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Vimal V. Shah, Wallace R. Gardner, Donald G. Kyle
  • Patent number: 7299132
    Abstract: A method for pore pressure prediction. The method includes obtaining a stress sensitivity coefficient, obtaining a compressional wave (P-wave) velocity and a shear wave (S-wave) velocity for a pre-drill location and obtaining a first predicted pore pressure. Further, the method includes iteratively performing calculating a total stress value associated with the pre-drill location using the first predicted pore pressure associated with the pre-drill location, and calculating a second predicted pore pressure associated with the pre-drill location using a stress-pressure relationship equation, a stress-velocity relationship equation, the stress sensitivity coefficient, a reference location, and at least one selected from a group consisting of the P-wave velocity and the S-wave velocity for the pre-drill location, and adjusting a drilling operation associated with the pre-drill location, based on the second predicted pore pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Colin M. Sayers, Richard A. Birchwood
  • Publication number: 20070265784
    Abstract: Multicomponent induction measurements are used to estimate horizontal and vertical resistivities of an earth formation. From these resistivity estimates, Net/gross sand thicknesses may be estimated. These are indicative of the position of the well within a deep water channel sequence. 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: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adriaan A. Bal, David J. Prosser, Tsili Wang
  • Patent number: 7295926
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for correlating well logs. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, in an embodiment of the present invention, data from two or more overlapping logs may be generated by a well logging device and a model for the apparent compliance of the elongate member (e.g. the drill string), which controls the position of the logging device, may be combined to correlate the log data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Peter Jeffryes
  • Patent number: 7289909
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of estimating formation properties by analyzing acoustic waves that are emitted from and received by a bottom hole assembly. A bottom hole assembly may be deployed in a borehole to estimate formation properties. From the bottom hole assembly, a source signal may be emitted and at least one signal may be received by one or more receivers in the bottom hole assembly. Analysis of the frequency dependent characteristics of the received signal allows the estimation of the formation properties of interest, including pore pressure. The formation properties of interest may be used to monitor a wellbore pressure safety margin and to optimize drilling mud weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Hans Thomann, Charles F. Pepper, Stuart R. Keller
  • Patent number: 7289943
    Abstract: A lumping and delumping method is useful for estimating the properties or behavior of liquid and/or vapor hydrocarbon phases from data relative to a reference set of hydrocarbon mixtures in a series of thermodynamic states in a medium. Each one of the hydrocarbon mixtures is grouped into at least three constituents (V, I, H), considering that the gas phases resulting from separation under conditions referred to as surface conditions of each mixture do not contain (H) and that the oil phases do not contain (V). The compositions of the separation products are determined by material balance. The at least three-constituent composition of each hydrocarbon mixture is determined by combination of the products resulting from the separation in proportion to the amounts of each separation product. Delumping is performed to predict a detailed composition of a fluid in the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventor: Claire Barroux
  • Publication number: 20070244648
    Abstract: A method and a computer program product for estimating the true intrinsic relaxation time T2 and the internal gradient Gint for a multi-frequency nuclear magnetic resonance imaging tool for well logging includes providing at least two frequencies in a plurality of echo trains, evaluating the signal decay in each echo train, quantifying the signal decay and correlating the signal decay to the internal gradient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Songhua Chen
  • Patent number: 7283910
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for logging an earth formation and acquiring subsurface information wherein a logging tool is conveyed in borehole to obtain parameters of interest. The parameters of interest obtained may be density, acoustic, magnetic or electrical values as known in the art. The parameters of interest are acquired with a plurality of sensors. For time based image data, the time separation values between signals acquired from separate sensors for individual subsurface features are determined. The time separation values may be determined using correlation or other methods illustrated herein or as known in the art. Using known sensor spatial separations and time separation values a drill rate is determined and an incremental depth for the subsurface feature is defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gamal A. Hassan, Phil Kurkoski
  • Patent number: 7282704
    Abstract: Measurements made with porosity and density logging tools in a gas reservoir may differ due to invasion effects. The effects are particularly large on measurement-while-drilling applications where invasion is minimal. Using a Monte-Carlo method, a relationship is established between true formation porosity and porosity estimates from density and porosity tools. This relationship is used on real data to get an improved estimate of formation porosity and of gas saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Pingjun Guo
  • Publication number: 20070239359
    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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Charles E. Stelting, William J. Schweller, William C. Corea, William H. Crane, Lisa R. Goggin
  • Patent number: 7280918
    Abstract: Methods and computer-based systems are provided for processing seismic data through the use of information provided by basin modeling. Provided are methods and systems for providing an improved seismic dataset by means of providing an initial basin model constructed using an initially-available dataset including seismic velocity data; constructing a velocity dataset from the initial basin model; and reprocessing the initially available seismic data using the velocity dataset from the initial basin model as a guide. Also provided are methods and systems for predicting fluid pressure in a subsurface region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Knowledge Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7280987
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a neural network ensemble. Conventional algorithms are used to train a number of neural networks having error diversity, for example by having a different number of hidden nodes in each network. A genetic algorithm having a multi-objective fitness function is used to select one or more ensembles. The fitness function includes a negative error correlation objective to insure diversity among the ensemble members. A genetic algorithm may be used to select weighting factors for the multi-objective function. In one application, a trained model may be used to produce synthetic open hole logs in response to inputs of cased hole log data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dingding Chen, Syed Hamid, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070233389
    Abstract: Dynamic positioning of a vessel 10 connected to the seafloor 14 by a riser 12 utilises a measurement of riser 12 bottom angle combined with a measurement of vessel 10 velocity, optionally obtained from a Doppler log 16. These two signals are combined to produce a single position estimate using an algorithm such as a Kalman filter. Using riser bottom angle only would result in an unstable control system, since the bottom angle lags the vessel motion by a considerable amount and the relationship is non-linear. Using the velocity measurement alone would result in a slow drift of position. The combination of the two eliminates the disadvantages of the individual measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Ian Stephens
  • Patent number: 7277795
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for modeling a pore structure of a porous material. The method includes generating an initial model of the porous material. The initial model includes an interconnected network of passages including a first geometric shape and a second geometric shape. At least one petrophysical property is calculated from the initial model. At least one geometric parameter in at least one passage of the first geometric shape is adjusted. The at least one petrophysical property is recalculated, and the adjusting and recalculating are repeated until a difference between the calculated petrophysical property and a measured petrophysical property reaches a minimum. In some embodiments, the adjusting and recalculating are repeated until an indeterminacy condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: New England Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory N. Boitnott
  • Publication number: 20070225931
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus can include an application guiding an inspector in the performance of an inspection. The application can be provided in such form as to be modified. In one embodiment, an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data collected by an inspection apparatus of an inspection system. In one embodiment an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data output by a data output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: GE Inspection Technologies, LP
    Inventors: Bradford Morse, Thomas Eldred Lambdin, Clark A. Bendall, Edward B. Hubben, Thomas W. Karpen, Bruce A. Pellegrino
  • Patent number: 7274990
    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: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Holger Mathiszik, Ran Zhou
  • Patent number: 7274989
    Abstract: It is important to know the precise position of equipment when testing of the BOP, testing the wellhead, flow testing the well, kick control, well circulation and testing of spool trees between the wellhead and the BOP. Accordingly, there is provided a system for determining the real time position of equipment within a bore, the system including a data input means for inputting data concerning the physical characteristics of components which are run into the bore; a sensing means located, in use, within the bore and including a sensor for determining data concerning at least one physical characteristic of the equipment at a given time; a data storage means for recording the inputted data and the determined data; and a comparison means for comparing the input data and the determined data to establish which part of the equipment is being sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Patent number: 7274304
    Abstract: A system for loading an executable code into volatile memory in a downhole tool string component comprises a surface control unit comprising executable code. An integrated downhole network comprises data transmission elements in communication with the surface control unit and the volatile memory. The executable code, stored in the surface control unit, is not permanently stored in the downhole tool string component. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the downhole tool string component comprises boot memory. In another embodiment, the executable code is an operating system executable code. Preferably, the volatile memory comprises random access memory (RAM). A method for loading executable code to volatile memory in a downhole tool string component comprises sending the code from the surface control unit to a processor in the downhole tool string component over the network. A central processing unit writes the executable code in the volatile memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David B. Bartholomew, Monte L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7272504
    Abstract: Measurements made by a formation evaluation sensor downhole are processed to produce an image and a bitstream characterizing the image is transmitted uphole. The parameters used in the downhole processing are dynamically alterable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Oleg Akimov, Ansgar Baule, Christian Fulda, Sven Haberer, Thorsten Roessel
  • Patent number: 7269514
    Abstract: A method and related system for correcting measurements obtained from an induction logging device. In one embodiment, the method comprises: receiving conductivity measurements from a multi-array induction tool; constructing a measurement pattern vector from the conductivity measurements; determining one or more geometry parameters associated with an approximation of the measurement pattern vector; finding borehole geometrical factors using current values of the one or more conductivity parameters and of the one or more geometry parameters; and calculating improved estimates of the one or more conductivity parameters using current values of the borehole geometric factors. The geometry parameters may be determined by finding a geometry pattern vector that best fits the measurement pattern vector. The determining, finding, and calculating operations may be repeated until a predetermined condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventor: Jiaqi Xiao
  • Patent number: 7260477
    Abstract: A method for determining a borehole geometry parameter vector and/or lateral tool displacement vectors in a borehole is provided. The method includes acquiring at least one set of standoff measurements at a corresponding time. The method also includes processing a system of equations to determine the parameter vector and/or the lateral displacement vector(s). The system of equations may include variables representative of the parameter vector, the lateral tool displacement vector(s), and the standoff measurements. Exemplary embodiments of this invention advantageously enable the borehole parameter vector and/or the lateral displacement vector to be determined substantially contemporaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Mark Haugland
  • Publication number: 20070192031
    Abstract: Pump noise in a mud-pulse telemetry system is reduced based on analysis of the frequency characteristics of the noise generated by one or more pumps. Least mean-squares filtering may be done. Alternatively, the frequency domain analysis of the pump frequencies is fine-tuned in the time domain and a synthetic timing signal is used for the filtering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jiang Li, Hanno Reckmann
  • Patent number: 7257489
    Abstract: A tool generates signals indicative a shear wave slowness of the formation surrounding a borehole. The tool comprises a collar portion adapted for mounting in a drill string, a quadrupole sonic transmitter mounted to the collar portion, and a quadrupole sonic receiver array mounted to the collar spaced apart from the transmitter. A method determines shear wave slowness of the formation. The method includes propagating quadrupole wave energy into the formation and detecting quadrupole dispersive waveform received at a second location. Formation shear wave slowness is calculated using dispersive slowness time coherence processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chaur-Jian Hsu, Jahir A. Pabon, Bikash K. Sinha, Sergey Asvadurov
  • Publication number: 20070185655
    Abstract: To perform diagnosis of a completion system, at least one parameter of the completion system in a wellbore is monitored using a sensor. A profile is generated based on the monitored parameter, and a real-time diagnosis is performed of an operation of the completion system based on a comparison of the generated profile and an expected profile to identify an anomaly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Djerassem Le Bemadjiel
  • Patent number: 7251567
    Abstract: A monitoring system for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine and adapted to determine the roll and/or pitch orientation of the downhole tool assembly by detecting signals from a sensor assembly supported by the downhole tool assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system uses an antenna assembly to detect a signal transmitted from the sensor assembly. The antenna assembly transmits the detected signal to a processor which determines a calibration factor indicative of the actual orientation of the sensor relative to the known orientation of the downhole tool assembly. The processor then uses the calibration factor and the signal emitted from the sensor, indicative of the actual orientation of the sensor, to determine the actual orientation of the downhole tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank S. Nickel, Martin A. Williams
  • Patent number: 7251565
    Abstract: A method for determining the composition of a fluid by using measured properties of the fluid. One embodiment of the method of the current invention generally comprises: selecting a fluid property that has a response to fluid composition that is linear, or can be approximated as linear; measuring the selected fluid property at a series of specific time intervals; and plotting the measured property as a function of the selected property. In effect, plotting the measured property as a function of fluid composition in an arbitrary set of units. This allows for a in-situ qualitative evaluation of fluid composition by measuring a fluid property that has a known linear relationship to fluid composition. Another embodiment of the present invention further comprises, establishing the endpoints of contamination and plotting the measured properties through these endpoints. Once the endpoints have been established a quantitative evaluation of the fluid composition can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Jr., Mark A. Proett, Michael T. Pelletier
  • Patent number: 7251566
    Abstract: A method for obtaining high-quality well logging data acquired during a drilling operation includes acquiring well logging data during a pump-off period when a mud pump is turned off; and extracting a subset of data from the acquired well logging data, wherein the subset of data corresponds to a quiet period within the pump-off period, wherein the quiet period is substantially free of interference from turning the mud pump on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter T. Wu, Andrew Hawthorn, Tom R. Bratton, Bikash K. Sinha
  • Patent number: 7248963
    Abstract: A method for managing the flow of a plurality of aircraft at an aviation resource, based upon specified data and operational goals pertaining to the aircraft and resource and the control of aircraft arrival fix times at the resource by a system manager, includes the steps of: (a) collecting and storing the specified data and operational goals, (b) processing the specified data to predict an initial arrival fix time for each of the aircraft at the resource, (c) specifying a goal function which is defined in terms of arrival fix times and whose value is a measure of how well the aircraft meet the operational goals based on achieving specified arrival fix times, (d) computing an initial value of the goal function using the predicted initial arrival fix times, (e) utilizing the goal function to identify potential arrival fix times to which the arrival fix times can be changed so as to result in the value of the goal function indicating a higher degree of attainment of the operational goals than that indicated by
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: R. Michael Baiada, Lonnie H. Bowlin
  • Patent number: 7248259
    Abstract: A method for modeling geological structures includes identifying fault planes in a geologic structure, and creating a set of substantially vertically oriented pillars along the fault plane. The pillar grids are then combined into a common three-dimensional grid pillar network, and a two-dimensional plane is defined that intersects the middle node of the pillars. Planes are identified that are oriented in the substantially horizontal direction and horizontal node points are created, and such a process is repeated for other node levels. A skeleton grid is then created by drawing a substantially vertically oriented pillar through each corresponding grid intersection, and then primary horizons as defined by interpretation of seismic data are inserted into the skeleton grid. And, a final scale resolution is created by dividing the spaces bounded between actual horizons and fault planes, and eventual actual part of the outer boundary into one or more horizontally oriented fine layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Technoguide AS
    Inventor: Nils P. Fremming
  • Patent number: 7243027
    Abstract: Techniques for generating deliverable files from well logging data include obtaining the well logging data, wherein the well logging data is associated with a unique identifier; outputting a graphical deliverable file based on the well logging data, one or more templates, and a set of graphical deliverable attributes that specify how the graphical deliverable file is to be generated; and outputting an electronic data file comprising the set of graphical deliverable attributes such that the graphical deliverable file can be regenerated from the electronic data file. The well logging data may include all information necessary to recalculate the computed outputs from the raw data (e.g., computational parameters). Other methods include techniques for uniquely associating data and for making the outputs tamper-proof so that a user can compare two different types of outputs (e.g., digital and graphical deliverables) and be confident whether they are from the same source data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Ireland, James L. Thornton, Gregory H. Wibben, Kamran Waheed, Stephen V. Reski
  • Patent number: 7236886
    Abstract: Different subsets of multiarray resistivity measurements are inverted using a corresponding resistivity model. The models are selected based at least in part on the resolution of the measurements. Results of the inversion are combined to give a single model consistent with the resolution and depth of penetration of each subset of the multiarray data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael A. Frenkel
  • Patent number: 7224162
    Abstract: System and methods for estimating properties of a geologic formation are disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes a method for estimating properties of a geologic formation, comprising the steps of: measuring a property of the formation in two or more directions along a path in the formation; obtaining directional property values for at least one spatial unit along the path in the formation based on the property measurements; and providing an anisotropy estimate of the formation from the obtained directional property values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Proett, James M. Fogal, Wilson C. Chin, Prabhakar R. Aadireddy
  • Patent number: 7200540
    Abstract: Systems for implementing methods for generating platform location sets comprising selecting a set of platform locations; determining additional platform locations to add to the set of platform locations; validating the additional platform locations, and determining an optimum location for each platform location in the set of platform locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Daniel Colvin, Glenn Robert McColpin
  • Patent number: 7200533
    Abstract: A method for rapidly forming a stochastic model of Gaussian or related type, representative of a porous heterogeneous medium such as an underground reservoir, constrained by data characteristic of the displacement of fluids. The method comprises construction of a chain of realizations representative of a stochastic model (Y) by gradually combining an initial realization of (Y) and one or more other realization(s) of (Y) referred to as a composite realization, and minimizing an objective function (J) measuring the difference between a set of non-linear data deduced from the combination by means of a simulator simulating the flow in the medium and the data measured in the medium, by adjustment of the coefficients of the combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Lin-Ying Hu, Mickaële Le Ravalec-Dupin
  • Patent number: 7200539
    Abstract: A method for predicting the on-set of sand production or critical drawdown pressure (CDP) in high flow rate gas wells. The method describes the perforation and open-hole cavity stability incorporating both rock and fluid mechanics fundamentals. The pore pressure gradient is calculated using the non-Darcy gas flow equation and coupled with the stress-state for a perfectly Mohr-Coulomb material. Sand production is assumed to initiate when the drawdown pressure condition induces tensile stresses across the cavity face. Both spherical and cylindrical models are presented. The spherical model is suitable for cased and perforated applications while the cylindrical model is used for a horizontal open-hole completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: See Hong Ong, Gangerico G. Ramos, Ziqiong Zheng
  • Patent number: 7200492
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for logging an earth formation and acquiring subsurface information wherein a logging tool is conveyed in borehole to obtain parameters of interest. The parameters of interest obtained may be density, acoustic, magnetic or electrical values as known in the art. The parameters of interest may be transmitted to the surface at a plurality of resolutions using a multi-resolution image compression method. Parameters of interest are formed into a plurality of Cost Functions from which Regions of Interest are determined to resolve characteristics of the Features of interest within the Regions. Feature characteristics may be determined to obtain time or depth positions of bed boundaries and borehole Dip Angle relative to subsurface structures, as well borehole and subsurface structure orientation. Characteristics of the Features include time, depth, and geometries of the subsurface such as structural dip, thickness, and lithologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gamal Hassan, Phil Kurkoski
  • Patent number: 7195062
    Abstract: This invention provides a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) downhole assembly for use in drilling boreholes which utilizes directional formation evaluation devices on a rotating assembly in conjunction with toolface orientation sensors. The data from the toolface orientation sensors are analyzed by a processor and toolface angle measurements are determined at defined intervals. Formation evaluation sensors operate substantially independently of the toolface orientation sensors and measurements of the formation evaluation sensors are analyzed in combination with the determined toolface angle to obtain formation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul G. Cairns, Sergey V. Efremov, David M. Schneider, Sassan Dehlavi, Robert A. Estes, Samuel R. Bell
  • Patent number: 7187784
    Abstract: Visual inspection of an interior surface of a borehole. A housing adapted to be lowered in the borehole supports a portable camera for generating images of a portion of the interior surface of the borehole and a light source for illuminating an area adjacent the camera. A monitor receives signals from the camera and, in response thereto, displays the images generated by the camera. A viewing envelope positioned adjacent the camera defines a viewing area adjacent the camera, particularly for use in visually inspecting slurry-filled boreholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamal Tawfiq, Edward J. Mallory, Sastry Putcha, Dan Turner
  • Patent number: 7188058
    Abstract: A dynamic range relaxation algorithm is applied to simulate borehole failure under a variety of stress conditions. The borehole and its neighborhood are modeled by a number of regions by a plurality of interconnected nodes. The bonds between the nodes may be modeled as springs, rods, or beams. The strength of the bonds has a statistical variation to accurately simulate real world situations. The model may include, in addition to the borehole and the far earth formations, a liner, a casing, and/or a gravel pack. Simulation is carried out for different strength of the bonds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Humphrey H. Hardy, Mamdouh M. Salama
  • Patent number: 7177764
    Abstract: A reservoir simulator first estimates rock displacement parameters (u, v, and w) representing rock movement in the x, y, and z directions. When the rock displacement parameters (u, v, w) are determined, “?x,y,z” (the ‘x,y,z elongation strains’) and “?xy,yz,zx” (the ‘shear strains’) are determined since “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,zx” are function of “u”, “v”, and “w” When “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,zx” are determined, “?x,y,z” (the ‘elastic normal rock stress in x,y,z directions’) and “?xy,yz,xz” (the ‘elastic shear stress’) are determined since “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,xz” are a function of “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,zx”. When “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,xz” are determined, the rock momentum balance differential equations can be solved, since these equations are a function of “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,xz”. When any residuals are substantially equal to zero, the estimated rock displacement parameters (u, v, and w) represent ‘accurate rock displacement parameters’ for the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Terry Wayne Stone
  • Patent number: 7172038
    Abstract: The drilling system includes a work string supporting a bottom hole assembly. The work string including lengths of pipe having a non-metallic portion. The work string preferably includes a composite coiled tubing having a fluid impermeable liner, multiple load carrying layers, and a wear layer. Multiple electrical conductors and data transmission conductors may be embedded in the load carrying layers for carrying current or transmitting data between the bottom hole assembly and the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit, a gamma ray and inclinometer instrument package, a steerable assembly, an electronics section, a transmission, and a power section for rotating the bit. It may or may not include a propulsion system. The drilling system may be a gravity based drilling system that does include a propulsion system. Various motive means may be provided, such as gravity, to apply weight on the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Terry, Thomas Platt Wilson, Jay M. Eppink, Albert C. Odell, William F. Trainor, James W. Estep, Haoshi Song
  • Patent number: 7171309
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method of use to control a downhole tool remotely based on the autocorrelation of command sequences. Repeating signals of a priori unknown or undefined shape can be correlated to themselves to reliably distinguish intentional changes from random fluctuations or other operations performed on the well. Using autocorrelation, any fluctuation of pressure of sufficient amplitude can be used to send commands by controlling the timing or the number of repetitions of the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Goodman