Abstract: A method and related apparatus for telemetry between downhole devices and surface devices. In particular, the methods and related apparatus may send a first datum of a first parameter in an uncompressed form, and send a second datum of the first parameter in compressed form.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting geophysical surveys comprising a multiplicity of intelligent electrodes provided on a multi-conductor cable, for receiving a command signal in response to which predetermined electrodes are connected to selected conductors in the cable. Each intelligent electrode is identical in all respects, including its programming, resulting in simplified construction of the cable and easy replacement of the intelligent electrodes. Instead of assigning a unique address code to each switch in a series of take-outs on a multi-conductor cable, each electronic switch is programmed with the same address code. That is, each switch is programmed to be activated when it receives a code command that, for example, is prefaced with a particular address, e.g. the number 1. The second part of the code (y) instructs the switch as to which conductor in the multi-conductor cable is to be connected to the local electrode at the location of the switch.

Abstract: A remote sensing unit for sensing subsurface formation is provided. The remote sensing unit is an active device with the capability of responding to control commands to determine subsurface formation characteristics, and transmitting corresponding data values. Some embodiments of the remote sensing unit include a battery, or a capacitor for storing charge. The embodiments that include the capacitor receive RF power that is converted to a DC signal for storing charge on the capacitor. When the charge is depleted to a specified point, the remote sensing unit prompts the wellbore tool to transmit additional RF power to recharge the capacitor. The remote sensing unit is provided with RF power to wake it up and to place it into an operational mode, and/or to send modulated data values that are then transmitted to the surface where operational decisions for the well may be made.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting the behavior of a physical system are disclosed. One embodiment of the method of this invention comprises the steps of creating an equation in a first coordinate system to model an aspect of the physical system; applying a coordinate transformation to the equation to transform the equation from the first coordinate system into a second coordinate system more closely representative of an analytical solution to the equation; solving the equation in the second coordinate system to obtain a solution; transforming the solution back to the first coordinate system; creating a second equation in the first coordinate system to model a second aspect of the physical system; solving the second equation in the first coordinate system to obtain a solution to the second equation; and combining the mapped solution to the first equation and the solution to the second equation in the first coordinate system to obtain a combined solution.

Abstract: A method for determining a borehole azimuth in a borehole is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes acquiring at least one standoff measurement and a tool azimuth measurement at substantially the same time. Such measurements are then processed, along with a lateral displacement vector of the downhole tool upon which the sensors are deployed in the borehole, to determine the borehole azimuth. The computed borehole azimuths may be advantageously correlated with logging sensor data to form a borehole image, for example, by convolving the correlated logging sensor data with a window function. As such, exemplary embodiments of this invention may provide for superior image resolution and noise rejection as compared to prior art LWD imaging techniques.

Abstract: Wireline depths are estimated using cable depth measurements and accelerometer depth measurements made over a time interval encompassing the time for which the wireline depth is being estimated. A least squares smoothing filter or a weighted least squares smoothing filter may be used. Problems caused by washouts in the borehole are also addressed.

Abstract: A high-speed downhole network providing real-time data from downhole components of a drilling strings includes a bottom-hole node interfacing to a bottom-hole assembly located proximate the bottom end of a drill string. A top-hole node is connected proximate the top end of the drill string. One or several intermediate nodes are located along the drill string between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node. The intermediate nodes are configured to receive and transmit data packets transmitted between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node. A communications link, integrated into the drill string, is used to operably connect the bottom-hole node, the intermediate nodes, and the top-hole node. In selected embodiments, a personal or other computer may be connected to the top-hole node, to analyze data received from the intermediate and bottom-hole nodes.

Abstract: A method of detecting significant events intersecting a borehole from an image of the borehole wall having: (a) converting the image into a three-dimensional orientation space; (b) selecting a parameter relation that represents the intersection of an event (3,5 and 6) with the borehole wall; (c) creating a parameter space consisting of numbers as a function of the parameters, wherein each number is a measure of the support in the orientation space for an event characterized by the parameters that pertain to that number; (d) selecting in the parameter space a set of the largest numbers, wherein the parameters that pertain to each of these largest numbers represent the intersections of the significant events with the borehole wall; and (e) presenting the intersections pertaining to the set of the largest numbers as a list of data representing significant events.

Abstract: A method is provided for selecting a cementing composition for sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore. The method involves determining a group of effective cementing compositions from a group of cementing compositions given estimated conditions experienced during the life of the well, and estimating the risk parameters for each of the group of effective cementing compositions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are useful for decomposing a complex distribution of data by modeling the complex distribution as a sum of discrete simple distributions, and processing the simple distributions independently. The independent processing enables the complex distribution to be reconstructed without the simple distributions that are concluded to be spurious. The simple distributions preferably include one or more statistical distributions that are subject to being characterized by a reduced data set for efficient communication and reconstruction of the complex distribution. The modeling and processing steps preferably employ one or more evolutionary algorithms.

Abstract: Data from a string of multiple formation evaluation data sensor are evaluated. Based on the analysis, the logging speed is increased if all the sensors justify it, and is reduced if any of the sensors require a reduced logging speed.

Abstract: Solutions for the propagation of a hydraulic fracture in a permeable elastic rock and driven by injection of a Newtonian fluid. Through scaling, the dependence of the solution on the problem parameters is reduced to a small number of dimensionless parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the status of a battery in a portable computing device are disclosed. The methods include retrieving battery status data from a basic input-output system (BIOS) on the computing device, and comparing the retrieved battery status data to a predefined battery status threshold stored on the computing device. Based on the comparison of the battery status data to the predefined battery status threshold, a battery status indicator may be provided to an applications program on the computing device. The battery status data is reflective of a characteristic of the battery, such as battery capacity. A system according to the present invention includes a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method according to the present invention.

Abstract: A method for determining a borehole azimuth in a borehole is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes acquiring at least one standoff measurement and a tool azimuth measurement at substantially the same time. Such measurements are then processed, along with a lateral displacement vector of the downhole tool upon which the sensors are deployed in the borehole, to determine the borehole azimuth. The computed borehole azimuths may be advantageously correlated with logging sensor data to form a borehole image, for example, by convolving the correlated logging sensor data with a window function. As such, exemplary embodiments of this invention may provide for superior image resolution and noise rejection as compared to prior art LWD imaging techniques.

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 well, 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, and a tubing sensor senses and measures wear and corrosion to the production tubing string as it is removed from the well to determine a tubing profile. A data acquisition computer is in communication with the sensors for computing and comparing two or more of the respective deviation profile, rod profile, and tubing 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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for taking measurements relating to subterranean formations. The methods and systems effectively compress data and thus facilitate more efficient data transmission. The methods and systems are capable of automatically varying data compression rates during a measurement operation. The variable data compression capability facilitates reliable collection of measurement data at faster and/or constant logging speeds. The data compression methods and systems may be applied to any measurement operation relating to subterranean formations, including, but not limited to: acoustic wireline logging measurements, acoustic logging-while-drilling measurements, electromagnetic measurements, nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, and resistivity measurements.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for telemetry between downhole devices and surface devices. In particular, the methods and related apparatus may send a first datum of a first parameter in an uncompressed form, and send a second datum of the first parameter in compressed form.

Abstract: Changes occurring downhole during a fracturing process can create or reflect pressure signals. Capturing and evaluating such pressure waves during fracturing enables personnel to monitor, in real time or later, what happens downhole. When a fracture extends, a burst of acoustic noise is embodied in a pressure wave or signal, as is noise coming from other sources. By transforming time-based pressure signals to a frequency base, one can monitor this acoustic noise. In a particular implementation, a waterfall plot of frequency spectra at successive time slices of the original signal is used to determine frequency ridges, such as a ridge of decreasing frequencies indicates fracture extension and a ridge of increasing frequencies indicates either closure or proppant backing up in the fracture. Filtering, such as wavelet filtering, can be used. A fracturing process can be controlled in response to determining whether the fracture is extending.

Abstract: A method for determining a formation shear wave velocity for a subterranean formation includes propagating a multi-pole acoustic signal in a borehole using an acoustic transmitter and receiving an acoustic waveform from the multi-pole acoustic signal at one or more receivers deployed at the same circumferential position as the transmitter. The method further includes processing the acoustic waveform to determine a borehole guided wave velocity and processing the borehole guided wave velocity to determine the shear wave velocity of the subterranean formation. Isolation, suppression or enhancement of any particular harmonics of the acoustic signal is not required.

Abstract: A method for providing production optimization of reservoir completions having a plurality of completed intervals via available production analysis and production logging data provides a quantitative analysis procedure for reservoir and fracture properties of a commingled reservoir system, that includes the steps of measuring pressure for specific zones in a reservoir; selecting a pressure traverse model; computing midzone pressures using the traverse model; comparing the computed midzone pressures with the measured pressures; and modeling the bottomhole pressure of the reservoir based on the traverse model.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for modeling of faulting and fracturing uses “small scale rules” to produce large-scale results. One part of the method is a user interface for inputting deformations, preexisting faults and fractures, and material rock properties. The second part of the software is the code that solves the motion of each point or node in the subsurface volume defined by the user interface. The model may be defined in one of three modes: an aerial mode, in which the model is 2-dimensional with the material and a substrate on a horizontal plane; a cross-sectional mode similar to the aerial mode except that the nodes are in a vertical cross section and gravity is included in the model; and a 3-D model that is an extension into a third dimension of the 2-D model and deformation may be applied to the bottom and four sides of the material region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrumentation assembly intended for an offshore riser (2) operated from a floater (1). It comprises a central processing unit (PC) connected by conducting cables (27) to: a plurality of modules (21–25) fastened to various points of the riser length, the modules comprising measuring means allowing dynamic location of said points in space, another locating module (26) fastened to the lower end (LMRP) of said riser, a series of detectors (W, C, M/W) for measuring the environment: wind, wave, current, an assembly for measuring the position (DGPS, P) of the floater. The measurements are synchronized with one another, managed and recorded by means of the central processing unit.

Abstract: A method for producing borehole-compensated values from non-borehole-compensated measurement signals taken with a logging device in a borehole in earth formations, includes the following steps: producing a database that includes a multiplicity of data points, each data point representing a combination of formation parameters and borehole parameters, database input vectors representing multi-dimensional non-borehole-compensated model measurement values respectively associated with the data points, and database output vectors representing multi-dimensional borehole-compensated model measurement values respectively associated with the data points; deriving a multi-dimensional measurement signal vector from measurement signals taken with the logging device in the borehole; and interpolating the measurement signal vector using the database to obtain an interpolated output vector representative of borehole-compensated measurement signals.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for telemetry between downhole devices and surface devices. In particular, the methods and related apparatus may send a first datum of a first parameter in an uncompressed form, and send a second datum of the first parameter in compressed form.

Abstract: A method of measuring a water effect on an underground non-water well includes the steps of assembling a history of water cut (WC) measurements for the well over an extended period of time, determining a water cut rate of change (R) for the well based upon the history of water cut measurements, wherein the water cut rate of change is defined as follows: ? ( WC ) ? ( t ) = R , and identifying whether an anomaly exists based on the determined R.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable vibration monitoring device and system for evaluating the degradation of rotating components, the monitoring device being a portable electronic system which receives vibration and varying speed rotational data from one or more rotating components, converts the data to usable digital data, compares the sensed data to a pre-programmed normal model and provides a visual display of the stability characteristics of the rotating device to the operator for use in timely determining appropriate repairs.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for using petrophysical data from a plurality of wells, in a plurality of reservoir regions, containing a plurality of reservoir rock types, in the context of a three-dimensional geological model, for identifying dimensionless capillary pressure functions and using these dimensionless capillary pressure functions for determining reservoir fluid volumes, fluid contacts, the extent of reservoir compartmentalization, and an improved estimate of reservoir permeability. The present invention is directed to the method and finished product of same.

Abstract: A data sonde for use in horizontal directional drilling comprising a battery housing to receive a power supply from an internal battery, a connector to receive a power supply from an external power supply cable, and an antenna to emit radiation, is provided, wherein the antenna is arranged to receive operative power from an external power supply when one is connected to the connector, and from a battery housed in the battery housing if no external power supply is connected to the connector. A method of operation of the same is also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining changes in the boundary interface in a sub-surface oil reservoir between the to-be-recovered oil and a driveout fluid, such as steam, uses time-displaced gravity gradient measurements to provide an indication of the changes in the gravity gradient over time. The measured data are subject to simulated annealing optimization to find the global minimum that best represents the observed values within the solution space. The optimization process includes establishing an appropriately constrained model of the oil reservoir and a quantized set of mathematically related parameters that define the model. Successive models are perturbed and evaluated from a figure of merit standpoint until a global minimum that best describes the measured time-lapse data is found.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for modeling of faulting and fracturing uses “small scale rules” to produce large-scale results. One part of the method is a user interface for inputting deformations, preexisting faults and fractures, and material rock properties. The second part of the software is the code that solves the motion of each point or node in the subsurface volume defined by the user interface. The model may be defined in one of three modes: an aerial mode, in which the model is 2-dimensional with the material and a substrate on a horizontal plane; a cross-sectional mode similar to the aerial mode except that the nodes are in a vertical cross section and gravity is included in the model; and a 3-D model that is an extension into a third dimension of the 2-D model and deformation may be applied to the bottom and four sides of the material region.

Abstract: A method and system of operating an electromagnetic resistivity tool wherein at least one transmitting antenna of the tool is selectively operable at three or more resonant frequencies for better resistivity profiling of a formation.

Abstract: A method for determining a formation shear wave velocity for a subterranean formation is provided. The method includes propagating a multi-pole acoustic signal in a borehole using an acoustic transmitter and receiving an acoustic waveform from the multi-pole acoustic signal at at least one receiver. The method further includes processing the acoustic waveform to determine a borehole guided wave velocity and processing the borehole guided wave velocity to determine the shear wave velocity of the subterranean formation. Isolation, suppression or enhancement of any particular harmonics of the acoustic signal is not required.

Abstract: A method of assaying work of an earth boring bit of a given size and design including establishing characteristics of the bit of given size and design. The method further includes simulating a drilling of a hole in a given formation as a function of the characteristics of the bit of given size and design and at least one rock strength of the formation. The method further includes outputting a performance characteristic of the bit, the performance characteristic including a bit wear condition and a bit mechanical efficiency determined as a function of the simulated drilling.

Abstract: An induction logging tool is used on a MWD bottom hole assembly. Due to the finite, nonzero, conductivity of the mandrel, conventional multi frequency focusing (MFF) does not work. A correction is made to the induction logging data to give measurements simulating a perfectly conducting mandrel. MFF can then be applied to the corrected data to give formation resistivities.

Abstract: A method is provided for computing the differential azimuth between two sets of spaced-apart gravity component measurement devices in a borehole, employing multiple rotation angles. The method includes modeling relationships of axes as defined; forming equations relating rotation angles to outputs of gravity measuring devices; solving such equations to derive the values representative of all of the rotation angles, using measured values of the outputs from the first and second sets of gravity component measuring devices, and computing from the values of the rotation angles the differential azimuth angle between the first set and the second set of gravity measuring devices.

Abstract: A method of simulating subsea mudlift drilling well control operations using a computer system. The method includes simulating a drilling circulation system. The simulation includes simulating drilling the wellbore at a selected rate of penetration, and the simulating drilling a wellbore includes simulating drilling selected earth formations. A kick is simulated at a selected depth in the wellbore, and the kick is simulated as a two-phase mixture including drilling fluid and a formation fluid. Controlling the kick is then simulated, and wellbore parameters are displayed via a graphical user interface connected to the computer system. The simulating drilling the wellbore is then repeated after the kick has been controlled.

Abstract: A wireline well-logging data acquisition system and method for establishing corrected depth based on pressure readings from two pressure sensors separated by a known distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing temperature using optical fiber is provided. In one embodiment, a method for sensing temperature using optical fiber includes launching a polarized optical signal having sufficient intensity to produce Brillouin scattering of the signal into a polarization maintaining optical fiber, receiving a first signal reflected from the launched signal, receiving a second signal reflected from the launched signal; and resolving a metric indicative of temperature from the first and second received signals. The method is particularly useful for sensing temperature in hazardous locations such as down hole gas and oil field applications or other applications where minimization of strain effects to signal transmission is desired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to incrementing a well service rig in such a manner that activity-based and/or time-based data for the well site is recorded. The acquired data can be transmitted via wired, wireless, satellite or physical to a data center preferably controlled by the work-over rig owner, but alternately controlled by the well owner or another. The data can thereafter be used to provide the customer a detailed invoice or a searchable, secure web-based database. With such information, the customer can schedule other services at the well site. Further, the customer will have access to detailed data on the actual service performed. The present invention fosters a synergistic relationship among the customer and the service companies that promotes a safe environment by monitoring crew work activities and equipment speeds; improving productivity; reducing operation expenses through improved job processes; and better data management and reduced operational failures.

Abstract: An inverse analysis method for characterizing diffusion of vapor from an underground source of volatile contaminant using data taken by an in-situ sensor. The method uses one-dimensional solutions to the diffusion equation in Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical coordinates for isotropic and homogenous media. If the effective vapor diffusion coefficient is known, then the distance from the source to the in-situ sensor can be estimated by comparing the shape of the predicted time-dependent vapor concentration response curve to the measured response curve. Alternatively, if the source distance is known, then the effective vapor diffusion coefficient can be estimated using the same inverse analysis method. A triangulation technique can be used with multiple sensors to locate the source in two or three dimensions. The in-situ sensor can contain one or more chemiresistor elements housed in a waterproof enclosure with a gas permeable membrane.

Abstract: The logging tool of this invention includes a transmitter conveyed on a drilling collar for exciting a quadrupole signal in a borehole being drilled by a drill bit and a receiver for receiving the signal. The transmitter is operated at a frequency below the cut-off frequency of the quadrupole collar mode. The received signal consists primarily of the formation quadrupole mode which, at low frequencies, has a velocity that approaches the formation shear velocity. The transmitter, in one embodiment, consists of eight equal sectors of a piezoelectric cylinder mounted on the rim of the drilling collar. The value of the cut-off frequency is primarily dependent on the thickness of the drilling collar. Alternatively, the transmitter may be operated to produce both the collar mode and the formation mode and a processor may be used to filter out the collar mode.

Abstract: The invention is a method for automated management of hydrocarbon gathering systems. Measurement data is automatically collected from automated measurement and control devices that are located in a hydrocarbon production system The data that is collected is compared with data stored in a database. The comparison of data is used to automatically schedule tests of the plurality of automated measurement and control devices. The invention also automatically collects well test data, system balance data, and hydrocarbon composition data and uses the collected data to manage the hydrocarbon production and delivery process. The invention also automatically generates periodic grid reports concerning the status of the gathering system.

Abstract: System and method for borehole compensation. The method includes simultaneously transmitting at least two modulated signals from one or more transmitters; receiving the at least two modulated signals by at least one receiver; and processing the received at least two modulated signals to determine a phase difference and an amplitude attenuation of the transmitted modulated signals, the processing providing borehole compensated data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a most efficient, automated, fast and least expensive method and apparatus for processing the dig ticket alerts to prevent damage of underground facilities. All the functions required to process the ticket alerts are handled by one system called the geolink (geographical link to data) fiber integrity, i.e. GFI. The processing includes checking the ticket alerts for a dig location, automatically closing the ticket alerts if the dig location is not touching a cable buffer and forwarding the ticket alerts to the technician responsible for the ticket alert if the dig location is touching the cable buffer. The GFI system will receive and process thousands of dig ticket alerts on a daily basis without depending on any other system.

Abstract: A method of processing sonic wireline or logging while drilling data acquired in a borehole that includes filtering the sonic data to attenuate tool-borne and borehole-borne arrivals; migrating the filtered sonic data; and beamforming the filtered and migrated sonic data to determine a position of a reflector with respect to the borehole. The sonic data may be processed down-hole, transmitted to the surface, and used for geosteering purposes while drilling. The filter may comprise an adaptive noise-attenuating filter capable of attenuating noise arising from different borehole modes from desired signal and allowing for changes in the source signature.

Abstract: A method for processing magnetotelluric signals to identify subterranean deposits is provided for. The methods comprise obtaining magnetotelluric data from an area of interest. The magnetotelluric data comprises the amplitude of magnetotelluric signals recorded over time at one or more defined locations in the area of interest. The data for each location then is filtered through a set of frequency filters. The frequency filters correspond to subterranean depths over a range of interest. Amplitude peaks in the filtered data then are identified and analyzed to determine a value correlated to the resistance of the earth at each frequency and location. The resistance values are indicative of the presence or absence of deposits at the corresponding subterranean depth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for modeling an electric submersible pump using a neural network, data from a deterministic model, and, optionally, data obtained from a real world electric submersible pump. 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.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for deriving information regarding a subsurface geophysical formation. Well logging data is acquired for the subsurface geophysical formation. Geometrical parameters for the subsurface geophysical formation are determined by inversion processing of the acquired well logging data in a pattern space while formation conductivities for the subsurface geophysical formation are determined by inversion processing of the acquired well logging data in a measurement space. The processing may be iteratively applied until satisfied formation parameters are achieved.

Abstract: A well survey system comprising and electronic survey tool for determining the inclination of a wellbore is disclosed herein with methods of use. In some embodiments, the electronic survey tool includes an electrolytic tilt sensor adapted to measure a first tilt angle within a first plane and a second tilt angle within a second plane of the electrolytic tilt sensor. The electronic survey tool also includes a system processor for determining the inclination of the wellbore based on the first and second tilt angles. As such, a drop-in replacement and improvement on a mechanical critical vertical drift (CVD) tool is provided herein. The electronic survey tool of the present invention also improves upon and overcomes the disadvantages of prior art electronic survey tools. Due to the stability of the improved survey tool over time and with changes in ambient temperature, for example, the improved survey tool does not require periodic recalibration or correction of measurements for errors and biases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high-resolution measurement of seismic anisotropy, comprising: a recording system, a borehole having an axis that is deviated from the vertical by a known acute angle; a housing that is adapted to travel within the borehole and that is in electronic communication to the recording system, the housing carrying at least one source of acoustic energy and at least two receivers for receiving acoustic energy from geological formation elements and/or lithologic horizons and from the source; and processing means for operating the source and the receivers, for recording the position of the housing in the borehole and for processing data from said recording system in terms of both the direct raypaths from the source to the receivers and the indirect raypaths from the source through geological formation elements and/or lithologic horizons to the receivers to obtain measures of at least the seismic polar anisotropy parameters V0, ?, and ?.