Drilling Patents (Class 702/9)
  • Patent number: 8781743
    Abstract: A computerized monitoring system and corresponding method of monitoring the status and health of a blowout preventer. The system includes a graphics display at which a graphical user interface (GUI) displays the health of various sealing elements and control systems by way of “traffic light” indicators. The health indicators are evaluated, by the monitoring system, based on a risk profile for each of the indicated elements and control systems. The risk profiles are evaluated based on inputs such as measurement inputs, feedback signals, mechanical positions, diagnostic results, drilling conditions, and other status information of the blowout preventer at a given time and based on levels of redundancy and levels of deviation from normal conditions. The GUI includes recent history of changes in operating condition, and alarm indications such as poor health, along with the times of those events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: James Edwin McKay, Gavin Triscott Starling
  • Patent number: 8781746
    Abstract: A tool driver activates a telemetry tool when a predetermined threshold of accelerometer data measured by an accelerometer. The threshold preferably corresponds to an acceleration level expected while drilling mud is pumped at a slow pump rate through the well's drill pipe. When a fluid influx occurs during drilling, the well is shut-in, and the tool driver turns off the telemetry tool. The drill pipe and casing pressures of the shut-in well are obtained. Then, drilling mud having a first weight is pumped at a slow mud pump rate. Because the tool driver is set to activate the telemetry tool in response to accelerometer data at the slow pump rate, the telemetry tool begins sending downhole pressure data to the surface. In this way, rig operations can change the mud weight and adjust the choke line during the kill operation based on an analysis of the downhole pressure data obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Schneider, Curtis Cheatham, Charles Mauldin
  • Publication number: 20140195160
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to record a plurality of acoustic waveforms comprising cross-dipole waveforms and corresponding to acoustic waves received 5 at azimuthally orthogonal dipole receiver arrays surrounded by a geological formation, the waves being generated by azimuthally orthogonal dipole transmitter arrays. Further activity may include defining an objective function dependent on the cross-dipole waveforms, eigenvalues, an azimuth angle corresponding to an 10 orientation of the transmitter and receiver arrays; minimizing the objective function with respect to said angle and the set of auxiliary parameters; and determining at least one property of the geological formation based on the global minimum. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark V. Collins, Arthur Cheng
  • Patent number: 8775085
    Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one of a dynamic motion of a portion of interest of a drill string and a static parameter associated with the portion of interest, the apparatus having: a plurality of sensors operatively associated with the drill string at at least one location other than the portion of interest; and a processing system coupled to the plurality of sensors, the processing system configured to estimate at least one of the dynamic motion and the static parameter using a measurement from the plurality of sensors as input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Hanno Reckmann, John D. Macpherson
  • Patent number: 8775088
    Abstract: The method uses a gas processor, various data collection devices each having a unique device protocol to receive drilling data, calibrate the devices and graphically present the data using both time events and depth events. The method includes computer implemented steps to scale the data and form the geological-hydrocarbon executive dashboard for transmission to various client devices to obtain real time streaming data, real time calibration information, while adding and removing detection devices and sensors online without shutting down the entire monitoring and analysis system for instant display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
  • Patent number: 8775087
    Abstract: The system includes a gas processor with gas processor data storage and computer instructions to receive in various device protocols simultaneously information from rig based sensors and gas analysis devices drilling data, calibrate the devices and graphically present the data using both time events and depth events. Computer instructions scale the data and form the geological-hydrocarbon executive dashboard for transmission to various client devices to present real time streaming data, real time calibration information, real time alarms while enabling users to add and remove detection devices and sensors, including rig servers and remote servers, online without shutting down the entire monitoring and analysis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
  • Patent number: 8775086
    Abstract: A gas analyzer system that can detect atmospheric air gasses in drilling mud is used to calculate an actual lag time in a well. The calculated lag time and a theoretical lag time may be compared to estimate a caving percentage in an open hole section of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel Frunza
  • Patent number: 8761912
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the status of a plurality of tensioner assemblies and rig motion assemblies from a secondary location. The system not only monitors a status of a tensioner from a secondary location but simultaneously enables preventive maintenance to be ascertained remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ashford Technical Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Marion Chapman, Jr., Ronald Lyle Brown
  • Patent number: 8761910
    Abstract: A method to monitor a status from a secondary location of a plurality of equipment on a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventive maintenance is described herein. A user can view at least one cycle, at least one control state, and at least one pressure. The user can also view equipment information, equipment repair history, and other information necessary to ensure that a piece of equipment has minimal down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ashford Technical Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Marion Chapman, Jr., Ronald Lyle Brown
  • Patent number: 8761911
    Abstract: A system to monitor a status from a secondary location of a plurality of equipment on a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventive maintenance is described herein. A user can view at least one cycle, at least one control state, and at least one pressure. The user can also view equipment information, equipment repair history, and other information necessary to ensure that a piece of equipment has minimal down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ashford Technical Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Marion Chapman, Ronald Lyle Brown
  • Patent number: 8762063
    Abstract: A processor accepts sensor data about a geological formation from a sensor. The sensor data is such that processing the sensor data using a processing technique to estimate a parameter of the geological formation without a constraint, whose value is not yet known, produces a plurality of non-unique estimates of the parameter. The processor accepts more than two time-displaced images of fluid sampled from the geological formation. The time displacements between the images are substantially defined by a mathematical series. The processor processes the images to determine the constraint. The processor processes the sensor data using the processing technique constrained by the constraint to estimate the parameter of the geological formation. The processor uses the estimated parameter to affect the drilling of a well through the geological formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Christopher M. Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert S. Atkinson, Stephen A. Zannoni
  • Publication number: 20140172304
    Abstract: A method for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole includes conveying a drill tubular through the borehole and transmitting a signal into the formation with a transmitter transducer disposed at the drill tubular. The method further includes receiving a first signal with a first receiver transducer having a sensitivity oriented in a first direction and disposed an axial distance from the transmitter transducer and receiving a second signal with a second receiver transducer having a sensitivity oriented in a second direction different from the first direction and disposed an axial distance from the transmitter transducer. The method also includes calculating a corrected signal that corrects for at least one of bending and torsion of the drill tubular between the transmitter transducer and the first and second receiver transducers using the first signal and the second signal and estimating the property using the corrected signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Arcady Reiderman, Sushant M. Dutta
  • Publication number: 20140172305
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for the real-time detection and measurement of sag within a deviated borehole. One method includes measuring a first pressure at a first time at a point within the borehole, predicting a characteristic of the drilling fluid at the point using a computer model, thereby obtaining a predicted characteristic, calculating the characteristic based on the first pressure, thereby obtaining a calculated characteristic, and determining whether sag has occurred based on a comparison between the calculated characteristic and the predicted characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale E. Jamison
  • Patent number: 8756018
    Abstract: A method for determining movement of a fluid contact in a subsurface reservoir includes measuring azimuthally sensitive resistivity at a first time from within a wellbore penetrating the subsurface reservoir. A first position of the fluid contact with respect to the wellbore is determined using the azimuthally sensitive resistivity measurements. After a selected time, the measuring azimuthally sensitive resistivity from within a wellbore penetrating the subsurface reservoir is repeated. Movement of the fluid contact from the first position is determined using the repeated azimuthally sensitive resistivity measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lucian Johnston, Selim Djandji
  • Patent number: 8752648
    Abstract: Predicting a drill string stuck pipe event. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: receiving a plurality of drilling parameters from a drilling operation; applying the plurality of drilling parameters to an ensemble prediction model comprising at least three machine-learning algorithms operated in parallel, each machine-learning algorithm predicting a probability of occurrence of a future stuck pipe event based on at least one of the plurality of drilling parameters, the ensemble prediction model creates a combined probability based on the probability of occurrence of the future stuck pipe event of each machine-learning algorithm; and providing an indication of a likelihood of a future stuck pipe event to a drilling operator, the indication based on the combined probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Goebel, Roberto Valerio Molina, Ricardo Vilalta, Kinjal Dhar Gupta
  • Publication number: 20140163888
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable medium is disclosed to estimate a survey parameter (e.g., attitude) for a drilling operation in a subterranean formation. The survey parameter is calculated using multiple methods with the results of the different methods weighted to improve the accuracy at a given attitude of the tool and angular velocity of the sensor package. Results from the different methods are combined based on a weighting function to generate the improved values of inclination and azimuth. Specifically, the values of the weighting function depend, linearly or non-linearly, on the attitude of the tool and quality of the survey data. In one scenario, the attitude of the tool is approximated by the most recently obtained static inclination/azimuth. In addition, the quality of the survey data is approximated by a measure of vibration severity that is represented by the number of good data points based on the roll rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8738294
    Abstract: Mechanical properties of formation rock from a subsurface reservoir are measured with a computerized system while a core sample from the formation is being cut, during a process known as slabbing, for other analytical purposes. Forces exerted during cutting of the slab from the original core sample are sensed and stored in the computer system. The recorded force data, cutting time and dimensions of the core sample and the cut slab are processed in the computer system. Measures of characteristics and mechanical properties of the rock, such as rock strength and angle of internal friction, are obtained with the computer system. Separate and specialized testing procedures performed on test core plugs using samples specially extracted from the original core sample are not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mohammed S. Ameen
  • Patent number: 8731987
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes providing a model so predict measurements that are received by receivers due to transmissions by sources based on estimated positions of the receivers relative to the sources. The estimated positions each have at least two dimensions. At least some of the receivers and the sources are located in the well. On a computer, the estimated positions are automatically refined based on a comparison of the predicted measurements and actual measurements that are obtained by the receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jiuping Chen, Ping Zhang, Michael Wilt, Edward Nichols, David Alumbaugh
  • Patent number: 8727783
    Abstract: A distributed drilling simulation system includes a choke manifold, a high pressure manifold, a blowout preventer console, a choke console, a remote console, a driller console, a teacher console and a graphic projecting unit, wherein the driller console, the remote console, the blowout preventer console, the choke console, the choke manifold, and the high pressure manifold are interconnected through a PPI (processor/peripheral interface) protocol. The teacher console is connected with the PPI protocol through a PPI interface. A communication program and a main control program run on a main control computer and a graphic processing program runs on a graphic computer. The invention has the advantages of realizing high-degree top driving drilling simulation, enhancing the field sense for teaching and training, shortening the training period and reducing the training cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Chengdu Esimtech Petroleum Equipment Simulation Technology Exploitation Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lixue Chen
  • Patent number: 8720287
    Abstract: The gas trap collects formation gases from oil well fluid flow in real time. Gases are released by the fluid when agitated by an agitating pipe which stirs the fluid flow; the gases are then collected and separated from the fluid to be analyzed. The gas trap does hinder the flow of formation cuttings in the drilling fluid flow line, but allows the formation cuttings to flow around the agitator pipe and out to the sample box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Perry Haney
  • Publication number: 20140129148
    Abstract: A method for determining a drilling state of a bottom hole assembly in a wellbore includes acquiring one or more downhole sensor measurements and processing the sensor measurements using a downhole processor to determine a drilling state of the bottom hole assembly. An operating state of the bottom hole assembly may be automatically changed in response to the determined drilling state. A method for computing a dynamic drilling energy of a bottom hole assembly includes acquiring at least one sensor measurement and processing the sensor measurements to obtain at least one of (i) an energy of axial motion of the bottom hole assembly, (ii) an energy of rotational motion of the bottom hole assembly, and (iii) an energy of lateral motion of the bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Harmer, Walter David Aldred, Benjamin Jeffryes
  • Publication number: 20140129147
    Abstract: A method for indicating the presence of free gas charged sands, and/or hydrates over free gas, and/or hydrates not over free gas, the method using well log data and a rock physics model. Velocity and density of background clays and sands are extracted from the well log data. The extracted velocities and densities are used to build a rock physics model. An AVO response is generated that is representative of free gas-charged sands. An AVO response is generated that is representative of hydrates over free gas-charged sands. An AVO response is generated that is representative of hydrates devoid of free gas. The generated AVO responses are used to construct an AVO crossplot diagram that is further used to distinguish deposits of free gas charged sands from hydrates over free gas, from hydrates not over free gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: FUGRO GEOCONSULTING, INC.
    Inventors: Zijian Zhang, Daniel McConnell
  • Patent number: 8718802
    Abstract: A prog analysis and execution system and method. The system includes a computer control system, an interface engine in communication with the computer control system, the interface engine being configured to receive prog information, and an action item development engine in communication with the control system, the action item development engine being configured to analyze received prog information and to determine corresponding action items. The system further includes a sensor engine in communication with the computer control system, the sensor engine being configured to receive input from at least one sensor for use in controlling a well drilling operation, and an operational equipment engine in communication with the computer control system, the operational equipment engine being configured to receive input from the computer control system and to control the well drilling operation in accordance with the determined action items in the prog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott G. Boone
  • Publication number: 20140121975
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for selecting drilling components is disclosed. The method may include determining properties of drilling components. The drilling components may include a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and drilling fluid. The properties of drilling components may include BHA properties and drilling fluid properties. The method may also include determining a total organic carbon content in a rock formation unit using a computer. The method may further include determining a pyrite content in the rock formation unit using the computer. The method may still further include determining whether the and the drilling fluid are incompatible for use in the rock formation, based upon the BHA properties, drilling fluid properties, the total organic carbon content, and the pyrite content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Mihira Narayan Acharya, Qasem Mohammad Dashti, Ealian Husain Al-Anzi
  • Publication number: 20140114576
    Abstract: A method of interpreting petrophysical measurement data include arranging measurements of at least one physical property of formations into a matrix representing the measurements and selecting a range of number of unobserved factors or latent variables for factor analysis. Factor analysis is performed on the measurement matrix and comprises performing factorization of measurements matrix into a number of factors and performing rotation of the factorization results. Whether the factor loadings for each factor have achieved a “simple structure” is determined and either each of the selected number of factors is associated with a physical parameter of the formations, or one is added to the number of factors and factor analysis and rotation are repeated until factor loadings of all factors have achieved “simple structure” such that the each of the number of factors is associated with a physical property of the formations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vikas Jain, Chanh Cao Minh, Denis Heliot, Nicholas Heaton, Kais Gzara
  • Patent number: 8701784
    Abstract: A method for controlling and coordinating the operation of a lifting device and a tongs device in removing and disassembling and/or installing and assembling a series of elongate members disposed within a wellbore involves sequentially sensing the presence of a series of joints and automatically triggering the lifting device and tongs device in response thereto. In some examples, the method senses the location of an upper joint to determine when the lifting device should begin decelerating prior to stopping the ascent of a lower joint at a target elevation. In some examples, the method includes control means for automatically skipping various joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan V. Huseman, Kasia L. Robnett, Frederic M. Newman
  • Patent number: 8688382
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating downhole lateral vibrations a drill tubular disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth or a component coupled to the drill tubular. The method includes rotating the drill tubular to drill the first borehole and performing a plurality of measurements in a time window of one or more parameters of the drill tubular at or above a surface of the earth during the rotating using a sensor. The method further includes estimating the downhole lateral vibrations using a processor that receives the plurality of measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Reed W. Spencer
  • Patent number: 8684108
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring underground drilling in which vibration is monitored by creating a model of the drill string using finite element techniques or finite difference techniques and (i) predicting vibration by inputting real time values of operating parameters into the model, and then adjusting the model to agree with measured vibration data, (ii) predicting the weight on bit and drill string and mud motor speeds at which resonance will occur, as well as when stick-slip will occur, so that the operator can avoid operating regimes that will result in high vibration, (iii) determining vibration and torque levels along the length of the drill string based on the measured vibration and torque at one or more locations, (iv) determining the remaining life of critical components of the drill string based on the history of the vibration to which the components have been subjected, and (v) determining the optimum drilling parameters that will avoid excessive vibration of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William Evans Turner, Mark Ellsworth Wassell
  • Patent number: 8686724
    Abstract: A laboratory NMR methodology (and corresponding laboratory apparatus) defines a sample volume. The method stores downhole tool data corresponding to a hydrocarbon-bearing sample collected from a given subsurface formation. The downhole tool data includes parameters pertaining to magnetic fields used by a downhole tool during a suite of NMR measurements of the given subsurface formation. The sample is positioned in the sample volume of the laboratory apparatus, which applies a static magnetic field in the sample volume. Furthermore, the laboratory apparatus applies a suite of NMR measurements to the sample volume to thereby determine a property of the sample. The NMR measurements of the suite each include a pulse sequence of oscillating magnetic field in conjunction with a pulsed-mode gradient field. The pulsed-mode gradient field is based on the stored downhole tool data corresponding to the sample. A laboratory NMR methodology for optimizing downhole NMR measurements is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Mitchell, Edmund J. Fordham
  • Patent number: 8682586
    Abstract: A system to create a well log by using a processor connected to data storage on a network that creates and executive dashboard of well log information using computer instructions to (a) form an editable well log template, (b) import user information, well sensor information, well event based observation data; well fluid testing data, (c) scale the imported data, forming scaled values, (d) computing a microview and a macroview log plot using the scaled values; (e) creating an executive dashboard, (f) inserting the log plots onto the executive dashboard and other real time well logging information allowing viewing of the log plots simultaneously with the other information on a real time basis, enabling safety interpretations for drilling, geological interpretations for drilling, operational interpretations for drilling, and combinations of these interpretations, in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20140079485
    Abstract: A method for preventing shield jamming by excessive frictional resistance in earth pressure balance shield which involves real-time monitoring of earth pressure signal for earth pressure on the shield body through sensors on the shield machine. Combined with the known parameters, resistance in the shield machine is calculated. The friction F1 between the shield body and the stratum is calculated by CPU module in PLC according to the earth pressure signals on a real-time basis. Then the friction F1 is determined whether it is less than or equal to the difference between the quotient of dividing total propulsion force Ft by correction coefficient Kxz and total resistance of F2, F3, F4 and F5; if so, it is under normal propulsion; if not, the warning device alarms. Therefore forced shut down due to shield jamming is effectively avoided, the construction risk is reduced and the construction efficiency is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: China Railway Tunneling Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianbin Li, Shunhui Tan, Yulian He
  • Patent number: 8676558
    Abstract: Steering behavior model can include build rate and/or turn rate equations to model bottom-hole assembly behavior. Build and/or turn rate equations can be calibrated by adjusting model parameters thereof to minimize any variance between actual response 118 and estimated response produced for an interval of the well. Estimated position and orientation 104 of a bottom-hole assembly along a subsequent interval can be generated by inputting subsequent tool settings into the calibrated steering behavior model. Estimated position and orientation 104 can be compared to a well plan 106 with a controller 108 which determines a corrective action 110. Corrective action 110 can be converted from a build and/or turn rate to a set of recommended tool settings 114 by using an inverse application 112 of the steering behavior model. As additional data 118 becomes available, steering behavior model can be further calibrated 102 through iteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dimitros K. Pirovolou
  • Patent number: 8666667
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for allocating production among reservoir compartments by way of compositional and isotopic analysis. That is, where individual reservoir compartments contribute differing amounts of fluid to a commingled production stream, the methods herein determine the relative contribution of fluid volume from each reservoir compartment. Both a composition-based relative contribution and an isotope-based relative contribution of fluid from each reservoir compartment may be determined to allocate production to each reservoir compartment, the determinations respectively being based on composition mass balances and stable carbon isotope mass balances of components. The combination of both allocation analysis provides quality checks on the results that identify improper allocations that may arise. In addition to production allocation, other applications include, among others, determining the effectiveness of intervention operations and providing feedback for adjusting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Gerald Eric Michael, Olufemi Akande Jokanola
  • Patent number: 8660848
    Abstract: In the method of these teachings for detection of physical phenomena from or analysis of physical signals, an improved Empirical Mode Decomposition method decomposes physical signals representative of a physical phenomenon into components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventor: Mayer Humi
  • Patent number: 8655596
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring depth, velocity, or both depth and velocity of instrumentation along a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a downhole portion movable within the wellbore in a direction generally parallel to the wellbore. The apparatus further includes a first acceleration sensor that generates a first signal indicative of a first acceleration. The apparatus further includes a second acceleration sensor that generates a second signal indicative of a second acceleration. The apparatus further includes a bend sensor generating a third signal indicative of an amount of bend of at least a portion of the downhole portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gyrodata, Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger Ekseth, Stephen Victor Mullin, John Lionel Weston
  • Patent number: 8640790
    Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for motion compensation use wired drill pipe to transmit downhole measurements from downhole tools to the surface. The wired drill pipe may transmit control signals from a terminal located at the surface to the downhole tools. In response to the control signals, a motion compensation component may enable the drill string to compensate for motion, such as, for example, heave. The motion compensation component may change a length of the drill string. A downhole tool having arms may be connected to the drill string and the wired drill pipe. The control signals may direct the downhole tool to move between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tom MacDougall, Harold Steven Bissonnette, Christopher S. Del Campo
  • Publication number: 20140025302
    Abstract: Models of fluid flow in wells in formation of a subsurface earth reservoir are formed by computers based on measurements obtained by well logging tools run in the wells and measurements of formation rock characteristics obtained from laboratory data. The models so formed are used to form measures of injection/production profiles and assist reservoir engineers in allocation of production and injection wells for the reservoir, and in other reservoir production planning and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Mohammed H. Alshawaf, Lewis M. Warlick, Fahad A. Al-Ajmi
  • Patent number: 8635026
    Abstract: Mechanical properties of formation rock from a subsurface reservoir are measured with a computerized system while a core sample from the formation is being cut, during a process known as slabbing, for other analytical purposes. Forces exerted during cutting of the slab from the original core sample are sensed and stored in the computer system. The recorded force data, cutting time and dimensions of the core sample and the cut slab are processed in the computer system. Measures of characteristics and mechanical properties of the rock, such as rock strength and angle of internal friction, are obtained with the computer system. Separate and specialized testing procedures performed on test core plugs using samples specially extracted from the original core sample are not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mohammed S Ameen
  • Publication number: 20130345984
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to process measurements associated with drilling operations are described. An example method of modifying processing results during a subterranean formation drilling operation includes identifying a plurality of parameters and processing measurements associated with the subterranean formation obtained while drilling and the plurality of parameters to generate first results. Additionally, the example method includes processing measurements associated with the subterranean formation obtained while drilling is temporarily suspended and the plurality of parameters to generate second results and comparing the first and second results. Further, the example method includes, in response to the comparison of the first and second results, modifying the first results based on the second results to improve a quality of the first results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Henri-Pierre Valero, Sandip Bose
  • Patent number: 8615363
    Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented software tool that is adapted to listen continuously to data streams from a drilling operation and to process the data to generate a situation description for a current drilling situation in a form useful for automated continuous matching with a set of past cases stored in a knowledge database. The invention implements a case-based reasoning (CBR) approach to match the current drilling situation as defined by the situation description with one or more stored past cases having a degree of similarity above a predetermined threshold level. Matching cases are displayed to the drilling engineer as symbols on a case “radar”, allowing the drilling engineer to retrieve and view the details of a past case and take appropriate action based on drilling advice provided within the past case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Verdande Technology AS
    Inventors: Agnar Aamodt, Pal Skalle, Odd Erik Gundersen, Frode Sormo, Jorgen Solstad
  • Patent number: 8615082
    Abstract: A system for real-time streaming of drilling data from a drilling rig using satellites, wherein the system includes client devices for transmitting the drilling data. Radio boxes can be disposed around the drilling rig and can form a local area network for connecting with the client devices. A router and switch can be connected to the local area network for receiving and transmitting the drilling data. A processor and data storage can be configured to receive the drilling data and form well logging data for transmission to the router and switch. A modem in communication with the router and switch can send the drilling data to satellite dishes. A server positioned apart from the drilling rig can receive drilling data and from well logs and executive dashboards. The server can stream the drilling data, well logs, and executive dashboard in real-time to remote client devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
  • Patent number: 8615660
    Abstract: A cloud computing system for real-time streaming of drilling data from a drilling rig using satellites, wherein the system includes client devices for transmitting the drilling data. Radio boxes disposed around the drilling rig to form a local area network for connecting with the client devices. A router and switch connected to the local area network for receiving and transmitting the drilling data. A processor and data storage configured to receive the drilling data and form well logging data for transmission to the router and switch. A modem in communication with the router and switch used to send the drilling data to satellite dishes. A server positioned apart from the drilling rig used to receive drilling data and from well logs and executive dashboards. The server can stream the drilling data, well logs, and executive dashboard in real-time to remote client devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
  • Patent number: 8615364
    Abstract: The computer readable medium causes a gas processor with gas processor data storage to implement computer instructions to receive device data in various device protocols simultaneously information from rig based sensors and gas analysis devices, calibrate the devices and graphically present the data using both time events and depth events. The computer readable medium can scale the data and form the geological-hydrocarbon executive dashboard for transmission to various client devices to present real time streaming data, real time calibration information, real time alarms while enabling users to add and remove detection devices and sensors, including rig servers and remote servers, online without shutting down the operation of the computer readable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20130338924
    Abstract: A method of processing azimuthal measurement data includes: receiving a plurality of data values generated by a rotating measurement tool, the measurement tool including at least one measurement sensor and configured to rotate and measure a signal at each of a plurality of azimuthal orientations; associating each received data value with an azimuthal orientation; selecting one or more data values that provide sufficient information regarding a measured signal, each of the selected data values having an associated azimuthal orientation; disregarding azimuthal orientations associated with one or more data values that provide insufficient information regarding a measured signal; and fitting only the selected data values to a sinusoidal curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sheng Fang, Zhiqiang Zhou, Paul G. Cairns
  • Patent number: 8612193
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of processing large volumes of data to allow for real-time reservoir management is disclosed, comprising: a) acquiring a first data series from a first reservoir sensor; b) establishing a set of criteria based on reservoir management objectives, sensor characteristics, sensor location, nature of the reservoir, and data storage optimization, etc.; c) identifying one or more subsets of the first data series meeting at least one of the criteria; and optionally d) generating one or more second data series based on at least one of the subsets. This methodology may be repeated for numerous reservoir sensors. This methodology allows for intelligent evaluation of sensor data by using carefully established criteria to intelligently select one or more subsets of data. In an alternative embodiment, sensor data from one or more sensors may be evaluated while processing data from a different sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Center
    Inventors: Bhavani Raghuraman, Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Kenneth E. Stephenson, Lalitha Venkataramanan, Jose Navarro
  • Publication number: 20130332080
    Abstract: A downhole tool with diagnostic capability by including one or more electrical circuits to the tool with firmware processors that internally record significant system diagnostic events that can be time correlated with known tool operational problems. The concept includes firmware protocol to enable transfer all of the recorded data to an external software analysis program after the tool is removed from a drilling run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: TOLTEQ GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Paul Deere
  • Patent number: 8600679
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of locating and quantifying friction between a drillstring and a wellbore. The method includes, positioning a plurality of sensors within a wellbore, communicatively coupling the plurality of sensors, monitoring signals from the plurality of sensors, logging the sensed signals versus time versus depth of each of the plurality of sensors, locating at least one friction zone along the drillstring within the wellbore based on the logging and quantifying friction in the at least one friction zone based on the logging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ralf Zaeper, Roland May, John D Macpherson, Thomas Dahl
  • Publication number: 20130311096
    Abstract: A new approach to measuring the gases present in the drilling fluid, or “mud”, while drilling oil and gas wells and analyzing the mud at the well surface. The method replaces inconsistent legacy measurements which mix the formation gases with air arbitrarily and report inconsequential values called “units, Equivalent Methane in Air.” This method instead expresses gas values in terms of Volume of Gas Per Volume of Mud, producing values of universal meaning that everyone can standardize upon. The method further improves gas measurement by expressing gas content using the several energy values of the gases. The resulting standard is a summation measurement of the energy of all gas components present, not limited to Methane. The end result is a gas concentration value that is made universally consistent across many logs made at different times in any location or formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Carl Thomas Greer, Rodney Hayes Neumann
  • Patent number: 8589079
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8587302
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for estimating fluid or rock properties from NMR measurements. A modified pulse sequence is provided that can directly provide moments of relaxation-time or diffusion distributions. This pulse sequence can be adapted to the desired moment of relaxation-time or diffusion coefficient. The data from this pulse sequence provides direct estimates of fluid properties such as average chain length and viscosity of a hydrocarbon. In comparison to the uniformly-spaced pulse sequence, these pulse sequences are faster and have a lower error bar in computing the fluid properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lalitha Venkataramanan, Tarek M. Habashy, Denise Freed, Ashok Belani