Abstract: A multi-station gravity and magnetic survey is carried out in a borehole. The data from the survey are processed to estimate the inclination and azimuth of the borehole. The drill collar relative permeability is estimated, and the estimated drill collar permeability is then used to remove the effects of induced magnetization of the drill collar on the magnetic measurements.

Abstract: Efficiency of a hydraulically driven system is evaluated by monitoring the change in ratio of output torque to input hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic pressure data is received from a hydraulic sensor. The torque data is received from a load cell receiving a force transmitted to it by a back-up wrench. Filters are applied to the data to obtain peak levels of torque and hydraulic pressure. A ratio is generated for each process associated with a rod or other elongated member based on peak torque and hydraulic pressure levels achieved during the process. The ratio is stored and compared to historical ratios to determine if the ratio has changed more than a predetermined amount over time. A similar evaluation can be achieved by comparing speed generated on the elongated member by the hydraulically driven system to the current level controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically driven system.

Abstract: It is described a system and a method for for azimuth initialization of a gyroscopic and/or inertial instrument for wellbore surveying, said system comprising:—a rigid reference structure to which the gyroscopic and /or inertial instrument is rigidly connectable;—an external navigation system for providing an azimuth measurement as a function of time, and wherein the rigid reference structure provides a rigid orientation between the external navigation system and the gyroscopic and/or inertial instrument; —a processor operable to synchronize the azimuth measurement as a function of time with an orientation as a function of time of the gyroscopic and/or inertial instrument.

Abstract: An efficient and cost-effective technique is provided to perform modeling of a reservoir in a subterranean structure. A compartment model of fluid compartments in a reservoir is generated, and based on the compartment model and a geomechanical model of the subterranean structure, movement of a ground surface due to volumetric change of the compartments is calculated. Satellite measurements of the ground surface are received over time, where the received satellite measurements of the ground surface over time indicate movement of the ground surface. The movement of the ground surface indicated by the received satellite measurements is compared with the calculated movement, and based on the comparing, one or more properties of the geomechanical model are adjusted.

Abstract: A method for forming a borehole image includes fitting logging sensor measurements residing in each of a plurality of azimuthal windows with corresponding mathematical fitting functions. The functions may then be evaluated at one or more corresponding azimuthal positions to obtain at least one sector value for each of the azimuthal windows. A two dimensional borehole image may be formed by repeating the procedure at multiple measured depths in the borehole.

Abstract: Methods for imaging geological structures include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic probe in a proximity to the geological structures, generating a magnetic field in the geological structures and detecting a magnetic signal. The at least one magnetic probe may be on the surface of the geological structures or reside within the geological structures. The methods also include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic detector in the geological structures and measuring a resonant frequency in the at least one magnetic detector. Methods for using magnetic materials in dipole-dipole, dipole-loop and loop-loop transmitter-receiver configurations for geological structure electromagnetic imaging techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for correcting a motion related distortion in a sensor measurement comprises establishing a reference position in a borehole. A parameter of interest is measured at a plurality of toolface angles as the tool makes a revolution in the borehole. A distance to a wall of the borehole is measured associated with each parameter of interest measurement. A lateral motion of the tool is measured between each parameter of interest measurement, and a toolface angle of the tool is measured at each parameter of interest measurement. A controller comprising a processor acts according to programmed instructions to calculate a correction to the parameter of interest measurement referenced to the reference position based at least partly on the measured tool motion.

Abstract: Downhole drilling vibration analysis uses acceleration data measured in three orthogonal axes downhole while drilling to determine whether drilling assembly's efficiency has fallen to a point where the assembly needs to be pulled. In real or near real time, a downhole tool calculates impulse in at least one direction using the measured acceleration data over an acquisition period and determines whether the calculated impulse exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold for the acquisition period. If the impulse exceeds the threshold, the tool pulses the impulse data to the surface where the calculated impulse is correlated to efficiency of the assembly as the drillstring is used to drill in real time. Based on the correlation, operators can determine whether to pull the assembly if excessive impulse occurs continuously over a predetermined penetration depth.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for distinguishing between a sensor fault and a process fault in a physical system and use the results obtained to update the model. A Bayesian network is designed to probabilistically relate sensor data in the physical system which includes multiple sensors. The sensor data from the sensors in the physical system is collected. A conditional probability table is derived based on the collected sensor data and the design of the Bayesian network. Upon identifying anomalous behavior in the physical system, it is determined whether a sensor fault or a process fault caused the anomalous behavior using belief values for the sensors and processes in the physical system, where the belief values indicate a level of trust regarding the status of its associated sensors and processes not being faulty.

Abstract: To characterize an earth subterranean structure using a measurement assembly including electromagnetic (EM) receivers and one or more EM sources, measured voltage data collected by EM receivers in response to transmission by one or more EM sources is received. Based on a model, predicted EM data is computed. Inversion is iteratively performed according to a function that computes a difference between the measured voltage data and a product of a term containing the predicted EM data and a term containing distortion data that accounts at least for distortion effect by an environment of the measurement assembly. The inversion is iteratively performed to solve for parameters of the model and the distortion data.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of a formation penetrated by a borehole, the apparatus having: a first electrode and a second electrode configured to couple to a characteristic impedance of a material disposed in the borehole; a third electrode configured with the first electrode to electrically couple to a characteristic impedance of the formation; a circuit element coupled to the first electrode and to the second electrode and having a characteristic impedance; a first sensing circuit coupled to the circuit element and configured to provide a first signal related to the impedance of the borehole material; and a second sensing circuit coupled to the first electrode and the third electrode and configured to provide a second signal related to the characteristic impedance of the formation; wherein the first signal and the second signal are used to estimate the property. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for formation structural interpretation while drilling a wellbore through subsurface rock formations includes interpreting rock formation strata with respect to measurements of a formation physical property made with respect to depth in an offset wellbore. A color is assigned to each of a plurality of selected value ranges of the measurements. The physical property of the formation is measured while drilling the wellbore through the subsurface rock formations. A color is assigned to the measurements made while drilling based on the assigned color to each of the selected value ranges. The assigned colors made while drilling are used to estimate a stratigraphic position of the wellbore during the drilling by comparing the assigned colors made while drilling to the colors assigned from the offset wellbore.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for processing three component seismic data includes determining a covariance data matrix from three component seismic data for each of a plurality of time periods to obtain eigenvectors and eigenvalues. One or more seismic attributes are calculated from the eigenvectors and eigenvalues for each of a plurality of time periods. A stability measure is determined from the calculated seismic attribute for each of the plurality of time periods and stored for display.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of characterizing elastic properties of a subsurface formation at various fluid saturation conditions is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives feedback information from a drilling rig and calculates an estimated position of a drill bit in a formation based on the feedback information. The system compares the estimated position to a desired position along a planned path of a borehole. The system calculates multiple solutions if the comparison indicates that the estimated position is outside a defined margin of error relative to the desired position. Each solution defines a path from the estimated position to the planned path. The system calculates a cost of each solution and selects one of the solutions based at least partly on the cost. The system produces control information representing the selected solution and outputs the control information for the drilling rig.

Abstract: A system to monitor drilling rig activity and to provide and manage drilling rig information, program product, and associated methods are provided. The system can include a communication network, a drilling rig information management server, a database accessible to the processor of the server, and drilling rig information management program product stored in the memory of the drilling rig information management server and including instructions that when executed by the processor of the drilling rig information management server cause the server to perform the operations of retrieving drilling rig location data from the database responsive to user selection of a geospatial location attribute, accessing digital mapping data to display a digital map associated with the user selected geospatial location attribute, and providing data to display indicia of a drilling rig location for at least one drilling rig overlaid upon and spatially oriented to at least portions of the digital map.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a downhole measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool with diagnostic capability by including one or more printed circuit boards 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 MWD tool is removed from a drilling run.

Abstract: A method of assessing growth hormone deficiency in a human or animal subject, the method comprising administering orally to the subject EP 1572 (Formula I) or EP 1573 (Formula II), obtaining a post-administration sample from the subject, determining the level of growth hormone in the sample and assessing whether the level of growth hormone in the sample is indicative of growth hormone deficiency in the subject. Preferably, the GH level in the sample is measured by immunoassay. Also disclosed is a kit of parts constituting a diagnostic kit comprising: (a) EP 1572 or EP 1573 formulated for oral administration; and (b) means for determining the level of growth hormone in a sample.

Abstract: A method for making directional resistivity measurements and forming a directional resistivity image of a subterranean formation includes processing a plurality of directional resistivity measurements and corresponding azimuth angles to calculate a first order harmonic representation at selected azimuth angles. A two dimensional borehole image may be formed by repeating the procedure at multiple measured depths in the borehole.

Abstract: A system and method for the geomechanical steering of the orientation of a wellbore is disclosed. In one embodiment, any available a priori data regarding the stress characteristics of a region of interest are used to develop a preliminary stress model for the region. A geosteered drilling operation is thereafter commenced, with the trajectory being steered in a direction relative to the stress model of the region. While drilling, real-time data is obtained from conventional down-hole instrumentation. The real-time data is used to refine the stress model for the region, such that the trajectory can be guided on an ongoing basis to achieve an optimal relationship with the measured stress characteristics of the region.

Abstract: A downhole tool damage detection method includes transmitting ultrasonic energy through a downhole tool, receiving ultrasonic energy transmitting through the downhole tool, monitoring the received ultrasonic energy for changes over time and alerting that at least partial unthreading of a threaded connection in the downhole tool may exist in response to finding the changes.

Abstract: Method to estimate severity of downhole vibration for a wellbore drill tool assembly, comprising: identifying a dataset comprising selected drill tool assembly parameters; selecting a reference level of downhole vibration index for the drill tool assembly; identifying a surface drilling parameter and calculating a reference surface vibration attribute for the selected reference level of downhole vibration index; determining a surface parameter vibration attribute derived from at least one surface measurement or observation obtained in a drilling operation, the determined surface parameter vibration attribute corresponding to the identified surface drilling parameter; and estimating a downhole vibration index severity indicator by evaluating the determined surface parameter vibration attribute with respect to the identified reference surface vibration attribute.

Abstract: This invention relates to surveying wellbores. In particular this invention provides methods of correcting magnetic surveys for the effects introduced by magnetic mud. The method of the present invention comprises, in broad terms, measuring gravitational and magnetic fields at least one position in the wellbore; comparing the measured fields with theoretical values, and introducing scale factors to adapt the measured values to equal the theoretical values thus making it possible to cope with the effects of magnetic mud.

Abstract: The sources of microseismic hydraulic fracture events (“hydro-fracs”) are located for image mapping by the calculation of Green's functions G(x,z,t|x?,z?,0) which is estimated using, e.g., RVSP, VSP, SWD and/or surface data, with the Green's functions used as migration kernels with greater accuracy than the prior art techniques, e.g. the diffraction limit, because all of the natural arrivals in the data are utilized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method implemented by a processor for imaging a formation penetrated by a borehole. The method includes: obtaining acoustic data in a depth-time domain using an acoustic downhole tool disposed at a depth in the borehole, the acoustic downhole tool having an acoustic source and an acoustic receiver; transforming the acoustic data in the depth-time domain into a Radon domain using a Radon transform; filtering the acoustic data in the Radon domain to increase a signal of interest in the acoustic data in the Radon domain; determining a location of a point in the formation that reflected acoustic energy emitted from the acoustic source to the acoustic receiver, the location of the point being represented in the Radon domain; and inverting the location of the point represented in the Radon domain into a radius-depth domain to image the formation.

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.

Abstract: A system for recording data associated with a drilling rig is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a system includes one or more hardened memory devices and a memory interface unit to receive one or more data streams containing drilling data. The memory interface unit is configured to extract the drilling data from the data streams and store the drilling data on the one or more hardened memory devices. If desired, the hardened memory devices may be distributed across a drilling rig to increase the probability that recorded data will survive a catastrophic event. Optionally, the system includes a communication device to enable communication with a remote site.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a wellbore operation is disclosed. A first memory device for storing data is provided at a downhole location, the first memory device having a first data retention time. A second memory device is provided at the downhole location, and controller is used to store data at the first memory device and to transfer the data to the second memory device at a selected time interval less than the first data retention time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a pair of opposing breakouts in a borehole penetrating an earth formation. The method includes: conveying a downhole tool configured to perform measurements of a property of the earth formation; producing an image of the earth formation from the measurements, the image comprising a plurality of sectors; dividing the sectors into radial segments, each segment corresponding to an opposite segment; rotating the segments at least one sector at a time until a specified angle is achieved; calculating an average value for the measurements associated with each segment for each rotation of the segments; stacking the average values for opposing segments to produce stack values; determining a maximum or minimum stack value; determining if the maximum or minimum stack value exceeds a threshold value; and detecting the first breakout and the second breakout if the maximum or minimum stack value exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: Method for reducing air wave and/or magnetotelluric noise in controlled source electromagnetic surveying by either shielding the source (61) from the air interface, shielding the receivers from downward traveling electromagnetic energy, or by employing a second source (62) to preferentially cancel the air wave (and MT) part of the signal, or a combination of the preceding.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid injection parameters to improve well interactions and control hydrofracture geometries is provided. The method incorporates a systematic, transient analysis process for determining the formation effective displacement, stress and excess pore pressure field quantities at any depth within a stratified subterranean formation resulting from the subsurface injection of pressurized fluids.

Abstract: A system for determining the amount of life consumed for a tool includes at least one sensor associated with the tool for generating observation data, a memory in operable communication with the at least one sensor, the memory including a database for storing the observation data generated by the sensor, and a processor in operable communication with the memory. The processor includes a model generator that generates a current model for a current run of the tool. The current model includes parameters of a functional approximation of the observation data. The processor also includes a classifier that classifies the current model and a current run estimator that determine the amount of life consumed based on the classification of the current model and a time of use associated with the current run.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for evaluating the performance of a gas lift well are disclosed. A gas lift well surveillance kit is disclosed. A method for evaluating the performance of a gas lift well includes injecting a tracer into an annulus, measuring a concentration of the tracer present in a substance retrieved from the well, determining actual travel times of the tracer, segmenting the gas lift well into a plurality of ranges of well depth, determining lift gas loss parameters, calculating lift gas velocities in the annulus and in the production tubing for each of the plurality of ranges of well depth based on the lift gas loss parameters, and determining points of entry of the lift gas into the production tubing based on: (i) the actual travel times of the tracer, and (ii) the lift gas velocities in the annulus and in the production tubing.

Abstract: Determining a Recovery Deficiency Indicator™ (RDI™) for a petroleum reservoir provides a novel leading indicator and metric that is designed to quickly assess the potential for increases in reserves and ultimate recovery of petroleum from an operating petroleum reservoir. The RDI™ is determined by relating the Recovery Efficiency (RE) and the Ideal Recovery Efficiency (IRE) (e.g., by dividing RE by IRE to obtain RDI™). The Recovery Efficiency (RE) is determined as the product of areal displacement efficiency (EA), vertical displacement efficiency (EV), and pore displacement efficiency (ED). The Ideal Recovery Efficiency (RE) can be determined by empirically assuming that EA and EV equal 100%.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for use for determining orientation of a measurement tool in a cased borehole. The measurement tool is deployed in a cased section of a borehole. The tool includes a volume containing a reference fluid having a first density, and a marker within the fluid having a different density. The position of the marker within volume containing the reference fluid is senses, and orientation information of the measurement tool is determined based at least in part on combining information relating to the position of the marker with prior recorded data representing orientation measurements made while the section of the borehole was not yet cased.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a drilling device utilizes well logs and drilling parameters from multiple offset wells located in proximity to the location of a desired wellbore. The well logs and drilling parameters data from the offset wells is synthesized to determine major drilling contexts including both geological trends, mechanical properties and the different well profiles. The performance of one or more drilling devices and or drilling parameters is then simulated within the selected drilling contexts of the offset wells. The simulation information is then used to select an optimized drilling device or parameter for drilling the selected wellbore.

Abstract: In one aspect a method of estimating a property of interest of a formation is provided, which method in one embodiment may include: injecting nanoexplosive elements into the formation, detecting signals responsive to explosion of the nanoexplosive elements by one or more sensors, and processing the detected signals by a processor to estimate the property of interest of the formation.

Abstract: A closed-loop method for geosteering includes acquiring logging while drilling data and processing the logging while drilling data downhole while drilling to obtain a geosteering correction (a correction to the drilling direction based upon the LWD measurements). The geosteering correction is further processed downhole to obtain new steering tool settings which are then applied to the steering tool to change the direction of drilling. These steps are typically repeated numerous times without the need for uphole processing or surface intervention.

Abstract: Techniques for analyzing operation of drill bit in a borehole are disclosed herein. A method for analyzing operation of a drill bit in a borehole includes providing information describing the drill bit and a bent housing coupled to the drill bit. A path of a cutter of the drill bit is determined based on a ratio of a rotational speed of the bent housing to a combined rotational speed of the drill bit and the bent housing. The combined rotational speed is different from the rotation speed of the bent housing.

Abstract: A method for correcting errors in LWD depths includes performing torque and drag model analysis using drillstring weight, downhole friction, weight on bit, thermal expansion, rig heave and tide to produce a corrected time-depth file, wherein the torque and drag model is automatically calibrated using effective block weight, drillpipe wear, and sliding friction; and correcting time-based LWD data using the corrected time-depth file to produce depth-corrected LWD data. A system for correcting errors in LWD depths includes a processor and a memory that stores a program having instructions for: performing torque and drag model analysis using drillstring weight, downhole friction, weight on bit, thermal expansion, rig heave and tide to produce a corrected time-depth file, wherein the torque and drag model is automatically calibrated using effective block weight, drillpipe wear, and sliding friction; and correcting time-based LWD data using the corrected time-depth file to produce depth-corrected LWD data.

Abstract: A system and a method analyze fatigue damage of a bottom hole assembly (“BHA”), and more specifically, use a multi-scale approach for fatigue analysis of a BHA. Three length scales may be used in modeling of a BHA, namely the BHA scale, the component scale and the feature scale. Loading conditions for each collar/tool of the BHA may be determined, such as by use of a beam model, and may be applied to the finite element models for the collar/tool to determine the fatigue damage of each fatigue susceptible feature of each collar/tool. A cumulative fatigue damage of each critical feature may be determined, and the weakest component of the BHA may be identified. Prognostic and diagnostic implementation with well survey and drilling data may monitor fatigue damage of critical components of the BHA.

Abstract: A method of identifying one or more rock properties and/or one or more abnormalities occurring within a subterranean formation. The method includes obtaining a plurality of drilling parameters, which include at least the rate of penetration, the weight on bit, and the bit revolutions per minute, and then normalizing these plurality of drilling parameters by calculating a depth of cut and an intrinsic drilling impedance. Typically, the intrinsic drilling impedance is specific to the type of bit used to drill the wellbore and includes using a plurality of drill bit constants. From this intrinsic drilling impedance, the porosity and/or the rock strength may be determined which is then compared to the actual values to identify the specific type of the one or more abnormalities occurring. Additionally, the intrinsic drilling impedance may be compared to other logging parameters to also identify the specific type of the one or more abnormalities occurring.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a method is disclosed for assessing image quality of a down hole formation image, the method comprising collecting acquisition system data from a plurality of sensors down hole; applying a set of rules to the acquisition system data to obtain an acquisition quality indicator; and presenting the acquisition quality indicator at a surface location. A system is disclosed for performing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring depth, velocity, or both depth and velocity of instrumentation within 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 mounted at a first position within the downhole portion. The first acceleration sensor generates a first signal indicative of a first acceleration in a first direction generally parallel to the wellbore at the first position. The apparatus further includes a second acceleration sensor mounted at a second position within the downhole portion. The second acceleration sensor generates a second signal indicative of a second acceleration in a second direction generally parallel to the wellbore at the second position. 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for well-drilling operations involving magnetic ranging with a rotating magnetic source are provided. In one embodiment, a system for determining a relative location of a magnetic source includes a three-axis magnetometer and data processing circuitry. The three-axis magnetometer may measure a time-dependent magnetic field caused by a magnetic source rotating about an axis, which may include two transverse components transverse to the axis and the data processing circuitry may determine a transverse angle of rotation of the measurements such that one of the two transverse components is ±?/2 radians out-of-phase with the other when the measurements are transformed by the transverse angle of rotation. The data processing circuitry may determine a spatial relationship between the magnetic source and the three-axis magnetometer based at least in part on the transverse angle of rotation.

Abstract: Job monitoring methods and apparatus for logging-while-drilling equipment are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes obtaining a fluid associated with an underground geological formation, analyzing the fluid with one or more sensors to form respective ones of sensor outputs, identifying a downhole scenario associated with the fluid based on the sensor outputs, the identifying being performed while the sensors are within the underground geological formation, and selecting a telemetry frame type based on the identified downhole scenario.

Abstract: A multicomponent induction logging tool is used on a MWD bottomhole assembly. Multifrequency focusing that accounts for the finite, nonzero, conductivity of the mandrel is applied. Using separation of modes, the principal components and a direction of a conductivity tensor are determined. The results are used for reservoir navigation in earth formations. 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: A method for generating corrected geologic depth information is disclosed. The method includes: estimating a depth of each of a plurality of different locations along a length of a drillstring disposed in a borehole; measuring at least one environmental factor at each of the plurality of different locations and determining a deformation of the drillstring at each of the plurality of different locations from the measured environmental factor; and generating a non-linear model of the deformation along the length relative to a reference point. A system and computer program product for generating corrected geologic depth information is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, computer programs, and systems for detecting at least one downhole condition are disclosed. Forces are measured at a plurality of locations along the drillstring. The drillstring includes a drillpipe. At least one of the forces is measured along the drillpipe. At least one downhole condition is detected based, at least in part, on at least one measured force.