Pressure Measurement Patents (Class 73/152.51)
  • Publication number: 20140123747
    Abstract: A method for pressure testing a well system includes: pressurizing testing fluid within a closeable chamber of a well system; determining a leak within the closeable chamber using real time pressure and temperature measurements of the volume of testing fluid within the closeable chamber; and determining the pathway of the leak using real time pressure and temperature measurements of a volume of fluid that is disposed adjacent to the closeable chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Intelliserv, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Marco Veeningen
  • Patent number: 8701480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a downhole pressure- and vibration-measuring device integrated in a pipe section as part of a production tubing. The sensor housing of the measuring device with sensors has a two-part clamp on the upper part of the sensor housing, from where an electrical multi-conductor cable connection from at least four, preferably six, nipples in a tube is clamped along the production tubing with bushings through equipment installed in the wellhead to sensors with an electronics and control unit above the wellhead. Evenly spaced radially in an annular space are a first set of strain gauges attached to the outside wall of the production tubing and a second set of strain gauges attached on the inside of the external wall of the sensor housing. Strain gauges are connected by glass penetrators of electrical conductors in cable tubes terminated in the tubing hanger to an electronics unit and a control unit. For the measuring of temperatures, a thermometer will be integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tool-Tech AS
    Inventor: Egil Eriksen
  • Patent number: 8689620
    Abstract: A pressure balancing device for a transducer is provided. The pressure balancing device comprises: a pressure transmission device having a cross-sectional area and arranged, in use, to be exposed to a fluid; and a fluid chamber having a hollow shaft, the fluid chamber being arranged to be acted on by the pressure transmission device; wherein the cross-sectional area of the hollow shaft is less than the cross-sectional area of the pressure transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sondex Wireline Limited
    Inventors: James David Ratcliffe, Nicholas Peter Broom, Timothy Michael Gill
  • Publication number: 20140083178
    Abstract: A sensing system comprises at least one gauge disposed in a wellbore, a sensing link coupled to the at least one gauge, and a debris barrier coupled to the sensing link. The debris barrier comprises a housing coupled to the sensing link, and a barrier element configured to reduce the transport of particulates from the wellbore into the sensing link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Patent number: 8671748
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes an outer body defining a sensor cavity and a resonator element located at least partially within the sensor cavity. The pressure sensor also includes a bellows having an outer side and an inner side and that is located at least partially within the outer body. the inner side of the bellows defines an internal volume and is configured to receive a measured fluid into the internal volume. The pressure sensor also includes a measuring fluid filling at least a portion of an area between the outer side and the outer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Clark
  • Patent number: 8671749
    Abstract: A technique facilitates drilling of boreholes by enabling improved measurement of strain during drilling applications. A strain gauge is mounted on a drilling component of a drill string. The strain gauge is covered with a volume of liquid, and the liquid is enclosed at least in part with a flexible layer of material. The flexible layer of material is sufficiently flexible to provide a negligible pressure differential between the volume of liquid and the surrounding environment while drilling, thus enabling accurate functioning of the strain gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Firas Zeineddine
  • Publication number: 20140060173
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a stator which encircles a portion of a cylindrical diaphragm. This encircling forms a circumferential gap between the sidewalls of the stator and the diaphragm. Therefore, a greater area “A” can be achieved in smaller diameter sensor footprint than prior art designs and yet still detect relatively small changes in capacitance. Additionally, the width “g1” of the gap can be wider than prior art designs without negatively affecting capacitance detection. A bonding agent which has a melting temperature of about half that of bonding agents used in prior art designs, secures the stator to the diaphragm and reduces oxidation issues during assembly, thereby decreasing manufacturing time and cost. To ensure proper side-to-side alignment of the stator relative to the diaphragm, a centering sleeve, which is removed after bonding, is placed over as stub at the upper end of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Goutham R. Kirikera, William M. Patton
  • Publication number: 20140014331
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a geological formation (20) of non-homogeneous porosity and permeability, particularly in exploration for hydrocarbon fluids, comprising the steps of: (a) inserting a formation evaluation tool (30) into a borehole (10) to a location (10a) within the geological formation (20); (b) setting the formation evaluation tool (30) into position isolating interval(s) of the borehole (10) with a packer arrangement (50) forming portion of the formation evaluation tool (30), for sample evaluation for said interval(s); (c) extracting representative samples of formation fluid from the location within the geological formation (20) for evaluation under downhole conditions using sampling means (32a, 52b, 54b) operative to extract formation fluid samples over a range of porosity and permeability encountered within the geological formation (20); and (d) analysing the formation fluid samples and measuring formation (20) permeability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: CROCKER RESEARCH PTY LTD
    Inventor: Hugh Crocker
  • Publication number: 20140007668
    Abstract: A gauge system and method for monitoring well pressure at temperatures in excess of 300° C. used in permanent monitoring of oil and gas wellbores. The gauge system includes an analogue output transducer and a long cable which is an extruded mineral insulated multi-core cable with a seam welded corrosion resistant metal outer sheath. The transducer is enclosed in a pressure tight corrosion resistant housing and the housing is pressure sealed to the metal outer sheath. The method includes applying signal conditioning and processing to the measurements to compensate for characteristics of the transducer, the cable and the environment and thereby provide continuous monitoring of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: David Sirda Shanks
  • Publication number: 20140000358
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for calculating pore pressure in a porous formation such as shale gas having substantially disconnected pore spaces. In some described examples, an NMR logging tool with at least two depths of investigation (DOIs) is used. The deeper DOI can be used to sample the shale gas that has not been perturbed by the drilling process, for example, and contains the gas at connate pressure. The shallow DOI can be used to sample shale gas that has been perturbed, and has lost at least part of its gas content. The micro cracks that have been formed in the shallow location (closer to the borehole) allow for injection of gas into the formation at known pressures while measuring the NMR response. The connate pore pressure can then be calculated for the deeper location based on the NMR response to the known pressure increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mohammed Badri, Reza Taherian
  • Patent number: 8607864
    Abstract: A method of determining when to stop pumping proppant during hydraulic fracturing in a wellbore is described. By accurately detecting tip screen-out with a bottom hole pressure gauge mounted to a perforating gun, the optimal amount of proppant can be supplied to a fracture while avoiding the risks associated with wellbore screen-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor Mcleod, Abbas Mahdi
  • Patent number: 8596353
    Abstract: A pressure measurement system for use with a subterranean well can include a chamber positioned in the well, the chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion as positioned in the well, and a device which, in response to gravity acting on the device, selects the upper portion of the chamber for communication with a line extending to a remote location. A method of measuring pressure in a well can include introducing a chamber into the well, then selecting a vertically upper portion of the chamber, and establishing communication between the upper portion of the chamber and a line extending to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel D. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20130311097
    Abstract: A component of a well system can be tested by pressurizing the component of the well system a test pressure via two supply lines connected to the component of the well system, e.g. a choke line and a kill line. Then, a first of the two supply lines can be isolated from the second supply line and the component of the well system. The change in pressure can be measured in the first supply line and the change in pressure can be independently measured in the second supply line and the component of the well system. The change in pressure of the first supply line can be subtracted from the change in pressure of the second supply line and the component. Then, the change in pressure for the component can be analyzed to determine if the component of the well system is maintaining pressure integrity, i.e. leaking or not leaking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Livesay, Warren Winters
  • Publication number: 20130298665
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a well treatment, comprising the steps of installing at least one distributed acoustic strain sensor in at least one monitoring well, said monitoring well being a known distance from the treatment well, initiating a well treatment on the first well, monitoring the formation surrounding the monitoring well using the distributed acoustic strain sensor, and using the distributed acoustic strain sensor, detecting a change in strain at a first location in the monitoring well, using the change in strain to make determinations about the well treatment. The sensor may comprise a fiber optic cable. The change in strain may be used as an indicator that the effect of the well treatment has extended beyond a predetermined preferred treatment zone, the treatment may be a fracture treatment, and the well treatment may be controlled or ceased based on the determinations made in step e).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Charles Minchau
  • Patent number: 8575936
    Abstract: A system, method and device for interrogating a downhole environment in a borehole beneath a surface includes a source of electromagnetic energy operable to transmit an electromagnetic signal in the borehole, a sensor module, including a passive resonating circuit including a crystal oscillator having a resonant frequency that varies with changes in the condition in the downhole environment in response to a condition in the downhole environment in the borehole and a detector positionable to receive the reflected modulated electromagnetic signal. In an embodiment, a solids-free dielectric medium is provided within an annular volume in the borehole defined by the casing through which the electromagnetic signal is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Bloys, Manuel E. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8567495
    Abstract: A sensor is configured to sense pressure in an isolated or subterranean environment. The sensor is configured to act as a capacitor with a capacitance that varies as a function of pressure. The sensor has a robust design with minimal moving parts, and in which any parts that do move do not communicate electrically through direct electrical conduction (e.g., through conductive leads). Instead, moving parts that participate in the performance of sensor as a capacitor receive and dispense electrical charge only through a dielectric fluid (e.g., a gas or liquid within the sensor). This may reduce hysterysis, lag, and/or friction with respect to pressure-dependent capacitor designs in which wiring is connected directly to moving parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Beck
  • Patent number: 8564315
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring an effect of corrosion with a corrosion sensor. The apparatus includes at least a portion of a metal material configured to be disposed within a borehole and exposed to a fluid. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to measure an effect of corrosion of the at least portion of the metal material within the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Fisseler, Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Pierre Campanac, John W. Still
  • Patent number: 8528395
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the pressure difference across an ESP comprises:—connecting the ESP (7) to a production tubing (6)—providing the production tubing (6) with a side pocket (9) which comprises an opening (13)—inserting a pressure sensor assembly (10) into the side packet (9) such that the opening (13) is located between a pair of annular seals (14, 15)—monitoring the pressure difference across the ESP (7) by inducing the sensor assembly to measure a pressure difference between an upper section of the side pocket which is in communication with the interior of the tubing and a middle section (16) of the interior of the side packet (9) which is located between the annular seals (14, 15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Neil Griffiths, James William Hall
  • Publication number: 20130220625
    Abstract: A tool for subsea installation and testing of wellhead modules such as Xmas trees and similar equipment, from a ship using a ship crane. The tool includes a subsea unit that includes a connector for releasable connection to subsea wellhead modules or equipment, means for positioning and means for testing, and a connector for electric power and electric and/or optical control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Anders Billington, Are Synnes, Christen Sovik
  • Publication number: 20130213128
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel D. Gleitman
  • Publication number: 20130197810
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the integrity of a water aquifer is provided. The method and system generally monitors an aquifer for subsurface fractures, fluid intrusion, or water contamination. In one embodiment, the method and system may be utilized before, during, and after contaminating operations to monitor a water aquifer and generate reports detailing the effect of the contaminating operations on the water aquifer. The reports, and associated raw data, may be used as legal documents. For example, in one embodiment, an independent company is responsible for monitoring the aquifer and generating reports, which are then submitted to all interested parties, including the state for regulatory purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Allan Kayser Haas, Andre Revil
  • Publication number: 20130145838
    Abstract: A downhole sensor to detect characteristics in a borehole comprises at least one sensing unit to sense a characteristic in the borehole and a metallic layer covering at least a portion of the sensing unit exposed to an interior of the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jonathan Hook
  • Publication number: 20130111985
    Abstract: A method for testing a well system comprising providing fluid into a chamber of the system, measuring a change in fluid pressure within the chamber and measuring a temperature change of fluid within the closeable chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: INTELLISERV, LLC
    Inventor: Intelliserv, LLC
  • Patent number: 8429962
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control a formation testing operation based on a mudcake leakage are disclosed. A disclosed example method for use with a downhole tool disposed in a wellbore comprises measuring a property of a mudcake layer at a first location in a wellbore, determining a value representative of an estimated leakage through the mudcake layer based on the property, and determining, based on the value, whether to continue a formation testing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Zazovsky, Fernando Garcia-Osuna, Steve G. Villareal, Timur Zharnikov
  • Publication number: 20130068008
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring a parameter in a borehole penetrating the earth. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to be disposed in the borehole and having a piezo-resistor fabricated from a semiconductor on an insulator wherein a portion of the semiconductor is etched to the insulator to form the piezo-resistor, the piezo-resistor being responsive to the parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Julian Kahler, Erwin Peiner, Andrej Stranz, Andreas Waag
  • Patent number: 8380021
    Abstract: A system for making temperature and pressure measurements distributed over a distance comprises a plurality of Bragg grating measurement points disposed in an optical fiber with a predetermined spacing between adjacent Bragg grating measurement points and a substrate with the optical fiber disposed thereon, at least a portion of the optical fiber being wrapped around the substrate with at least one predetermined wrap angle, wherein the predetermined wrap angle and predetermined spacing are selected to enable a temperature measurement signal to be distinguished from a bending measurement signal, wherein the substrate has a first coefficient of thermal expansion greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of the optical fiber and wherein the substrate comprises a hollow tube portion and a solid rod portion, each having optical fiber disposed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Frederick Henry Kreisler Rambow
  • Publication number: 20130019672
    Abstract: A formation tester places an isolation device, preferably a probe, in fluid communication with a formation to determine formation pressures. The tester's controller uses a pressure pre-test process to autonomously control operation. The controller measures drawdown pressure and interval as the tester draws down pressure in flowline coupled to the probe. If the drawdown pressure indicates a dry test has occurred, the process is aborted. Otherwise, the controller measures buildup pressure and interval by allowing buildup of pressure of the flowline. The controller permits this to continue until the interval is longer than the drawdown interval and/or until a rate of the buildup falls below a predetermined rate. If the buildup pressure is too tight relative to the drawdown pressure, the controller aborts the test. Eventually, the controller measures a final buildup pressure when the buildup terminates. A new drawdown rate and volume can be determined for subsequent formation tests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffery James Hemsing
  • Patent number: 8335650
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to determine phase-change pressures are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes capturing a fluid in a chamber, pressurizing the fluid at a plurality of pressures, measuring a plurality of transmittances of a signal through the fluid at respective ones of the plurality of pressures, computing a first magnitude of a first subset of the plurality of transmittances, computing a second magnitude of a second subset of the plurality of transmittances, comparing the first and second magnitudes to determine a phase-change pressure for the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kentaro Indo, Peter S. Hegeman, Carsten Sonne
  • Publication number: 20120279292
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a down-well fluid measuring arrangement, and related methods, having at least one surface defining part of a fluid path, the at least one surface having first and second ports each arranged to deliver fluid to a single pressure gauge (28), one of the ports being provided in the region of an obstruction formation (30) provided in the fluid path, the arrangement further including switch means (34) arranged to change the port delivering fluid to the gauge so as to allow for determination of a pressure difference of the fluid at the said ports and a third port located either upstream or downstream of the first port delivering fluid the gauge to allow of determination of a pressure difference and hence volume fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: S2Phase Limited
    Inventor: Sam Simonian
  • Patent number: 8297351
    Abstract: Subterranean sensing devices configured or designed for downhole use to sense a local condition in the well. The sensing devices comprise one or more transistor having at least one carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNT FET) configured or designed for operation downhole, within a borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Yoshiuchi, Tsutomu Yamate, John Ullo, Kazuhiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8286475
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described relating to a sealed acoustic transducer assembly for use in a wellbore is provided. One or more acoustic transducer elements, which can be receivers or transmitters, are housed in an elongated fluid filled sealed container. The sealed container is adapted to be removeably mounted to a portion of a drill collar. The container, which for example can be made of thin corrugated metal or rubber, includes flexible portions along the length of the container which allows for volume changes when exposed to changes in external pressure and/or temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakajima, Toshihiro Kinoshita, Takeo Fujihara, Yasuo Kanaya
  • Patent number: 8286476
    Abstract: A method of installing a sensor system for making pressure measurements in downhole formations surrounding a wellbore includes placing a sensor in direct pressure communication with the formations from a predetermined position in the wellbore; and isolating the sensor with an elastomeric sealing means placed against the formation wall in order to prevent hydraulic pressure communication between the sensor and the inside of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Andrew Montaron, Fikri John Kuchuk
  • Patent number: 8272438
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for accurately determining a pore pressure of a subsurface formation (20) penetrated by a wellbore (40). The systems and methods provide for measuring pressure and temperature at a measuring location proximal to the wellbore for a predetermined amount of time, storing the measurements, communicating the measurements and processing the pore pressure from the pressure and temperature measurements. The measuring location may be a location in a channel (50) drilled from the wellbore into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John Cook, Marc Thiercelin
  • Publication number: 20120233095
    Abstract: A method for estimating a fluid volume in a subterranean area of the earth. The method includes performing a preliminary analysis on a first geological sample and placing the first geological sample inside a chamber. The method may then include monitoring pressure change over time data inside the chamber and crushing the first geological sample. After crushing the first geological sample, the method may estimate the fluid volume based on the pressure change over time data and the preliminary analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph M. Evensen
  • Patent number: 8261607
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and method are directed to a sensing device, and to a pressure sensing system and method. An exemplary method includes supplying electromagnetic energy to a transducer which is configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy at a ring frequency determined by an inductance of the transducer, wherein the inductance changes in response to compression of the inductive element. The ring frequency of electromagnetic energy reflected by the transducer is correlated to a pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Coates, David W. Beck, M. Clark Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120174663
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes an outer body defining a sensor cavity and a resonator element located at least partially within the sensor cavity. The pressure sensor also includes a bellows having an outer side and an inner side and that is located at least partially within the outer body. the inner side of the bellows defines an internal volume and is configured to receive a measured fluid into the internal volume. The pressure sensor also includes a measuring fluid filling at least a portion of an area between the outer side and the outer body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Clark
  • Patent number: 8210036
    Abstract: A device (1) for formation testing while drilling. The device includes a drill string (2) with a packer (3) arranged on the drill-string (2) above a drilling-bit (7). The packer can be expanded and thereby isolate a lower open part (6) of a well-bore, distinguished in that the packer is fastened sealingly but slideably over a distance (4) of the well-bore, such that the drill-string can be moved up and down, with or without rotation, within the distance while the packer remains stationary due to being expanded in the well-bore. Also, the device includes at least one pressure transmitter for measuring and transferring in real-time to the surface measured pressure in the isolated lower open part of the well-bore. Methods for formation testing utilizing the device and a device for formation testing of a production well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Statoilhydro ASA
    Inventor: Kjetil Bekkeheien
  • Publication number: 20120152555
    Abstract: Method and deadman test circuit for testing a functionality of a shearing blowout preventer. The circuit includes a solenoid valve configured to be electrically controlled and to receive a fluid under a first pressure; a sub plate mounted valve configured to be hydraulically controlled by the solenoid valve and to receive the fluid under a second pressure; and a selector valve fluidly connecting an output of the sub plate mounted valve to a shearing blowout preventer and to a device. The selector valve is configured to be operated by an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: HYDRIL USA MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventor: Robert Arnold JUDGE
  • Publication number: 20120144913
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a dynamic pressure sensor unit (5A) for a logging tool for hydrocarbon wells with a piezoelectric element (5) in a sensor sleeve (3). The piezoelectric element (5) is a tubular element with an inner and an outer diameter. The sensor sleeve (3) has an inner cylindrical area with an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tubular piezoelectric element (5). The piezoelectric element is situated in the inner cylindrical area of the sensor sleeve (3). A gap (12) with a gap thickness is formed between the inner cylindrical are of the sensor sleeve (3), defining an annular volume. The gap is filled with a noise transmitting liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Truls Fallet, Per Schjølberg-Henriksen
  • Publication number: 20120103248
    Abstract: A system for monitoring loads at well drilling and service operations includes a digital user interface. The digital interface is in electronic communication with a first pressure transducer in fluid communication with a first pad type hydraulic load sensor, a second pressure transducer in fluid communication with a second pad type hydraulic load sensor, and a third pressure transducer in fluid communication with a hydraulic diaphragm type deadline load sensor. The digital user interface module functions to monitor the hydraulic pressures experienced at each pressure transducer and functions to calculate and display a corresponding weight load in numerical and graphical form for each pressure transducer. The digital user interface is also in electronic communication with a fourth transducer in fluid communication with a hydraulic power tong unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Hickman Sales and Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Darrell Hickman
  • Publication number: 20120097388
    Abstract: A sensor is configured to sense pressure in an isolated or subterranean environment. The sensor is configured to act as a capacitor with a capacitance that varies as a function of pressure. The sensor has a robust design with minimal moving parts, and in which any parts that do move do not communicate electrically through direct electrical conduction (e.g., through conductive leads). Instead, moving parts that participate in the performance of sensor as a capacitor receive and dispense electrical charge only through a dielectric fluid (e.g., a gas or liquid within the sensor). This may reduce hysterysis, lag, and/or friction with respect to pressure-dependent capacitor designs in which wiring is connected directly to moving parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: DAVID W. BECK
  • Publication number: 20120080183
    Abstract: An expandable apparatus may comprise a tubular body, a valve piston and a push sleeve. The tubular body may comprise a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and the valve piston may be disposed within the tubular body, the valve piston configured to move axially downward within the tubular body responsive to a pressure of drilling fluid passing through a drilling fluid flow path and configured to selectively control a flow of fluid into an annular chamber. The push sleeve may be disposed within the tubular body and coupled to at least one expandable feature, the push sleeve configured to move axially responsive to the flow of fluid into the annular chamber extending the at least one expandable feature. Additionally, the expandable apparatus may be configured to generate a signal indicating the extension of the at least one expandable feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Chad T. Jurica, Li Li, Timothy Miller, Marcus Oesterberg, Khoi Q. Trinh
  • Patent number: 8146416
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to perform stress testing of geological formations are disclosed. A disclosed example downhole stress test tool for pressure testing a geological formation comprises first and second packers selectively inflatable to form an annular region around the tool, a container configured to store a fracturing fluid, wherein the fracturing fluid is different than a formation fluid and a drilling fluid, a pump configured to pump the fracturing fluid into the first and second packers to inflate the first and second packers and to pump the fracturing fluid into the annular region to induce a fracture of the geological formation, and a sensor configured to detect a pressure of the fracturing fluid pumped into the annular region corresponding to the fracture of the geological formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Pisio, Edward Harrigan, John Edwards, Paul Howard, Koksal Cig, Richard Marcinew, Carsten Sonne
  • Patent number: 8136395
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for analyzing well data which may be encountered during formation testing are disclosed. Certain portions of the tests may exhibit an indication of anomalous behavior, defects, errors or events that may have occurred during testing. One or more confidence tokens may be identified during or after the execution of a test. One or more of these confidence tokens may be analyzed to determine whether such anomalous behavior, defects, errors or events have occurred during the test. These confidence tokens may then be used to determine a level of confidence in the results derived from the tests performed and/or their underlying data and interpretation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Julian Pop, Jean-Marc Follini
  • Patent number: 8132453
    Abstract: A reservoir pressure in an underground formation surrounding a well is analyzed based on a direct measurement of the pressure at the wall of the well using the permeability of mud cake on the wall of the well in the region in which the pressure measurement is made; determining the thickness of mud cake on the well of the well; determining the hydrostatic pressure in the well in the region in which the pressure measurement is made; calculating a pressure decay index from the mud cake permeability and thickness, the hydrostatic pressure and the measured pressure; and using the pressure decay index to analyze the measured pressure to derive the reservoir pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Raj Kumar Michael Thambynayagam, Jeffrey Spath, Raj Banerjee, David Brian White, Peter Allan Goode
  • Publication number: 20120048009
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method, a system, the use of the system and a reinforcement member for the direct detection of the presence of a cavity in a drill-hole intended for the reception of a reinforcement member. The method comprises the injection of a drill-hole with hardening grout 6, the introduction of a reinforcement member 7, 40 to introduce a pressurised medium 37 and the measurement of the change in pressure or the detection of a flow of medium, whereby the fall in pressure or the presence of a flow of medium indicates the presence of a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MALMFALTEN AB
    Inventors: Sture Åberg, Leif Gustafsson
  • Publication number: 20120048008
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid testing device which utilizes a small, cross-section fluid interface to separate a test fluid chamber from a drive and measuring chamber. The test fluid chamber contains the test fluid and a paddle-type fluid test assembly. The drive and measuring chamber contains a second fluid and assemblies for moving the paddle and for determining the resistance movement. The two chambers are connected together by a narrow cross-section passageway allowing for continuous testing while test fluids are flowed through the test chamber and for successive testing of different samples without breaking down the device between tests. A pair of coaxial shafts extends between the test fluid chamber and the drive and measuring chamber. The shafts are connected together by a spring located in the drive chamber whereby the resistance to movement is determined by measuring the deflection in the spring. The shafts are magnetically coupled to a motor to rotate the shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Sairam K.S. Pindiprolu, Dennis Willie Gray, Christopher Lynn Gordon, Balasundaram Balaraman
  • Publication number: 20120048539
    Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore that includes providing wellbore casing having shaped charges and permanent pressure gauges on an outer surface of the casing. In an example of use, the casing is inserted into the wellbore and cement is injected into an annulus formed between the casing and wellbore. The shaped charges are strategically deployed on the casing so they aim towards a wall of the wellbore and are spaced apart along the casing. Thus detonating the shaped charges creates perforations into a formation around the wellbore and places the pressure gauges into pressure communication with the formation. Pressure readings are delivered to the surface from the pressure gauges in the form of signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John H. Clark, Philip G. Cooper, Randy L. Evans, Roger J. Marsh
  • Patent number: 8113044
    Abstract: A system for making pressure measurements in a formation surrounding a wellbore includes a sensor which, in use, is positioned into direct pressure communication with the formation from a predetermined location in the wellbore, and a means for isolating the sensor, when in use, from pressure effects arising from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Montaron, Fikri Kuchuk
  • Publication number: 20120024052
    Abstract: The invention relates to a downhole pressure- and vibration-measuring device integrated in a pipe section (1) as part of a production tubing (20). The sensor housing (2) of the measuring device with sensors has a two-part clamp (3) on the upper part of the sensor housing (2), from where an electrical multi- conductor cable connection (10) from at least four, preferably six, nipples in a tube (9) is clamped along the production tubing (20) with bushings through equipment installed in the wellhead to sensors with an electronics and control unit (12) above the wellhead. Evenly-spaced radially in an annular space (5) are a first set of strain gauges (7) attached to the outside wall of the production tubing (20) and a second set of strain gauges (8) attached on the inside of the external wall of the sensor housing (2). Strain gauges (7, 8) are connected by glass penetrators (4) of electrical conductors in cable tubes (9A) terminated in the tubing hanger (21) to an electronics unit (11) and a control unit (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Egil Eriksen