Abstract: A hydraulic strain sensor for use with a downhole tool includes a housing having two chambers with a pressure differential between the two chambers. A mandrel is disposed in the housing. The mandrel is adapted to be coupled to the tool such that the weight of the tool is supported by the pressure differential between the two chambers. A pressure-responsive sensor in communication with the one of the chambers is provided to sense pressure changes in the chamber as the tool is accelerated or decelerated and to generate signals representative of the pressure changes.

Abstract: A method for evaluating sedimentary basins for hydrocarbon potential using aqueous fluid inclusions. Aqueous fluid inclusions are identified in a rock sample. The homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusions are determined, the optical spectra of the water and methane in the fluid inclusions are measured, and the formation pressures are estimated from the relationship of homogenization temperature and optical spectrum to formation pressure. Formation pressure of the fluid inclusions can be combined with history of the fluid inclusion formation to reconstruct the paleo-history of the basin to evaluate hydrocarbon potential.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method that effectively restores the real-time advantage of annular pressure while drilling (APWD) measurements taken during certain drilling operations that require the mud circulation pumps to be turned off (a “pumps-off” condition). APWD data, such as pressure measurements, is obtained from instruments and related electronics within the BHA. APWD data can be measured, stored and even processed in the BHA during a pumps-off condition for subsequent processing or communication of a reduced amount of data to the driller at the surface.

Abstract: A deep tensiometer is configured with an outer guide tube having a vented interval along a perforate section at its lower end, which is isolated from atmospheric pressure at or above grade. A transducer having a monitoring port and a reference port is located within a coaxial inner guide tube. The reference port of the transducer is open to the vented interval of the outer guide tube, which has the same gas pressure as in the sediment surrounding the tensiometer. The reference side of the pressure transducer is thus isolated from the effects of atmospheric pressure changes and relative to pressure changes in the material surrounding the tensiometer measurement location and so it is automatically compensated for such pressure changes.

Abstract: A method for forming a fracture in a viscous oil subterranean formation wherein a data-fracturing operation is carried out to first determine the “leak-off” rate for the formation and then the formation is fractured with a slurry wherein the liquid from the slurry will leak into the formation at the predetermined leak-off rate to thereby provide fractures of a desired length necessary in sand control or the like. In accordance with the present invention, the formation is treated before both the data-fracturing operation and the subsequent fracturing operation with a treatment fluid (e.g. diesel) which will interact with the viscous oil to reduce its viscosity so that the fracturing fluid can readily leak into the formation.

Abstract: A &ggr;-ray tool and acoustic logging instrument combination includes in an elongated housing a transmitter for sound and at least one and preferably two, sound sensors located at predetermined distances above the transmitter. The sound sensors are separated from the sound transmitter by a steel tube that has a layer of lead bonded onto its exterior surface and has electronic components of the instrument placed into its interior. The portion of the housing that surrounds the lead bonded steel tube consists of fiberglass, polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON®) or other material which does not conduct sound whereby the lead-bonded tube and the immediate housing around it act as a sound isolator bar. The transmitter and the sound sensors are surrounded by portions of the housing that comprises slotted steel to allow free flow of acoustic energy through these portions of the housing.