Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool or tool body, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient in a receiving section, to detect the differentiated gas components with a detector, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. The receiving section may comprise a diffusion section. A reaction section and a vacuum section may be used for waste consumption and/or absorption.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a sensor having a sensitive component, a polymer that at least partially covers the sensitive component, and a hydrophobic material impregnated within the polymer and/or the sensitive component of the sensor. Methods of forming the downhole tool include covering a portion of the sensor with a polymer and impregnating a hydrophobic material within the polymer and/or the sensitive component of the sensor.

Abstract: Hollow rebar may be used for structural reinforcement in a drilled shaft and to provide access tubes for a sonic integrity testing probe. Rebar (short for reinforcing bar) is steel bar used as a tensioning device in reinforced concrete that holds the concrete in compression. According to the system described herein, hollow rebar may provide high strength reinforcement in the drilled shaft while at the same time providing an access tube for a sonic integrity testing process, such as crosshole sonic logging (CSL). The high strength hollow rebar, having ridges, threads and/or other appropriate surface deformations, provides improved adhesion to concrete, thus eliminating the problem of debonding associated with non-structural access tubes made of smooth PVC or steel pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting a structural stability of an object area. The method and apparatus include disposing a plurality of electrodes in the object area along a depth direction of the object area, surrounding the electrodes with a filling material; measuring a micro potential difference via the electrodes, generating a micro potential difference when the filling material is deformed by a force according to a change of the object area; and determining the structural stability of the object area based upon the measured micro potential difference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring acceleration waveform measurements while deploying a tool along a borehole. A conveyance and a sensor section are configured to deploy the sensor section in the borehole. At least one multi-axis receiver is configured to detect acceleration waveform signals while the sensor section is being deployed in the borehole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for logging a wellbore with a translating arm set is provided. The translating arm set has at least one translating sensor pad for measuring at least one downhole parameter. The translating arm set has at least one translating extendable arm extendable from the downhole tool for locating each of the at least one translating sensor pads proximate the wellbore wall. The translating arm set has an actuator for translating the at least one translating arm set along a longitudinal axis of the downhole tool whereby the translating sensor pad is positionable at a selected longitudinal position relative to the downhole tool.

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: Visual inspection of an interior bottom of a borehole by means of measuring the sediment thickness at the bottom. An inspection device to be lowered in the borehole and then to be retrieved. The bottom sediment thickness is marked on the piston by a collar attached to the piston.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for monitoring a material configured to perform one or more functions or for actuating the material. One or more electrodes are coupled to the material. An electronic device is coupled to the one or more electrodes and is configured to detect an electrical characteristic of the material to monitor the material or to apply an electrical stimulus to actuate the material.

Abstract: A sensing system configured for use in a borehole. The sensing system includes a body portion and a clamp arm engaged with the body portion. The clamp arm is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The sensing system also includes an energy storage element engaged with the body portion. The energy storage element provides energy to move the clamp arm from the retracted position to the extended position. A method of using the sensing system is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for the testing of downhole an injection assembly prior to installation of the injection assembly in the completion string is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised an injection tubing, an injection sub, an injection valve, an injection sub test block, a pressure foot, a pressure foot test block, and means for introducing pressure at a desired level. The injection sub test block, pressure foot, pressure foot test block are interchangeably engageable with the injection sub for testing in a sequence to allow the pre-testing of the connections of components of the injection assembly at the surface of the well.

Abstract: The downhole tool disclosed herein comprises a body, a flexible member attached to the body, and a transducer housed in the body. The flexible member compresses against one side of the wellbore and urges the body against the other side. The transducer emits a signal to the flexible member reflectable from the flexible member back to the transducer. The signal travel time from the transducer to the flexible member and back is analyzed for estimating the distance between the body and the flexible member. The standoff distance can be estimated from the distance between the body and the flexible member. From the standoff distance, the wellbore diameter is estimated. The tool may also obtain wellbore dimensions by obtaining near side wellbore standoff and using a magnetic ruler to determine bowspring flexing. The magnetic ruler results may be used in conjunction with or without the far side standoff data.

Abstract: An apparatus for the industrial measurement of bores in a measurement object is provided. The apparatus includes a measurement probe which can be introduced into the bore and at which at least one distance sensor is provided with which the instantaneous distance of a reference point of the measurement probe from a wall of the bore can be determined The measurement probe is rotatably supported at a holder which is fixed with respect to the measurement object and/or whose position relative to the measurement object is known. An evaluation device receives a number of sequentially determined distances in the course of a rotation of the measurement probe.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a downhole tool having distance measurement, feature detection, and primary measurement devices positioned therein are provided. In one example, the method includes recording a first plurality of features and corresponding positions in a first log using the feature detection device and the distance measurement device, respectively. A first feature of the first plurality of features is selected and the position corresponding to the first feature is identified. The feature detection device is aligned relative to the first feature based on the identified position. A first primary measurement is taken using the primary measurement device while the feature detection device is aligned relative to the first feature. The steps of recording, selecting, moving, and taking are repeated to obtain a second primary measurement while the feature detection device is aligned relative to a second feature of a second plurality of features.

Abstract: An apparatus for the testing of downhole a injection assembly prior to installation of the injection assembly in the completion string. The apparatus is comprised an injection tubing, an injection sub, an injection valve, an injection sub test block, a pressure foot, a pressure foot test block, and means for introducing pressure at a desired level. The injection sub test block, pressure foot, pressure foot test block are interchangeably engageable with the injection sub for testing in a sequence to allow the pre-testing of the connections of components of the injection assembly at the surface of the well.

Abstract: Position indication in multiplexed downhole well tools. A method of selectively actuating and indicating a position in a well includes selecting at least one well tool from among multiple well tools for actuation by flowing direct current in one direction through a set of conductors in the well, the well tool being deselected for actuation when direct current flows through the set of conductors an opposite direction; and detecting a varying resistance across the set of conductors as the selected well tool is actuated, the variation in resistance providing an indication of a position of a portion of the selected well tool.

Abstract: A multizone testing system (100), for the testing of subterranean layers, comprises an upper subsystem (109) comprising a control station (151), a main isolation packer (113) for isolating the upper subsystem (109) from the lower subsystem (111), a lower subsystem (111) comprising an array of individual apparatuses (116) connected in series, each apparatus (116) being adapted for the testing of one layer and comprising a series of remotely activated tools for hydraulically isolating and testing the corresponding layer and a communication system comprises communication means between the control station (151) and the surface and between the control station (151) and each of the individual apparatuses (116) in order to control the remotely activated tools of the individual apparatuses for sequential testing of the layers.

Abstract: A system and a method for associating measurements from a wellbore with times and depths is provided. Tools located in a wellbore obtain the measurements and provide time data used to determine the times. The tools and a surface clock may be synchronized. The times may be used to associate the measurements with corresponding depths of the wellbore.

Abstract: An indicator comprising a band having a first radial dimension; one or more protectors having a greater radial dimension and disposed sufficiently proximate the band to substantially avoid wear of the band during running of the indicator and method.

Abstract: A downhole tool for measuring a diameter within a borehole includes a mandrel having a first end and a second end with an axis defined therethrough. A tapered surface is formed on an outside surface of the mandrel such that a first end of the tapered surface has a larger diameter than a second end of the tapered surface. The downhole tool further includes a collet disposed about the mandrel such that the collet is configured to move along the axis of the mandrel with respect to the mandrel in a direction from the first end of the mandrel to the second end of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking the drilling progress of a borehole such as a horizontal borehole that is drilled under an obstacle along a prescribed path is based upon triangulation from two laterally separated loops of wire lying on the ground, which generate corresponding alternating magnetic fields.

Abstract: Downhole tools attached to a wireline are frequently used to perform well operations at a selected depth. However, the downhole tools may be placed at the incorrect depth if the well operator fails to account for creep, i.e. the movement of downhole tools after the wireline is stopped at the surface. This invention provides a method for determining when the well operator should account for creep. The invention further provides methods for determining the magnitude of creep when it is determined to be present. The subsequent positioning of downhole tools may be adjusted according to the magnitude of creep, thus preventing incorrect placement of downhole tools within the wellbore. The methods use equipment and logging data that are readily available during any wireline operation.

Abstract: A system for verifying perforating gun status prior to perforating a wellbore. The system includes a perforating gun (38) having a leak sensor disposed therein that is positionable at a target location within the wellbore on a tubing string (30). A communication system (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) is integrated with the tubing string (30). The communication system (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) is operable to communicate with the leak sensor. A surface controller (40) is operable to send a first telemetry signal via the communication system (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) to interrogate the leak sensor regarding a leak status of the perforating gun (38), receive a second telemetry signal from the leak sensor via the communication system (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) including the leak status of the perforating gun (38) and determine whether to operate the perforating gun (38) based upon the leak status information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the testing of downhole a injection assembly prior to installation of the injection assembly in the completion string comprising an injection tubing, an injection sub, an injection valve, an injection sub test block, a pressure foot, a pressure foot test block, and means for introducing pressure at a desired level, the injection sub test block, a pressure foot, a pressure foot test block being interchangeably engageable with the injection sub for testing in a sequence to allow the pre-testing of the connections of components of the injection assembly at the surface of the well.

Abstract: A method useful for evaluating the presence and/or the quality of the cement bond of a downhole tubular. The method involves measuring radial resonance modes of the tubular, and comparing those measured values to the unbound tubular resonant values of a calibration ring. For a well bonded tubular, the measured radial resonance should be greater than that of the unbound tubular calibration ring. In regions where a fluid, such as water surrounds the outside of the tubular, or the cement is otherwise not bonded to the outer surface of the tubular, the measured response should be less than the calibrated response. The calibration ring should have the same diameter, wall thickness, and be made of the same material as the tubular.

Abstract: A method for data processing includes transforming measurement data acquired in the time domain during an oilfield operation into a second domain to produce transformed data; identifying distortions in the transformed data; removing the distortions from the transformed data; and transforming back from the second domain to the time domain to produce cleaned-up data. The transforming measurement data may use a Fourier transform or a wavelet transform. The method may further include compressing the cleaned-up data or reconstructing signals from the cleaned-up data. A method for data processing includes decomposing measurement data, which are acquired in an oilfield operation, using a low pass filter to produce a first dataset; decomposing the measurement data using a high pass filter to produce a second dataset; removing distortions from the second dataset to yield a corrected second dataset; and reconstructing a corrected dataset from the first dataset and the corrected second dataset.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a radiation source to output radiation after power is supplied. The apparatus also includes a power source to supply power. The apparatus includes an ambient-activated switch electrically coupled between the radiation source and the power source. The ambient-activated switch is to switch to an open position while a value for an ambient characteristic for the ambient-activated switch is at an ambient level for a surface of the Earth. The ambient-activated switch is to switch to a closed position while the value for the ambient characteristic for the ambient-activated switch is at a downhole ambient level, wherein the ambient-activated switch is to electrically couple the power source to the radiation source while in the closed position.

Abstract: A drill hole measuring device and a rock drilling unit equipped with the measuring device. The measuring device (1) comprises a protective element (3), inside which a sensor (6) can be transferred by means of a transfer device (4).

Abstract: A gravel pack evaluation tool comprised of a low energy radiation source and multiple directionally-collimated radiation detectors to analyze small, azimuthal segments of a gravel pack. Methods of use are also provided. Collimators and radiation shielding used in conjunction with multiple detector arrays allow an azimuthal segmented view of a gravel pack, particularly at certain defined depths into a gravel pack. Radioactive tracers may be used in conjunction with these tools to produce enhanced images of gravel packs and formations.

Abstract: A downhole tool for performing measurement of a formation. The tool comprising a housing surrounding a source for generating neutrons and a detector for detecting the neutrons. A shield is located outside of, or embedded in, the housing and focuses the neutrons.

Abstract: A system for testing an underground formation penetrated by a well includes a downhole tool that is configured to be coupled to a work string and that includes an outer surface, a connection for coupling a stabilizing sub to the downhole tool, and at least one portion configured to receive a frame. The system further includes a plurality of stabilizing subs that are configured to be coupled to the downhole tool, a plurality of frames configured to be detachably mounted on the at least one portion of the downhole tool, and at least one measuring device configured to be secured in at least one of the plurality of frames.

Abstract: A downhole tool system includes a downhole tool operably positionable within a wellbore and a sensor positioned within the downhole tool. The sensor has a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the sensor is responsive to RF interrogation. In the second mode, the sensor is not responsive to RF interrogation. The sensor is operable to transition from the first mode to the second mode upon the occurrence of a predetermined level of erosion of the downhole tool proximate the sensor. A detector is operably positionable relative to the downhole tool and in communicative proximity to the sensor. The detector interrogates the sensor to determine whether the predetermined level of erosion has occurred.

Abstract: Formation strontium concentrations are measured utilizing a borehole tool. A log may be provided as a function of depth or distance. The strontium measurements can be correlated chronostratigraphically to provide a depth to absolute time correlation. Measures of strontium made in the borehole can be correlated to information obtained via seismic exploration of the formation traversed by the borehole. Measures of strontium in multiple boreholes of a single formation can be correlated.

Abstract: A formation fluid sample is exposed to a rigidly-supported semi-permeable membrane such as silicone rubber to permit diffusion of gases and vapors from the formation fluid into a vacuum chamber, while at the same time, blocking the passage of any liquids. The membrane-transmitted gas is analyzed in the vacuum chamber by a sorbent-coated resonator. The sorbent absorbs gas and changes the resonant frequency of the resonator to indicate the presence of a gas. An ion pump or sorbent is associated with the evacuated chamber to maintain the vacuum. The ion pump or sorbent removes gases and vapors from the chamber that diffuse into the chamber from the reservoir sample that is on the opposite side of the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: Caliper measurements made during rotation of an imager on a logging string are processed to estimate the location of the imager, and size and shape of the borehole. A piecewise elliptical fitting procedure may be used. These estimates may be used to correct measurements made by a standoff-sensitive formation evaluation sensor such as a neutron porosity tool. 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. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating fluid from the well into a downhole chamber in connection with a well testing operation. The technique includes monitoring a downhole parameter that is responsive to the communication to determine when to close the chamber.

Abstract: A well jet device for testing oil-gas wells comprises a body provided with bypass windows and an insert provided with a jet pump. The insert has channels and a mounting seat embodied therein, carrying a sealing unit with a channel for a cable and well instruments fixed thereto. An output channel communicates with an upstream cavity. A supporting sleeve, provided with bypass openings embodied in the wall of the sleeve and with a flange arranged in the lower part thereof, axially movable and spring-loaded with respect to the body, is arranged therein. A recess used for limiting the displacement of the sleeve flange and connected to the bypass windows is formed thereunder. In the lower position of the sleeve, channel for supplying active medium is linked with surrounding space through the bypass openings and windows, whereas in the top position thereof the windows are closed by the sleeve wall.

Abstract: An optical sensing member within the anullus zone of a well is disclosed, which sensing member determines the level of debris in the well. When debris accumulates within the anullus zone, said sensing member returns a signal indicative of the level of such debris within the zone. The optical sensing member may include an optical fiber and/or any known optical sensors configured to determine strain, pressure, shape, force, and/or temperature.

Abstract: A location device has a gravity measurement instrument in communication with a database which has the locations relative to time of an astronomical object. The location device also has a timepiece indicating the time which may be used to determine the location of the astronomical object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fiber optic cable downhole tool mounting system. The system includes, a downhole tool, a support member attached to the downhole tool and a fiber optic cable parameter transmissively mounted to the downhole tool by the support member. The support member has an elongated body with a pair of legs extending therefrom, the pair of legs intersect at an oblique angle and define a volume therebetween receptive of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is attached to the support member and the support member is attached to the downhole tool such that a parameter encountered by the downhole tool is sensible by the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: Methods are provided in which reliance is placed on a first and second barrier respectively positioned in a well 10 to provide well control during well suspension, completion and/or workover operations. Each of the barriers is below the depth of the lowermost end of a completion string when that string is installed in the well. By not placing either barrier higher up in the well-bore, both of the barriers can remain in place during suspension and completion and workover operations, thus obviating the need to use a BOP stack to supplement well control. This results in a considerable saving in drill rig time and thus significantly reduces the cost of constructing a well.

Abstract: The present invention provides packaging for MEMS devices and other sensors for downhole application. The MEMS devices and/or other sensors may aid in characterizing formation fluids in situ. The packaging facilitates high temperature, high pressure use, which is often encountered in downhole environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining downhole well pressure during wellbore operations. One method comprises providing a well intervention tool comprising a straddle sealing assembly having upper and lower annulus sealing elements and a fluid injection port positioned therebetween, the well intervention tool comprising a fluid injection bore having positioned therein a pressure measurement tool; placing the tool in straddle position about a wellbore region to be intervened, with the pressure measurement tool fluidly connected to a wellbore region below the lower annulus sealing element; and performing the wellbore intervention operation while communicating fluid from below the lower annulus sealing element to the pressure measurement tool, thus obtaining a pressure measurement below the lower annulus sealing element during the wellbore intervention operation. This abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A downhole tool system includes a downhole tool operably positionable within a wellbore and a sensor positioned within the downhole tool. The sensor has a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the sensor is responsive to RF interrogation. In the second mode, the sensor is not responsive to RF interrogation. The sensor is operable to transition from the first mode to the second mode upon the occurrence of a predetermined level of erosion of the downhole tool proximate the sensor. A detector is operably positionable relative to the downhole tool and in communicative proximity to the sensor. The detector interrogates the sensor to determine whether the predetermined level of erosion has occurred.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating integrated circuits at temperatures higher than expected ambient temperatures. The heating may be of entire circuit boards, portions of the circuit boards (such as the components within a multiple-chip module) and/or single devices. Methods and related systems may be used in any high temperature environment such as downhole logging tools, and the devices so heated are preferably of silicon on insulator semiconductor technology.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a system and method to measure a pressure or other measurement at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool and compare the measurements to verify that, for example, the supply is reaching the tool. Another aspect of the present invention is a system and method in which a gauge is positioned within a packer. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a gauge that communicates with the setting chamber of a packer as well as related methods. Other aspects and features of the system and method are also described. 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 formation fluid sample is exposed to a rigidly-supported semi-permeable membrane such as silicone rubber to permit diffusion of gases and vapors from the formation fluid into a vacuum chamber, while at the same time, blocking the passage of any liquids. The membrane-transmitted gas is analyzed in the vacuum chamber by a resonator that reacts with it. The resulting change in resonant frequency of the resonator indicates the presence of a gas that reacts with it. An ion pump or sorbent is associated with the evacuated chamber to maintain the vacuum. The ion pump or sorbent removes gases and vapors from the low-pressure chamber, which have diffused into it from the reservoir sample that is on the opposite (high-pressure) side of the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for performing an operation in a tubular. In one aspect, a method comprises positioning an apparatus in the tubular, the apparatus having a tractor portion and an auxiliary module. The method further includes operating the tractor portion to move the apparatus through the tubular and operating the auxiliary module to perform the operation in the tubular. In another aspect, an apparatus for use in a tubular is provided. The apparatus comprises a tractor having a drive member for moving the apparatus in a desired direction, a turbine member adapted to be driven by moving fluid and a conversion member for converting movement of the turbine member to power the drive member. The apparatus further includes an auxiliary module for use in performing an operation in the tubular.

Abstract: A method of determining the depth of equipment in an underground borehole, the equipment being suspended in the borehole by means of a cable extending from the surface into the well, comprises: (i) determining the amount of cable introduced into the well at the surface; (ii) dividing the cable in the borehole into a series of elements; (iii) determining the tension in each element of the cable in the borehole; (iv) determining the stretch of the cable in the borehole for the determined tension in all elements; and (v) determining the depth of the equipment from the determined amount of cable introduced into the well from the surface and from the determined stretch of the cable in the borehole. The method can be used for correcting a depth measurement or determining an error in a depth measurement made on the cable at the surface by determining a correction factor using the methodology described above.

Abstract: A method for collecting data regarding a matric potential of a media includes providing a tensiometer having a stainless steel tensiometer casing, the stainless steel tensiometer casing comprising a tip portion which includes a wetted porous stainless steel membrane through which a matric potential of a media is sensed; driving the tensiometer into the media using an insertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casing which are selectively coupled to form the insertion tube as the tensiometer is progressively driven deeper into the media, wherein the wetted porous stainless steel membrane is in contact with the media; and sensing the matric potential the media exerts on the wetted porous stainless steel membrane by a pressure sensor in fluid hydraulic connection with the porous stainless steel membrane. A tensiometer includes a stainless steel casing.