| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 324333000 | Within a borehole | 41 |
| 20090045814 | HIGH TEMPERATURE DOWNHOLE TOOL - Apparatus and method for estimating a downhole parameter include a high-gain semiconductor device having a plurality of semiconductor layers forming an active region, the active region having a bandgap offset that provides device operation through at least the temperature environment of a downhole location, the high-gain semiconductor device being used at least in part to estimate a downhole parameter. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20080258733 | Electromagnetic Wave Resistivity Tool Having a Tilted Antenna for Geosteering Within a Desired Payzone - This invention is directed to a downhole method and apparatus for simultaneously determining the horizontal resistivity, vertical resistivity, and relative dip angle for anisotropic earth formations. The present invention accomplishes this objective by using an antenna configuration in which a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna are oriented in non-parallel planes such that the vertical resistivity and the relative dip angle are decoupled. Preferably, either the transmitter or the receiver is mounted in a conventional orientation in a first plane that is normal to the tool axis, and the other antenna is mounted in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane. This invention also relates to a method and apparatus for steering a downhole tool during a drilling operation in order to maintain the borehole within a desired earth formation. The steering capability is enabled by computing the difference or the ratio of the phase-based or amplitude-based responses of the receiver antennas which are mounted in planes that are not parallel to the planes of the transmitter antennas. Although this invention is primarily intended for MWD or LWD applications, this invention is also applicable to wireline and possibly other applications. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20090302848 | Apparatus and method for logging - An apparatus for logging in a borehole comprises a longitudinal body. A pad is coupled to and radially extendable from the longitudinal body toward a wall of the borehole. The radially extendable pad comprises a sensor. The radially extendable pad is rotatable about a longitudinal axis by a predetermined angle. A method for logging a borehole comprises extending a longitudinal body into the borehole; disposing a sensor in a radially extendable pad; coupling the radially extendable pad to the longitudinal body such that the radially extendable pad is rotatable about a longitudinal axis by a predetermined angle; and extending the radially extendable and rotatable pad toward a wall of the borehole. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090237082 | METHODS OF LOGGING GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS - A method of method of logging an invaded geological formation comprises the steps of:
| 09-24-2009 |
| 20130113487 | INSTRUMENTED CORE BARRELS AND METHODS OF MONITORING A CORE WHILE THE CORE IS BEING CUT - A formation core analysis system can include an inner barrel and a toroidal electromagnetic antenna which transmits electromagnetic signals into a formation core when the core is received in the inner barrel. Another formation core analysis system can include an inner barrel and multiple longitudinally spaced apart electrodes which electrically contact a formation core when the core is received in the inner barrel. A speed of displacement of the core into the inner barrel may be indicated by differences between measurements taken via the electrodes as the core displaces into the inner barrel. A method of measuring resistivity of a formation core as the core is being cut can include transmitting electromagnetic signals into the core from a toroidal electromagnetic antenna as the core is being cut by a coring bit. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130113488 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING A CORE DURING CORING OPERATIONS - One method of monitoring a formation core during coring operations can include measuring resistivities of a formation internal and external to a core barrel assembly, comparing the resistivities of the formation internal and external to the core barrel assembly, and determining a displacement of the core into the core barrel assembly, based at least in part on the comparing, while the core is being cut. A formation core analysis system can include multiple longitudinally spaced apart sets of transmitters and receivers which measure resistivity of a core while the core displaces into a core barrel assembly, and multiple longitudinally spaced apart sets of transmitters and receivers which measure resistivity of a formation external to the core barrel assembly while a coring bit penetrates the formation. A speed of displacement of the core may be indicated by differences in time between measurements taken via the different sets as the core displaces. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20080224705 | Electromagnetic Probe - An electromagnetic probe | 09-18-2008 |
| 20090284260 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR MONITORING AND RECOVERY OF PETROLEUM FROM EARTH FORMATIONS - An apparatus for monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is provided. The apparatus includes: a detection source disposable within a detection source conduit, the detection source including an elongated electrically conductive member extendable along at least a portion of the detection source conduit; and an electrosensitive material disposed in at least one portion of the elongated member, the electrosensitive material reactive to an electric current to change a shape of the electrosensitive material, the electrosensitive material configured to change shape in response to the electric current to form an electromagnet at the portion. A system and method for monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation are also provided. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20100283468 | Remotely located tuning circuits for multi-frequency, multi-puropse induction antennae in downhole tools - A unified circuit without using a relay is proposed to resonate an antenna at more than two frequencies. The use of such analog IC switches are common place for transceiver applications in high RF frequencies (500 MHz and above). However, the use of selectively tuned antennas has for the most part been accomplished by the use of latching relays or fixed value components. The IC switch allows for not only the functionality of a single antenna to be either a transmitter and/or a receiver, but also allows, by adding additional switches to select any number of frequencies to resonate the antenna. This frequency resonation could be at fixed frequency points or sweep in either linear or logarithmic steps. The component selection of capacitors for either method would be controlled by a DSP or other microcontroller device. In one embodiment, an antenna for a downhole measurement tool is provided with a tuning circuit couple by a transformer to at least one antenna. The tuning circuit is disposed entirely within and protected by the hollow body of the tool and selectively tunes the antenna to at least three discrete frequencies. Advantageously, no structural modification is made on the outer surface of the tool to accommodate the tuning circuit. In one embodiment, a switching circuit enables a single antenna to function as both a transmitter and a receiver. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20110169492 | NEUTRON GENERATOR - A neutron generator includes an ion source disposed in a pressurized environment containing an ionizable gas. The ion source includes a substrate with a bundle of carbon nanotubes extending therefrom. The ends of the nanotubes are spaced from a grid. Ion source voltage supply circuitry supplies a positive voltage potential between the substrate and the grid of the ion source to cause ionization of the ionizable gas and emission of ions through the grid. An ion accelerator section is disposed between the ion source and a target. The ion accelerator section accelerates ions that pass through the grid towards the target such that collisions of the ions with the target cause the target to generate and emit neutrons therefrom. The ion source, accelerator section and target are housed in a sealed tube and preferably the carbon nanotubes of the bundle are highly ordered with at least 10 | 07-14-2011 |
| 20080211507 | Method and Apparatus for Gradient Electromagnetic Induction Well Logging - The method and apparatus for determining the conductivity of anisotropic formations surrounding a borehole. The method comprises measuring the gradient of the magnetic field by an electromagnetic logging tool in a borehole in the subsurface formation. The instrument comprises one or several closely positioned parallel receiver coils and one or several closely positioned parallel transmitter coils with the magnetic moment direction of the transmitter coils parallel or different from the magnetic moment direction of the receiver coils. In a preferred embodiment a gradient induction instrument consists of a tri-axial transmitter array and up to 27 pairs of receiver coils, measuring some or all magnetic gradient components: formula (I). | 09-04-2008 |
| 20090284259 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DOWNHOLE SPECTROSCOPY - Apparatus and method for estimating a property of a downhole fluid including a carrier that is conveyed in a borehole, and a semiconductor electromagnetic energy source carried by the carrier, the semiconductor electromagnetic energy source having an active region that includes one or more nitride-based barrier layers that are modulation-doped using a nitride-based doped layer. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090295392 | Resistivity Imager in Non-Conductive Mud for LWD and Wireline Applications - An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium for imaging an earth formation. A downhole assembly having a resistivity sensor is conveyed in a borehole penetrating the earth formation. The resistivity sensor includes a plurality of antenna coils arranged along a radial line that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the downhole assembly and configured to obtain measurements of a resistivity property of the earth formation. A processor images the earth formation using the obtained measurements. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20120293178 | AUTOMATIC ANISOTROPY, AZIMUTH AND DIP DETERMINATION FROM UPSCALED IMAGE LOG DATA - A method of determining anisotropy in a borehole is disclosed. An array of measurements along the borehole is obtained and a first depth in the borehole is selected. An arbitrary plane oriented with respect to the borehole at the first depth is designated and an anisotropy for the first depth with respect to the arbitrary plane is determined. The arbitrary plane is repositioned at the first depth and an anisotropy for different positions of the arbitrary plane at the first depth is determined. A minimum anisotropy coefficient with respect to the arbitrary plane at the first depth is identified based on anisotropy for different positions of the arbitrary plane. An anisotropy tensor for the first depth is then identified. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20080284440 | Logging while drilling tool for obtaining azimuthally sensitive formation resistivity measurements - An apparatus for making azimuthally sensitive resistivity measurements of a subterranean formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a magnetically permeably ring deployed about an electrically conductive tool body. An AC voltage supply is coupled to the tool body on opposing sides of the magnetically permeable ring, with at least one connecting conductor crossing outside the ring. Exemplary embodiments of this invention may further include one or more current sensing electrodes deployed in and electrically isolated from an outer surface of a blade deployed on the tool body and may be utilized to make azimuthally resolved formation resistivity measurements | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080278170 | SELECTABLE TAP INDUCTION COIL - An electromagnetic logging tool includes a support configured for disposal in a well; at least one antenna mounted on the support; and a plurality of coils mounted on the support proximate the at least one antenna, wherein the plurality of the coils are configured for selective connection with the at least one antenna. A methods for balancing an induction array on an electromagnetic logging tool includes measuring a mutual coupling between a transmitter and a receiver on the electromagnetic logging tool; and selectively connecting a subset of a plurality of coils on the electromagnetic logging tool to the transmitter or the receiver based on the measured mutual coupling. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20110204896 | DETECTING A STRUCTURE IN A WELL - A tool for detecting a structure in a well includes a receiver coil having a first winding and a second winding, a first circuit to apply an input signal to the second winding, and a detection circuit to detect a response of the first winding to the input signal applied to the second winding. The response of the first winding indicates presence of the structure in the well if the receiver coil is positioned proximate the structure. The depths (or locations) of these structures are used to avoid placing receivers near these structures for EM induction surveys, such as cross-well, surface-to-wellbore, or single-wellbore induction loggings with receivers in metallic casing. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20090102485 | Methods for Interpreting Multi-Component Induction Logs Using the X-Signal Measurements - Multi-component induction measurements are made using a resistivity logging tool in an anistropic earth formation. The X-signal (quadrature) is insensitive to borehole eccentricity. A subset of the multi-component measurements are inverted to first determine horizontal resistivities. Using the determined horizontal resistivities and another subset of the multi-component measurements, the vertical resistivities are obtained. Results of using the in-phase signals are comparable to those obtained using multifrequency focusing of quadrature signals. 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( | 04-23-2009 |
| 20100148782 | RUGGED QUARTZ CLOCK - A resonator clock suitable for use in downhole conditions is described. The resonator clock includes a resonator portion of piezoelectric material; two electrodes in electrical communication with the resonator portion such that the resonator portion resonates when voltage is applied between the two electrodes; and four supports to support the resonator portion. The supports are dimensioned and positioned to support the resonator portion under shock and vibration encountered in downhole use. The supports and the resonator portion are formed from the same continuous piece of piezoelectric material. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20080315882 | Apparatus and System for Well Placement and Reservoir Characterization - A resistivity array having a modular design includes a transmitter module with at least one antenna, wherein the transmitter module has connectors on both ends adapted to connect with other downhole tools; and a receiver module with at least one antenna, wherein the transmitter module has connectors on both ends adapted to connect with other downhole tools; and wherein the transmitter module and the receiver module are spaced apart on a drill string and separated by at least one downhole tool. Each transmitter and receiver module may comprise at least one antenna coil with a magnetic moment orientation not limited to the tool longitudinal direction. A spacing between the transmitter and receiver module may be selected based on expected reservoir thickness. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20110234230 | Azimuthal At-Bit Resistivity and Geosteering Methods and Systems - Logging tools and methods employing an at-bit loop antenna to acquire azimuthal resistivity measurements proximate to the bit enable low-latency geosteering signals to be generated. In some embodiments, the at-bit antenna is part of a bottom hole assembly that includes a drill bit, a mud motor, and a resistivity tool. The mud motor is positioned between the at-bit antenna and the resistivity tool. The resistivity tool includes at least one loop antenna that is not parallel to the at-bit loop antenna. The at-bit antenna is part of an at-bit module that, in some embodiments, transmits periodic electromagnetic signal pulses for the resistivity tool to measure. In other embodiments, the at-bit module measures characteristics of electromagnetic signal pulses sent by the resistivity tool and communicates the measured characteristics to the resistivity tool via a short hop telemetry link. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20090039888 | ELECTROMAGNETIC SURVEYING FOR HYDROCARBON RESERVOIRS - A method of electromagnetic surveying of an area of seafloor that is thought or known to contain a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir is described. The method includes broadcasting an EM signal from a horizontal electric dipole (HED) transmitter and obtaining vertical electric dipole (VED) response data at a remote receiver in response thereto. Survey data are analysed by comparing the VED response data with background data which are not sensitive to the postulated hydrocarbon reservoir. Accordingly, differences between the VED response data and the background data allow for the identification of buried hydrocarbon reservoirs. The background data may be provided by magneto-telluric surveying, controlled source electromagnetic surveying or from direct geophysical measurement. By employing VED response data in this way, surveys may be performed in shallower water than has previously been possible since the VED detector is not sensitive to air-wave components of the EM field induced by the HED transmitter at the VED detector. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090066334 | Short Normal Electrical Measurement Using an EM-Transmitter - A method and apparatus for determination of a formation resistivity property in which an impedance of a downhole antenna that includes an upper gap sub insulated from a lower sub is used as an estimate of the formation resistivity property. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090322336 | Coherent In-Phase Demodulation for Resistivity Image Tools with Spread Spectrum Continuous Phase Modulation Stimulus - A method and system for measuring formation resisitivity is achieved by introducing one or more continuous phase modulated electrical signals into the formation, each signal introduced at a different location. The current of each introduced electrical signal is then sensed, producing an analog voltage signal as a measurement of the formation. Each introduced electrical signal is compared with its respective measured signal of the formation. Each comparison is made in a quadrature demodulation device, producing an in-phase demodulated signal. A quasi-direct-current signal is extracted from each in-phase demodulated signal, producing an analog measurement related to the resistivity of the formation. Each analog measurement is converted into a digital value for further processing. Successive measurements are digitally summed and averaged to increase the signal to noise ratio. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090091327 | Protection of a Multidirectional Antenna - The disclosure provides an apparatus and method for estimating one or more formation properties downhole. The apparatus includes a tool body that has a longitudinal axis. The tool body has a number of metallic pillars that are attached to or are an integral part of the tool body. Antenna wires may be positioned on the tool body between the pillars in a plurality of orientations to provide a multidirectional antenna. An insulating material is used to cover the antenna wires. A high magnetic permeability material is placed between the antenna wires and the tool body. The antenna may be configured to operate as a transmitter or as a receiver for a resistivity sensor or an NMR sensor. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090219028 | Methods for Controlling Ion Beam and Target Voltage in a Neutron Generator for Improved Performance - A method for operating a pulsed neutron generator includes adjusting a target current of the neutron generator to a preselected value. A parameter related to a neutron output of the neutron generator is measured. A target voltage of the neutron generator is adjusted to maintain the measured parameter within a predetermined range. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20120126817 | DOWNHOLE SURVEYING UTILIZING MULTIPLE MEASUREMENTS - Certain embodiments described herein provide a measure of the misalignment of multiple acceleration sensors mounted in the downhole portion of a drill string. In certain embodiments, the measure of the misalignment corresponds to a measure of sag which can be used to provide an improved estimate of the inclination of the downhole portion of the drill string and/or the wellbore. Certain embodiments described herein provide an estimate of the magnetic interference incident upon a drilling system using multiple magnetic sensors mounted within a non-magnetic region of the downhole portion of the drilling system. Certain embodiments utilize the magnetic measurements to determine an axial interference resulting from one or more magnetic portions of the downhole portion and to provide an improved estimate of the azimuthal orientation of the downhole portion with respect to the magnetic field of the Earth. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20080252295 | Detection of Borehole Effects Due to Eccentricity on Induction Instruments with Tilted Transducers - A transverse antenna of an electromagnetic induction measurement is provided with an additional pair of split antennas. The difference in the outputs of this split antennas is indicative of a borehole effect such as eccentering of the tool. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20100277176 | LOGGING TOOL HAVING SHIELDED TRIAXIAL ANTENNAS - The present invention relates to a downhole logging tool having on its tool body a set of co-located antennas, one or more additional antennas spaced longitudinally apart from the set of co-located antennas, an electromagnetically transparent shield circumferentially surrounding the set of co-located antennas, and an electromagnetically transparent shield circumferentially surrounding each of the one or more additional antennas. The downhole logging tool may be a wireline or while-drilling tool, and it may be an induction or propagation tool. The shields may have slots that are locally perpendicular to the windings of underlying coil antennas. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100213942 | WIRED PIPE WITH WIRELESS JOINT TRANSCEIVER - A wireless transceiver for transmitting data across a pipe joint is described herein. At least some illustrative embodiments include a wireless communication apparatus including a housing configured to be positioned inside/proximate of/to an end of a drill pipe. The housing includes an antenna with at least one RF signal propagation path parallel to the axis of the housing, and an RF module (coupled to the antenna) configured to couple to a communication cable, and to provide at least part of a data retransmission function between an antenna signal and a communication cable signal. A material (transparent to RF signals within the RF module's operating range) is positioned along the circumference, and at/near an axial end, of the housing closest to the antenna. At least some RF signals, axially propagated between the antenna and a region near said axial end, traverse the radiotransparent material along the propagation path. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20110187372 | Acoustic Excitation With NMR Pulse - NMR measurements are made along with acoustic measurements using one tool. The antenna of the NMR sensor is used to create acoustic signals. Interference between the acoustic and NMR measurements is avoided due to the frequency difference, and by having the acoustic excitation during a wait time of the NMR pulse sequence. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20080224706 | Use of Electrodes and Multi-Frequency Focusing to Correct Eccentricity and Misalignment Effects on Transversal Induction Measurements - A multicomponent induction logging tool uses a nonconducting mandrel. A central conducting member including wires that electrically connect at least one of the antennas to another of the antennas. Electrodes disposed about the transmitter antenna form a conductive path through a borehole fluid to the central conducting member. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20110006773 | EM-Guided Drilling Relative to an Existing Borehole - Parallel drilling systems and methods suitable for drilling wells for steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). In some method embodiments, a tilted-antenna tool gathers azimuthally-sensitive electromagnetic signal measurements. Such measurements enable accurate measurement of inter-well distance and direction, thereby providing the necessary information for drilling accurately-spaced wells having reduced vulnerability to “short-circuits” that inhibit effective reservoir exploitation. In some other method embodiments, a tilted-antenna tool transmits azimuthally non-uniform signals as it rotates. The attenuation and azimuthal variation detected by one or more receivers enables accurate direction and distance determination. The transmitter and receiver antennas can in some cases be combined into a single tool, while in other cases the transmitters and receivers are placed in separate wells to increase detection range. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20090066335 | Method for Fast Measurement of the Saturation and the Resistivity of a Porous Medium - A method for measuring the conducting fluid saturation and the resistivity of a porous medium have application to development of underground geological formations. A solid sample is extracted from the medium and placed in a centrifugation cell, beside a second sample for limiting the capillary in the first sample. The two samples are partly desaturated by subjecting them to centrifugation. The resistivity of the sample is measured by placing it in a radial-electrode resistivity measurement cell. The saturation of the sample is then determined by measuring its nuclear magnetization by means of an NMR device. Repeating this procedure for different centrifugation velocities provide resistivity and saturation pairs allowing a relationship between saturation and resistivity to be estimated. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20100244841 | NON-PLANAR ANTENNAE FOR DIRECTIONAL RESISTIVITY LOGGING - A downhole measurement tool includes at least one non-planar antenna configured for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic radiation. The non-planar antenna includes at least one non-planar loop of antenna wire deployed about a tool body. In one exemplary embodiment, the non-planar antenna may be thought of as being bi-planar in that it includes first and second sections defining first and second intercepting geometric planes. In another exemplary embodiment, the axial separation between the non-planar loop of antenna wire and a circular centerline of the antenna varies substantially sinusoidally with respect to an azimuth angle about the circumference of the tool. Exemplary non-planar antennae in accordance with the invention may be advantageously configured to transceive substantially pure x-, y-, and z-mode radiation. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20080278169 | Electromagnetic Wave Resistivity Tool Having a Tilted Antenna for Determining the Horizontal and Vertical Resistivities and Relative Dip Angle in Anisotropic Earth Formations - This invention is directed to a downhole method and apparatus for simultaneously determining the horizontal resistivity, vertical resistivity, and relative dip angle for anisotropic earth formations. The present invention accomplishes this objective by using an antenna configuration in which a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna are oriented in non-parallel planes such that the vertical resistivity and the relative dip angle are decoupled. Preferably, either the transmitter or the receiver is mounted in a conventional orientation in a first plane that is normal to the tool axis, and the other antenna is mounted in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane. Although this invention is primarily intended for MWD or LWD applications, this invention is also applicable to wireline and possibly other applications. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20100052687 | High Resolution Resistivity Earth Imager - An imaging tool made includes a pad whose curvature is chosen based on the expected range of borehole radius and the pad size so as to maintain the maximum standoff below a desired value. The curvature may be adjusted using fasteners. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20090015260 | ANTENNA CUTOUT IN A DOWNHOLE TUBULAR - In some embodiments, an apparatus ( | 01-15-2009 |
| 20080297159 | Sensing Apparatus for Detecting an Interface Between First and Second Strata of Materials - A sensing apparatus for detecting an interface between first and second materials, each have a different dielectric loss factor, disposed in a stratified manner in a volume of materials having a predetermined depth comprises a length of transmission line having an inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric material and a shielding conductor. The transmission line may be coaxial or planar in form. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20120081121 | MULTIPLE DEPTHS OF INVESTIGATION USING TWO PAIRS OF TOROID TRANSMITTERS - An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest of an earth formation, particularly relating to borehole logging methods and apparatuses for estimating electrical resistivity properties at multiple depths of investigation. The apparatus may include two or more transmitters for introducing electrical current to the earth formation. The apparatus may include a controller configured to deliver an electrical signal to the two or more transmitters either simultaneously or sequentially. The controller may deliver an electrical signal to two or more transmitters at the same frequency for estimating depth of investigation. The apparatus may include one or more receivers responsive to electric signals from the earth formation at one or more frequencies to provide data from one or more depths of investigation. The method may include steps for using the apparatus to obtain data that may be used to estimate the parameter of interest. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120092016 | Antenna Apparatus and Method for Insulating - In one aspect, a method for insulating an antenna apparatus is provided, the method including coupling a transition piece to a bulkhead, wherein the bulkhead includes a first conductive path electrically coupled to a second conductive path in the transition piece and coupling an antenna cable to the transition piece, wherein the antenna cable includes a third conductive path electrically coupled to the second conductive path. The method further includes disposing an electrically insulating polymer on the bulkhead, transition piece, and antenna cable, wherein the insulating polymer is disposed by extrusion. | 04-19-2012 |
