Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
340853300 | Selective control of subsurface equipment | 19 |
20100073189 | MONOCONDUCTOR DATA-POWER TRANSMISSION - In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to acquire downhole data associated with a borehole casing, process a portion of the downhole data at a downhole location to provide processed data, regulate surface motor power received at a motor downhole, filter the surface motor power, and transmit the processed data to a surface location on a monoconductor that also carries the surface motor power. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 03-25-2010 |
20100188253 | Pulse Signaling for Downhole Telemetry - Disclosed herein are mud pulse telemetry systems and methods that employ some combination of modulated pulse positions, modulated pulse widths, and modulated pulse amplitudes to increase telemetry data rates. In at least some of the employed coding techniques, information is conveyed by the positions of both the upward and downward transitions. In some embodiments, fixed symbol intervals are used to convey combinatorial coded waveforms. In other embodiments, variable length symbol intervals include both a pulse position interval and a pulse width interval. The two intervals can be independently varied to convey telemetry data. Subject to specific system constraints, optimal coding efficiencies may be expected at data rates of between four and seven bits per symbol interval. | 07-29-2010 |
20100214120 | Well test system - The well test system has a net oil computer NOC that captures and stores information from disparate well instrumentation devices, measures produced oil, water, and gas quantities based on the information and controls well processes based on the quantity measurements. The NOC includes operational software that collects instrumentation data from a plurality of wells. Configuration software downloads user programmable configuration information to the NOC, which enables the NOC to record data from a wide variety of flow devices, water test meters, or the like. User programmable alarms are included. A plurality of controllers can control processes associated with individual wells. A wireless communication system electronically sends data and test results to cell phones, radio devices, and the like. A daily test data log provides a historical database, which is analyzed to formulate “Data Confidence” information for each well. The net oil computer is operable with two-phase or three-phase separators. | 08-26-2010 |
20100265094 | FRACTURING MONITORING WITHIN A TREATMENT WELL - In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a data signal from a sensor that is positioned within a well bore, during a hydraulic fracturing operation. The method further comprising detecting a microseismic event, that is caused by the hydraulic fracturing operation, wherein the detecting comprises performing a noise canceling operation on the data signal. | 10-21-2010 |
20110187556 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, placing the wellbore composition in the wellbore, and obtaining data from the MEMS sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, placing the wellbore composition in the wellbore, forming a network comprising the MEMS sensors, and transferring data obtained by the MEMS sensors from an interior of the wellbore to an exterior of the wellbore via the network. | 08-04-2011 |
20120146806 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DOWNHOLE COMMUNICATION - A method for downhole communication and an apparatus for remote actuation of a downhole tool is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: programming at least one tag ( | 06-14-2012 |
20130009784 | Online Measuring Assembly of the Rheological Properties of a Drilling Fluid and Associated Measuring Method - This assembly includes a measuring device ( | 01-10-2013 |
20130057411 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OF DOWNHOLE TOOL WITH REMOTE TRANSMITTERS AND SENSORS - The present disclosure includes an apparatus and method for operating a downhole tool in a borehole. The apparatus may include a downhole tool that may include at least one second clock, which may be synchronized to a first clock by way of a modulator/demodulator device. The downhole tool may be configured to estimate a parameter of interest of an underground feature. The underground feature may relate to one or more of: a borehole, a casing, or an earth formation. The downhole tool may comprise two or more sections that are configured to operate synchronously when the one or more second clocks are synchronized with the first clock. The modulator/demodulator may include a modem associated with the first clock, a modem associated with the at least one second clock, and a low frequency conductor between the two modems. The method includes using the apparatus. | 03-07-2013 |
20130222148 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING DOWNHOLE TOOLS USING UNTETHERED MOBILE DEVICES - Remote operation of downhole tools in a subterranean wellbore is performed by inserting untethered, mobile devices sequentially into the wellbore. The mobile devices can include motive means, power supply, communication and data storage means, etc. In one embodiment, the method comprises maneuvering a first mobile device into proximity with a downhole tool, the device powering the tool. The first device is then removed, such as by flowing up or dissolving. The now-powered tool is used to perform a test or other operation. A second mobile device is maneuvered into proximity with the downhole tool and data is transferred. The second device is retrieved with the data or, using on-board logic devices, provides “if-then” commands to the downhole tool. Alternately, a third mobile device can be used to power and transfer commands to the tool. The method can be used for various tasks, such as opening bypass ports on ICD valves. | 08-29-2013 |
20140077964 | System and Method for Optimizing an Operation of a Sensor Used with Wellbore Equipment - Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a sensor controller configured to apply predetermined criteria to determine when a parameter value sampled by a sensor module meets the predetermined criteria, and in response to making such a determination, adjust a commanded data rate including an update time period. In an illustrative example, the predetermined criteria may be independently defined for each sensor in a network. In examples with a network of sensors, the sensor controller may dictate sensor module operation at differentiated data rates. In an illustrative example, a sensor controller may communicate with a series of pressure level sensor modules connected to a drilling apparatus in a mud logging application. Upon detection of a pressure level change that exceeds a critical condition as determined through comparison with the predetermined criteria, the sensor controller may increase or decrease a data rate of the respective sensor module, for example. | 03-20-2014 |
20160115782 | WIRELESS RETRIEVABLE INTELLIGENT DOWNHOLE PRODUCTION MODULE - An apparatus for performing an operation in a borehole penetrating the earth includes a downhole module configured to perform the operation and having an anchor device configured to anchor the module in the borehole, the anchor device being releasable in order to retrieve the module. A power source is disposed on the module and configured to provide power to the module while a signal transducer is disposed on the module and configured to at least one of transmit a wireless signal and receive a wireless signal. The apparatus further includes a downhole electronic device disposed on the module, coupled to the signal transducer, and configured to operate the module and provide communications to the module including repeating a signal for transmission downhole or uphole. | 04-28-2016 |
340853600 | Control of drill bit or apparatus (e.g., steering, speed, etc.) | 8 |
20090115624 | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATION WITH AND REMOTE ACTIVATION OF DOWNHOLE TOOLS AND DEVICES USED IN ASSOCIATION WITH WELLS FOR PRODUCTION OF HYDROCARBONS - A system for communicating with downhole tools and devices is disclosed. The system includes multiple communication devices which, in combination, permit operators at the surface to operate downhole tools and to receive feedback regarding the state of the tools. | 05-07-2009 |
20090261986 | DOWNLINK WHILE PUMPS ARE OFF - A system and method for communicating with a downhole tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a telemetry system for communicating with a downhole tool in a wellbore includes a first electrode. A modulated electric current flows from the first electrode through a formation to the downhole tool. The telemetry system also includes a downlink box, which provides the modulated electric current to the first electrode. The downhole tool comprises a sensor unit, which detects the modulated electric current. The telemetry system includes a second electrode that allows the modulated electric current to return to the downlink box. The telemetry system also includes an uplink telemetry, wherein the uplink telemetry does not comprise electromagnetic telemetry. In some embodiments, the downlink may be operated while mud pumps are turned off. The downlink may also be operated while the downhole tool is sending uplink telemetry by a method other than electromagnetic current. | 10-22-2009 |
20100259415 | Method and System for Predicting Performance of a Drilling System Having Multiple Cutting Structures - A drilling system has multiple cutting structures, including a bit and one or more secondary cutting structures. A method balances the rate of penetration of the drilling system and the wear on the cutting structures by controlling weight on bit and RPM. The method includes calculating a predicted rate of penetration for the bit, using in the calculation the current predicted wear on the bit and the properties of the rock to be penetrated by the bit. The method includes calculating a predicted rate of penetration for at least one of the one or more secondary cutting structures, using in the calculation the current predicted wear on the secondary cutting structure and the properties of the rock to be penetrated by the secondary cutting structure. The method includes determining the slowest rate of penetration among those calculated for the bit and at least one the one or more secondary cutting structures. The method includes calculating the weight on bit and RPM for each of the bit and at least one of the one or more secondary cutting structures to substantially match the determined slowest rate of penetration. The method includes summing the calculated weights on bit to calculate a goal weight on bit for the drilling system and setting a goal RPM for a rotary portion of the drilling system to the slowest RPM calculated for the cutting structures that rotate at substantially the speed of the rotary portion of the drilling system. | 10-14-2010 |
20110169655 | METHOD FOR A PRESSURE RELEASE ENCODING SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING DOWNHOLE INFORMATION THROUGH A WELLBORE TO A SURFACE LOCATION - A method for a pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location includes positioning a valve and a brake in a drilling mud circulation system, initiating flow of drilling mud through the system, sensing flow through the valve and setting the brake at predefined pressure levels, sensing downhole conditions and releasing corresponding percentages of pressure across the valve at time intervals, and determining the downhole conditions at the surface by analyzing those associated time intervals. The method includes activation of the encoding system using drilling mud flow and setting predefined pressure levels, so that the pressure drops in the encoding process are from predefined levels at equilibrium and independent of fluid flow. | 07-14-2011 |
20130241741 | DOWNHOLE SYSTEM HAVING A WIRELESS UNIT - The present invention relates to a downhole system ( | 09-19-2013 |
20140049401 | Downlink Path Finding for Controlling The Trajectory while Drilling A Well - A method for drilling a well along a planned trajectory includes: receiving downhole data from a steerable drilling tool; processing the downhole data and creating a downlink path, the downlink path being recognizable by the steerable drilling tool; and controlling the trajectory of the steerable drilling tool based on the downlink path. | 02-20-2014 |
20150300150 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOOK AHEAD RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENT WITH OFFSET WELL INFORMATION - Systems and methods for obtaining deep resistivity measurements are described herein. The method may include obtaining first formation data from a first borehole within a formation. The method may further include obtaining second formation data from a drilling assembly disposed in a second borehole. In certain embodiments, the drilling assembly may comprise a drill bit and a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) or logging while drilling (LWD) assembly, and may be actively drilling the second borehole. The second formation data may correspond to a portion of the formation ahead of and around the drill bit. The first formation data and the second formation data may be correlated to identify a formation characteristic. The method may further include altering an operating condition of the drilling assembly based, at least in part, on the formation characteristic. | 10-22-2015 |
20150322766 | A METHOD OF AND A DEVICE FOR DETERMINING OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS OF A COMPUTATIONAL MODEL OF BOREHOLE EQUIPMENT, AN ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER AND BOREHOLE EQUIPMENT - A method of and a device for computer controlled determination of operational parameters of a computational model of borehole equipment for drilling a borehole in an earth formation are described. The borehole equipment has a rotational drive system, a drill string having a bottom hole assembly and a top end coupled to the rotational drive system, and a speed controller for controlling rotational drive speed of the drive system. The drive system is controlled such that a torque provided by the drive system while driving the drill string is varied over a time period. From the varying torque and rotational top end drive speed of the drill string an estimated torque-speed transfer function is obtained and matched with a torque-speed transfer function computed from the computational model of the borehole equipment. The operational parameters are determined from the matched estimated torque-speed transfer function and the computed torque-speed transfer function. | 11-12-2015 |