Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080283297 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTRODUCING A GEOTHERMAL PROBE INTO THE EARTH - In a method for introducing a geothermal probe into the earth, a geothermal probe is introduced in a radiating manner with the drill head into the earth. After the drilling operation, the drill head remains in the earth. | 11-20-2008 |
20090014214 | Profiling element - An element for profiling a wall of a borehole includes a shaft ( | 01-15-2009 |
20090065252 | System and Method for Stress Field Based Wellbore Steering - A system and method for the geomechanical steering of the orientation of a wellbore is disclosed. In one embodiment, any available a priori data regarding the stress characteristics of a region of interest are used to develop a preliminary stress model for the region. A geosteered drilling operation is thereafter commenced, with the trajectory being steered in a direction relative to the stress model of the region. While drilling, real-time data is obtained from conventional down-hole instrumentation. The real-time data is used to refine the stress model for the region, such that the trajectory can be guided on an ongoing basis to achieve an optimal relationship with the measured stress characteristics of the region. | 03-12-2009 |
20090065253 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INCREASING PRODUCTION OF A RESERVOIR - A method for stimulating production of a first wellbore associated with a reservoir. The method includes determining a textural complexity of a formation in which the reservoir is located, determining an induced fracture complexity of the formation using the textural complexity, determining a first operation to perform within the formation to maintain conductivity of the formation based on the induced fracture complexity and the textural complexity, performing the first operation within the formation, and fracturing the formation to create a first plurality of fractures. | 03-12-2009 |
20090065254 | Short Normal Electrical Measurement Using an Electromagnetic Transmitter - A method of drilling a wellbore is disclosed in which an electromagnetic signal is transmitted from a gap sub on a bottomhole assembly of a measurement-while drilling device into an earth formation. A related signal strength is measured at a surface location. Contact of a drill bit of the BHA with a new formation is estimated from a variation of the measured signal strength. | 03-12-2009 |
20090107724 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS FORMATION SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS DURING WELLBORE DRILLING - A wellbore formation sample acquisition and analysis instrument includes an annular drill bit configured to couple to one end of a drill string. The bit defines a passageway extending from a cutting face thereof to an exterior surface at a longitudinally spaced apart position from the cutting face. The instrument includes at least one sensor configured to measure a selected parameter of a sample of subsurface formation urged into the passageway by action of the cutting face against subsurface formations. Samples of the subsurface formations are ejected from the exterior surface end of the passageway by the samples entering the cutting face end thereof. | 04-30-2009 |
20090107725 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOGGING SOIL PROPERTIES IN A BOREHOLE - A system for logging soil properties in a borehole includes a borehole creating device and a logging tool deployed through an inner bore of the borehole creating device. The logging tool has a sensor component mounted on a sensor carrier, a packer for forcing the sensor carrier laterally into a wall of the borehole immediately below the lower end of the borehole creating device, and a locking structure for attaching the logging tool to the borehole creating device. The locking structure can be a plurality of spring locks that engage a corresponding groove in the borehole creating device. The locking structure couples the logging tool and the borehole creating device together with the sensor carrier protruding from a lower end of the borehole creating device. The logging tool is used to measure soil properties as the borehole creating device and the logging tool are raised together in the bore hole. | 04-30-2009 |
20090126996 | FORMATION EVALUATION WHILE DRILLING - A sample module for a sampling while drilling tool includes a sample fluid flowline operatively connectable between a sample chamber and an inlet, for passing a downhole fluid. A primary piston divides the sample chamber into a sample volume and a buffer volume and includes a first face in fluid communication with the sample volume and a second face in fluid communication with the buffer volume. An agitator is disposed in the sample volume for agitating the sample fluid. A secondary piston includes a first face in fluid communication with the buffer volume having buffer fluid disposed therein and a second face. | 05-21-2009 |
20090139768 | Apparatus and Methods for Continuous Tomography of Cores - A method of estimating a property of interest downhole according to one aspect of the disclosure may include continuously receiving a core drilled from a formation into an open end of a chamber while removing the core distal from the open end of the chamber; obtaining a measurement relating to property of interest of the core using at least one sensor; and estimating the property of interest of the core using the obtained measurement. | 06-04-2009 |
20090242274 | APPARATUS FOR MEASURING STREAMING POTENTIALS AND DETERMINING EARTH FORMATION CHARACTERISTICS - Earth formations are characterized by using an array of electrodes which can measure streaming potentials in the formation, and by interpreting the data obtained by the electrodes. The electrodes are placed on a wireline tool, a LWD tool, or in a fixed manner about a completed wellbore. The measured streaming potentials are generated by drilling with an overbearing pressure, slitting the mudcake in a borehole, acid injection, or any of various other manners which causes fluid movement. The data obtained is interpreted to locate fractures, measure formation permeability, estimate formation pressure, monitor drilling fluid loss, detect abnormal pressure, etc. Particularly, a streaming potential voltage transient having a double peak profile signifies the presence of a formation fracture. | 10-01-2009 |
20090255731 | REAL TIME FORMATION PRESSURE TEST AND PRESSURE INTEGRITY TEST - A system for measuring a formation parameter, the system including: a formation parameter test device having: a structure capable of segregating a discrete volume including a formation interface surface within a well, and a parameter sensor in operable communication with the volume; a high bandwidth communications system in operable communication with the parameter sensor; and a processing unit in operable communication with the high bandwidth communications system and disposed remotely from the parameter sensor, the processing unit configured to receive parameter data. | 10-15-2009 |
20090277686 | Analyzing Resistivity Images for Determining Downhole Events and Removing Image Artifacts - Borehole images obtained with MWD measurements have a mismatch with subsequent images obtained when measurements are repeated over the same depth interval after the drillstring has been raised up. The difference is attributable to stretch of the drillstring. This can be estimated by correlating the two images. The difference can also be estimated by monitoring drilling conditions such as RPM, WOB and torque on reentry. | 11-12-2009 |
20090288880 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF POROUS MEDIA USING COMPUTER TOMOGRAPIC IMAGES THEREOF - A method for estimating a physical property of a porous material from a sample of the material includes making a three dimensional tomographic image of the sample of the material, segmenting the image into pixels each representing pore space or rock grain, and estimating at least one physical property from the segmented image. | 11-26-2009 |
20090288881 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO FORM A WELL - Methods and apparatus to form a well are disclosed. An example method involves determining a reservoir fluid map associated with at least a portion of a reservoir. The first fluid map has first fluid composition data associated therewith. The example method also involves measuring a formation fluid and determining a second fluid composition data based on the measurement. The second fluid composition data is compared with the first fluid composition data associated with the reservoir fluid map, and a well trajectory is adjusted based on the comparison. | 11-26-2009 |
20090294175 | DOWNHOLE GAS CHROMATOGRAPH - A downhole fluid property estimating apparatus includes an interface in communication with a fluid in a first pressure zone, a collector in communication with the interface, the collector having a second pressure zone, wherein a second pressure zone pressure is less than a first pressure zone pressure, and a gas chromatograph coupled to the collector. A method includes establishing a first pressure zone having a fluid in communication with an interface, establishing a second pressure zone in a collector in communication with the interface, wherein a second pressure zone pressure is less than a first pressure zone pressure, collecting a fluid sample of the fluid in the first pressure zone using the collector, and estimating the downhole fluid property in-situ using a gas chromatograph coupled to the collector. | 12-03-2009 |
20090301781 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR GEOSTEERING AND FORMATION EVALUATION UTILIZING IMPROVED ANTENNAS - An apparatus for measuring one or more earth formation properties during applications including formation evaluation and geosteering applications is provided. The apparatus includes: an elongated body; at least one recessed portion on a periphery of the elongated body; an electrically conductive coil forming a closed loop, at least a portion of the coil extending through the at least one recessed portion; and a u-shaped magnetically permeable and non-conductive material disposed between the coil and the at least one recessed portion, the u-shaped material partially surrounding the coil in the at least one recessed portion. A system for measuring one or more properties of an earth formation is also provided. | 12-10-2009 |
20090301782 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE AND USE WELLBORE DIAMETERS - Example methods and apparatus to determine and use wellbore diameters are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises positioning a downhole tool in a wellbore, counting a number of rotations of a motor used to cause the downhole tool to contact a surface of the wellbore, and determining a diameter of the wellbore based on the number of rotations of the motor. | 12-10-2009 |
20100000792 | METHOD TO DETECT CORING POINT FROM RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS - Methods are described using resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well using a drilling mud. Resistivity data ahead of the bit is gathered during drilling and prior to penetrating a region of interest of a target subterranean formation using the drill bit and the drilling mud. The drill string progresses at target dip and azimuth angles toward the region on interest. The resistivity data is used to determine the top of the region of interest while the drill bit advances toward but does not penetrate the region. A core bit is then installed and a whole core of the region of interest obtained. Resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well may also be compared with conventional resistivity measurements obtained from one or more offset wells. | 01-07-2010 |
20100032211 | DRILLING APPARATUS FOR USE IN MINING - The invention relates to an accessory for a drilling apparatus for drilling holes into the ground and into which explosives can be filled for blasting purposes. Such drilling commonly occurs in open cast mining for mining of mineral deposits. It is known to take samples from materials blown from holes during drilling, permitting analysis of the samples in order to estimate accurately the mineral content in the area being mined. The accessory is operatively supported on a drilling apparatus and includes a dust particle catcher, for catching dust particles blown from a hole to form dust particle samples, and a collection arrangement including receptacles in which dust particle samples are collected. A control arrangement of the accessory controls the operation thereof and serves also to enable the hole and the depth region of the hole, from which each sample was collected, to be identified. | 02-11-2010 |
20100051347 | IN-SITU FORMATION STRENGTH TESTING WITH CORING - A method and apparatus for estimating one or more formation properties using in-situ measurements conducted at or near a coring location include a coring tool adapted to cut a core sample in a formation, a member having a distal end that engages a borehole wall substantially adjacent the core sample, and a drive device that engages the member to the borehole wall with a force sufficient to estimate formation strength. | 03-04-2010 |
20100071955 | SUB-SURFACE IMAGING USING ANTENNA ARRAY FOR DETERMING OPTIMAL OIL DRILLING SITE - The invention provides for systems and methods of enhancing crude oil recovery providing an array of electromagnetic receiver antennae arranged and operated in conjunction with an array of far field electromagnetic transmitter antennae for mapping subsurface features of a reservoir. Mapping is performed according to the relative intensities, frequencies, phase shifts, and/or other reflected signal parameters of the reflections received by the receiver antennae (relative to the transmit signals) associated with a given location or target area within a reservoir. Such mapping aids in determining an optimal location of a production well or the location of an auxiliary well relative to the production well. | 03-25-2010 |
20100089645 | Bit Based Formation Evaluation Using A Gamma Ray Sensor - A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes at least a gamma ray sensor configured to provide signals representative of a presence and/or amount of a naturally occurring gamma ray source when the drill bit is used for cutting into a formation. A circuit may be configured to process signals from the gamma ray sensor to provide an estimate a parameter relating to the naturally occurring gamma ray source, which may used for purposes such as optimizing drilling parameters and geosteering. | 04-15-2010 |
20100096187 | THROUGH DRILLSTRING LOGGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and systems for logging through a drillstring. In one embodiment, a method of logging an exposed formation includes drilling a wellbore by rotating a cutting tool disposed on an end of a drillstring and injecting drilling fluid through the drillstring; deploying a BHA through the drillstring, the BHA including a logging tool; forming a bore through the cutting tool; inserting the logging tool through the bore; longitudinally connecting the BHA to the drillstring; and logging the exposed formation using the logging tool while tripping the drillstring into or from the wellbore. | 04-22-2010 |
20100133010 | Anisotropic Depth Velocity Model Estimation Above the Receiver Array in Walkaway or 3D VSP Data - A walkaway VSP survey is carried out using a receiver array. Using a vertical VSP survey and arrival times of surface multiples on the walkaway VSP, vertical interval velocities and the anisotropy parameters δ and ε are estimated. This may then be used to process surface seismic data to do a prestack depth migration of surface seismic data and used for interpretation. For multi-azimuthal walkaway or 3D VSP data, we determine two VTI parameters ε and δ for multi-azimuth vertical planes. Then we determine five anisotropic interval parameters that describe P-wave kinematics for orthorhombic layers. These orthorhombic parameters may then be used to process surface seismic data to give a stacked image in true depth and for the interpretation purposes. | 06-03-2010 |
20100147590 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING ACOUSTIC SENSORS CLOSER TO A BOREHOLE WALL - An interchangeable sleeve for a downhole tool includes a substantially cylindrical body configured to circumferentially engage the downhole tool, a blade extending radially from the body, and a transducer disposed within the blade. A drilling assembly includes a drill collar, an interchangeable blade configured to couple to the drill collar, and a transducer disposed within the blade. A size of the blade and a size of the transducer are selected based on a diameter of a borehole in which the downhole tool is to be used. A method of manufacturing an interchangeable sleeve for a downhole tool includes forming a blade on a body of the sleeve such that the blade extends radially from the body, disposing a transducer within the blade, and configuring the sleeve to circumferentially engage the downhole tool. | 06-17-2010 |
20100170717 | FORMATION EVALUATION WHILE DRILLING - An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. | 07-08-2010 |
20100170718 | FORMATION EVALUATION WHILE DRILLING - An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. A retainer is configured to absorb axial loading of the sample chamber within the cavity. | 07-08-2010 |
20100200296 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCURATE WELLBORE PLACEMENT - A system and method of closed loop control whereby groupings of surface sonic transmitters disposed along the planned path of a well send sonic wave energy to a downhole sonic receiver (or alternatively a downhole sonic transmitter signalling to grouping of surface sonic receivers) in a manner that facilitates the downhole positioning of the well. Subsequent offset well positioning, relative to the first well, may be achieved in a similar manner. | 08-12-2010 |
20100263931 | Strength (UCS) of Carbonates Using Compressional and Shear Acoustic Velocities - Acoustic velocities measured downhole are used to predict a rock strength using results of a regression analysis that include grain size. The grain size can be obtained from drill cuttings or from NMR measurements. The determined rock strength is used in drilling operations. | 10-21-2010 |
20100276197 | MEASUREMENTS WHILE DRILLING OR CORING USING A WIRELINE DRILLING MACHINE - A drilling system and method for drilling underground boreholes is provided. The drilling system comprises a tool body, a downhole motor, a drill bit mounted on the body to be driven by the motor, a mechanism for driving the tool body axially along the borehole so as to apply weight on the drill bit when drilling, and an electrical cable extending from the surface to the tool body to provide power for the drilling motor. The tool body includes a conduit connected to the drill bit such that drilled material passes from the drill bit through the conduit, and sensors are provided in the conduit for measuring properties of the drilled material. | 11-04-2010 |
20100326727 | FORMATION EVALUATION WHILE DRILLING - An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. A retainer is configured to absorb lateral loading of the sample chamber within the cavity. | 12-30-2010 |
20110061935 | DRILLING WELLS IN COMPARTMENTALIZED RESERVOIRS - Method of drilling a well, including one method comprising determining a first value indicative of a relative position of a geological bed boundary with respect to a drilling assembly, determining a second value indicative of an optical property of a formation fluid proximate the drilling assembly, and controlling a well trajectory based on the first and second value. | 03-17-2011 |
20110114385 | Brine Salinity From Sound Speed - Temperature and pressure measurements that are made downhole are used to predict a compressional wave velocity for pure water under downhole conditions. The predicted velocity and a measured compressional velocity of a formation brine are used in a non-iterative method to estimate a value of the formation brine salinity that is between 0 and 1. | 05-19-2011 |
20110139508 | GAUGE PADS, CUTTERS, ROTARY COMPONENTS, AND METHODS FOR DIRECTIONAL DRILLING - The present invention recites a method, system and apparatus, wherein said method, system and apparatus comprises a gauge pad for a rotary component received within a borehole, the gauge pad comprising an exterior surface dimensioned for rotation in close proximity to the borehole, a pocket extending through the exterior surface, the pocket in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source, and wherein the exterior surface is dimensioned such that when a pressurized fluid is discharged through the pocket, the velocity of the fluid through a gap between the exterior surface and borehole creates a pressure drop sufficient to pull the rotary component toward the gauge pad. | 06-16-2011 |
20110139509 | PRESSURE AND FLOW CONTROL IN DRILLING OPERATIONS - A method of maintaining a desired downhole pressure during a drilling operation can include measuring a parameter with a sensor, communicating actual parameter values from the sensor to a predictive device, training the predictive device to output predicted parameter values in response to input of the actual parameter values, and outputting the predicted parameter values from the predictive device when the predictive device ceases receiving the actual parameter values. A well drilling system can include a predictive device which outputs predicted parameter values in response to input of actual parameter values to the predictive device. The predictive device continues to output the predicted parameter values, even when the predictive device fails to receive valid actual parameter values. Another well drilling system includes a data validator which communicates valid actual parameter values to the predictive device, but does not communicate invalid actual parameter values to the predictive device. | 06-16-2011 |
20110147083 | Analyzing Toolface Velocity to Detect Detrimental Vibration During Drilling - A downhole drilling vibration analysis involves measuring orientation data in at least two orthogonal axes downhole while drilling with a drilling assembly. For example, two orthogonal magnetometers can be used. A toolface of the drilling assembly is determined using the measured sensor data, and velocity (RPM) values for the toolface for a plurality of revolutions of the drilling assembly are determined. From these determined values, a coefficient of variation for the toolface velocity (RPM) values for the revolutions of the drilling assembly is calculated. When a pattern in found in the toolface velocity (RPM) and/or the calculated coefficient of variations exceed one or more thresholds, the processing device determines that detrimental vibrations are occurring in the drilling assembly. | 06-23-2011 |
20110155464 | METHOD FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE FORMATION FLUID INVASION MOMENT - The method of the formation fluid invasion moment identification consists in the sinking of an apparatus for the sampling of the fluid mixture into the uncased wellbore; the apparatus consists of the body, standard probe, hydraulic system, sample storage chamber and pumping module. Then the fluid mixture is pumped out and simultaneously the temperature of the fluids being pumped out is measured using at least one temperature transducer positioned in the sampling apparatus hydraulic system. Based on the values obtained the graph of the derivative temperature of the pumped out fluids as function of time is built up and the formation fluid invasion moment is identified. | 06-30-2011 |
20110168446 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING OR RECEIVING INFORMATION BETWEEN A DOWN-HOLE EQIPMENT AND SURFACE - The invention provides a method of receiving and/or transmitting information in a well drilled in a geological formation between a first location and a second location, the well comprising a casing communicating with the geological formation. The method comprises placing a first transducer at a first location, placing a second transducer at a second location. Transmitting an electric signal between the first and second transducers. | 07-14-2011 |
20110203846 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEISMIC DATA ACQUISITION DURING DRILLING OPERATIONS - An apparatus and method are provided for obtaining formation data while drilling. The apparatus may include a drill string and a plurality of sensors. At least two of the plurality of sensors are spaced apart along the drill string a approximately the same distance as a length of a segment of the drill string. The segment of the drill string is either added to or removed from the rest of the drill string as the drill string moves in the borehole during a drilling operation. The method may include providing numerous sensors along a drill string and repeating a cycle of various functions. The cycle may include performing an operation moving the drill string relative to the borehole and stopping movement of the drill string. Additional functions may include changing an overall length of the drill string and performing the formation property while the drill string is relatively stationary. | 08-25-2011 |
20110203847 | Downhole Hydraulic Jetting Assembly, and Method for Stimulating a Production Wellbore - A method for forming multiple lateral boreholes from an existing wellbore is provided. The wellbore has been completed with a string of production casing. The wellbore may have a slimhole region having an inner diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the production casing. The method generally comprises providing a downhole apparatus having a whipstock. The whipstock may be a single piece tool that rotates into position below the slimhole region, or it may be a two piece tool comprising a top whipstock member and a separate bottom whipstock member. The whipstock has a curved face. The method also includes running the apparatus down into the parent wellbore. A force is applied to the apparatus to cause the whipstock to rotate within the wellbore into an operating position. In this position, the curved face of the whipstock forms a bend-radius that allows the jetting hose to bend across the entire inner diameter of the production casing. A jetting hose is run into the wellbore. Upon contact with the curved face of the whipstock, the jetting hose is re-directed through a window in the production casing. Hydraulic fluid is injected under pressure through the hose to provide hydraulic jetting. The hose is directed through the window and into the formation to create a lateral borehole extending many feet outwardly into a subsurface formation. A downhole jetting assembly for forming multiple lateral boreholes from a parent wellbore is also provided herein. The assembly utilizes substantially the entire inner diameter of the casing as the bend radius for a hydraulic jetting hose, thus providing for the maximum hydraulic horsepower at the jetting nozzle. | 08-25-2011 |
20110209918 | INCREASED ENERGY IMPACT TOOL - A downhole jarring tool includes a mandrel having a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, a detent cylinder sealingly disposed around the mandrel forming an enclosure, a divider disposed in the enclosure between the mandrel and the detent cylinder, wherein the divider partitions the enclosure into a storage chamber and a metering chamber, and a metering system disposed around the mandrel. A method of applying an impact force using a downhole jarring tool includes moving a mandrel with respect to a detent cylinder by applying an axial force, positioning the mandrel such that a metering system disposed on the mandrel enters a reduced diameter portion of the detent cylinder, transmitting energy to an energy storing component disposed inside the detent cylinder, metering a fluid through the metering system, and accelerating the mandrel with respect to the detent cylinder. | 09-01-2011 |
20110220411 | DOWNHOLE ACOUSTIC SENSING TOOL AND METHOD - An acoustic sensing tool for use with a carrier disposed in a wellbore may include a base and a resilient clamp disposed around the base. The clamp may move between a retracted position, in which the clamp interior surface engages the carrier, and an expanded position, in which the clamp exterior surface engages the wellbore. A sensor is coupled to the clamp. An actuator is movable along the base and operably coupled to the clamp. The actuator is operable to move the clamp between the retracted and expanded positions and configured to maintain contact with the clamp in both the retracted and expanded positions so that movement of the actuator in a first direction causes the housing to move to the expanded position, and movement of the actuator in a second, opposite direction causes the housing to move to the retracted position. | 09-15-2011 |
20110220412 | Formation Evaluation While Drilling - An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. | 09-15-2011 |
20110226531 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING BOREHOLE CONDITIONS, IN PARTICULAR, VERIFICATION OF A FINAL BOREHOLE DIAMETER - The present invention is a system and method for measuring borehole conditions, in particular for verification of a final diameter of a borehole. The system includes a drill string with a drill bit and a drilling mud circulation device, an underreamer attached to the drill string above the drill bit, and a tool body attached to the drill string, having a sensor for detecting downhole conditions, such as borehole diameter. The tool body is mounted above the underreamer and has a diameter smaller than the underreamer and drill bit. The sensor can be an ultrasonic transducer with adjustable signal amplitude and can be fixed in positions along the tool body. The system may also include a calibrator for sensor data, and an auxiliary tool body with another sensor between the drill bit and the underreamer. The method of the present invention is use of the system for final borehole verification. | 09-22-2011 |
20110240365 | Internal Liquid Measurement and Monitoring System for a Three Phase Separator - The internal liquid measurement and monitoring system for a three phase separator allows the user to accurately and reliably calculate the volumetric flow rate of the liquids exiting the three phase separator. A differential pressure device is attached to where the extension fitting of each liquid inside of the three phase separator. The differential pressure device creates a differential pressure, which is conveyed to a sensor by means of a pair of sensing lines. The sensor relays the differential pressure reading to an RTU flow computer that calculates the volumetric flow rate of the liquid exiting the three phase separator. The calculation is then sent to a SCADA system, which allows the user to observe the volumetric flow rate in real time. | 10-06-2011 |
20110247878 | EXPANSION AND SENSING TOOL - An expansion and sensing tool ( | 10-13-2011 |
20110253448 | Formation Evaluation Using a Bit-Based Active Radiation Source and a Gamma Ray Detector - A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes a source configured to induce radiation into a formation during drilling of a wellbore and a sensor in the drill bit configured to detect radiation from the formation responsive to the radiation induced by the source. The drill bit may further include a circuit configured to process signals received from the sensor to estimate a property of the formation. | 10-20-2011 |
20110266055 | Apparatus and Methods for Detecting Performance Data in an Earth-Boring Drilling Tool - Methods and associated tools and components related to generating and obtaining performance data during drilling operations of a subterranean formation is disclosed. Performance data may include thermal and mechanical information related to earth-boring drilling tool during a drilling operation are disclosed. For example, a cutting element of an earth-boring drilling tool may include a substrate with a cutting surface thereon. The cutting element may further include at least one thermistor sensor coupled with the cutting surface, and a conductive pathway operably coupled with the at least one thermistor sensor. The at least one thermistor sensor may be configured to vary a resistance in response to a change in temperature. The conductive pathway may be configured to provide a current path through the at least one thermistor sensor in response to a voltage. Other methods, tools and components are provided. | 11-03-2011 |
20110266056 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PLANNING AND DYNAMICALLY UPDATING SAMPLING OPERATIONS WHILE DRILLING IN A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION - Methods and apparatus for planning and dynamically updating sampling operations while drilling in a subterranean formation are described. An example method of planning a sampling while drilling operation for a subterranean formation includes identifying a plurality of processes and related parameters, the processes including drilling and sampling processes and the related parameters including drilling and sampling parameters. The example method also involves processing the parameters for each of the processes via a simulation engine to generate predictions associated with sampling the formation, the simulation engine including at least one of a wellbore hydraulics simulator, a mudcake simulator, a formation flow simulator, or a tool response simulator. The example method also involves ranking the predictions associated with sampling the formation based on at least one of a sample fluid quality, a sampling process duration, a sampling process efficiency or a cost of sampling, and planning the sampling operation based on the ranked predictions. | 11-03-2011 |
20110266057 | DEVICE INCLUDING AN APPARATUS FOR MEASURING DRILLING OR CORING OPERATION PARAMETERS, AND EQUIPMENT INCLUDING SUCH A DEVICE - The invention relates to a device including an apparatus for measuring drilling or coring operation parameters using a bit attached to the end of a drill string, the measuring apparatus ( | 11-03-2011 |
20110272195 | Method and Apparatus to Adjust Weight-On-Bit/Torque-On-Bit Sensor Bias - Apparatuses and methods for adjusting weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias in a drill bit. The apparatus may include a bit adjustment device disposed at least partially in a cavity in a bit shank. The bit adjustment device includes electronics and sensors for estimating a weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit bias. The method includes adjusting the weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias of a drill bit. The method may include adjusting force on a bit adjustment device to adjust weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias. The method may also include securing the bit adjustment device within the cavity of the bit shank after the desired weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias has been achieved. | 11-10-2011 |
20110290561 | Downhole Hydraulic Jetting Assembly, and Method for Stimulating a Production Wellbore - A method for forming lateral boreholes from an existing parent wellbore is provided. The wellbore has been completed with a string of production casing. The method generally comprises providing a downhole tool assembly having a whipstock. The method also includes running the assembly down into the parent wellbore. A force is applied to the assembly to cause the whipstock to rotate within the wellbore into an operating position. In this position, a curved face of the whipstock forms a bend-radius substantially across the inner diameter of the casing. A jetting hose is run into the wellbore. Upon contact with the curved face of the whipstock, the jetting hose is re-directed through a window in the production casing. Hydraulic fluid is injected under pressure through the hose to provide hydraulic jetting. The hose is directed through the window and into the formation to create a lateral borehole extending many feet outwardly into a subsurface formation. A downhole tool assembly for forming lateral boreholes from a parent wellbore is also provided herein. The assembly utilizes substantially the entire inner diameter of the casing as the bend radius for a hydraulic jetting hose. | 12-01-2011 |
20110303463 | Method for Determining the Content of A Plurality of Compounds Contained In A Drilling Fluid - A method for the extraction of a gas fraction of each compound, the measurement of information representative of the gas fraction of each compound and the calculation, for each first compound of a first group of compounds, of the content of said first compound in the drilling fluid on the basis of information measured for the gas fraction of the first compound and on the basis of a first correction factor (ρ | 12-15-2011 |
20110315445 | Methods for Installling Sensors in a Borehole - A method of installing a sensor in a borehole drilled through underground formations, wherein the borehole is drilled with a hollow drill string formed from a series of pipe sections connected end-to-end, a drill bit being positioned at one end of the drill string and having an closure that is operable to provide an opening between the borehole and the inside of the drill string, the method comprising:
| 12-29-2011 |
20120024600 | Method and Apparatus for Resistivity Measurements - An apparatus for measuring a resistivity of a formation comprising an instrumented bit assembly coupled to a bottom end of the apparatus. At least one first electromagnetic wave antenna transmits an electromagnetic wave signal into the formation. At least one second electromagnetic wave antenna located on the instrumented bit assembly and longitudinally spaced apart from the at least one first electromagnetic wave antenna receives the electromagnetic wave signal transmitted through the formation. Electronic circuitry is operably coupled to the at least one second electromagnetic wave antenna to process the received signal to determine a resistivity of the formation proximate the instrumented bit assembly. | 02-02-2012 |
20120031670 | Apparatus and Methods for Real Time Communication Between Drill Bit and Drilling Assembly - An apparatus made according to one embodiment includes a drill bit that has a cavity at an end thereof and a communication device placed in the cavity, wherein the communication device includes a first section and a second section, wherein an outer dimension of the second section is greater than an outer dimension of the first section, and wherein the second section includes a conduit configured to allow passage of a conductor from the drill bit to a location outside the drill bit so as to provide a direct connection of the conductor from the drill bit to an element outside the drill bit. | 02-09-2012 |
20120037422 | DRILLING TOOL, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR UNDERREAMING AND SIMULTANEOUSLY MONITORING AND CONTROLLING WELLBORE DIAMETER - The Smart Reamer® Tool, Apparatus or Method is used to underream an oil or natural gas well while interlinked calipers and calibration sensors simultaneously record data relating to the geometry of the drilling operation (well diameter, diameter of the underreamed zone) and drilling fluid properties (density). Further sensors provide data on the relative position of the cutting and stabilizing blocks. Other sensors measure vibration data. All the sensors are interlinked by means of microprocessors which compare and correlate said data to automatically verify and deliver a desired wellbore diameter without the need to unnecessarily stop drilling or trip out of the hole. | 02-16-2012 |
20120037423 | Low Frequency Formation Shear Slowness From Drilling Noise Derived Quadrupole Array Data - The present disclosure is related to apparatuses and methods measuring and processing a characteristic of subsurface earth formations penetrated by a borehole. More specifically this present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for measuring and processing an acoustic characteristic such as formation shear wave velocity of subsurface sonic waves after these waves traverse earth formations adjoining a borehole or passing through a portion of the subsurface. The apparatus may include: a bottomhole assembly, a drill bit configured to generate an acoustic signal, at least two acoustic detectors, and a processor. The acoustic signal may include a specific multipole signal that may propagate through an earth formation along the borehole. The method may include use of the apparatus, including steps for estimating a shear velocity of the acoustic signal using signals from the at least two acoustic detectors. | 02-16-2012 |
20120055711 | WALL CONTACT CALIPER INSTRUMENTS FOR USE IN A DRILL STRING - A drill string caliper includes a mandrel configured to be coupled within a drill string. At least one laterally extensible arm is coupled to an exterior of the mandrel. A biasing device is configured to urge the at least one arm into contact with a wall of a wellbore. A sensor is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a lateral extent of the at least one arm. | 03-08-2012 |
20120067645 | WEIGHT-ON-BIT DRILL SUB - An apparatus and method for producing pressure signals which indicate when weight-on-bit, during the drilling of a wellbore, exceed a predetermined, upper limit. The apparatus includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel that inserts into and is axially moveable within the first mandrel. The position of the second mandrel may be dependent upon the balance of a biasing member's biasing strength and the weight-on-bit exerted on the drill bit. If weight-on-bit values overcome the biasing strength of the biasing member, the second mandrel may move uphole within the first mandrel and create a pressure signal that is detectable at surface so that the operator is made aware that weight-on-bit values exceed the upper limit. | 03-22-2012 |
20120080229 | Formation Sensing and Evaluation Drill - The present disclosure relates methods and apparatuses for testing and sampling of underground formations or reservoirs. The apparatus may include at least one extendable element configured to penetrate a formation. The at least one extendable element may include at least one drill bit with a nozzle configured to receive formation fluids. The at least one extendable element may include at least one sensor disposed on the at least one extendable element. The at least one extendable element may also include a source of stimulus for stimulating the formation. The at least one extendable element may be configured to detach and/or attach from/to a bottom hole assembly (BHA). One method may include steps for performing testing on the formation for estimating a parameter of interest of the formation. Another method may include steps for performing testing to estimate a parameter of interest of the formation fluid. | 04-05-2012 |
20120085583 | DRILL BIT ASSEMBLY HAVING ELECTRICALLY ISOLATED GAP JOINT FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY - A drill bit assembly having an electrically isolated gap joint for electromagnetic telemetry comprises a drill bit, a pin body, an electrically insulating gap joint therebetween, and an electrical conductor extending across the gap joint. The bit head has a cutting end and an opposite connecting end with an engagement section. The pin body has a tubular body with an axial bore therethrough, and comprises a connecting end with an engagement section. The pin body connecting end is connected to the bit head connecting end such that the engagement sections overlap. The electrically insulating gap joint fills an annular gap between the bit head and pin body engagement sections such that the bit head and pin body are mechanically connected together at the connecting ends but are electrically separated. The electrical conductor has one end electrically contacting one of the bit head and pin body, and the other end communicable with electronics equipment. | 04-12-2012 |
20120097450 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC DETECTION AND ANALYSIS OF BOREHOLE BREAKOUTS FROM IMAGES AND THE AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF ALERTS - Disclosed is a method for detecting a pair of opposing breakouts in a borehole penetrating an earth formation. The method includes: conveying a downhole tool configured to perform measurements of a property of the earth formation; producing an image of the earth formation from the measurements, the image comprising a plurality of sectors; dividing the sectors into radial segments, each segment corresponding to an opposite segment; rotating the segments at least one sector at a time until a specified angle is achieved; calculating an average value for the measurements associated with each segment for each rotation of the segments; stacking the average values for opposing segments to produce stack values; determining a maximum or minimum stack value; determining if the maximum or minimum stack value exceeds a threshold value; and detecting the first breakout and the second breakout if the maximum or minimum stack value exceeds the threshold value. | 04-26-2012 |
20120097451 | ELECTRICAL CONTROLLER FOR ANTI-STALL TOOLS FOR DOWNHOLE DRILLING ASSEMBLIES - An anti-stall tool in an oil well drilling assembly that controls reciprocation of the drill bit by an electrical controller that alters weight-on-bit (WOB) depending upon measured downhole pressure or torque at the downhole motor. The electrical controller receives preset high and low working pressure limits for the downhole motor and activates a hydraulic valve system to keep the drill bit rotating by maintaining WOB during normal drilling operations, increasing WOB if sensed working pressure indicates that drill bit loading or torque is undesirably low, and reversing WOB by retracting the drill bit if excessive working pressure or torque is sensed. | 04-26-2012 |
20120097452 | Downhole Tool Deployment Measurement Method and Apparatus - In one aspect, an apparatus for conveying a tool while drilling a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a line coupled to the tool, a conveying assembly coupled to the line, the conveying assembly located at a surface and configured to release the line to convey the tool into the drill string and a sub including a passage for the line to pass therethrough. The apparatus also includes a measuring device configured to determine a position of the tool within the drill string by determining a length of the line that is conveyed along with the tool into the drill string. | 04-26-2012 |
20120103688 | Drill-Bit Seismic With Downhole Sensors - A drill-bit seismic method where the seismic receivers are located in the BHA. The data detected by these receivers is processed by a downhole processing unit in order to estimate the interval velocity of the seismic wave between the sensors and between the bit and a sensor. Additionally, the processed data might provide the distance to a seismic reflector close to the borehole and the average seismic velocity between the well and this reflector. The processed data can be transmitted to surface location by mud-pulse telemetry. The pilot signal can be also used to process seismic data recorded by receivers located at the earth surface (or close to it). | 05-03-2012 |
20120111632 | FORMATION TESTER PAD - A formation tester seal pad includes a support member and a deformable seal pad element including an outer sealing surface having a plurality of raised portions and adjacent spaces. In some embodiments, the raised portions are deformable into the adjacent spaces in response to a compressive load on the outer sealing surface. In some embodiments, the support member includes an inner raised edge and an outer raised edge to capture the deformable seal pad element. In some embodiments, a deformable seal pad element includes a volume of seal pad material above a support member outer profile and a volume of space below the outer profile. In some embodiments, the space volume receives a portion of the seal pad volume in response to a compressive load. | 05-10-2012 |
20120111633 | Sensor on a Drilling Apparatus - In an aspect, a drilling apparatus is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a drill string to be disposed in a borehole. The drill string includes a tubular, a borehole assembly coupled to the tubular and a drill bit disposed at an end of the borehole assembly. Further, the apparatus includes a strain gauge directly deposited on the drill string. | 05-10-2012 |
20120132467 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STRAIN MEASUREMENT AMPLIFICATION - A technique physically amplifies strain to facilitate measurement of strain/displacement. A strain amplifying mechanism is mounted to a component being monitored for strain and comprises an input port and an output port. The strain amplifying mechanism is attached to the component such that the input port moves when the component undergoes strain. Movement of the input port causes movement of the output port over a distance greater than the physical movement of the input port. A strain sensor is coupled to the output port to detect its movement over the greater distance. | 05-31-2012 |
20120132468 | CUTTER WITH DIAMOND SENSORS FOR ACQUIRING INFORMATION RELATING TO AN EARTH-BORING DRILLING TOOL - Methods and associated tools and components related to generating and obtaining performance data during drilling operations of a subterranean formation is disclosed. Performance data may include thermal and mechanical information related to earth-boring drilling tool during a drilling operation are disclosed. For example, a cutter of an earth-boring drilling tool may include a substrate with a cutting surface thereon. The cutter may further include at least one diamond sensor coupled with the cutting surface, and a conductive pathway operably coupled with the at least one diamond sensor. The at least one diamond sensor may be configured to generate a piezoelectric signal in response to an applied stimulus. | 05-31-2012 |
20120138363 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN A HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION WELL IN SITU IN AN ONGOING MANNER - The level of hydrogen sulfide in drilling fluid within a well formed in the Earth is assessed in an ongoing and/or in situ manner. The well may be constructed for the removal of hydrocarbons from the Earth. The assessment of hydrogen sulfide level may be provided in an ongoing manner such that real time, or near real time, fluctuations in hydrogen sulfide levels in the drilling fluid within the well may be conveyed to users. This may provide various advantages over systems in which drilling fluid must be extracted and separately tested for hydrogen sulfide content, and/or in which assessments of hydrogen sulfide level require time for performance. | 06-07-2012 |
20120138364 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN A HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION WELL IN SITU IN AN ONGOING MANNER - The level of hydrogen sulfide in drilling fluid within a well formed in the Earth is assessed in an ongoing and/or in situ manner. The well may be constructed for the removal of hydrocarbons from the Earth. The assessment of hydrogen sulfide level may be provided in an ongoing manner such that real time, or near real time, fluctuations in hydrogen sulfide levels in the drilling fluid within the well may be conveyed to users. This may provide various advantages over systems in which drilling fluid must be extracted and separately tested for hydrogen sulfide content, and/or in which assessments of hydrogen sulfide level require time for performance. | 06-07-2012 |
20120145458 | ROTARY STEERABLE DRILLING SYSTEM - A rotary steerable drilling system comprises a rotatable housing having a plurality of steering actuators mounted thereon and movable, individually, between retracted and extended positions, the actuators being electrically controlled, and a battery arranged to supply electrical power to the actuators. | 06-14-2012 |
20120145459 | Seismic tool assembly for use in anchor insertion - A seismic tool assembly for effecting a drill hole and enlarging a lowermost end thereof whereby an anchor can be set more securely therein. A drill bit is inserted through an opening in a cap portion, which is mounted on a stabilizer mounted within at least a portion of the drill hole. The bit is then inserted through each of the cap portion and the stabilizer to attain a drilling position. The bit possesses extra cutting tips on an upper end thereof, with a view to widening the upper end of a drill hole so that a wider flange can be inserted therein, so as to further stabilize and support the stabilizer when limited tilting movement of the bit within the stabilizer is performed during the drilling process. | 06-14-2012 |
20120217065 | System for Analysing Gas From Strata Being Drilled Under High Mud Flows - A gas analysis system for determining the gas content of subterranean strata. A boring operation is commenced to form a borehole into or through a subterranean formation, such as a coal or shale formation to determine the gas content thereof. The drill fluid, cuttings and any desorbed gas is carried from the downhole location to surface analysing equipment in a closed system, so that the desorbed gases are not exposed to the air. The drill stem is capped or sealed at the surface, as well as the wellbore annulus to effectively seal the drill liquid, cuttings and desorbed gasses. The drill fluid, cuttings and desorbed gasses from the formation are coupled from the wellhead apparatus to the gas processing equipment via a closed system so that the constituents and volume of the gas can be determined. | 08-30-2012 |
20120234599 | Measuring Gas Losses at a Rig Surface Circulation System - A technique for improving the capability of measuring gas losses at the rig surface area uses a predetermined quantity of a preselected gas injected into the drilling fluid used in the drilling rig, which is then detected and compared to measure the gas loss. Various embodiments may use special-purpose gases. Other embodiments may use air or components of air, such as nitrogen or oxygen, as the gas to be detected and measured. | 09-20-2012 |
20120255781 | DETERMINING A PROPERTY OF A FORMATION MATERIAL - Method for determining a property of a formation material in the course of a jet drilling operation, wherein a fluid jet is blasted with erosive power into impingement with the formation material, the method comprising postulating a relationship between the erosive power and a removal rate of formation material as a result of the impingement of the fluid jet with the erosive power on said formation material, the relationship comprising a parameter related to at least one property of the formation material; determining removal rates of formation material for at least two settings of erosive power; and determining the at least one property of the formation material from the relationship and the determined removal rates in dependence on erosive power. | 10-11-2012 |
20120261191 | DETERMINING METHANE CONTENT OF A BOTTOM SAMPLE - A methane content of a bottom sample comprising methane hydrate crystals is determined by:—taking a core sample ( | 10-18-2012 |
20120273274 | BORING ELEMENT FOR A GROUND BORING DEVICE - A boring element of a ground boring device includes a housing having a receptacle, a transmitter arranged in the receptacle of the housing and supported in the receptacle for movement in a longitudinal-axial direction of the boring element, and a front buffer connecting the transmitter with the housing. The transmitter moves towards a rear in the receptacle as a result of a deformation of the front buffer, when a rear percussive impulse is applied to the boring element, without the transmitter coming directly into contact with another part of the boring element. | 11-01-2012 |
20120279783 | Apparatus and Method for Drilling Wellbores Based on Mechanical Specific Energy Determined from Bit-Based Weight and Torque Sensors - The disclosure, in one aspect, provides a method of drilling a wellbore that includes features of drilling the wellbore using a drilling assembly that includes a drill bit that further includes a weight sensor and a torque sensor, determining weight-on-bit using measurements from the weight sensor and torque-on-bit using measurement from the torque sensor during drilling of the wellbore, obtaining measurements for rotational speed of the drill bit and rate of penetration of the drill bit during drilling of the wellbore, determining mechanical specific energy of the bottomhole assembly using the determined weight-on-bit, torque-on-bit and obtained rotational speed of the drill bit and the obtained rate of penetration of the drill bit, and altering a drilling a parameter in response to the determined mechanical specific energy. | 11-08-2012 |
20120298421 | DETECTION OF GAS INFLUX INTO A WELLBORE - An influx of gas into a borehole can be detected by deploying a string of acoustic sensors along a drill string or other conduit to monitor an acoustic characteristic, such as velocity or attenuation, of the drilling fluid present in the borehole. In response to detection of acoustic pulses propagating in the drilling fluid, the acoustic sensors generate signals that are representative of acoustic characteristics if the drilling fluid. Based on the generated signals, a data acquisition system can determine whether a change in the monitored acoustic characteristic is indicative of a gas influx. | 11-29-2012 |
20120305314 | OPTIMIZED PRESSURE DRILLING WITH CONTINUOUS TUBING DRILL STRING - A method of drilling a wellbore can include drilling the wellbore with a continuous tubing drill string, and sensing at least one parameter with an optical waveguide in the drill string. A well system can include a continuous tubing drill string, and an optical waveguide in the drill string. The optical waveguide may sense at least one parameter distributed along the drill string. | 12-06-2012 |
20120305315 | Oilfield Operation Using A Drill String - Collecting temperature data at a plurality of locations along a wellbore, performing thermo-mechanical simulations of a drill string in response to mud circulation wherein the drill string comprises a tool string suspended in the wellbore from a pipe string, determining changes in length of the pipe string due to temperature changes, positionally fixing the tool string at one of the locations, and adjusting the length of the pipe string based on the determined change in length of the pipe string. Positionally fixing the tool string may comprise lowering the drill string a side entry sub of the drill string is proximate a top end of the wellbore wherein the side entry sub is configured to allow a wireline cable to enter a bore of the drill string, positioning the side entry sub above a blow-out-preventer, and closing the blow-out-preventer around the drill string below the side entry sub. | 12-06-2012 |
20120312598 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING TEMPERATURE DATA OF A COMPONENT OF AN EARTH-BORING DRILLING TOOL - Components, such as a cutting element for an earth-boring drilling tool include an ultrasonic transducer coupled therewith, and configured to transmit an acoustic signal therethrough, and transmit a data signal to a data acquisition unit in response to receiving a returning echo of the acoustic signals. An earth-boring drilling tool, comprises a bit body including a plurality of components, an ultrasonic transducer, and a data acquisition unit operably coupled with the ultrasonic transducer. The data acquisition unit may be configured to receive the data signal and determine a temperature distribution of the component based, at least in part, on a time-of-flight of the acoustic signals and the returning echoes. Methods for forming such components and measuring a temperature of such components may relate to coupling and implementing such an ultrasonic transducer with a component of an earth-boring drilling tool. | 12-13-2012 |
20130014993 | FORMATION TESTING IN MANAGED PRESSURE DRILLINGAANM JEFFRIES; STUART M.AACI ANCHORAGEAAST AKAACO USAAGP JEFFRIES; STUART M. ANCHORAGE AK US - A method of testing an earth formation can include incrementally opening a choke while drilling into the formation is ceased, thereby reducing pressure in a wellbore, and detecting an influx into the wellbore due to the reducing pressure in the wellbore. Another method of testing an earth formation can include drilling into the formation, with an annulus between a drill string and a wellbore being pressure isolated from atmosphere, then incrementally opening a choke while drilling is ceased, thereby reducing pressure in the wellbore, detecting an influx into the wellbore due to the reducing pressure in the wellbore, and determining approximate formation pore pressure as pressure in the wellbore when the influx is detected. Drilling fluid may or may not flow through the drill string when the influx is detected. A downhole pressure sensor can be used to verify pressure in the wellbore. | 01-17-2013 |
20130020131 | METHOD OF DEVELOPING A PETROLEUM RESERVOIR FROM A TECHNIQUE FOR SELECTING THE POSITIONS OF THE WELLS TO BE DRILLED - The invention is a method of developing a petroleum reservoir employing a technique for selection of the position of the wells to be drilled. A production indicator map is utilized comprising a set of cells each associated with a production indicator defining impact on fluid production of addition of a well in this cell. The production indicator map is constructed by selecting cells from among the set of cells of the map; determining production indicators in the selected cells; and interpolating the production indicators on the set of cells of the map, by an interpolation model accounting for a distance between the cell to be interpolated and the closest well to the cell to be interpolated. The position of the well to be drilled is defined by the cell where the production indicator is a maximum. | 01-24-2013 |
20130075159 | METHOD OF EVALUATING ROCK PROPERTIES WHILE DRILLING USING DOWNHOLE ACOUSTIC SENSORS AND TELEMETRY SYSTEM - Methods of identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An example of method includes connecting a downhole sensor subassembly between a drill bit and a drill string, operably coupling acoustic sensors to a downhole processor, operably coupling a borehole telemetry system, downhole and surface data transmitting interfaces, and a surface computer to the downhole data transmitting interface. The method also includes receiving raw acoustic sensor data resulting from rotational contact of the drill bit with rock by the downhole processor, transforming the raw acoustic sensor data into the frequency domain, filtering the transformed data, and deriving acoustic characteristics from the filtered data. The method also includes the surface computer receiving the acoustic characteristics and deriving petrophysical properties from the acoustic characteristics directly or by utilizing a petrophysical properties evaluation algorithm. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075160 | APPARATUS, PROGRAM PRODUCT, AND METHODS OF EVALUATING ROCK PROPERTIES WHILE DRILLING USING DOWNHOLE ACOUSTIC SENSORS AND A DOWNHOLE BROADBAND TRANSMITTING SYSTEM - Apparatus, computer readable medium, and program code for identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An example of an embodiment of such an apparatus includes a downhole sensor subassembly connected between a drill bit and a drill string, acoustic sensors operably coupled to a downhole data interface, and a surface computer operably coupled to the downhole data interface. The computer can include a petrophysical properties analyzing program configured or otherwise adapted to perform various operations including receiving raw acoustic sensor data generated real-time as a result of rotational contact of the drill bit with rock during drilling, transforming the raw acoustic sensor data into the frequency domain, filtering the transformed data, deriving a plurality of acoustic characteristics from the filtered data and deriving petrophysical properties from the filtered data utilizing a petrophysical properties evaluation algorithm employable to predict one or more petrophysical properties of rock undergoing drilling. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075161 | METHODS OF EVALUATING ROCK PROPERTIES WHILE DRILLING USING DOWNHOLE ACOUSTIC SENSORS AND A DOWNHOLE BROADBAND TRANSMITTING SYSTEM - Methods of identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An example of such a method includes connecting a downhole sensor subassembly between a drill bit and a drill string, operably coupling acoustic sensors to a downhole data interface, and operably coupling a surface computer to the downhole data interface. The method can also include receiving raw acoustic sensor data generated real-time as a result of rotational contact of the drill bit with rock during drilling, transforming the raw data into the frequency domain, filtering the transformed data, and deriving a plurality of acoustic characteristics from the filtered data. This can be performed by a petrophysical properties analyzing program stored in memory of the computer. The method can also include deriving petrophysical properties from the filtered data utilizing a petrophysical properties evaluation algorithm employable to predict one or more petrophysical properties of rock undergoing drilling. | 03-28-2013 |
20130140089 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A COMPRESSOR AT A ROCK DRILLING APPARATUS AND A ROCK DRILLING APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a control of a compressor ( | 06-06-2013 |
20130161098 | OPTIMIZED PRESSURE DRILLING WITH CONTINUOUS TUBING DRILL STRING - A method of drilling a wellbore can include drilling the wellbore with a continuous tubing drill string, and sensing at least one parameter with an optical waveguide in the drill string. A well system can include a continuous tubing drill string, and an optical waveguide in the drill string. The optical waveguide may sense at least one parameter distributed along the drill string. | 06-27-2013 |
20130180780 | Pulsed Neutron Generator Tube Design Which Extends The Lifetime Of A Cathode - A method for operating a pulsed neutron generator including an ionizer with an electron emitting cathode and a grid wherein the cathode and grid are disposed in a sealed chamber. At least one of the following is applicable to the ionizer; a distance between the cathode and the grid, a cathode current and/or a potential on the grid are selected such that the ionizer operates at most about one-half the space charge limited current for a grid current selected to provide a predetermined amount of neutron production. | 07-18-2013 |
20130213714 | ACOUSTIC SYNCHRONIZATION SYSTEM, ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD - A system for synchronizing instruments in a drill pipe to detect formation characteristics comprises at least one first transmitter for transmitting a first signal, at least one first receiver for receiving a second signal having information based on the first signal, at least one acoustic transmitter for transmitting an acoustic signal, and at least one acoustic sensor electrically connected to one of the at least one first transmitter and the at least one first receiver, the at least one acoustic sensor for sensing the acoustic signal for synchronizing the at least one first transmitter and the at least one first receiver. | 08-22-2013 |
20130233619 | METHOD OF DETERMINING A FORMATION PARAMETER - A method of measuring a formation parameter in the process of drilling a well penetrating the rock formation is disclosed. A section of the well is provided with a drill string comprising a drilling bit at its distal end; a first fluid is circulated through the drilling bit and invades the rock formation; a formation evaluation tool mounted onto the drill string is used to measure the formation parameter; the formation parameter is used to select the time at which a second fluid is circulated through the drilling bit; such that the second fluid alters the response of the rock formation to the formation evaluation tool; the second fluid is circulated through the drilling bit to start invading the formation; and the formation evaluation tool is used to repeat the measure of the formation parameter while circulating the second fluid. | 09-12-2013 |
20130248251 | Mathematical Modeling of Shale Swelling in Water Based Muds - A method of servicing a wellbore comprises determining a cation exchange capacity of a sample of a shale, determining a swelling characteristic of the shale using the cation exchange capacity in an equation comprising a term of the form: | 09-26-2013 |
20130256033 | MULTIPLE DISTRIBUTED PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS - Methods, computer programs, and systems for detecting at least one downhole condition are disclosed. Pressures are measured at a plurality of locations along the drillstring. The drillstring includes a drillpipe. At least one of the pressures is measured along the drillpipe. At least one downhole condition is detected based, at least in part, on at least one measured pressure. | 10-03-2013 |
20130270009 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF DRILLING LATERALS IN SHALE FORMATIONS - Drilling laterals in shale formations. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: drilling a deviated borehole through a shale formation with a drill string comprising a drill bit; logging the shale formation with a logging tool disposed within the drill string; estimating, in real time with the drilling, fracture potential of a portion of the shale formation near the drill bit, the estimation of fracture potential based on information acquired by the logging tool; and controlling drilling direction based on the fracture potential. | 10-17-2013 |
20130277114 | SLEEVE FOR LOGGING WHILE DRILLING ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSOR - An apparatus for measuring a characteristic of an earth formation includes a drill collar configured to be inserted into a borehole of the earth formation, an electromagnetic sensor on the drill collar, and a non-conductive sleeve surrounding a circumference of the drill collar including the electromagnetic sensor and configured to press directly against the electromagnetic sensor. | 10-24-2013 |
20130277115 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF ESTIMATING FORMATION PARAMETERS - Estimating formation parameters. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: combining a first plurality of actual logs from a first plurality of actual boreholes, at least one actual log associated with each actual borehole, and thereby creating a first equivalent log along a first equivalent path; combining a second plurality of actual logs from a second plurality of actual boreholes, at least one actual log of the second plurality of actual logs associated with each actual borehole of the second plurality of actual boreholes, and thereby creating a second equivalent log along a second equivalent path; and estimating a plurality of values of a parameter of one or more formations along a proposed borehole path, each value associated with a distinct depth along the proposed borehole path, the estimating using the equivalent logs. | 10-24-2013 |
20130292178 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REAL-TIME MONITORING AND PROCESSING OF WELLBORE DATA - Apparatus and methods for monitoring and processing wellbore data are disclosed. An integrated digital ecosystem comprises an applied fluid optimization specialist and one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the applied fluid optimization specialist. The applied fluid optimization specialist receives data relating to performance of subterranean operations from the one or more sensors and interprets the data received. The applied fluid optimization specialist then regulates the performance of subterranean operations based on the interpretation of the data received. | 11-07-2013 |
20130299241 | PREDICTION AND DIAGNOSIS OF LOST CIRCULATION IN WELLS - In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, techniques for predicting, classifying, preventing, and remedying drilling fluid circulation loss events are disclosed. Tools for gathering relevant data are disclosed, and techniques for interpreting the resultant data as giving rise to an actual or potential drilling fluid lost circulation event are also disclosed. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299242 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING A BALLOONING ZONE - A method and apparatus for identifying a ballooning zone in downhole formations. In one embodiment, a method for identifying a ballooning zone in downhole formations includes disposing a drill string in a wellbore. The drill string includes a plurality of wired drill pipes connected end-to-end, and a bottomhole assembly connected to the drill pipes. While circulating drilling fluid through the wellbore, a first resistivity of a formation drilled is measured. While not circulating drilling fluid through the wellbore, a second resistivity of the formation drilled is measured. The first resistivity and the second resistivity are compared. Based on a result of the comparing, a level of ballooning attributable to the formations is identified. | 11-14-2013 |
20130306376 | PRESSURE BALANCED FLUID OPERATED REAMING TOOL FOR USE IN PLACING WELLBORE TUBULARS - An apparatus for cutting a wellbore includes a motor having a stator and a rotor. The rotor has an output shaft connected to a cutting structure. The stator and rotor are spaced radially outwardly of the axis of rotation of the rotor such that at least one of the stator and the rotor had an access bore extending through the motor to adjacent the cutting structure. A further object can pass therethrough, without obstruction. The further object comprises a further cutting. A flow diverter is disposed in the motor proximate a connection between the motor and a wellbore tubular, and has a first fluid outlet in fluid communication with a power section of the motor, and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the access bore. The flow diverter is coupled to the stator such that axial loading created by fluid pressure is substantially transferred to the stator. | 11-21-2013 |
20130319768 | Systems and Methods for Detecting Drillstring Loads - A drilling system comprises a drillstring including a dill bit, a bottomhole assembly coupled to the drill bit, and a plurality of interconnected tubular members coupled to the bottomhole assembly. A first tubular member includes a communication link having a first annular inductive coupler element disposed in an annular recess in a first end, a second annular inductive coupler element disposed in an annular recess in a second end, and a cable coupling the first annular inductive coupler element to the second annular inductive coupler element. In addition, the drilling system comprises a first signal level determination unit disposed in the drillstring and configured to determine a level of a first signal communicated from the second inductive coupler element. Further, the drilling system comprises an axial load determination unit configured to determine an axial load at the first signal level determination unit based on the level of the first signal. | 12-05-2013 |
20140000965 | Method for Hydrocarbon Well Completion | 01-02-2014 |
20140020954 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR LITHOLOGY AND MINERALOGY DETERMINATIONS - A method of characterizing a formation is disclosed. A well bore is drilled in the formation. Cuttings are retrieved from the well bore while drilling the formation and a hyperspectral image of the cuttings is continuously obtained. The hyperspectral image of the cuttings is analyzed to determine formation characteristics. | 01-23-2014 |
20140027179 | Drill Bit with Electrohydraulically Adjustable Pads for Controlling Depth of Cut - A drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a pad configured to extend and retract from a surface of the drill bit, a motor, a linearly movable member coupled to the motor, a hydraulic unit configured to apply force on the pad, and wherein motion of the motor in a first direction causes the linearly movable member in a first direction to cause the hydraulic unit to exert a force on the pad to extend the pad. | 01-30-2014 |
20140060933 | DRILLING TOOL, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR UNDERREAMING AND SIMULTANEOUSLY MONITORING AND CONTROLLING WELLBORE DIAMETER - A dynamic position sensing Apparatus or Method is used to underream an oil or natural gas well with a variable gauge positioning system incorporating underreamer position or diameter sensing means. | 03-06-2014 |
20140076633 | HOUSING FOR DOWNHOLE MEASUREMENT - Systems, methods and devices for equipping a rotatable drill string with measurement equipment. The system includes a removable carriage unit arranged and designed to be disposed within a bore of a removable section of the rotatable drill string. The removable carriage unit has measurement equipment disposed within a cavity thereof. The method includes disposing measurement equipment in the cavity of the removable carriage unit, coupling the removable carriage unit with a first end portion of the removable section of the rotatable drill string after disposing the measurement equipment in the cavity, and coupling a second end portion of the removable section with a shaft of the rotatable drill string. | 03-20-2014 |
20140090891 | AZIMUTHAL BRITTLENESS LOGGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods and systems for gathering, deriving, and displaying the azimuthal brittleness index of a borehole. At least some embodiments include various methods for calculating and displaying borehole measurements in real-time for geosteering and drilling operations. At least one disclosed method embodiment for calculating and displaying azimuthal brittleness includes taking measurements of compressional and shear wave velocities as a function of position and orientation from inside the borehole. These velocity measurements are taken by a azimuthal sonic tool. Azimuthal brittleness is then derived based at least in part on the compressional and shear wave velocities. | 04-03-2014 |
20140231142 | DRILL BIT SYSTEMS WITH TEMPERATURE SENSORS AND APPLICATIONS USING TEMPERATURE SENSOR MEASUREMENTS - A drill bit includes a plurality of blades. The blades provide a plurality of cutting elements or teeth arranged on a leading face of the blade. At least one temperature sensor is provided adjacent at least one of the teeth of at least one blade to sense a local temperature of the blade adjacent that tooth. Multiple temperature sensors may be provided adjacent different teeth of a blade or adjacent the teeth of at least two blades, or adjacent multiple teeth of multiple blades. Another temperature sensing element may be provided on a proximal portion of the blade distant from the cutting elements or on the shank of the bit to provide a reference temperature for the drill bit or for the blade. Information obtained by the temperature sensing elements is used to provide information regarding at least one of the drill bit, the drilling environment and the formation. | 08-21-2014 |
20140251690 | Logging-While-Drilling Tool Incorporating Electronic Radiation Generator And Method For Using Same - Logging-while-drilling tools incorporating an electronic radiation generator, such as an electronic X-ray generator, and a method for using the same are provided. One example of such a logging-while-drilling tool may include a circumferential drill collar, a chassis disposed radially interior to the drill collar, and an electronic X-ray generator and an X-ray detector disposed within the chassis. The electronic X-ray generator may emit X-rays out of the logging-while-drilling tool into a subterranean formation. The X-ray detector may detect X-rays that return to the logging-while-drilling tool after scattering in the subterranean formation, which may be used to determine a density and/or a lithology of the subterranean formation. | 09-11-2014 |
20140284106 | FORMATION TESTING IN MANAGED PRESSURE DRILLING - A method of testing an earth formation can include incrementally opening a choke while drilling into the formation is ceased, thereby reducing pressure in a wellbore, and detecting an influx into the wellbore due to the reducing pressure in the wellbore. Another method of testing an earth formation can include drilling into the formation, with an annulus between a drill string and a wellbore being pressure isolated from atmosphere, then incrementally opening a choke while drilling is ceased, thereby reducing pressure in the wellbore, detecting an influx into the wellbore due to the reducing pressure in the wellbore, and determining approximate formation pore pressure as pressure in the wellbore when the influx is detected. Drilling fluid may or may not flow through the drill string when the influx is detected. A downhole pressure sensor can be used to verify pressure in the wellbore. | 09-25-2014 |
20140291025 | MAINTAINING SHALE STABILITY BY PORE PLUGGING - Compositions and methods for improving wellbores stability of a hydrocarbon bearing shale formation using nanoparticles to decrease swelling and plug pore throats. | 10-02-2014 |
20140345945 | ESTIMATION OF OPTIMUM TRIPPING SCHEDULES - A method for removing a core sample from a borehole includes: taking the core sample within the borehole with a sampling tool; generating a model of the core sample, the model based on data representing properties of the core sample; defining a plurality of proposed tripping schedules; applying, by a processor, the plurality of proposed tripping schedules to the model, and estimating a core parameter for each of the plurality of proposed tripping schedules; comparing the core parameter to a criteria; and selecting a suitable tripping schedule based on the comparison. | 11-27-2014 |
20140345946 | Analysis of Geological Objects - A computer-implemented method of determining a search expression describing a feature of interest in a set of data points distributed throughout a geological object is provided. Each data point contains a value for a geological attribute at that point. The search expression has a plurality of entries. The method including the steps of: (i) displaying the geological object using display codings corresponding to value subranges for the geological attribute such that all data points which have values for the geological attribute falling within a given value subrange are displayed with the same coding; (ii) selecting a plurality of data points of the feature of interest; and (iii) allocating value characters to entries of the search expression, the value characters corresponding to the value subranges for the geological attribute of the selected data points. | 11-27-2014 |
20140345947 | Method for Minimizing Delays While Drilling Using a Magnetic Ranging Apparatus - A method and system is provided for minimizing delays in a magnetic ranging method. Delays are minimized by establishing synchronicity between triggering of a three-axis magnetometer and energisation of a solenoid assembly deployed in the borehole being drilled and the first borehole, respectively. Synchronicity enables measuring various components of the alternating magnetic field created by energisation of the solenoid assembly by the magnetometer, the moment the solenoid assembly is energised. The recorded components are used for computation of steering data for drilling the second borehole relative to the first borehole. The steering data can be determined at the surface or downhole. | 11-27-2014 |
20140345948 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING TEMPERATURE DATA OF A COMPONENT OF AN EARTH-BORING DRILLING TOOL - Components, such as a cutting element for an earth-boring drilling tool include an ultrasonic transducer coupled therewith, and configured to transmit an acoustic signal therethrough, and transmit a data signal to a data acquisition unit in response to receiving a returning echo of the acoustic signals. An earth-boring drilling tool, comprises a bit body including a plurality of components, an ultrasonic transducer, and a data acquisition unit operably coupled with the ultrasonic transducer. The data acquisition unit may be configured to receive the data signal and determine a temperature distribution of the component based, at least in part, on a time-of-flight of the acoustic signals and the returning echoes. Methods for forming such components and measuring a temperature of such components may relate to coupling and implementing such an ultrasonic transducer with a component of an earth-boring drilling tool. | 11-27-2014 |
20150047903 | ANALYSIS OF GEOLOGICAL OBJECTS - A method of determining a search expression describing a feature of interest in a set of data points distributed throughout a geological object is provided. Each data point contains a value for a geological attribute at that point. The search expression has a plurality of entries. The method including the steps of: (i) displaying the geological object using display codings corresponding to value subranges for the geological attribute such that all data points which have values for the geological attribute falling within a given value subrange are displayed with the same coding; (ii) selecting a plurality of data points of the feature of interest; and (iii) allocating value characters to entries of the search expression, the value characters corresponding to the value subranges for the geological attribute of the selected data points. | 02-19-2015 |
20150068806 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IN SITU, CONTINUOUS AND REAL-TIME ANALYSIS OF MINERAL CONTENT IN DRILLING DEBRIS - A method and a system for in situ measuring and analyzing, in a continuous, non-intrusive manner in real-time, one or more compounds, typically minerals present in debris from drilling or some similar material, in powder, comminuted solids or slurry form is disclosed. The method and system provide real-time, non-intrusive, continuous in situ determination of the grade of valuable minerals present in drilling pits debris generated during excavation, with a relatively low measurement error. | 03-12-2015 |
20150083495 | Systems and Methods for Vertical Depth Control During Extended-Reach Drilling Operations - Systems and methods for vertical depth control during extended-reach drilling operations include extending a length of a wellbore to locate a directional drilling assembly at a selected location within an intermediate portion of a subsurface region and detecting a detected pressure at the selected location. The methods further include determining an expected pressure at the selected location, comparing the detected pressure to the expected pressure, and adjusting an orientation of the directional drilling assembly based, at least in part, on the comparison. The expected pressure may be determined based, at least in part, on a reference pressure that was detected previously within the intermediate portion of the subsurface region. The systems include extended-reach drilling operations and/or directional drilling assemblies that include and/or are associated with controllers that are programmed to perform the methods. | 03-26-2015 |
20150101867 | Drill Bit Assembly Having Electrically Isolated Gap Joint for Measurement of Reservoir Properties - A drill bit assembly for measuring reservoir formation properties comprises a bit head and a pin body, and an electrically insulated gap joint between two conductive parts of the drill bit assembly. The electrically insulating gap joint can fill a gap between bit head and pin body engagement sections such that the bit head and pin body are mechanically connected together at connecting ends but electrically separated. Alternatively or additionally, the pin body can have two pieces which are separated by an electrically insulating gap joint. An electrical conductor is electrically connected at a first end to the bit head and is communicable at a second end with an alternating current signal to transmit an alternating current into the bit head, thereby inducing an electric current into a reservoir formation adjacent the bit head. | 04-16-2015 |
20150313010 | ELECTRONIC DEVICES FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE DRILLING OPERATIONS - The present disclosure provides the printed circuit board assembly suitable for operating downhole at high temperatures. The printed circuit board assembly has a ceramic circuit board with a plurality of chips installed on it. At least one of the chips has an aluminum nitride or a silicon nitride substrate. In some of the chips, aluminum nitride is used as the oxide layer in a Si-on-Insulator configuration. In other chips, integrated circuits are fabricated on a substrate made from aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, or sapphire. | 10-29-2015 |
20150355358 | GENERALIZED SPECTRAL DECOMPOSITION - A method for decomposing a signal includes receiving sampled data. A wavelet is built using the sampled data that includes a plurality of samples. The wavelet includes a number of oscillations per sampling unit, and a length of the wavelet corresponds to the number of oscillations. The wavelet is time-shifted. The wavelet is then scaled such that the samples proximate to one or both ends of the wavelet decay toward zero. The wavelet is also scaled such that an amplitude at a peak frequency of the wavelet, when transformed into a Fourier domain, is substantially unity. | 12-10-2015 |
20160003008 | Reservoir Segment Evaluation for Well Planning - A method is presented for well planning. The method includes modeling one or more reservoir segments within a subsurface model. The reservoir segments, which are associated with target reservoirs, are evaluated prior to creating a well plan based on the reservoir segments to provide a fluid flow path from the reservoir targets to the well pad through the reservoir segments. The method enhances the well planning process through the use of these reservoir segments. | 01-07-2016 |
20160003038 | Determining Gas Content of a Core Sample - An inner barrel for a core barrel or a core barrel assembly, the inner barrel having one or more side walls bounding at least partially an elongate internal volume for receiving, in use, a collected core sample, wherein the or each side wall is adapted to provide at least one fluid flow path from the elongate internal volume to outside the inner barrel. | 01-07-2016 |
20160053544 | METHOD FOR THE CHISEL-LESS FORMATION OF BOREHOLES FOR DEEP BORES AND CHISEL-LESS DRILLING SYSTEM FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD - The invention relates to a method for the chisel-less formation of boreholes for deep bores by means of high-pressure water jet cutting. A chisel-free drilling method that makes substantially continuous drilling operation possible is characterized, according to the invention, by a combination of the processes of high-pressure water jet cutting and high-frequency rock fragmentation. The invention also relates to a chisel-free drilling system for carrying out the method. | 02-25-2016 |
20160053545 | RESONANCE-TUNED DRILL STRING COMPONENTS - A drilling system includes a drill string extendable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The subterranean formation exhibits a resonant frequency and a drill bit is coupled to a distal end of the drill string. A vibration sub is positioned within the drill string adjacent the drill bit for generating vibration stress waves at the drill bit, and the vibration stress waves exhibit a vibration frequency that approximates the resonant frequency. | 02-25-2016 |
20160138392 | Bitumen Quantification Using Vibrational Spectroscopy - Levels of kerogen and bitumen are computed in a sample of rock from DRIFTS measurements on the sample. the DRIFTS spectrum of a rock sample is measured, resulting in an estimate of bitumen and kerogen. Bitumen is then washed from the rock and DRIFTS is re-measured, resulting in an estimate of kerogen. Bitumen quantity is calculated by subtracting the washed sampled results from first DRIFTS measurements. | 05-19-2016 |
20160145974 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWER MANAGEMENT OF DOWNHOLE TOOL - An apparatus for power conservation and selectively switching between one or more power source and a load disposed within a downhole tool based on specific condition of the environment comprising an electrical load, at least one electric power source, a controllable power switch for selectively electrically connecting and disconnecting the electric power and a controller responsive to a predetermined change in the environment; A method for power conservation of a downhole tool in response to a predetermined change in a physical property of the environment, and a method for cooling a component in a downhole tool using drilling fluid inserted form surface. | 05-26-2016 |
20160146003 | Systems and Methods for Characterizing a Spatial Frequency of Interface Regions within a Subterranean Formation - Systems and methods for characterizing a spatial frequency of interface regions within a subterranean formation. A first method may include drilling a wellbore with a drilling assembly and measuring a downhole parameter during the drilling. The downhole parameter may be indicative of a lithology of a portion of the subterranean formation that is proximal to the drilling assembly. The first method also may include calculating an information entropy of the downhole parameter and characterizing the spatial frequency of the interface regions based upon the information entropy. A second method may include calculating the information entropy as a function of distance within a first wellbore and characterizing the spatial frequency of the interface regions. The second method also may include drilling a second wellbore within the subterranean formation and regulating the drilling based upon the spatial frequency of the interface regions. The systems include systems that perform the methods. | 05-26-2016 |
20160186553 | Drilling Wells In Compartmentalized Reservoirs - Method of drilling a well, including one method comprising determining a first value indicative of a relative position of a geological bed boundary with respect to a drilling assembly, determining a second value indicative of an optical property of a formation fluid proximate the drilling assembly, and controlling a well trajectory based on the first and second value. | 06-30-2016 |
20160201396 | INTEGRATED INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE RAISE BORING METHOD AND AN ASSOCIATED DRILL STRING ARRANGEMENT | 07-14-2016 |
20160201457 | Downhole Rebound Hardness Measurement While Drilling or Wireline Logging | 07-14-2016 |
20180023382 | Systems and Methods for Determining and/or Using Estimate of Drilling Efficiency | 01-25-2018 |
20180024262 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR QUANTIFYING A CLATHRATE DEPOSIT | 01-25-2018 |
20190145253 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING GEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS FOR THE DESIGNING OF STIMULATION OPERATIONS | 05-16-2019 |