Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20090022011 | ACOUSTIC TRANSMITTER COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF PIEZOELECTRIC PLATES - An acoustic transmitter with preferably a plurality of piezoelectric plates configured to optimized acoustic pressure output within a desired frequency range while meeting physical restrictions of LWD and MWD logging systems. The transmitter is disposed in a recess in the perimeter of a logging tool housing to reduce acoustic pressure waves transmitted directly along the tool housing and to optimize acoustic energy transmission into the borehole environs. In order to increase acoustic pressure output at a desired logging frequency range, the plurality of piezoelectric plates are connected electrically in parallel and fired simultaneously. The polarity of the plates and the wiring arrangement are such that each plate expands or contracts in a common direction during simultaneous firing by an applied voltage. The desired output frequency is obtained by selectively polarizing and dimensioning the plates within the plate assembly. The plate assembly is preferably disposed within an oil filled pressure housing that is pressure and temperature compensated. | 01-22-2009 |
20090052281 | METHOD FOR DATA TRANSMISSION BETWEEN A PUMP ASSEMBLY AND A CONTROL DEVICE, AS WELL AS A CORRESPONDINGLY DESIGNED PUMP SYSTEM - A method for data transmission between a pump assembly ( | 02-26-2009 |
20090067288 | System and Method for Wireless Communication in a Producing Well System - The invention relates to a system and method for wireless communication in a producing well system associated with oil and gas production, comprising at least one well bore. The system comprises at least two communication units, the communication units each comprising a transmitter and/or receiver for sending and/or receiving data, at least one, control unit for controlling the communication between the communication units. | 03-12-2009 |
20090080291 | DOWNHOLE GAUGE TELEMETRY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MULTILATERAL WELL - A downhole gauge telemetry system for a multilateral well includes a first wireless transceiver located in a primary borehole of the multilateral well, a second wireless transceiver located in a lateral borehole of the multilateral well, a wireless connection between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver through which the first and second wireless transceivers exchange data, and a surface transceiver communicatively coupled to the first wireless transceiver. | 03-26-2009 |
20090245024 | THERMAL EXPANSION MATCHING FOR ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY SYSTEM - Thermal expansion matching for an acoustic telemetry system. An acoustic telemetry system includes at least one electromagnetically active element and a biasing device which reduces a compressive force in the element in response to increased temperature. A method of utilizing an acoustic telemetry system in an elevated temperature environment includes the steps of: applying a compressive force to at least one electromagnetically active element of the telemetry system; and reducing the compressive force as the temperature of the environment increases. | 10-01-2009 |
20100008188 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACQUIRING INFORMATION DURING UNDERGROUND DRILLING OPERATIONS - A preferred method for acquiring information during an underground drilling operation includes providing a sensing device capable of acquiring information concerning the underground drilling operation from a down-hole location on a selective basis in response to an input from the surface, and drilling for a first period of time. The preferred method also includes sending the input to the sensing device after drilling for the first period of time, and drilling during a second period of time while acquiring the information using the sensing device. | 01-14-2010 |
20100135116 | MINER ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION AND LOCATION SYSTEM - A miner communication and locating system is disclosed. Two technologies used in the system include a communicator, and a locator array that may be used with a computer. The communicator portion allows trapped miners to continually signal without physical effort that they have survived a cave-in or explosion in a direct, mechanical, and reliable manner. The locator array receives the communicator signal for use to accurately identify where the survivors are underground, and facilitate their rescue; a computer can be used to calculate the position of the communicator from information provided by a plurality of locators: global positioning system receivers may be used with the locator array. | 06-03-2010 |
20100172210 | WELLBORE TELEMETRY AND NOISE CANCELLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE SAME - A method of signal processing includes providing at least a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor spaced in a drilling system and using an algorithm to separate the downwardly propagating waves from the upwardly propagating waves. In one or more examples, an algorithm may include determining a velocity of pressure signals in a wellbore, time-shifting and stacking pressure signals from at least the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to determine a downwardly propagating noise signal, and subtracting the downwardly propagating noise signal from at least the signal from the first pressure sensor. | 07-08-2010 |
20100177596 | Adaptive Carrier Modulation for Wellbore Acoustic Telemetry - Systems and methods of adaptive carrier modulation for acoustic telemetry. A method of transmitting an acoustic signal through a wellbore medium includes propagating the acoustic signal through the wellbore medium, the acoustic signal including symbols modulated on a carrier frequency, and the carrier frequency being changed during transmission of each of the symbols. A wellbore acoustic telemetry system includes a transmitter which propagates an acoustic signal through a wellbore medium in a manner such that the acoustic signal includes symbols modulated on a carrier frequency, with the carrier frequency being changed during transmission of each of the symbols. | 07-15-2010 |
20110063949 | TDEM FORWARD FOCUSING SYSTEM FOR DOWNHOLE USE - A method and apparatus for estimating a parameter of interest of an earth formation ahead of a carrier within borehole. The method including estimating one or more functions based on received signals that may reduce the sum of the signals received by a first receiver, and estimating the parameter of interest based on signals received by one or more additional receivers by applying the one or more functions and, if necessary, a defocusing factor, such that reception of information from downhole of a selected downhole location is enhanced relative to reception of information uphole from the selected location. The apparatus including two or more transmitters, two or more receivers, and a processor to estimate one or more functions, and, based on these functions, the parameter of interest. | 03-17-2011 |
20110122727 | DETECTING ACOUSTIC SIGNALS FROM A WELL SYSTEM - A heated fluid injection string ( | 05-26-2011 |
20110158050 | WIRELESS NETWORK DISCOVERY ALGORITHM AND SYSTEM - A wireless modem for communication in a network of wireless modems via a communication channel includes a transceiver assembly, transceiver electronics and a power supply. The transceiver electronics include transmitter electronics, receiver electronics and at least one processing unit. The transmitter electronics cause the transceiver assembly to send wireless signals into the communication channel. The receiver electronics decode signals received by the transceiver assembly. The at least one processing unit executes instructions to (1) enable the transmitter electronics to transmit an identification signal into the communication channel, (2) receive data from at least one other wireless modem via the receiver electronics indicative of a unique identifier identifying the other wireless modem, and data indicative of at least one local sensor measurement related to the depth of the other wireless modem below the surface of the Earth, and (3) determine the position and/or relative order of the other wireless modem using the data indicative of the local sensor measurement. The power supply supplies power to the transceiver assembly and the transceiver electronics. | 06-30-2011 |
20110199862 | INTERFERENCE TESTING WHILE DRILLING - A method and apparatus configured to perform an interference test while drilling, including the steps of computing a pressure history response at a monitoring well from a pulsing of a well remote to the monitoring well, determining a time interval and a location for conducting a pressure test along a monitoring well trajectory based on the computing of the pressure history response, initiating a pulsing of the well remote to the monitoring well, determining whether pressure data should be taken at the monitoring well, estimating a near wellbore pressure effect at the monitoring well if the pressure data is taken, adjusting a mud circulation flow rate in the monitoring well if the pressure data is taken, and measuring at least one pressure value at the monitoring well if the pressure data is taken. | 08-18-2011 |
20110261649 | DETECTION OF CROSS BORES INVOLVING BURIED UTILITIES - Evaluating utilities involves generating an acoustic or seismic source signal, communicating the source signal to a first underground utility, moving a receiver through a second underground utility situated in proximity to the first utility, and monitoring for a cross bore involving the first and second utilities in response to receiving the source signal emanating from the first utility as the receiver progresses through the second utility. Utility evaluation may further involve detecting a cross bore involving the first and second utilities using monitoring data acquired by the receiver. | 10-27-2011 |
20120014219 | Wellbore Telemetry And Noise Cancellation Systems And Methods For The Same - A method of signal processing includes providing at least a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor spaced in a drilling system and using an algorithm to separate the downwardly propagating waves from the upwardly propagating waves. In one or more examples, an algorithm may include determining a velocity of pressure signals in a wellbore, time-shifting and stacking pressure signals from at least the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to determine a downwardly propagating noise signal, and subtracting the downwardly propagating noise signal from at least the signal from the first pressure sensor. | 01-19-2012 |
20120057432 | Well Monitoring by Means of Distributed Sensing Means - This application describes methods and apparatus for downhole monitoring in real-time. The method involves interrogating an unmodified optic fibre ( | 03-08-2012 |
20120069708 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING BROAD BANDWIDTH ACOUSTIC ENERGY - An acoustic transmitter includes: an acoustic diaphragm configured to transmit acoustic waves into a medium; a piezoelectric actuator assembly configured to deform in an axial direction in response to an applied electrical signal; and a highly incompressible elastic material disposed between the piezoelectric actuator and the acoustic diaphragm and configured to transmit pressure waves to the acoustic diaphragm in response to motion of the piezoelectric actuator. | 03-22-2012 |
20120155219 | System and Method for Acoustic Recording in Well Bottomhole Assembly while Firing A Perforating Gun - A sensing and data recording downhole system and method for monitoring of firing of a perforating gun system in a well, including a perforating gun system having charges or bullets for performing well perforation; and one or more downhole recorders and/or one or more fluid detection sensors located above, along, below or in array on the perforating gun system or inside the perforating gun system on a conveyance and configured to at least one of record sound waves generated by explosions of the charges or bullets during the firing of the perforating gun system and detect a presence of fluid within a body of the perforating gun system before and after guns of the perforating gun system are fired. | 06-21-2012 |
20120188846 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING SURFACE ACOUSTIC WAVE TRANSPONDER FOR DOWN-HOLE TOOLS - A method and apparatus for packaging a surface acoustic wave transponder for use in down-hole tool oil & gas environments is provided. An exemplary transponder comprises a surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device, wire bonds, an antenna element, an antenna substrate, a header, and protective coating. The exemplary surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device is attached into a header and wire bonded to the connection leads, which are connected to an antenna element, and then sealed by a protective coating. The header is hermetically sealed and withstands high pressure high temperature environment found in oil & gas down-hole environment. | 07-26-2012 |
20120195166 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FACILITATING OILFIELD OPERATIONS UTILIZING AUDITORY INFORMATION - The invention provides a system and method for facilitating oilfield operations utilizing auditory data. In one embodiment, the present invention generates one or more auditory mapping structures whereby oilfield data may be mapped to sounds. The present invention provides at least one computer generated selection tool through which the user may select one or more portions of displayed oilfield data for auditory enhancement. Once the user has indicated an area of interest using the selection tool, the present invention may identify the oilfield data displayed within the outlined area of interest, identify auditory data associated with the displayed oilfield data utilizing one or more auditory mapping structures, and emit at least a portion of the identified auditory data to enhance the user's understanding of the displayed oilfield data. | 08-02-2012 |
20120201096 | Methods and Apparatus to Process Time Series Data for Propagating Signals in A Subterranean Formation - Methods and apparatus to process time series data for propagating signals in a subterranean formation are disclosed. An example method described herein for processing measured data comprises receiving a time series of measured data obtained by sensing a propagating signal, the propagating signal having passed through a subterranean formation, transforming the time series of measured data to generate a time-frequency representation of the time series, and processing the time-frequency representation to at least one of reduce noise in the time frequency representation, or enhance a component of the propagating signal present in the time-frequency representation. | 08-09-2012 |
20120218862 | Apparatus for Logging while Drilling Acoustic Measurement - Apparatus for acoustic measurement in a downhole environment to enable high quality measurements to be obtained in difficult logging conditions are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a downhole tool having a body with a plurality of transmitters located on the body. A receiver is located on the body a distance from the transmitters and an attenuator section is integrally formed on the body between at least one transmitter and the receiver. | 08-30-2012 |
20120314539 | Method to Look Ahead of the Bit - The present disclosure is direct to method of performing measurements while drilling in an earth formation. The method may include estimating a location of a seismic reflector using signals from one or more of seismic sensors located at a plurality of locations in a borehole and the drilling depth of the one or more seismic sensors in a borehole. The signals may include information about times when the seismic sensors detect a direct wave and a reflected wave. The method may include storing the information in a memory using a processor. | 12-13-2012 |
20130010572 | ACTUATING DOWNHOLE DEVICES IN A WELLBORE - A downhole tool system includes a first downhole tool and a second downhole tool. The first downhole tool includes a first controller operable to receive an actuation signal including a tone. The first controller actuates the first downhole tool if the tone is a first specified frequency and changes the first downhole tool to communicate the actuation signal to the second downhole tool if first downhole tool is not actuated in response to the actuation signal. A second downhole tool includes a second controller operable to receive the actuation signal. The second controller actuates the second downhole tool if the tone is a second specified frequency. The second frequency is different from the first frequency. | 01-10-2013 |
20130128697 | Downhole Communication System - A downhole communication system and method is presented for communicating between a downhole location within a wellbore and a surface location. The system preferably comprises a first and second telemetry module, a downhole tool, and an interface electrically connecting the downhole tool to the first and second telemetry modules. The first telemetry module is connected to a string and positioned downhole within the wellbore, and configured to receive communication signals via acoustic propagation or low frequency electromagnetic transmission. The second telemetry module is connected to the string and positioned downhole within the wellbore, and configured to receive communication signals via fluid pressure pulse commands. The downhole tool is operatively connected to the string. And the interface is adapted to selectively relay digital communication signals between the downhole tool and at least one of the first and second telemetry modules. | 05-23-2013 |
20130301388 | MISALIGNMENT COMPENSATION FOR DEEP READING AZIMUTHAL PROPAGATION RESISTIVITY - An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest of an earth formation involving alignment information between receivers and their corresponding oriented transmitters. The method may include generating signals indicative responses to energy transmitted into an earth formation; estimating differences in alignment between transmitters and receivers; using the estimated differences in alignment to compensate for misalignment; and estimating a parameter of interest using the misalignment compensated signals. The apparatus may include a bottom hole assembly with one or more oriented transmitters, one or more oriented receivers, one or more alignment sensors, and at least one processor configured to compensate for misalignment using information about difference in alignment between the at least one oriented transmitter and at least one oriented receiver. | 11-14-2013 |
20130301389 | System And Method For Communicating Data Between Wellbore Instruments And Surface Devices - A method for synchronizing an actuation of a seismic source with at least one of an acquisition and storage of an acoustic wave by a seismic tool having steps of determining at least one of a drilling pause and a seismic measurement, transmitting a trigger signal to a tool controller, actuating the seismic source; receiving the trigger signal and recording seismic waves in a data storage medium. | 11-14-2013 |
20140064029 | Subsea Electronic Data System - A subsea electronic information system for managing data related to a characteristic of subsea equipment locatable subsea. The system includes sensors locatable subsea and in communication with and capable of measuring a characteristic of the subsea equipment. A sensor interface box (SIB) separate from the sensors and locatable subsea includes a processor and a memory device capable of receiving and storing sensor measurement data. Additionally, the SIB is in data and power communication with the sensors. | 03-06-2014 |
20140153368 | COMMUNICATION IN PIPES USING ACOUSTIC MODEMS THAT PROVIDE MINIMAL OBSTRUCTION TO FLUID FLOW - A plurality of phased array acoustic communication devices are used to communicate data along a tubulation, such as a well. The phased array acoustic communication devices employ phased arrays of acoustic transducers, such as piezoelectric transducers, to direct acoustic energy in desired directions along the tubulation. The system is controlled by a computer-based controller. Information, including data and commands, is communicated using digital signaling. | 06-05-2014 |
20140177391 | Acoustic Isolators - Acoustic isolators are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a transmitter to transmit an acoustic signal. The example apparatus also includes an acoustic isolator substantially surrounding a receiver, and the receiver is to receive the acoustic signal via an opening in the acoustic isolator. The transmitter and the acoustic isolator are coupled to a base. The acoustic isolator includes a first layer coupled to a second layer defining a plurality of spaces. The second layer is to provide an acoustic impedance mismatch. | 06-26-2014 |
20140192621 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DOWNHOLE COMPONENTS - A method of synchronization between downhole components includes: generating a dual tone synchronization signal by a signal generator in a first downhole component disposed in a borehole in an earth formation, the dual tone signal including a first constituent periodic signal having a first frequency f | 07-10-2014 |
20140198617 | Method and Apparatus for In-Well Wireless Control Using Infrasound Sources - A system and method for downhole data communication using an infrasound wave generator and receivers. The infrasound waves have a low frequency and a wavelength that is much larger than the transverse dimensions of the well. When the infrasound waves are directed down the well, the well will act as a wave guide for low frequency excitations. The receivers are operatively connected to inflow valves and other downhole equipment, and receive the infrasound waves. If the waves are of a predetermined frequency, the receivers command the valves to open or close, or otherwise control downhole equipment. The infrasound waves can also be used to probe well geometry and to identify fluid properties within the well. | 07-17-2014 |
20140204712 | DOWNHOLE OPTICAL ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCERS - A method of generating an acoustic signal in a subterranean well can include converting optical energy to acoustic energy downhole, thereby transmitting the acoustic signal through a downhole environment. A well system can include an optical acoustic transducer disposed in the well and coupled to an optical waveguide in the well, whereby the transducer converts optical energy transmitted via the optical waveguide to acoustic energy. An optical acoustic transducer for use in a subterranean well can include various means for converting optical energy transmitted via an optical waveguide to acoustic energy in the well. | 07-24-2014 |
20140219056 | FIBEROPTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY - A disclosed acoustic telemetry system includes a downhole acoustic telemetry module that generates an acoustic uplink signal such as a pulsed fluid flow or compressional waves in a tubing string wall. An optical waveguide transports an optical signal representing the acoustic uplink signal to the surface interface. A related telemetry method includes acquiring measurements downhole, transmitting the measurements in the form of an acoustic signal, and sensing the acoustic signal via an optical waveguide. | 08-07-2014 |
20140269188 | ROBUST TELEMETRY REPEATER NETWORK SYSTEM AND METHOD - A robust network telemetry repeater system exploits the repeater structure of data propagation and transmission and reception bi-directionality to increase network robustness. For example, multiple perceived receive attempts are created with no additional overhead. The system can be configured whereby nodes “hear” the transmissions of both adjacent and non-adjacent nodes forming implicit acknowledgement (“Acks”), and originating nodes can retransmit until implicit acknowledgments (“Acks”) are “heard,” indicating a successful link relay. Implicit acknowledgment can be applied to bidirectional networks, and bidirectional action can enable all nodes in the network to know the status of all other nodes. | 09-18-2014 |
20140286130 | Acoustic Transceiver with Adjacent Mass Guided by Membranes - An acoustic transceiver assembly including a housing, an oscillator, and at least one membrane. The housing has at least one inner wall defining a cavity. The housing also has a first end and a second end defining an axis of the acoustic transceiver assembly. The oscillator is provided in the cavity. The oscillator is provided with a transducer element, and a backing mass acoustically coupled to the transducer element. The at least one membrane extends outward from the backing mass to support at least the backing mass within the cavity. The at least one membrane is flexible in an axial direction parallel to the axis of the acoustic transceiver assembly to permit the backing mass to oscillate in the axial direction, and rigid in a transverse direction to restrict lateral movement of the backing mass relative to the housing. | 09-25-2014 |
20150117152 | Method and Apparatus for Acoustic Noise Isolation in a Subterranean Well - The disclosure provides a well system component configured to reduce excessive acoustic noise that would otherwise interfere with acoustic telemetry systems. Specifically, the well system component includes a body configured to be coupled to a pipe string, at least one lobe extending radially from the body, and a pad disposed on the at least one lobe and extending radially from an outer radial extent of the at least one lobe. The well system component can be installed at critical acoustic transmission locations, such as at the location of a hanger, at or near a flex joint in a wellhead installation, and/or at or near a rig floor or deck of an offshore rig. | 04-30-2015 |
20150292321 | Wired and Wireless Downhole Telemetry Using a Logging Tool - A system for downhole telemetry is provided herein. The system employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a tubular body in a wellbore. Each communications node is associated with a sensor that senses data indicative of a formation condition or a wellbore parameter along a subsurface formation. The data is stored in memory until a logging tool is run into the wellbore. The data is transmitted from the respective communications nodes to a receiver in the logging tool. The data is then transferred to the surface. A method of transmitting data in a wellbore is also provided herein. The method uses a logging tool to harvest data in a wellbore from a plurality of sensor communications nodes. | 10-15-2015 |
20150322777 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRIGGERING A DOWNHOLE TOOL - A method of servicing a wellbore includes arranging an assembly within a lubricator coupled to a tree, the assembly including at least one downhole tool and a signal receiver subassembly. An acoustic signal is communicated to the signal receiver subassembly while the assembly is arranged within the lubricator. The acoustic signal is perceived with a transceiver communicably coupled to the signal receiver subassembly and thereby activates a timer communicably coupled to the signal receiver subassembly while the assembly is arranged within the lubricator. The assembly is introduced into the wellbore and advanced until reaching a target depth. A trigger signal is them transmitted with the signal receiver subassembly to the at least one downhole tool to actuate the at least one downhole tool. | 11-12-2015 |