Abstract:
Disclosed are a data transmission method and several devices for carrying out the method for transmitting logging or other measurements made downhole during a drilling operation to the surface of the earth, either in real time without interruption of the drilling operation, or during brief interruptions of the drilling operation but without the necessity of removing the drill string from the borehole. The system employs means for momentarily engaging the borehole while rotating the drill string, and recording the torque being applied to the rotating drill string by means of a surface positioned dynamic torque meter. Measurements made downhole are converted to pulse time electrical signals, and these electrical pulses are employed to activate the borehole engaging means so that torque pulses are generated which travel up the drill string and are sensed on the surface by the torque meter. By measuring the time between torque pulses as recorded by the surface torque meter the intelligence becomes readily available on the surface without the necessity of pulling the drill string.
Abstract:
A petroleum recovery method employing a mixed solvent for use in subterranean petroleum-containing formations. The mixed solvent density is less than the density of water and greater than the density of the formation petroleum, and preferably has a boiling point less than the boiling point of the formation petroleum. Water is injected into the bottom of the petroleum formation and solvent is injected into the formation above the depth at which water is injected, and a mixture comprising solvent and petroleum is recovered from production wells. The solvent may be separated from the produced petroleum-solvent mixture by distillation and recondensation for reinjection into the formation. The rate of water injection is controlled to force the horizontally moving solvent bank slowly upward so as to sweep the entire formation.
Abstract:
A method and several mechanisms for carrying out the method are disclosed. The method of (1) generating torque pulses by engaging a drill bit on the lower end of a rotating drill string in the bottom of a wellbore, and (2) monitoring the top of the drill string for the torque pulses therein may be practiced by a drill bit disconnectably attached with a coupling to the lower end of a drill string in a wellbore for being momentarily and precisely uncoupled and coupled during drilling to interrupt the torque transmission for generation of torque pulses in the drill string for being monitored at the surface. Mechanical, electrical, and fluid operated couplings are disclosed for rapidly coupling and uncoupling the drill bit from the drill string.