Abstract:
An apparatus for securing a printed wiring assembly (PWA) within an enclosure of a downhole tool includes an elongate base, an elongate cover, and at least one bracket member coupled to the downhole tool. The base is for supporting electrical components that may include electronics, circuitry, conductive strips, and batteries thereon. The cover extends in a longitudinal direction and extends over the central portion of the base. At least one end of the base is uncovered by the cover. The cover includes at least one lateral recess that extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The bracket member has a portion extending into the lateral recess and is configured to engage the cover and secure the cover within the enclosure.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for locating faults in wired drill pipe while drilling. In one embodiment, a fault location system includes a plurality of conductively coupled media sections, impedance measurement electronics, and a fault locator. Each media section includes conductive couplers on opposing ends of the media section, and conductive media connected to and communicatively coupling the conductive couplers. The impedance measurement electronics is configured to measure an input impedance of the media sections. The fault locator is configured to determine a propagation constant for the media sections, and to determine, as a function of the input impedance and the propagation constant, a location of a fault in the media sections.
Abstract:
A method for detecting a wellbore influx with drill string distributed measurements includes obtaining a first annular measurement from a first sensor disposed on a drill string. The method also includes obtaining a second annular measurement from a second sensor disposed on the drill string and computing a gradient of a first interval defined by the first and second sensors. Finally, the method includes detecting a wellbore influx based on the gradient and the first and second annular measurements.
Abstract:
An apparatus for retaining a transmission line within a drill string component includes a drill string component comprising a bore having an internal diameter. A slot is formed in the internal diameter to receive a transmission line. A shoulder within the slot is configured to engage a tension anchor attached to the transmission line. The tension anchor is configured to hold tension in the transmission line. The tension anchor includes a first component that is attached to the transmission line, and a second component that is threaded onto the first component. In certain embodiments, the second component contains a connector configured to enable connection to the transmission line. A corresponding system is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for managing wellbore influx in a marine riser. In one embodiment, a method for managing wellbore influx includes identifying a difference between measured values provided by a plurality of sensors longitudinally spaced along a riser. Whether the difference between measured values provided by a given pair of the sensors has changed relative to a difference between measured values previously provided by the given pair of the sensors is determined. Whether wellbore influx is present in the riser is determined based on the change in the difference.
Abstract:
An apparatus for retaining a transmission line within a drill string component is disclosed. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a drill string component comprising a bore having an internal diameter. A slot is formed in the internal diameter to receive a transmission line. A first feature within the slot is configured to engage a corresponding second feature on the transmission line and thereby retain an end of the transmission line. A sleeve is inserted into the internal diameter to keep the transmission line within the slot. A corresponding system is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An apparatus for securing a printed wiring assembly (PWA) within an enclosure of a downhole tool includes an elongate base, an elongate cover, and at least one bracket member coupled to the downhole tool. The base is for supporting electrical components that may include electronics, circuitry, conductive strips, and batteries thereon. The cover extends in a longitudinal direction and extends over the central portion of the base. At least one end of the base is uncovered by the cover. The cover includes at least one lateral recess that extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The bracket member has a portion extending into the lateral recess and is configured to engage the cover and secure the cover within the enclosure.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for detecting a kick in a wellbore using acoustic transducers. In one embodiment, a system for detecting a kick in a wellbore includes a drill string having a plurality of sections of drill pipes and a plurality of kick detection subs disposed between the sections of drill pipes. Each of the kick detection subs includes an acoustic transducer and kick detection circuitry coupled to the acoustic transducer. The kick detection circuitry is configured to detect gas bubbles in the wellbore based on acoustic signals received by the acoustic transducer. The kick detection circuitry is also configured to determine whether a kick is present in the wellbore based on the detected gas bubbles. The kick detection circuitry is further configured to transmit information indicating whether a kick is present to the surface.
Abstract:
An apparatus for retaining a transmission line within a drill string component includes a drill string component comprising a bore having an internal diameter. A slot is formed in the internal diameter to receive a transmission line. A first feature within the slot is configured to engage a corresponding second feature on the transmission line and thereby retain an end of the transmission line. The first feature comprises a first angled surface configured to contact and engage a corresponding second angled surface of the second feature. The first and second angled surfaces are oriented such to keep the transmission line retained within the slot when tension is placed on the transmission line. A corresponding system is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for identifying a ballooning zone in downhole formations. In one embodiment, a method for identifying a ballooning zone in downhlole 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.