Abstract:
A system for monitoring at least one parameter of interest relating to a flow conduit having a through passage and a fluid flow therein comprises at least one measurement station coupled to the flow conduit for taking a measurement relating to the parameter of interest. An interrogation device is adapted to move proximate the measurement station and to transmit a first signal to the measurement station, and to receive a second signal from the measurement station relating to the parameter of interest. The measurement station receives power from the first signal.
Abstract:
A system of transmitting optical signals during a subsea oilfield operations comprises a subsea fiber optical signal carrier. The fiber optical signal carrier includes a first optical fiber having a least one doped section that acts as an amplifier to optical signals passing there through when the doped section is supplied with optical energy. A second optical fiber is disposed alongside the first optical fiber for carrying optical energy. An optical coupler between the second optical fiber and the at least one doped section supplies optical energy from the second optical fiber to the first optical fiber. At least one sensor provides optical signals to the first optical fiber. An optical energy source supplies optical energy to the second optical fiber.
Abstract:
A drilling system for drilling subsea wellbores includes a tubing-conveyed drill bit (130) that passes through a subsea wellhead. Surface supplied drillng fluid flows through the tubing (121), discharges at the drill bit, returns to the wellhead through a wellbore annulus (122), and flows to the surface via a riser extending from the wellhead. A flow restriction device (164) positioned in the riser restricts the flow of the returning fluid while an active fluid device controllably discharges fluid from a location below to just above the flow restriction device in the riser, thereby controlling bottomhole pressure and equivalent circulating density ("ECD"). Alternatively, the fluid is discharged into a separate return line (206) thereby providing dual gradient drilling while controlling bottomhole pressure and ECD. A controller (180) controls the energy and thus the speed of the pump in response to downhole measurement(s) to maintain the ECD at a predetermined value or within a predetermined range.
Abstract:
A formation pressure testing while drilling device on a bottomhole assembly (21) makes measurements of fluid pressure during drilling of a borehole (15). Based on the pressure measurements, drilling direction can be altered to maintain the wellbore (15) in a desired relation to a fluid contact. Acoustic transmitters and/or receivers (59,61) on the bottomhole assembly can provide additional information about bed boundaries, faults and gas-water contacts.
Abstract:
A drilling system for drilling subsea wellbores includes a tubing-conveyed drill bit that passes through a subsea wellhead. Surface supplied drillng fluid flows through the tubing, discharges at the drill bit, returns to the wellhead through a wellbore annulus, and flows to the surface via a riser extending from the wellhead. A flow restriction device positioned in the riser restricts the flow of the returning fluid while an active fluid device controllably discharges fluid from a location below to just above the flow restriction device in the riser, thereby controlling bottomhole pressure and equivalent circulating density ("ECD"). Alternatively, the fluid is discharged into a separate return line thereby providing dual gradient drilling while controlling bottomhole pressure and ECD. A controller controls the energy and thus the speed of the pump in response to downhole measurement(s) to maintain the ECD at a predetermined value or within a predetermined range.
Abstract:
A system for communicating between a first location and a second location comprises a jointed tubular string (4) having a first section (21) and a second section (22) connected at a connection joint (4), with the tubular string having a fluid (11) in an internal passage thereof. A first acoustic transducer (23) is mounted in the internal passage of the first section (21) proximate the connection joint (4), and a second acoustic transducer (25) is mounted in the internal passage of the second section (22) proximate the connection joint (4). A signal transmitted from the first location to the second location is transmitted across the connection joint as an acoustic signal in the fluid (11) from the first acoustic transducer (23) to the second acoustic transducer (25).
Abstract:
A drilling system for drilling subsea wellbores includes a tubing-conveyed drill bit (130) that passes through a subsea wellhead. Surface supplied drillng fluid flows through the tubing (121), discharges at the drill bit, returns to the wellhead through a wellbore annulus (122), and flows to the surface via a riser (160) extending from the wellhead. A flow restriction device (164) positioned in the riser restricts the flow of the returning fluid while an active fluid device controllably discharges fluid from a location below to just above the flow restriction device in the riser, thereby controlling bottomhole pressure and equivalent circulating density ("ECD"). Alternatively, the fluid is discharged into a separate return line (206) thereby providing dual gradient drilling while controlling bottomhole pressure and ECD. A controller (180) controls the energy and thus the speed of the pump in response to downhole measurement(s) to maintain the ECD at a predetermined value or within a predetermined range.
Abstract:
A system and methods of transmitting information between a first location and a second location comprise transmitting a data signal and a known signal from one of the first location and the second location over a signal channel having a first noise component. A second noise component is measured in a noise channel adjacent the signal channel. The data signal, the known signal, and the first noise component are received at the other location. The first noise component is estimated based on the second noise component. The estimated noise component is combined with the received data signal and the received known signal to generate noise-cancelled received data and received known signals. The noise-cancelled received known signal is processed to obtain an estimate of the channel transfer function. The estimated channel transfer function is combined with the noise-cancelled received data signal to reconstruct the transmitted data signal.
Abstract:
A wellbore system and method for producing seismic waves in an earth formation. The system comprises a cavity containing fluid. The cavity is in a space between a wellbore tubular, which may be casing or production tubing, and the wellbore formation. A device is provided for generating pressure waves in the cavity at resonance frequencies of the cavity. The pressure waves generate seismic waves that radiate into the adjacent earth formation that may be recorded. The recorded seismic waves may be used to determine parameters of interest of the earth formation.
Abstract:
A formation pressure testing while drilling device on a bottomhole assembly makes measurements of fluid pressure during drilling of a borehole. Based on the pressure measurements, drilling direction can be altered to maintain the wellbore in a desired relation to a fluid contact. Acoustic transmitters and/or receivers on the bottomhole assembly can provide additional information about bed boundaries, faults and gas-water contacts.