2421results about "Seismology" patented technology

A monitoring system and method for monitoring a predetermined set of physical characteristics associated with a structure using the monitoring system. The system is distributed in the structure and comprises a distributed optical sensing device (30), further comprising a fiber optic cable (20, 22); a light source (18a) operatively in communication with the fiber optic cable (20, 22); a light detection device (18b), operatively in communication with the fiber optic cable (20, 22), for measuring the light received at the light detection device (18b) from the fiber optic cable (20, 22); and a data processor (18) capable of using the light measured to calculate a predetermined set of physical parameters describing the predetermined set of physical characteristics.

A method of managing a fluid or gas reservoir is disclosed which assimilates diverse data having different acquisition time scales and spatial scales of coverage for iteratively producing a reservoir development plan that is used for optimizing an overall performance of a reservoir. The method includes: (a) generating an initial reservoir characterization, (b) from the initial reservoir characterization, generating an initial reservoir development plan, (c) when the reservoir development plan is generated, incrementally advancing and generating a capital spending program, (d) when the capital spending program is generated, monitoring a performance of the reservoir by acquiring high rate monitor data from a first set of data measurements taken in the reservoir and using the high rate monitor data to perform well-regional and field-reservoir evaluations, (e) further monitoring the performance of the reservoir by acquiring low rate monitor data from a second set of data measurements taken in the reservoir, (f) assimilating together the high rate monitor data and the low rate monitor data, (g) from the high rate monitor data and the low rate monitor data, determining when it is necessary to update the initial reservoir development plan to produce a newly updated reservoir development plan, (h) when necessary, updating the initial reservoir development plan to produce the newly updated reservoir development plan, and (i) when the newly updated reservoir development plan is produced, repeating steps (c) through (h). A detailed disclosure is provided herein relating to the step (a) for generating the initial reservoir characterization and the step (b) for generating the initial reservoir development plan.

This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for monitoring a conduit, a wellbore or a reservoir associated with hydrocarbon production or transportation and / or carbon dioxide sequestration. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide for using an optical fiber as a distributed interferometer that may be used to monitor the conduit, wellbore or reservoir. In certain aspects, the distributed interferometric monitoring provides

A wireless sensor system is provided, utilising any number of sensor modules, any number of mobile communication devices, and a server. The sensor modules have sensors for sampling data, and wirelessly transmit data to their corresponding mobile communication device, and receive transmission instructions from the same. The mobile communication devices transmit the sampled data to the server, wherein the data is processed using analysis software, and provided through interface software to a network in a useable form. The mobile communication devices display the sensor data in useable form by processing it with its own software module, allowing a user of the sensor module to view the sampled data. Other users may access the sensor data over the network to monitor the same. if an emergency situation is detected, the user of the sensor module can be directly contacted through their mobile communication device, and emergency personnel can be dispatched.

The present invention includes a method, system and apparatus for simulating fluid flow in a fractured subterranean reservoir. A three-dimensional hybrid reservoir model representative of a fractured subterranean reservoir is created. The model includes porous matrix blocks and a network of long fractures overlying the matrix blocks. The networks of long fractures include two-dimensional fracture blocks. Matrix and fracture flow equations for fluid flow in the matrix and fracture blocks are obtained. The effective fluid flow transmissibilities between the matrix blocks and the fracture blocks are determined. The matrix and fracture flow equations are coupled via the effective fluid flow transmissibilities. The matrix and fracture flow equations are then solved simultaneously for flow responses. Two-dimensional fracture blocks are used which ideally overly and are fluidly connect to underlying matrix blocks. The long fractures may be in direct in fluid communication with one or more intersecting wells. Where long fractures intersect with one another, the intersection of the long fractures may be modeled as a point source to enhance numerical stability during simulation. The hybrid reservoir model may utilize networks of fractures in conjunction with an underlying grid of matrix blocks wherein fracture characteristics such as (1) orientation; (2) fracture aperture; (3) fracture length; and (4) fracture height are more realistically modeled than in previously known reservoir models.

A streamer or cable for use in subterranean surveying includes a communications link, a plurality of network nodes interconnected by the communications link, where each of the plurality of network nodes is configured to perform a self test to detect a fault condition of the corresponding network node, and bypass switches to bypass faulty one or more network nodes.

A computer implemented stochastic inversion method for estimating model parameters of an earth model. In an embodiment, the method utilizes a sampling-based stochastic technique to determine the probability density functions (PDF) of the model parameters that define a boundary-based multi-dimensional model of the subsurface. In some embodiments a sampling technique known as Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is utilized. MCMC techniques fall into the class of “importance sampling” techniques, in which the posterior probability distribution is sampled in proportion to the model's ability to fit or match the specified acquisition geometry. In another embodiment, the inversion includes the joint inversion of multiple geophysical data sets. Embodiments of the invention also relate to a computer system configured to perform a method for estimating model parameters for accurate interpretation of the earth's subsurface.

Acoustic monitoring of a conduit, a wellbore or a reservoir associated with hydrocarbon production or transportation and / or carbon dioxide sequestration is carried out using a fibre optic cable extending along or appurtenant to it as a distributed interferometer. Coherent Raleigh noise generated by the transmission of the coherent beam of radiation through the fiber optic is detected and processed to identify an acoustic occurrence.

A reservoir production control system includes a plurality of wells for producing a reservoir linked to a central computer over a downhole communication network and a surface communication network. Both the downhole and the surface communication networks are wireless communications paths for transmitting downhole data and surface data to the central computer. Both networks include a series of interconnected tubing or pipe that allows transmission of data over electrically isolated portions of the pipe and tubing. After integrating and analyzing all relevant data and comparing the data with a reservoir model, the central computer initiates changes in a plurality of downhole control devices associated with the wells, thereby optimizing the production of the reservoir.

An assembly and process for identifying and tracking assets, particularly tubulars, equipment, tools and / or devices. An antenna is electrically connected to a responding device, such as a radio frequency identification device, and this assembly is connected to an asset. The antenna may be positioned about the exterior and / or the interior of the asset and significantly increases the range of signals that may be received and / or broadcast by the responding device. A transceiver may accordingly be positioned a greater distance from the asset without regard to the orientation of the asset and still permit communication between the transceiver and the responding device. In this manner, information that specifically identifies the asset may be compiled in a data base so as to maintain an accurate history of the usage of such assets as tubulars, equipment, tool and / or devices.

There is provided herein a system and method of acquiring, processing, and imaging transient Controlled Source ElectroMagnetic (t-CSEM) data in ways that are similar to those used for seismic data. In particular, the instant invention exploits the time-distance characteristics of t-CSEM data to permit the design and execution of t-CSEM surveys for optimal subsequent processing and imaging. The instant invention illustrates how to correct t-CSEM data traces for attenuation and dispersion, so that their characteristics are more like those of seismic data and can be processed using algorithms familiar to the seismic processor. The resulting t-CSEM images, particularly if combined with corresponding seismic images, may be used to infer the location of hydrocarbon reservoirs.

The present disclosure relates to dynamically incorporating and economically validating drilling decisions. A computer system having a memory and central processing unit is provided and a knowledge store residing in the computer system is populated with data. The data may include surface drilling parameter data, bottomhole assembly data, bit records, measurement-while-chilling data, logging-while-drilling data, drilling event data, and lessons learned data. The data may be correlated data from one or more offset wells. One or more computerized static or dynamic contextual earth models are provided and used to dynamically incorporate and economically validate the drilling decisions. The one or more earth models can be updated in real-time.

A test battery method and system (10, 100, 200, 225) for use in assessing auditory function (e.g., the screening or diagnosis of impairments, fitting of hearing aids, etc.) is provided which performs one or more auditory tests including, for example, an acoustic reflectance test. Such an acoustic reflectance test may be a reflectance tympanometry test that includes a feedback system to control static pressure in the ear canal. Such acoustic reflectance tests may be used alone or in combination with one or more other auditory tests. Further, for example, such a battery of tests may include middle-ear muscle reflex tests in combination with one or more other auditory or hearing tests.

A hydrocarbon exploration method is disclosed for developing a model of at least one effective material property of a subsurface reservoir as a function of the composition and structure of the reservoir rock. In one embodiment, the method comprises: obtaining a 3D image (102) of a rock sample characteristic of a reservoir of interest (101); segmenting the 3D image into compositional classes (103) based on similarities in mineralogy, structure and spatial distribution; selecting a model (105) that relates an effective material property of interest to the volume fractions of each compositional class; and determining the parameters of the model (106). The model may be used to assess the commercial potential of the subsurface reservoir (107).

A system and method for deploying and / or retrieving a cable underwater. In an embodiment, a system comprises a cage, comprising a guidance system adapted to be remotely operable subsea by a vessel; a communications link operatively linking the guidance system and the vessel; and a non-palletized reel rotatably and removably mounted within the cage, the reel adapted to receive an unspoolable length of cable, the cable comprising two fee ends. In an exemplary method, the reel, onto which cable is spooled is removably and rotatably housed in a cage adapted for remote control use underwater and the cage lowered by a vessel to a position proximate a seafloor. The cage is maneuvered along a predefined flight pattern in substantially a single plane with respect to the seafloor while selectively releasing the cable from the reel. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

The disclosed methods, systems, and software are described to optimize fracture characteristics and simulate fluid flow rates in a well model. The well model, which includes at least one fracture intersecting a production well, is generated with static and dynamic data. Fluid flow in the well model is simulated to obtain simulated fluid flow rates between fractures and the well. Fracture properties, such as length, height and aperture, are then updated responsive to measured and simulated fluid flow rates. Multiple simulation runs and updating of the fracture properties can be performed until the simulated fluid flow rates converge with the measured fluid flow rates. Pressure data can be used to determine gridblock permeability, which in turn helps constrain the model, thus providing more reliable fracture properties. Uncertainty ranges of the fracture properties can also be calculated.

Methods of predicting earth stresses in response to pore pressure changes in a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir within a geomechanical system, include establishing physical boundaries for the geomechanical system and acquiring reservoir characteristics. Geomechanical simulations simulate the effects of changes in reservoir characteristics on stress in rock formations within the physical boundaries to determine the rock formation strength at selected nodes in the reservoir. The strength of the rock formations at the nodes is represented by an effective strain (εeff), which includes a compaction strain (εc) and out-of-plane shear strains (γ1-3, Y2-3) at a nodal point. The methods further include determining an effective strain criteria (εeffcr) from a history of well failures in the physical boundaries. The effective strain (εeffcr) at a selected nodal point is compared with the effective strain criteria (εeffcr) to determine if the effective strain (εeff) exceeds the effective strain criteria (εeffcr).

The method according to the invention allows the formation of oil and the retention phenomenon in the mother rock to be modelled. Organic matter characterization experiments are used to establish the molecular model (MM) of the initial sample (E). The thermal cracking reaction of this molecular model is reproduced by dynamic molecular simulation computations with a reactive force field (RMD) and validated by comparison with experimental data. The reaction mechanism obtained (SR) allows to carry out a kinetic study (C) by variation of the temperature parameter. The phase equilibria (PES) of the reaction medium are determined at any time from dynamic simulation. The successive phase equilibrium assessments at various progress stages of the cracking reaction allow following the physicochemical evolution (PC) of the thermal maturation of the organic sample studied. The free hydrocarbons (liquid and gaseous) that are not retained in the solid residue can be quantified throughout numerical modelling of the sample maturation; representing, in the sedimentary basins, the hydrocarbons that are not retained in the organic matrix of the mother rock (Q). This quantity can be used as an indicator or an input value for the retention threshold in basin models.

A transmission wave field imaging method, comprising the transmission of an incident wave field into an object, the incident wave field propagating into the object and, at least, partially scattering. Also includes the measuring of a wave field transmitted, at least in part, through an object to obtain a measured wave field, the measured wave field based, in part, on the incident wave field and the object. Additionally, the processing of the measured wave field utilizing a parabolic approximation reconstruction algorithm to generate an image data set representing at least one image of the object.

A system and method may model physical geological structures. Seismic and geologic data may be accepted. A three-dimensional (3D) transformation may be generated between a 3D present day model having points representing present locations of the physical geological structures and a 3D past depositional model having points representing locations where the physical geological structures were originally deposited. An indication may be accepted to locally change the 3D transformation for a subset of sampling points in a first model of the models. The 3D transformation may be locally changed to fit the updated subset of sampling points. A locally altered or updated version of the first model and, e.g., second model, may be displayed where local changes to the first model are defined by the locally changed 3D transformation. The transformation may also be used to extract geobodies in the past depositional model.

To calculate information on a relative distance or positional relationship between an interface section and an object by detecting an electromagnetic wave transmitted through the interface section, and using the electromagnetic wave from the object to detect a relative position of the object with respective to the interface section. Information on the relative spatial position of an object 101 with respect to an interface section 102 that has an arbitrary shape and deals with transmission of information or signal from one side to the other side of the interface section 102 is detected with a spatial position detection method. An electromagnetic wave 106 radiated from the object 101 and transmitted through the interface section 102 is detected by an electromagnetic wave detection section 103, and based on the detection result, information on spatial position coordinates of the object 101 is calculated by a position calculation section 104.

The present invention relates generally to methods for designing and optimizing the number, placement, and size of fractures in a subterranean formation and more particularly to methods that account for stress interference from other fractures when designing and optimizing the number, placement, and size of fractures in the subterranean formation. The present invention optimizes the number, placement and size of fractures in a subterranean formation. The present invention determines one or more geomechanical stresses induced by each fracture based on the dimensions and location of each fracture, including surface deformations caused by each fracture. The present invention determines a maximum number of fractures and a predicted stress field based on the geomechanical stresses induced by each of the fractures.

Fiber optic cables suitable for use in harsh environments such as down hole oil and gas well applications and methods for fabricating the same have been provided. In one embodiment, an optic cable suitable for down hole oil field applications comprises one or more optical fibers disposed in an inner tube and a corrosion resistant metal outer tube disposed over the inner tube, where the inner and outer tubes make intermittent contact. In another embodiment, an optic cable suitable for down hole oil field applications comprise one or more optical fibers disposed in a polymer tube having fins extending therefrom.

A method of representing and using fractures in a model of a subterranean reservoir is described including the partitioning the fracture network into a discretely modeled part and a remaining statistically described part from a statistical description of all fractures, the determination of the correlation effects caused by fractures with dimensions exceeding dimension of the local grid cells and the determination of petrophysical properties while allowing for arbitrary distribution of fracture orientations, with all three aspects being combinable to improve the modeling of fractures and the simulation of fractured reservoirs.