Halliburton Company

Steven L Cook

John R Dennis

Kevin D Fink

Charles D Totty

Roger M Lewis

Monty E McElroy

An intrinsically safe data network, such as one defining a system for acquiring and transferring data from inside a hazardous zone at an oil or gas well to outside the hazardous zone, includes a fixed number of at least one data signal conductor and a fixed number of at least one intrinsic safety barrier forming part of the overall network that allows for the use of more transducers than there are intrinsic safety barrier(s).

Intrinsically safe data network

A capacitive differential pressure sensor comprises two end pieces and a central diaphragm all of the same type of electrically non-conductive material, such as quartz. As the central diaphragm moves relative to the end pieces in response to pressures applied through the end pieces, capacitance changes are sensed through one pair of facing electrodes on one end piece and the diaphragm and another pair of facing electrodes on the other end piece and the diaphragm. A method of measuring differential pressures at an oil or gas well with such a sensor is also disclosed.

Capacitive differential pressure sensor and method of measuring

Apparatus and method for detecting the presence of extraneous magnetic fields having a predetermined weak magnitude include a transformer having an excitation winding, an output winding, and a saturable core which will saturate in a magnetic field of a predetermined saturation magnitude. The core is made of amorphous metal alloy and is shaped to cancel the electromagnetic effects of magnetic fields having flux lines which are substantially parallel with respect to the transformer. An excitation circuit is connected to the excitation winding for generating a magnetic field having an excitation magnitude of lesser magnitude than the saturation magnitude of the core. The excitation magnitude and the weak magnitude of the extraneous magnetic fields combine to create a magnetic field of greater magnitude than the saturation magnitude of the core. A detector circuit is connected to the output winding for detecting and indicating saturation of the core.

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Duncan, OK, United States of America

Steven L Cook