Hm Energy LLC

Tim Mueller

Duke Loi

Kathleen Hanafan

A method and apparatus for automatic down-hole asset monitoring is provided that monitors tagged down-hole assets wherein the assets travel into and out of an oil or gas well. A rig reader system, a controller and a computer incorporating a graphic user interface are connected to monitor tagged assets moving into and out of a drill head. The rig reader portion may be a ring shaped device having therein an integrated antenna array and radio frequency identification interrogators that interrogate an SAW or RFID tag as it moves through the ring shaped device. The integrated antenna array may include evenly distributed antennas about an interior surface of the ring shaped device that are covered by a radome that seals the antenna array and interrogators against contamination from caustic chemicals and other substances found on or around an oil rig platform. The ring shaped rig reader may be mounted directly below or above a rotary table or a rig's floor or be between a well head of an oil and gas well and the rig floor. The rig reader of an exemplary rig reader system is adapted to withstand a wide temperature range, caustic chemicals, shock and vibration and other elements commonly present on and about an oil or gas rig.

Method and apparatus for automatic down-hole asset monitoring

A method and apparatus for packaging a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) piezoelectric device into a SAW tagging device for use in a harsh environment is provided. An exemplary SAW tagging device comprises a SAW piezoelectric device within a header container. The header container is electrically connected to an antenna system that comprises an antenna substrate, a dielectric disk that may operate as an antenna reflector in combination with a metal base. The antenna system, antenna substrate, dielectric disk and header container are all contained within a cavity in the metal base. The SAW tagging device is completely encased in a chemical, temperature and environmentally resistive and durable material that is transparent to the operating radio frequency of the SAW piezoelectric device contained therein. A grooved sleeve or ring is provided about the SAW tagging device and is compressible or crushable such that the SAW tagging device can be compression fitted into a borehole in an asset or object in need of being tagged.

Surface acoustic wave resonator for down-hole applications

A method and apparatus for packaging a surface acoustic wave transponder for use in harsh environments is provided. An exemplary transponder comprises a surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device, wire bonds, an antenna element, an antenna substrate, a dome structure, and casing. The exemplary surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device is attached directly onto the antenna substrate and wire bonded to an antenna element. The surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device is protected under the dome structure, which is sealed and attached to the antenna substrate. The components are encased and sealed within a transponder casing. The transponder may be part of or incorporated into substantially any shape or form factor.

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Plano, TX, United States of America

Tim Mueller