Specifications

Page 20

Incorrect register settings may cause the Bloodhound to have undesired results, become unstable or even

unusable. On the other hand, the register settings can allow the user to fine tune the operations of the

Bloodhound for optimum performance. This all depends on how knowledgeable the user is of the registers

and their settings. A very good explanation of the Bloodhound registers can be found later in this document.

SET DEPTH COUNTER

This menu item allows the user to quickly set a starting depth for the drilling process. To set the depth from its

current number, just press and hold the up or down key. The numbers will start to scroll slow, fast, faster, and

then very fast. This is handy when making a large number change. After the new value has been set, just hit

the Enter/Mute key to store the new changes and return to the normal operational screen.

SET JOB NUMBER

The job number is very important to the Bloodhound system in two ways. The job number tells the

Bloodhound what job number to place into the data packet. Generated packets are sent to the charting

software and the remote server system. This tells the server system into what file to place the data. If the job

number changes, the remote server software will start a new chart and file. Also when changing the job

number, the Bloodhound knows to start a new BH_DATA.IBD file on the SD storage card and if inserted, the

USB memory stick. Usually the job number is the last item to be changed upon rig up of the Bloodhound

system at a well site.

SET GAS UNITS ALARM LEVEL

The Bloodhound has the ability to set off an alarm if a preset gas units level has been passed. This allows the

mud logger to either identify the zone or to warn of a possible dangerous situation. Set this value to zero to

defeat the alarm.

TRANSFER JOB DATA TO USB KEY

The Bloodhound stores all job data to the internal SD storage media every 6 seconds. Typical data storage

size is about 500 kilobytes of information per day. The collected Bloodhound data is primarily stored on this

card. If a user has a compatible USB memory stick installed in the Bloodhound front panel, the Bloodhound

attempts to also place data onto the USB key after it detects it. This menu selection allows the user to walk up

to the Bloodhound, insert a USB key, and download the current job data into the USB key. This key can then

be taken to a PC where it can be loaded into the gas charting software.

D. USB Ports and Data Storage

Two industry standard USB ports can be found on the front panel of the Bloodhound computer. At this time

only the top port is used. This USB port allows the use of external USB memory sticks to be used as

secondary mass storage of the data collected. Any USB memory stick can be used; however, it is

recommended that the short versions be used to permit the case to be closed during operations. When

inserting a USB memory stick, it may take up to 60 seconds for the Bloodhound to recognize it. All data is

stored and organized on the memory stick and SD card in the root directly under the file name BH_DATA.IBD.

When starting or changing to a new job number, this file is renamed to OLDFILE.IBD and a new

BH_DATA.IBD is started. Changing back to the old or last job number will not restore/rename the old IBD file

but will destroy the last record, OLDFILE.IBD too. Internally there is a 2 gigabyte or 4 gigabyte SD flash

storage card that is the primary point of storage. The job data files found on this card can be extracted or

deleted through external commands using the serial port that is explained later in this document. The data can

also be transferred to the USB memory stick from the SD card using the menu option.

6. SERVICE AND REPAIR OF THE BLOODHOUND

The design of the Bloodhound was conceived with modularity, serviceability, reliability, and portability as

paramount. Off-the-shelf common parts were selected to allow the user to service the Bloodhound with readily

available parts from local vendors. The Bloodhound system can be broken down into 5 subsystems. Each

subsystem can be exchanged for a new system when it is upgraded or repaired.