Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for facilitating transfer of downhole devices through a reversibly sealable wellhead fixture capping a well under pressure, without jeopardizing operators, equipment, or the well itself. An open ended pressurizable vessel is provided that is sized and shaped to accommodate a substantial portion of a particular downhole device, such as a logging tool. The vessel includes a mating flange for coupling its open end to a reversibly sealable wellhead fixture. A pressure can be equalized between an internal cavity of the pressurizable vessel and the wellbore. Once the pressure has been equalized, a channel can be opened between the pressurizable vessel and the wellbore, allowing for transfer of the downhole device in a preferred direction, either into or out of the wellbore. One or more robotic systems can be provided to further expedite manipulation of at least one of the tool and the vessel.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining the value of an attribute of ambient energy at a drilling assembly at the bottom of a borehole. Ambient energy includes kinetic energy, hydraulic energy and thermal energy. Attributes include vibration frequency spectrum, pressure difference, and temperature difference. The method uses energy harvested by at least one energy-harvesting sensor to power the system. The system generates data signals from at least one energy-harvesting sensor at one or more locations along a downhole drilling assembly, and transmits data up the borehole.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring flow in a pipeline which, in use, carries a stratified flow of a first liquid and a second, denser liquid. The system comprises: a section of the pipeline in which the stratified flow is uphill; a section of the pipeline in which the stratified flow is downhill; and a holdup meter on each of said pipeline sections for measuring the holdup in each section. The flow rates of the first and second liquids can be calculated from the measured holdups.

Abstract: A seal comprising a polymeric material having a first swelling phase having a first swelling characteristic and a second swelling phase having a second swelling characteristic, the first swelling characteristic is greater than the second swelling characteristic is utilized to seal an upper portion from a lower portion of a wellbore. A wellbore seal tool is further described comprising a swellable layer, a supporting assembly disposed adjacent the swellable layer, and an inflatable bladder.

Abstract: Formation strontium concentrations are measured utilizing a borehole tool. A log may be provided as a function of depth or distance. The strontium measurements can be correlated chronostratigraphically to provide a depth to absolute time correlation. Measures of strontium made in the borehole can be correlated to information obtained via seismic exploration of the formation traversed by the borehole. Measures of strontium in multiple boreholes of a single formation can be correlated.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant coating and method are provided wherein the abrasion resistant coating contains both ductile and brittle components. The abrasion resistant coating is initially applied to a substrate and is further conditioned such that the wear which occurs at the interface of the abrasion resistant coating and the abrasive environment is ductile wear, as opposed to brittle wear, such that the wear which occurs at said interface is minimized and the service life of the abrasion resistant coating extended.

Abstract: A self-propelled mechanical crawler adapted to move on a medium. One example of such a crawler includes a foot, a wave generator adapted to drive a periodic wave in the foot, and a wave transfer mechanism coupled between the wave generator and the foot. The wave transfer mechanism may be adapted to translate the periodic wave produced by the wave generator into a corresponding periodic deformation in the foot so as to generate forces in the medium to propel the crawler.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus controls or eliminates reaction torque from drill bits thereby preventing loss of penetration due to undesired rotation of the drilling apparatus or controls drilling direction by intentionally manipulating reaction torque thereby inducing desired drill bit walk. The drilling apparatus has a concentrically divided drill bit in which an inner drill bit rotates simultaneously in the opposite direction from an outer drill bit. The inner drill bit can be moved axially forward from or back toward the outer drill bit. Forces produced by the inner and outer drill bits are controlled to eliminate or adjust reaction torque.

Abstract: Electrical energy is produced at a remote or close site by converting kinetic energy from fluid flow with membranes that generates electrical energy in response to deformation by the fluid flow passing though a piezo electric medium attached to the deforming membranes. Sets of membranes define variable fluid flow restrictors that oscillate due to interaction of the force of fluid flow and Bernoulli Effect. The device can be tuned to different flow regimes in order to enhance energy conversion efficiency. Each membrane may include one or more layers of piezoelectric material separated by insulating/stiffening layers. Further, the device may be mounted in a secondary flow path such as a side package or annular tube.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant coating and method are provided wherein the abrasion resistant coating contains both ductile and brittle components having a bimodal size distribution. The abrasion resistant coating is initially applied to a substrate in contact with an abrasive environment. The abrasive resistant coating having a bimodal size distribution results in the minimized exposure of the ductile components of the wear surface to the abrasive environment such that the life of the abrasive resistant coating is extended.