Abstract: A method of monitoring downhole conditions in a borehole includes receiving sensor data through a network of nodes provided at selected positions on a drill string disposed in the borehole. An inference is made about the downhole condition from the sensor data. A determination is made whether the downhole condition matches a target downhole condition within a set tolerance. At least one parameter affecting the downhole condition is selectively adjusted if the downhole condition does not match the target downhole condition within the set tolerance.

Abstract: A method for collecting and analyzing downhole pressure data includes disposing a plurality of pressure sensors at axially spaced locations along a drill string disposed in a well. A first data set that includes a data point for each of the pressure sensors is collected. Each data point includes a pressure value and a depth value. A value of modified equivalent circulating density (ECDm) is calculated for at least one data point. ECDm includes a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component. Calculating the ECDm includes computing the static pressure component based on the true vertical depth of the pressure sensor, and computing the dynamic pressure component based on a second depth value that differs from the true vertical depth and is common to all the pressure sensors for which ECDm is calculated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a kick in a wellbore using acoustic transducers. In one embodiment, a system for detecting a kick in a wellbore includes a drill string having a plurality of sections of drill pipes and a plurality of kick detection subs disposed between the sections of drill pipes. Each of the kick detection subs includes an acoustic transducer and kick detection circuitry coupled to the acoustic transducer. The kick detection circuitry is configured to detect gas bubbles in the wellbore based on acoustic signals received by the acoustic transducer. The kick detection circuitry is also configured to determine whether a kick is present in the wellbore based on the detected gas bubbles. The kick detection circuitry is further configured to transmit information indicating whether a kick is present to the surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing wellbore influx in a marine riser. In one embodiment, a method for managing wellbore influx includes identifying a difference between measured values provided by a plurality of sensors longitudinally spaced along a riser. Whether the difference between measured values provided by a given pair of the sensors has changed relative to a difference between measured values previously provided by the given pair of the sensors is determined. Whether wellbore influx is present in the riser is determined based on the change in the difference.

Abstract: A drilling system comprises a drillstring including a dill bit, a bottomhole assembly coupled to the drill bit, and a plurality of interconnected tubular members coupled to the bottomhole assembly. A first tubular member includes a communication link having a first annular inductive coupler element disposed in an annular recess in a first end, a second annular inductive coupler element disposed in an annular recess in a second end, and a cable coupling the first annular inductive coupler element to the second annular inductive coupler element. In addition, the drilling system comprises a first signal level determination unit disposed in the drillstring and configured to determine a level of a first signal communicated from the second inductive coupler element. Further, the drilling system comprises an axial load determination unit configured to determine an axial load at the first signal level determination unit based on the level of the first signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a ballooning zone in downhole formations. In one embodiment, a method for identifying a ballooning zone in downhole formations includes disposing a drill string in a wellbore. The drill string includes a plurality of wired drill pipes connected end-to-end, and a bottomhole assembly connected to the drill pipes. While circulating drilling fluid through the wellbore, a first resistivity of a formation drilled is measured. While not circulating drilling fluid through the wellbore, a second resistivity of the formation drilled is measured. The first resistivity and the second resistivity are compared. Based on a result of the comparing, a level of ballooning attributable to the formations is identified.

Abstract: An apparatus for communication with a downhole tool linked to a plurality of wired drill pipes includes a base. In addition, the apparatus includes an extension assembly having a first end pivotally coupled to the base and a second end. Further, the apparatus includes a head assembly pivotally coupled to the second end of the extension assembly. Still further, the apparatus includes an interface connector moveably coupled to the head assembly and configured to connect to an uphole end of the tool string and form an interface link between a surface unit and the downhole tool.

Abstract: A wired drill pipe electronic device includes a housing having a threaded connection at each end configured to couple to a wired drill pipe having double shoulder threaded connections. A chassis is disposed inside the housing and is configured to define at least one sealed atmospheric chamber between the chassis and the housing. The chassis defines an internal passage therethrough. The device includes a stress coupling to enable transmission of at least one of axial and torque loading from both the inner and outer shoulder of adjacent wired drill pipe segments through the housing.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a clock in a device at the Earth's surface with a device disposed in a wellbore includes generating a time datum for a signal generated at at least one of the surface and in the wellbore proximate an end of the pipe string. A time delay is determined between detection of the signal at the at least one repeater and retransmission of the signal from the at least one repeater. The time datum is appended with a signal corresponding to the time delay. The retransmitted signal is detected at the other of proximate the end of the pipe string and at the surface.

Abstract: A method for making a conduit for transmitting signals along its length includes forming one or more grooves in at least one of the inner and outer walls of a tubular body that extend substantially to a communicative coupler, and securing one or more conductive wires within the one or more grooves. A conduit for transmitting signals along its length in a borehole environment includes one or more conductive wires extending through and being secured within one or more grooves of a tubular body, the one or more conductive wires in signal communication with a communicative coupler so as to establish one or more wired links. The conduit may include a means for securing the one or more conductive wires within the one or more grooves.

Abstract: A system and method for steering a relief well to intersect a previously drilled wellbore. In one embodiment, a system includes a drill string disposed in the relief well and a surface processing system. The drill string includes a plurality of sections of wired drill pipe connected end-to-end, and a bottom hole assembly disposed at a downhole end of the drill string. The bottom hole assembly includes a drill bit, a steering tool configured to direct the drill bit towards a target, and an acoustic sensing tool. The acoustic sensing tool includes a plurality of acoustic sensors configured to detect acoustic signals emanating from fluid flow in a target wellbore. The surface processing system is coupled to the uphole end of the drill string, and is configured to determine a direction to the target wellbore based on the acoustic signals detected by the acoustic sensors.

Abstract: A method for testing a well system comprising providing fluid into a chamber of the system, measuring a change in fluid pressure within the chamber and measuring a temperature change of fluid within the closeable chamber.

Abstract: A method for detecting a wellbore influx with drill string distributed measurements includes obtaining a first annular measurement from a first sensor disposed on a drill string. The method also includes obtaining a second annular measurement from a second sensor disposed on the drill string and computing a gradient of a first interval defined by the first and second sensors. Finally, the method includes detecting a wellbore influx based on the gradient and the first and second annular measurements.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a clock in a device at the Earth's surface with a device disposed in a wellbore includes generating a time datum for a signal generated at at least one of the surface and in the wellbore proximate an end of the pipe string. A time delay is determined between detection of the signal at the at least one repeater and retransmission of the signal from the at least one repeater. The time datum is appended with a signal corresponding to the time delay. The retransmitted signal is detected at the other of proximate the end of the pipe string and at the surface.

Abstract: A drill pipe includes a pin end connector, a box end connector, a first communication connector and a second communication connector. The pin end connector includes a first region to form a threaded connection to join sections of the drill pipe together, and the first region includes at least one thread that begins at one end of the first region and ends at the other end of the first region. The box end connector receives the pin end connector, and the box end connector includes a second region to mate with the first region to form the threaded connection. The first communication connector is attached to the pin end connector and is located in the first region; and the second communication connector is attached to the box end connector and located in the second region to form a communication connection with the first communication connector.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining stretch or compression of a drill string is disclosed. Sensors are positioned along the drill string for collecting data for determining the stretch or compression. The stretch or the compression of the drill string may be used to calculate depths at which measurements are obtained by tools associated with the drill string.

Abstract: A method for communicating signals between an instrument in a wellbore and a device at the Earth's surface using a wired drill pipe telemetry channel includes allocating signals generated by at least one instrument in the wellbore to a plurality of buffers. Each buffer represents data having a respective communication priority. Signals from each buffer are communicated to the wired drill pipe telemetry channel according to a predetermined priority procedure. The procedure allocates telemetry channel priority related to the communication priority.

Abstract: An expandable tubular sleeve having utility for lining a downhole tubular member includes a tubular body having a portion that is predisposed to initiate expansion thereof under the application of internal fluid pressure. The predisposed portion of the body may be a plastically-deformed portion formed, e.g., by application of mechanical force to a wall of the body. The predisposed portion of the body may be defined by a portion of the body having reduced wall thickness. The reduced wall thickness may be achieved, e.g., by reinforcing the wall thickness everywhere except the predisposed portion. The predisposed portion of the body may be formed by modifying the material properties of the body, e.g., by localized heat treatment. The sleeve and related apparatuses and methods are useful for securing and protecting a cable having one or more insulated conductive wires for transmission of signals between locations downhole and at the surface.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a drill string is provided. The system includes an apparatus having a first coupler, a second coupler, a frame and an actuator. The first coupler may be operatively connectable to the drill string and the second coupler may be operatively connectable to a top drive of a handling system thereby allowing communication between a surface system and a downhole system. The frame may support the first coupler and the second coupler. The frame may be operatively connectable to the handling system. The actuator may be for moving the frame with the first and second couplers between an engaged position operatively connected to the top drive and an uppermost drill pipe, and a disengaged position a distance from the uppermost drill pipe whereby the first and second couplers selectively establish a communication link between the surface system and the downhole system.

Abstract: A cable includes at least one plastic impregnated fiber layer and at least one conductor in contact with the at least one fiber layer. In some examples, the fiber may be glass fiber, aramid fiber or carbon fiber. In some examples, the plastic may be thermoset plastic, thermoplastic or chemically set resin. In some examples, the conductor may be an electrical conductor or an optical fiber.