Abstract: A once-through steam generator including one or more steam-generating circuits extending between inlet and outlet ends thereof and including one or more pipes, the steam-generating circuit having a heating segment at least partially defining a heating portion of the once-through steam generator, and one or more heat sources for generating heat to which the heating segment is subjected. The steam-generating circuit is adapted to receive feedwater at the inlet end, the feedwater being subjected to the heat from the heat source to convert the feedwater into steam and water. The pipe has a bore therein at least partially defined by an inner surface, and at least a portion of the inner surface has ribs at least partially defining a helical flow passage. The helical flow passage guides the water therealong for imparting a swirling motion thereto, to control concentrations of the impurities in the water.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a fracturing operation in a target well comprising extending a seismic sensor in a tubing string to a first position in an well offset from the target well. A coolant fluid is circulated through the tubing string for a predetermined time. The tubing string is retracted to a second uphole position such that the cooled seismic sensor is exposed in the offset wellbore. A seismic signal emitted during the fracturing operation of the target well is sensed in the offset well.

Abstract: There is provided for laser bottom hole assembly for providing a high power laser beam having greater than 5 kW of power for a laser mechanical drilling process to advance a borehole. This assembly utilizes a reverse Moineau motor type power section and provides a self-regulating system that addresses fluid flows relating to motive force, cooling and removal of cuttings.

Abstract: A reinforced wellhead member for use during fracing operations. The wellhead member is preloaded at a flange section by creating compressive stresses via a ring that interacts with a tightening nut on a bolt. The bolt is rigidly attached to an adapter which may also be modified to create stresses on the flange of the wellhead member. The induced stresses counter the tensile stresses experienced by the flange during fracing operations, allowing a standard wellhead member to be utilized.

Abstract: The present invention is to an internal sleeve slidably received within a tubular housing. The sleeve and outer housing have windows that selectively align. Movement of the sleeve within the housing is controlled by a ball passing through the interior of the sleeve to activate a ratchet that allows the sleeve to move a set amount under the influence of a spring. A split seat at a lower end of the housing traps after a set number of balls have passed through the housing. A number of similar tools can be used to provide openings at various points that include coordinated ratchet steps so that only one tool at a time opens for fracturing or other purposes. A reverse flow causes a ball to impinge upon the next higher ball seat and thereby opening the seat to provide a full bore flow passage through the tool.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly has a drill bit that is driven by a downhole turbine. The turbine speed is reduced by cycloidal gearing that requires no temperature sensitive seals when operating temperatures in some applications exceed 350 degrees F. The output shaft of the cycloidal gear reducer goes through a bearing before connection to the drill bit or associated reamer. The motive fluid can be the drilling mud. The bit can be driven at desired speeds such as 50-300 RPM while the speed reduction ratio can be in the order of 10 to 1 or more. This drive assembly can replace Moineau type downhole motor drivers that have temperature limitations due to use of rubber in the stators.

Abstract: A method of actuating multiple valves in a well can include applying one or more pressure cycles to the valves without causing actuation of any of the valves, and then reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby resetting a pressure cycle-responsive actuator of each valve. A pressure cycle-operated valve for use in a well can include a closure member, a piston which displaces in response to pressure applied to the valve, and a ratchet mechanism which controls relative displacement between the piston and the closure member. The ratchet mechanism may permit relative displacement while one or more pressure cycles are applied to the valve, and the ratchet mechanism may prevent relative displacement in response to a pressure sequence of: a) a reduction in pressure applied to the valve, b) a predetermined number of pressure cycles applied to the valve, and c) an increase in pressure applied to the valve.

Abstract: A method of actuating multiple valves in a well can include applying one or more pressure cycles to the valves without causing actuation of any of the valves, and then reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby resetting a pressure cycle-responsive actuator of each valve. A pressure cycle-operated valve for use in a well can include a closure member, a piston which displaces in response to pressure applied to the valve, and a ratchet mechanism which controls relative displacement between the piston and the closure member. The ratchet mechanism may permit relative displacement while one or more pressure cycles are applied to the valve, and the ratchet mechanism may prevent relative displacement in response to a pressure sequence of: a) a reduction in pressure applied to the valve, b) a predetermined number of pressure cycles applied to the valve, and c) an increase in pressure applied to the valve.

Abstract: Fluid flow control assemblies capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The fluid flow control assemblies can include valves that are actuated via controls from a component positioned at or near the surface to control direction of fluid flow downhole. Packers can be set, slurry can be circulated to screens, and hydrocarbons can be produced via a single trip through the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining constant circulation of drilling fluid includes a valve section (5) at the top of each section of drill pipes to be connected to or removed from the drill string. The valve section (5) has a top inlet for axial circulation and a side inlet (5b) for radial circulation. Two separate valves (5c, 5d) within the valve section controls flow through the inlets. An external valve control device (4) has a circulation adapter (4b) for connecting drill fluid at operational pressure to the side inlet (5b) and separate activating adapters (4c, 4d) connecting to the couplings for opening or closing the valves (5c, 5d).

Abstract: A method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation includes drilling the borehole using a set of drilling control variables assigned a set of values. An automated drilling index of the drilling is monitored. The automated drilling index of the drilling is a combination of a first index that depends on a rate of penetration of the drilling and a second index that depends on a mechanical specific energy of the drilling. The values assigned to the set of drilling control variables are selectively adjusted at least once during the drilling based on the monitoring of the automated drilling index.

Abstract: A process for fracturing a lined well uses a packer assembly in a liner string that provides a cement-free segment and interface with the formation. The device has multiple packers with inflatable elements that are run as an integral assembly. After the liner assembly is positioned, cement is circulated into the assembly and wiped from the interior of the liner string into the annulus. Pressure within the liner string is elevated to initiate time delays for the radial inflation of the packer elements. The inflation radially and axially displaces the cement surrounding the elements before the cement sets. Each packer is subsequently opened to expose the frac ports in the packer directly to the formation for frac operations.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method for performing to provide a flow path from an inner bore thereof to a wellbore annulus, wherein the flow path is provided upon the application of pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having non-extrusion rings. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of rigid segments, a support ring and an elastic matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steering component, to a steering assembly, and to a method of steering a drill bit in a borehole. The steering component is adapted for connection to a drill string, the drill string carrying a drill bit and a motor for rotating the drill bit. The steering component comprises: a rotatable driveshaft adapted for connection between the drill bit and the motor; a drive mechanism; and an offsetting component; the drive mechanism providing a rotatable connection between the drill string and the offsetting component whereby the drill string can rotate relative to the offsetting component. The drive mechanism is adapted to drive the offsetting component to rotate in an opposed direction to the driveshaft, so as to counter the rotation of the offsetting component which is induced by friction within the componentry as the driveshaft rotates. The steering component and method are likely to have their greatest utility in steering a drill bit during drilling for oil and gas.

Abstract: Provided is an excavation tool for efficiently taking waste rocks produced during excavation into the inner peripheral side of a casing pipe. An excavation tool (10) includes a casing shoe (11), a casing pipe (15), a rod (60), a device (40), and an excavation bit (20). The excavation bit (20) has a head portion (22) and a skirt portion (23). The head portion (22) is provided with: a face flute (27), which is open into the tip face of the head portion and extends radially outward; a connection flute (28), which is integrally connected to the outer peripheral end of the face flute (27) and extends toward the rear end side, and an intake hole (29), which is integrally connected with the discharge flute (46) of the device (40) and is open to the inner peripheral side of the skirt portion (23) from the connection flute (28).

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling apparatus for working the ground comprising a drill drive for driving a drill string in a rotating manner and a rotary feedthrough for passing a construction material from a construction material hose into the interior of the drill string, whereby the rotary feedthrough has a first line connection for the construction material hose and a second line connection, rotatable relative to the first line connection, for the drill string. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the rotary feedthrough to have a rotary device for actively rotating the second line connection relative to the first line connection. The invention also relates to a method for working the ground, which can be carried out, in particular, by means of a drilling apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector comprises a drive system for independently driving a plurality of chains independently but otherwise retarding relative motion between the driven chains when a chain begins to slip uncontrollably.

Abstract: An articulated apparatus for handling a drilling to has a base, a first set of arms pivotally connected at one end to the base and extending outwardly therefrom, a joint member pivotally connected to an opposite end of the first set of arms, a second set of arms pivotally connected at one end of to the joint member and extending outwardly therefrom, and a carrier assembly pivotally connected to an opposite end of the second set of arms. The carrier assembly is suitable for carrying the drilling tool so as to allow the drilling tool to move upwardly and downwardly. A drive system is cooperative with the first and second sets of arms so as to move the drilling tool between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A method for deploying a completion string in a previously drilled borehole includes rotating the string at the surface while axially urging the assembly deeper into the borehole. This rotation is preferably only partially transferred down the completion string such that a lower portion of the string typically remains rotationally stationary with respect to the borehole. The completion string may be reciprocated upwards and downwards from the surface so as to enable the lower portion of the completion string to rotate. The completion string may alternatively be rotated back and forth, alternating between first and second rotational directions so as to maintain an applied surface torque below a predetermined threshold. The invention has been found to reduce drag between a completion assembly and the wall of a previously drilled borehole.