Abstract: Systems and methods include techniques for using smart polymers. Units of smart polymers with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) sensitivity are inserted by a monitoring system into drilling fluid pumped into a well. The smart polymers are configured to be triggered by increasing H2S concentrations. An insertion timestamp associated with each unit is stored. Each insertion timestamp indicates a time that each unit was inserted. Continuous images and observed characteristics of returning mud exiting through an annulus of the well and containing the units of smart polymer are captured by a camera positioned at a sensing location and linked to the monitoring system. An estimate of H2S levels at a drill bit of the drilling operation is determined using continuous images, observed characteristics, and insertion timestamps, and based at least in part on executing image processing algorithms, machine-learning models, and deep-learning models. Changes to drilling parameters are suggested.

Abstract: Systems and methods include techniques for using smart polymers. Units of smart polymers with chloride ion sensitivity are inserted into drilling fluid pumped into a well. The smart polymers are configured to be triggered by chlorine ion concentrations. An insertion timestamp associated with each unit is stored. Each insertion timestamp indicates a time that each unit was inserted. Continuous images and observed characteristics of returning mud exiting through an annulus of the well and containing the units of smart polymers are captured by a camera positioned at a sensing location and linked to the monitoring system. An estimate of salinity in the drilling fluid is determined using continuous images, observed characteristics, and insertion timestamps, and based at least in part on executing image processing algorithms, machine-learning models, and deep-learning models. Changes to drilling parameters are suggested based on the estimate of the salinity.

Abstract: Systems and methods include techniques for using smart polymers. Units of smart polymers with heat sensitivity are inserted by a monitoring system into drilling fluid pumped into a well. The smart polymers are configured to be triggered by exposure to increasing levels of heat. An insertion timestamp associated with each unit is stored. Each insertion timestamp indicates a time that each unit was inserted. Continuous images and observed characteristics of returning mud exiting through an annulus of the well and containing the units of smart polymer are captured by a camera positioned at a sensing location and linked to the monitoring system. An estimate of temperatures at a drill bit of the drilling operation is determined using continuous images, observed characteristics, and insertion timestamps, based at least in part on executing image processing algorithms, machine-learning models, and deep-learning models. Suggested changes to be made to drilling parameters are provided.

Abstract: A rotational continuous circulation system and methods includes a circulation sub having an internal bore extending along a central axis. The circulation sub has an uphole body having a reduced outer diameter along a downhole length of the uphole body. A central valve selectively opens and closes the uphole internal bore. At least one check valve is located within a sidewall of the uphole body to selectively allow fluid to flow into the uphole internal bore through the at least one check valve. A downhole body has an uphole portion circumscribing a downhole portion of the uphole body. A sleeve assembly circumscribes the reduced outer diameter of the uphole body. The uphole body and the downhole body are configured to rotate about the central axis independently from the sleeve assembly. A side-entry port of the sleeve assembly provides a fluid flow path from an exterior of the sleeve assembly to the at least one check valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods include techniques for using smart polymers. Units of smart polymers with per-hydrogen (pH) sensitivity are inserted into drilling fluid pumped into a well during drilling. The smart polymers are configured to be triggered by hydrogen ion concentrations. An insertion timestamp associated with each unit is stored and indicates a time that each unit was inserted. Continuous images and observed characteristics of returning mud exiting through an annulus of the well and containing the units of smart polymer are captured by a camera positioned at a sensing location and linked to the monitoring system. An estimate of pH values at a drill bit of the drilling operation is determined using the continuous images, observed characteristics, and insertion timestamps, and based at least in part on executing image processing algorithms, machine-learning models, and deep-learning models. Changes to be made to drilling parameters are suggested.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for determining well pressure. Units of pressure-responsive smart polymers are inserted into drilling fluid pumped into a well during a drilling operation. An insertion timestamp associated with each unit is stored indicating times that each unit was inserted. Continuous images and observed characteristics of drilling mud exiting through an annulus of the well and containing the units of smart polymers are captured by a camera. An estimate of a bottom hole pressure (BHP) at a drill bit of the drilling operation is determined using the continuous images, the observed characteristics, and the insertion timestamps associated with each unit of smart polymer. Determining the estimate is based at least in part on executing image processing algorithms, machine-learning models, and deep-learning models. Changes to be made to drilling parameters for the drilling operation are suggested based on the estimated BHP.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for determining well pressure. Units of pressure-responsive smart polymers are inserted into drilling fluid pumped into a well during a drilling operation. An insertion timestamp associated with each unit is stored indicating times that each unit was inserted. Continuous images and observed characteristics of drilling mud exiting through an annulus of the well and containing the units of smart polymers are captured by a camera. An estimate of a bottom hole pressure (BHP) at a drill bit of the drilling operation is determined using the continuous images, the observed characteristics, and the insertion timestamps associated with each unit of smart polymer. Determining the estimate is based at least in part on executing image processing algorithms, machine-learning models, and deep-learning models. Changes to be made to drilling parameters for the drilling operation are suggested based on the estimated BHP.

Abstract: A wellbore assembly includes a wellbore string disposed within a wellbore and a cement retainer coupled to a downhole end of the wellbore string. The cement retainer includes a housing, a packer, a valve, and a sleeve. The housing includes one or more fluid ports extending from an interior surface of the housing to the annulus. The housing defines a first fluid pathway extending from within the wellbore string to within the housing. The sleeve is movable between a first position, in which the sleeve blocks the one or more fluid ports, and a second position in which the sleeve exposes the one or more fluid ports to open a second fluid pathway extending from the annulus, through the one or more fluid ports, to the first fluid pathway. Opening the second fluid pathway allows mixing of a first fluid with a second fluid in the cement retainer.

Abstract: A rotational continuous circulation system and methods includes a circulation sub having an internal bore extending along a central axis. The circulation sub has an uphole body having a reduced outer diameter along a downhole length of the uphole body. A central valve selectively opens and closes the uphole internal bore. At least one check valve is located within a sidewall of the uphole body to selectively allow fluid to flow into the uphole internal bore through the at least one check valve. A downhole body has an uphole portion circumscribing a downhole portion of the uphole body. A sleeve assembly circumscribes the reduced outer diameter of the uphole body. The uphole body and the downhole body are configured to rotate about the central axis independently from the sleeve assembly. A side-entry port of the sleeve assembly provides a fluid flow path from an exterior of the sleeve assembly to the at least one check valve.

Abstract: A system for deploying a fabric liner in a wellbore includes a free-to-fall sub and a shoe track. The free-to-fall sub includes a weighted compartment that is filled with a first fluid that increases the weight of the free-to-fall sub and at least one stabilizing wheel that centralizes the free-to-fall sub within the wellbore. The shoe track incudes a plurality of orifices that release a second fluid into the fabric liner. The fabric liner retains the second fluid between the shoe track and the fabric liner. The free-to-fall sub is rigidly fixed to a downhole end of the fabric liner such that the fabric liner supports the free-to-fall sub within the wellbore.