Abstract: Embodiments disclose a sand screen apparatus for use in a well that intersects a hydrocarbon formation. The sand screen apparatus comprises a composite, the composite having a compressed state and an expanded state. In embodiments, the composite comprises a base polymer and one or a plurality of reactive fillers where the reactive fillers react with the base polymer in the expanded state after exposure to a first trigger.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for controlling inflow of fluid into a production string. In aspects, the invention provides an inflow control device with a shut-off feature that is operated automatically utilizing swellable materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and method comprising a plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to a magnetic field, and which maintain attraction to one another after removal of the magnetic field, the attraction being disabled when the particles are demagnetized, whereby the particles operate to alter the rheological properties of a fluid in which the particles are mixed when the attraction is enabled or disabled is disclosed.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to apparatus and methods that are particularly suited for creating a seal in a borehole annulus. More particularly, the subject disclosure relates to a seal with enhanced sealing capability. In one embodiment the subject disclosure relates to a reinforced and permanent swellable packer device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods comprising a plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to an magnetic field, and which maintain attraction to one another after removal of the magnetic field, the attraction being disabled when the particles are demagnetized, whereby the particles operate to alter the rheological properties of a fluid in which the particles are mixed when the attraction is enabled or disabled is disclosed.

Abstract: The subject disclosure discloses apparatus and methods that are particularly suited for creating a seal in a borehole annulus. More particularly, the subject disclosure discloses a seal with enhanced sealing capability. In one embodiment the subject disclosure discloses a reinforced and permanent swellable packer device.

Abstract: The subject disclosure discloses mechanisms for embedding and controlling multifunctional additives within a polymer matrix for use in oilfield applications. More particularly, the subject disclosure discloses methods of treating a subterranean formation with a polymer matrix comprising one or a plurality of polymers and one or a plurality of functional additives embedded into this polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method for characterizing one or more properties of a geological formation including brine and a dense vapor phase includes inputting at least one first property of the geological formation including resistivity of a vapor phase into a model including an equation of state (EOS) model, the model accounting for a high temperature effect on the dense vapor where that the dense vapor has a non-infinite resistivity. At least the EOS model is solves to provide data relating to at least one second property of the geological formation. The data relating to the at least one second property is output to a display device for visual inspection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fracturing multiple zones in a wellbore are provided. A first port in a first valve assembly can be opened with a shifting tool. A fluid flows through the first port to fracture a first zone, and the first port can be closed with the shifting tool after the first zone has been fractured. A second port can be opened in a second valve assembly with the shifting tool after the first port has been closed, wherein the second valve assembly is positioned below the first valve assembly. The fluid can flow through the second port to fracture a second zone, and the second port can be closed with the shifting tool after the second zone has been fractured.

Abstract: A high temperature downhole packer including a tubular member, an annular and longitudinally movable ring, and a packer. The tubular member has a stop located on an outer diameter thereof. The annular and longitudinally movable ring is disposed around the outer diameter of the tubular member. The packer element is disposed between the stop and the ring. The packer element includes a high temperature elastomeric polymer having a first storage modulus from about 1,000 MPa to about 10,000 MPa at a first temperature between about ?100° C. and about 175° C., and a second storage modulus from about 1 MPa to about 1000 MPa at a second temperature ranging from about 175° C. to about 475° C.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods comprising a plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to an magnetic field, and which maintain attraction to one another after removal of the magnetic field, the attraction being disabled when the particles are demagnetized, whereby the particles operate to alter the rheological properties of a fluid in which the particles are mixed when the attraction is enabled or disabled is disclosed.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition for use in a borehole comprising a base polymer and a reinforcing reactive filler is disclosed. The elastomeric composition maintains flexibility before interaction and rigidity after interaction and therefore is suitable for use in downhole sealing systems.

Abstract: A sol of metallic alkoxide is pumped into a desired location in a wellbore and allowed to gel, creating solids in-situ. The sol is either unstabilized, requiring rapid placement before gelling, or the sol is stabilized, permitting off-site mixing. Sols can be stabilized with either surfactant or with interfacial polymers. Large concentrations of surfactant can be placed in the sol to create templates around which gelation occurs, creating porous solids.

Abstract: Steerable drilling systems for facilitating drilling according to a prescribed, three-dimensional trajectory are described. Steering may be achieved using passive actuators which require little or no power. For example, damping elements which couple a drill bit to a drill collar can be used to tilt the drill bit with respect to the drill collar. Alternatively, rotary cutting elements disposed on the drill bit may be used to control the force between the drill bit and the formation at different axial locations. The passive elements used to control the tilt or rotation of the rotary cutting elements are actuated in a certain pattern, e.g., geostationary, in order to achieve a desired deviation of the well bore while drilling ahead. One way to achieve this is through the use of field-sensitive materials, e.g. magnetorheological (MR) fluids, that change viscosity in response to an applied magnetic field.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for controlling inflow of fluid into a production string. In aspects, the invention provides an inflow control device with a shut-off feature that is operated automatically utilizing swellable materials.

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: 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: Steerable drilling systems for facilitating drilling according to a prescribed, three-dimensional trajectory are described. Steering may be achieved using passive actuators which require little or no power. For example, damping elements which couple a drill bit to a drill collar can be used to tilt the drill bit with respect to the drill collar. Alternatively, rotary cutting elements disposed on the drill bit may be used to control the force between the drill bit and the formation at different axial locations. The passive elements used to control the tilt or rotation of the rotary cutting elements are actuated in a certain pattern, e.g., geostationary, in order to achieve a desired deviation of the well bore while drilling ahead. One way to achieve this is through the use of field-sensitive materials, e.g. magnetorheological (MR) fluids, that change viscosity in response to an applied magnetic field.

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: A sol of metallic alkoxide is pumped into a desired location in a wellbore and allowed to gel, creating solids in-situ. The sol is either unstabilized, requiring rapid placement before gelling, or the sol is stabilized, permitting off-site mixing. Sols can be stabilized with either surfactant or with interfacial polymers. Large concentrations of surfactant can be placed in the sol to create templates around which gelation occurs, creating porous solids.