Abstract: A drilling system includes a steerable bottomhole assembly (BHA) having a steering unit and a control unit that provide dynamic control of drill bit orientation or tilt. Exemplary steering units can adjust bit orientation at a rate that approaches or exceeds the rotational speed of the drill string or drill bit, can include a dynamically adjustable articulated joint having a plurality of elements that deform in response to an excitation signal, can include adjustable independently rotatable rings for selectively tilting the bit, and/or can include a plurality of selectively extensible force pads. The force pads are actuated by a shape change material that deforms in response to an excitation signal. A method of directional drilling includes continuously cycling the position of the steering unit based upon the rotational speed of the drill string and/or drill bit and with reference to an external reference point.

Abstract: A drilling system comprises a tubular member disposed in a wellbore having a downhole assembly disposed therein. At least one electrical device is disposed in the downhole assembly. A fuel cell is disposed in the downhole assembly and operatively coupled to the electrical device for providing electrical power thereto. The fuel cell extracts at least a portion of its fuel supply from the flowing drilling fluid downhole. In another aspect, a pipeline system comprises a pipeline having a fluid flowing therein. An electrically powered device is disposed in the pipeline. A fuel cell is operatively coupled to the electrically powered device for providing electrical power thereto. The fuel cell extracts at least a portion of a fuel supply from a fluid flowing in the pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus and a method for controlling an environment in a location. In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling an environmental condition in a location is provided. The apparatus includes a flow control device, wherein the flow control device is connectable to an environmental control unit via a conduit. The flow control device comprising a flow restriction member configured to selectively control an airflow into the location and a controller member configured to autonomously actuate the flow restriction member based upon the environmental condition in the location. In another aspect, a method for controlling an environmental condition in a first location and a second location is provided. In a further aspect, a system for controlling an environmental condition in a first location and a second location is provided. In yet a further aspect, a method for controlling an environmental condition in a location is provided.

Abstract: A drilling system comprises a tubular member disposed in a wellbore having a downhole assembly disposed therein. At least one electrical device is disposed in the downhole assembly. A fuel cell is disposed in the downhole assembly and operatively coupled to the electrical device for providing electrical power thereto. The fuel cell extracts at least a portion of its fuel supply from the flowing drilling fluid downhole. In another aspect, a pipeline system comprises a pipeline having a fluid flowing therein. An electrically powered device is disposed in the pipeline. A fuel cell is operatively coupled to the electrically powered device for providing electrical power thereto. The fuel cell extracts at least a portion of a fuel supply from a fluid flowing in the pipeline.

Abstract: One exemplary APD Device is used with a liner drilling assembly to control wellbore pressure. The APD Device reduces a dynamic pressure loss associated with the drilling fluid returning via a wellbore annulus. Another exemplary APD Device is used to control pressure in a wellbore when deploying wellbore equipment, including running, installing and/or operating wellbore tools. The APD Device is set to reduce a dynamic pressure loss associated with a circulating fluid. The APD Device can also be configured to reduce a surge effect associated with the running of the wellbore equipment. Still another APD Device is used to control pressure in a wellbore when completing or working over a well. Exemplary completion activity can include circulating fluid other than a drilling fluid, such as a gravel slurry. The APD Device can reduce the dynamic pressure loss associated with circulation of both drilling fluid and non-drilling fluid.

Abstract: Methods and control systems are provided for a wellbore drilling system having an active differential pressure device (APD device) in fluid communication with a returning fluid. The APD Device creates a differential pressure across the device, which reduces the pressure below or downhole of the device. In embodiments, a control unit controls the APD Device in real time via a data transmission system. In one arrangement, the data transmission system includes data links formed by conductors associated with the drill string. The conductors, which may include electrical wires and/or fiber optic bundles, couple the control unit to the APD Device and other downhole tools such as sensors. In other arrangements, the data link can include data transmission stations that use acoustic, EM, and/or RF signals to transfer data. In still other embodiments, a mud pulse telemetry system can be used in transfer data and command signals.

Abstract: Methods and control systems are provided for a wellbore drilling system having an active differential pressure device (APD device) in fluid communication with a returning fluid. The APD Device creates a differential pressure across the device, which reduces the pressure below or downhole of the device. In embodiments, a control unit controls the APD Device to provide a selected pressure differential at a wellbore bottom, adjacent a casing shoe, in an intermediate wellbore location, or in a casing. In one arrangement, the control system is pre-set at the surface such that the APD Device provides a substantially constant pressure differential. In other arrangements, the control system measures one or more parameters (e.g., wellbore pressure, formation parameters, BHA parameters, etc.) and adjusts an operating parameter of the APD Device to provide a desired pressure differential. Devices such as an adjustable bypass can be used to control the APD Device.

Abstract: An APD Device provides a pressure differential in a wellbore to control dynamic pressure loss while drilling fluid is continuously circulated in the wellbore. A continuous circulation system circulates fluid both during drilling of the wellbore and when the drilling is stopped. Operating the APD Device allows wellbore pressure control during continuous circulation without substantially changing density of the fluid. The APD Device can maintain wellbore pressure below the combined pressure caused by weight of the fluid and pressure losses created due to circulation of the fluid in the wellbore, maintain the wellbore at or near a balanced pressure condition, maintain the wellbore at an underbalanced condition, reduce the swab effect in the wellbore, and/or reduce the surge effect in the wellbore. A flow restriction device that creates a backpressure in the wellbore annulus provides surface control of wellbore pressure.

Abstract: Gas hydrates, particularly natural gas hydrates e.g. methane hydrates, may be formed and controlled within conduits and vessels by imparting energy to gas and water, for instance using agitation or vibration. The systems and methods allow for improved flow characteristics for fluids containing the gases, e.g. hydrocarbon fluids being transported, and for improved overall efficiencies. The gas and water within a gas flow path may be perturbed or agitated to initiate formation of relatively small hydrate particles. The hydrate particles continue to form as long as energy is imparted and water and hydrate guest molecules are available. High amplitude agitation of the gas and water will repeatedly break up agglomerated hydrate particles that form and encourage the formation of more and smaller particles. As more hydrate forms in this manner, less and less free water may be available proximate the gas and water contact.

Abstract: A system and methods of transmitting information between a first location and a second location comprise transmitting a data signal and a known signal from one of the first location and the second location over a signal channel having a first noise component. A second noise component is measured in a noise channel adjacent the signal channel. The data signal, the known signal, and the first noise component are received at the other location. The first noise component is estimated based on the second noise component. The estimated noise component is combined with the received data signal and the received known signal to generate noise-cancelled received data and received known signals. The noise-cancelled received known signal is processed to obtain an estimate of the channel transfer function. The estimated channel transfer function is combined with the noise-cancelled received data signal to reconstruct the transmitted data signal.

Abstract: A wellbore drilling system has an umbilical that carries a drill bit in a wellbore. Drilling fluid pumped into the umbilical discharges at the drill bit bottom and returns through an annulus between the umbilical and the wellbore carrying entrained drill cuttings. An active differential pressure device (APD device), such as a jet pump, turbine or centrifugal pump, in fluid communication with the returning fluid creates a differential pressure across the device, which alters the pressure below or downhole of the device. The APD device can be driven by a positive displacement motor, a turbine, an electric motor, or a hydraulic motor. A controller controls the operation of the APD device in response to programmed instructions and/or one or more parameters of interest detected by one or more sensors. A preferred system is a closed loop system that maintains the wellbore at under-balance condition, at-balance condition or over-balance condition.

Abstract: One or more components of a wellbore drilling assembly utilize a modular construction to facilitate assembly, disassembly, repair and/or maintenance of a wellbore drilling assembly and/or to extend the overall operating capabilities of the drilling assembly. In one embodiment, a modular construction is used for an APD Device, a motor driving the modular APD Device, a comminution device, and an annular seal. Individual modules can be configure have different operating set points, operating parameters and characteristics (e.g., rotational speeds, flow rates, pressure differentials, etc.) and/or different responses to given environmental factors or conditions (e.g., pressure, temperature, wellbore fluid chemistry, etc.). In one embodiment, the high-pressure seals used in conjunction with the APD Device and/or motor is a hydrodynamic seal that provides a selected leak or flow rates. Optionally, the seal is modular to provide different degrees of leak rates and/or different functional characteristics.

Abstract: A device and system for improving efficiency of subterranean cutting elements uses a controlled oscillation super imposed on steady drill bit rotation to maintain a selected rock fracture level. In one aspect, a selected oscillation is applied to the cutting element so that at least some of the stress energy stored in an earthen formation is maintained after fracture of the rock is initiated. Thus, this maintained stress energy can thereafter be used for further crack propagation. In one embodiment, an oscillation device positioned adjacent to the drill bit provides the oscillation. A control unit can be used to operate the oscillation device at a selected oscillation. In one arrangement, the control unit performs a frequency sweep to determine an oscillation that optimizes the cutting action of the drill bit and configures the oscillation device accordingly. One or more sensors connected to the control unit measure parameters used in this determination.

Abstract: An active differential pressure device (APD device) in fluid communication with a returning fluid creates a differential pressure across the device, which controls pressure below the APD Device. In embodiments, a control unit controls the APD Device to provide a selected pressure differential at a wellbore bottom, adjacent a casing shoe, in an intermediate wellbore location, or in a casing. In one arrangement, the control system is pre-set at the surface such that the APD Device provides a substantially constant pressure differential. In other arrangements, the control system adjusts an operating parameter of the APD Device to provide a desired pressure differential in response to one or more measured parameters. Devices such as an adjustable bypass can be used to control the APD Device. In other embodiments, one or more flow control devices coupled to the return fluid reduce the effective pressure differential provided by the APD Device.

Abstract: The present invention provides drilling systems for drilling wellbores. The drilling system includes an umbilical that passes through a wellhead and carries a drill bit. A drilling fluid system supplies drilling fluid into an annulus (supply line) between the umbilical and the wellbore, which discharges at the drill bit bottom and returns to the wellhead through the umbilical (return line) carrying the drill cuttings. A fluid circulation device, such as a turbine or centrifugal pump, is operated in the return line to provide the primary motive force for circulating drilling fluid through a fluid circuit formed by the supply line and return line. Optionally, a secondary fluid circulation device in fluid communication with the return line can cooperate with the fluid circulation device to circulate drilling fluid and/or a near bit fluid circulation device can be used to provide localized flow control or suction pressure to improve bit cleaning.

Abstract: A superabrasive cutter-equipped rotary drag bit especially suitable for directional drilling in subterranean formations is provided. The bit may employ PDC cutters in an engineered cutter placement profile exhibiting optimal aggressiveness in relation to where the cutters are positioned along the profile of the bit extending from a cone region laterally, or radially, outward toward a gage region therefore. The engineered cutter placement profile may include cutters exhibiting differing degrees of aggressiveness positioned in order to maximize rate-of-penetration and minimize torque-on-bit while maintaining side cutting capability and steerability.

Abstract: Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids.

Abstract: A novel well bore drilling system and method utilizes independently deployable multiple tubular strings to drill, line and cement multiple hole sections without intervening trips to the surface. In one embodiment, the drilling system includes two or more independent, telescoping, tubular members that form a nested tubular assembly and one or more sensors disposed on the nested tubular assembly. The nested tubular string is deployed in the wellbore in conjunction with a Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). In some embodiments, a drilling motor for rotating a drill bit is also positioned in the tubular assembly. The sensors can be disposed in a stator of the drilling motor or adjacent the motor. Also, in embodiments, the sensors can be positioned on extensible members that can position the sensor or sensors adjacent the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A drilling system comprises a tubular member disposed in a wellbore having a downhole assembly disposed therein. At least one electrical device is disposed in the downhole assembly. A fuel cell is disposed in the downhole assembly and operatively coupled to the electrical device for providing electrical power thereto. The fuel cell extracts at least a portion of its fuel supply from the flowing drilling fluid downhole. In another aspect, a pipeline system comprises a pipeline having a fluid flowing therein. An electrically powered device is disposed in the pipeline. A fuel cell is operatively coupled to the electrically powered device for providing electrical power thereto. The fuel cell extracts at least a portion of a fuel supply from a fluid flowing in the pipeline.

Abstract: Methods and control systems are provided for a wellbore drilling system having an active differential pressure device (APD device) in fluid communication with a returning fluid. The APD Device creates a differential pressure across the device, which reduces the pressure below or downhole of the device. In embodiments, a control unit controls the APD Device to provide a selected pressure differential at a wellbore bottom, adjacent a casing shoe, in an intermediate wellbore location, or in a casing. In one arrangement, the control system is pre-set at the surface such that the APD Device provides a substantially constant pressure differential. In other arrangements, the control system measures one or more parameters (e.g., wellbore pressure, formation parameters, BHA parameters, etc.) and adjusts an operating parameter of the APD Device to provide a desired pressure differential. Devices such as an adjustable bypass can be used to control the APD Device.