Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media having computer programs, and electronic interfaces to detect and mitigate drill cuttings build-up in borehole drilling for hydrocarbon wells are provided. Embodiments include determining annular pressure at downhole sensors when pumping a drilling fluid into the borehole. Then one or more measures of a decrease in pressure in the borehole between a first sensor and a second sensor that is attributable to build-up of drill cuttings between the first sensor and the second sensor can be determined. Portions of effective density of the drilling fluid that are attributable to build-up of drill cuttings between the sensors also can be determined. Drill cuttings and fluid flow in an interval of the borehole between the first sensor and the second sensor can be analyzed. Whether drill cuttings limit fluid flow in an interval of the borehole between the first sensor and the second sensor then can be determined.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media having computer programs, and electronic interfaces to detect and mitigate drill cuttings build-up in borehole drilling for hydrocarbon wells are provided. Embodiments include determining annular pressure at downhole sensors when pumping a drilling fluid into the borehole. Then one or more measures of a decrease in pressure in the borehole between a first sensor and a second sensor that is attributable to build-up of drill cuttings between the first sensor and the second sensor can be determined. Portions of effective density of the drilling fluid that are attributable to build-up of drill cuttings between the sensors also can be determined. Drill cuttings and fluid flow in an interval of the borehole between the first sensor and the second sensor can be analyzed. Whether drill cuttings limit fluid flow in an interval of the borehole between the first sensor and the second sensor then can be determined.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to centrifuge systems and methods for controlling centrifuge systems, wherein the systems in certain aspects are adapted for processing material, e.g., but not limited to drilling fluids with solids therein. One illustrative method includes providing a centrifuge system that is made up of, among other things, a bowl, a bowl motor system, a bowl variable frequency drive, a conveyor, a conveyor motor, a conveyor variable frequency drive, a pump, a pump motor, and a pump variable frequency drive. Additionally, the centrifuge system includes a control system that is adapted to control the bowl variable frequency drive, the conveyor variable frequency drive, and the pump variable frequency drive. The method includes controlling the centrifuge system in the G-force differential control mode by controlling the G-force on the bowl as the bowl is rotated by the bowl motor system so that the G-force on the bowl does not exceed a pre-set maximum G-force.

Abstract: An item (e.g. a drill bit) handling method, the item for use in a well operation, the method including producing information about an item used for a specific well task, the information including design information and intended use information, producing an item identification specific to the item, associating the information with the item identification producing thereby an information package, installing the information package in at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and applying the at least one wave-energizable apparatus to the item.

Abstract: An item (e.g. a drill bit) handling method, the item for use in a well operation, the method including producing information about an item used for a specific well task, the information including design information and intended use information, producing an item identification specific to the item, associating the information with the item identification producing thereby an information package, installing the information package in at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and applying the at least one wave-energizable apparatus to the item. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: Centrifuge systems and methods for controlling centrifuge systems, the systems in certain aspects for processing material, e.g., but not limited to drilling fluids with solids therein. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A controller provides an automatic bit protection sequence for an autodriller that can be initiated during the initial stage of set down of the bit within the formation. The automatic protection sequence establishes a setpoint for a parameter of interest (such as weight on bit, ROP, torque) associated with operation of the drilling system and then initiates a gradual increase in that parameter in order to achieve the setpoint. The bit protection sequence may be adjustable so that varying degrees of gradualness may be selected. The controller of the autodriller may also be provided with measured data for torque, rate of penetration (ROP) and/or the differential pressure of the mud motor of the drilling system. Each of these parameters is provided with a predetermined setpoint, and each may be selected as the controlling parameter for operation of the autodriller.

Abstract: A hybrid choke control system wherein the traditional choke experience is manifest in auditory and visual feedback mechanisms which are emulated by a digital control system enabling direct control of either position or back pressure associated with an adjustable choke device. The present invention enhances safety and efficiency when used in association with oil field drilling operations and in particular when applied to a device which provides the user with enhanced control capabilities for direction controlling the back pressure and position associated with drilling chokes during down hole operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely analyzing and affirmatively notifying appropriate personnel of problems and events associated with an oil recovery system—comprising hundreds of oil rigs over a vast geographic area. The results of selected Health Checks, which are run on each oilrig, are reported to a central server. The central server populates a data base for the oil recovery system, displays a red/yellow/green color coded electronic notification and status for an entire oil recovery system and affirmatively alerts appropriate personnel of actions required to address events associated with an oilrig in an oil recovery system. The diagnostics run at each oilrig are configurable at the individual rig. The present invention provides a dynamic oilrig status reporting protocol that enables population and display of a tree node structure representing an entire oil recovery system status on a single screen at a top level.

Abstract: A hybrid choke control system wherein the traditional choke experience is manifest in auditory and visual feedback mechanisms which are emulated by a digital control system enabling direct control of either position or back pressure associated with an adjustable choke device. The present invention enhances safety and efficiency when used in association with oil field drilling operations and in particular when applied to a device which provides the user with enhanced control capabilities for direction controlling the back pressure and position associated with drilling chokes during down hole operations.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for varying fluid pressure in a circulation system while circulating a kick out of a well bore 30 drilled through a subterranean formation using a drilling rig 25 and a drill string 50. The kick may be automatically circulated out of the well bore and/or a kill fluid may be circulated into the well bore. A controller 100 reduces the circulation rate by automatically controlling the rate of the pump 90 and the position of well bore choke 70. Various sensors interconnected with the controller may be used to maintain circulation system operation. The controller may control various components utilized in the circulation procedure to maintain a substantially constant bottom hole pressure on the formation while circulating the kick out of the well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely analyzing and affirmatively notifying appropriate personnel of problems and events associated with an oil recovery system-comprising hundreds of oil rigs over a vast geographic area. The results of selected Health Checks, which are run on each oilrig, are reported to a central server. The central server populates a data base for the oil recovery system, displays a red/yellow/green color coded electronic notification and status for an entire oil recovery system and affirmatively alerts appropriate personnel of actions required to address events associated with an oilrig in an oil recovery system. The diagnostics run at each oilrig are configurable at the individual rig. The present invention provides a dynamic oilrig status reporting protocol that enables population and display of a tree node structure representing an entire oil recovery system status on a single screen at a top level.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for varying fluid pressure in a circulation system while circulating a kick out of a well bore 30 drilled through a subterranean formation using a drilling rig 25 and a drill string 50. The kick may be automatically circulated out of the well bore and/or a kill fluid may be circulated into the well bore. A controller 100 reduces the circulation rate by automatically controlling the rate of the pump 90 and the position of well bore choke 70. Various sensors interconnected with the controller may be used to maintain circulation system operation. The controller may control various components utilized in the circulation procedure to maintain a substantially constant bottom hole pressure on the formation while circulating the kick out of the well.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for maintaining fluid pressure control of a well bore 30 drilled through a subterranean formation using a drilling rig 25 and a drill string 50, whereby a kick may be circulated out of the well bore and/or a kill fluid may be circulated into the well bore, at a kill rate that may be varied. A programmable controller 100 may be included to control execution of a circulation/kill procedure whereby a mud pump 90 and/or a well bore choke 70 may be regulated by the controller. One or more sensors may be interconnected with the controller to sense well bore pressure conditions and/or pumping conditions. Statistical process control techniques may also be employed to enhance process control by the controller. The controller 100 may further execute routine determinations of circulating kill pressures at selected kill rates.