Abstract: A system for providing information about a region of interest in a borehole, comprises a tubular passing through the region of interest, an optical fiber deployed on the outside of the tubular in the region of interest and optically connected to a light source and optical signal receiving means, at least one metal strip deployed on the outside of the tubular adjacent to the optical fiber, wherein the strip has at least one longitudinal face that is flat or concave so as to conform to the outside of the tubular, and means for holding the optical fiber and the metal strip in a fixed azimuthal location with respect to the tubular.

Abstract: A localized inflow tracer (112) may be flushed from a gravel pack (104) surrounding a base pipe (102) of a production well by outwardly venting the inflow tracer. The base pipe (102) may include a non-perforated section (106) disposed adjacent to one or more perforated sections (108). A tracer carrier (110) may be disposed circumferentially about at least a portion of the non-perforated section (106) of the base pipe (102). An inflow tracer (112) may be released from the tracer carrier (110) into production fluid within the gravel pack (104) proximate to the non-perforated section (106) of the base pipe (102) such that the inflow tracer is flushed from the gravel pack (104) into individual ones of the one or more perforated sections (108) of the base pipe (102) and transported with the production fluid. The inflow tracer (112) may be prevented from being flushed directly from the tracer carrier (110) into the base pipe (102) due to a lack of permeability of the non-perforated section of the base pipe (102).

Abstract: A tubular section and a system including the tubular section are described. The tubular section includes a first tubular member including a threaded pin section and a second tubular member, the second tubular member including a threaded box section configured to mate with the threaded pin section. The tubular section also includes a shoulder ring disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, wherein a wall thickness of at least a portion of the shoulder ring is greater than a smallest wall thickness of the threaded pin section of the first tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for protecting the lower main wellbore of whipstocks and completion deflectors from debris accumulation. A well system subassembly includes a deflector tool arranged within a casing string and defining a deflector surface and an inner bore extending longitudinally from the deflector surface and one or more seal stacks disposed about the inner bore of the deflector tool. A wellbore barrier device is disposed about the inner bore uphole from the one or more seal stacks and is expandable from an unswelled configuration to a swelled configuration. When the wellbore barrier device is in the swelled configuration, it protects the one or more seal stacks from debris generated from milling and/or drilling operations.

Abstract: A method is for the combined perforation, cleaning, and the subsequent plugging of a longitudinal section of a well. The well is provided with two pipe bodies placed substantially concentrically. The method includes lowering a perforation tool into the innermost pipe body to the longitudinal section, forming perforations in both pipe bodies along the longitudinal section with the perforation tool, cleaning the longitudinal section with a flushing tool which is attached to a lower portion of a string allowing through-flow, pumping a fluidized plugging material down the string and into the innermost pipe body at the longitudinal section, and placing the fluidized plugging material in the innermost pipe body, and thereby also into the entire cross section of the well via the perforations within the longitudinal section. A flushing tool is for cleaning the longitudinal section of the well.

Abstract: Disclosed are sand control screens and completion assemblies that receive, retain, and protect control lines during installation and operation thereof. One disclosed completion assembly includes a base pipe, at least one screen jacket positioned around the base pipe and operable to prevent an influx of particulate matter of a predetermined size therethrough, a control line housing arranged uphole from the at least one screen jacket and having a fiber optic splicing block disposed therein, the at least one fiber optic splicing block being communicably coupled to a control line that extends uphole from the control line housing, and one or more hydraulic conduits arranged longitudinally between the at least one screen jacket and the base pipe and extending from the control line housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for retrieving a tubing from a well at least partly filled with a liquid. The tubing having a first end portion and a second end portion.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate sidetracking by eliminating one or more trips downhole. A sidetracking system includes a whipstock assembly and a stinger assembly. The stinger assembly has a running/stinger assembly which extends at least partially through the whipstock assembly. The running/stinger assembly is designed for disconnection from the whipstock assembly after delivery downhole. After disconnecting the stinger assembly, the sidetracking system enables delivery of cement slurry down through the stinger assembly to form a cement plug at a desired location.

Abstract: A shock absorber (29) for downhole use comprises an elongate, hollow member defined by a series of mutually aligned, plastically deformable perforated members (38) having aligned perforations that define the hollowness of the elongate, hollow member that are spaced from one another in the direction of elongation by respective relatively rigid spacer members (39) that are secured to the perforated members. The elements of each pair of perforated members (38) of the series are so spaced from one another by one or more of the spacer members (39) such that on compression of the shock absorber (29) the perforated members (38) deform plastically to a lesser extent in regions at which the spacer members (39) are secured than at other regions. The arrangement of the perforated members (38) and the spacer members (39) causes compression to occur substantially parallel to the length of the shock absorber (29).

Abstract: Relatively high viscosity materials and methods for introducing them as discrete bodies or masses into relatively low viscosity fluids, such as brine, give fracturing fluids that help control the diversion and distribution of fluids as they are pumped downhole against a subterranean formation, particularly shale, to fracture it. A wide range of relatively viscous materials may be used, including polymers, crosslinked polymers and/or surfactant gels, for instance gels created with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs). Once the fracturing fluids containing these bodies or masses are within the hydraulic fracture, the processes of paths of least resistance, flow deviation, viscous material flow displacement, total fluid diversion, in situ fluid viscosity generation and distribution of delayed release treatment additives may be deployed.

Abstract: An exercise tool assembly for operating a downhole tool auxiliary to a primary actuator system of the downhole tool includes a cylinder mandrel configured to be received in the central bore of the downhole tool. A piston mandrel is in and sealed with the cylinder mandrel. The exercise tool assembly is configured to couple to an actuator sleeve of the downhole tool and to couple to the downhole tool at a location apart from the actuator sleeve. The piston mandrel is responsive to a change in pressure in the central bore to translate relative to the cylinder mandrel and translate the coupling with the actuator sleeve relative to the coupling at the location apart from the actuator sleeve.

Abstract: The techniques herein relate to a pressure compensation system for a sensor in a wellbore having a wellbore fluid therein. The system includes a downhole tool (104) and at least one pressure compensator (112) positionable therein. The pressure compensator includes a first compensating fluid section having a first compensating fluid (238) therein, a first pressure compensation section having a first pressure regulation device (226) for adjusting a compensation pressure of the first compensating fluid based on a wellbore pressure of the wellbore fluid, at least one second compensating fluid section having a second compensating fluid (252) therein, and at least one second pressure compensation section having a second pressure regulation device (246) for adjusting a sensor pressure of the second compensating fluid based on the compensation pressure of the first compensating fluid.

Abstract: A well system for forming a window in a casing string positioned in a wellbore. The system includes first and second steel casing joints (462, 464) interconnectable within the casing string. An aluminum exit joint (460) is positioned between the first and second steel casing joints (462, 464). The aluminum exit joint (460) has a first interconnection with the first steel casing joint (462) and a second interconnection with the second steel casing joint (464). The aluminum exit joint (460) is operable to have the window formed therethrough. A first sleeve (470) is positioned within the first interconnection to provide galvanic isolation between the aluminum exit joint (460) and the first steel casing joint (462). A second sleeve (472) is positioned within the second interconnection to provide galvanic isolation between the aluminum exit joint (460) and the second steel casing joint (464).

Abstract: A stroker device (1) for use in a borehole (2) in the ground, the stroker (1) at least comprising an actuator (6) arranged for displacing a tool (10) in a longitudinal direction of the borehole (2), and grippers (26) arranged to anchor the stroker (1) to the wall (36) of the borehole (2), alternatively to a pipe wall, wherein the stroker (1) is provided with driving wheels (34) or driving belts for propulsion.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a closure pressure of a fractured formation surrounding a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes an isolation device for isolating a section of the wellbore, a fluid supply unit for supplying a fluid from the wellbore under pressure into the isolated section of the wellbore to cause a fracture in the formation proximate the isolated section, a receiving unit for receiving fluid from the isolated section at a constant or substantially constant rate due to pressure difference between the formation and the receiving unit, and a sensor for determining pressure of the formation during receiving of the fluid into the receiving unit. The apparatus further includes a controller for determining the closure pressure from the determined pressure.

Abstract: Techniques for determining a wellbore fluid constituent concentration include depositing a portion of a hydraulic fracturing fluid that includes a base fluid on a quartz crystal microbalance, the base fluid including a constituent; measuring an oscillation frequency of the quartz crystal microbalance based on the constituent of the base fluid; determining, with the quartz crystal microbalance, a mass of the constituent in the deposited portion of the hydraulic fracturing fluid; and based on at least one of the determined mass or the measured frequency, determining a concentration of the constituent of the base fluid.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.

Abstract: A velocity sensor, a controller, a plunger lift system and method for controlling a plunger lift system is provided. The velocity sensor can use a first magnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor spaced a sensor distance to determine a velocity of a plunger as it passes the velocity sensor. The controller can use information received from the velocity sensor to both control the operation of the plunger lift system using the measured plunger velocity obtained from the velocity sensor and shut down the well if the plunger is measured travelling to fast.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a housing defining a main bore and an actuatable member moveable from a first configuration to a second configuration to permit actuation of the tool. The tool includes an indexer mounted within the housing and arranged to progress linearly in a first direction along the main bore of the housing in a predetermined number of discrete sequential and progressive steps of linear movement in said first direction by passage of a corresponding number of objects through the indexer to cause said actuatable member to move towards its second configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a wellbore operation includes a drill string having a rigid tubular section formed of a plurality of jointed tubulars and a plurality of valves positioned along the rigid tubular section. Each valve may have a radial valve controlling flow through a wall of the rigid tubular section and a signal relay device configured to convey information-encoded signals. Wellbore operations may be performed by transmitting signals using the signal relay devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a downhole operation includes: a carrier configured to be deployed in a borehole in an earth formation; and an optical fiber assembly disposed at the carrier, the optical fiber assembly including an optical fiber and a polymer material bonded to a length of the optical fiber. A portion of the polymer material has been removed by: disposing a liquid metallic material proximate to the polymer material, the polymer material being bonded to the optical fiber; heating the liquid metallic material to a temperature sufficient to burn the polymer material and de-bond the polymer material from a surface of the optical fiber; and removing the polymer material and liquid metal from the surface of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for remote actuation of a downhole tool. One system includes a work string providing a flow path therein, a downhole tool coupled to the work string, at least one actuation device operatively coupled to the downhole tool and configured to act on the downhole tool such that the downhole tool performs a predetermined action, and an optical computing device communicably coupled to the at least one actuation device and configured to detect a characteristic of a substance in the flow path and trigger actuation of the at least actuation device when the characteristic is detected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the impact of guided (or “tube”) waves in permanently installed seismic systems are provided. By utilizing passive acoustic absorbers, the impact of tube waves may be reduced, leading to improved performance of permanently installed seismic systems that are installed onto production tubing when the well is completed.

Abstract: A downhole tool for a wellbore within a geological formation may include a housing to be lowered into the wellbore, a probe carried by the housing, and a packer carried by the probe. The packer may include a rigid base, an elastomeric member carried by the rigid base and having a recess therein, and a support member within the recess and comprising a plurality of rigid segments interconnected to allow relative movement between adjacent rigid segments. The rigid base, the elastomeric member, and the support member may each have respective aligned openings therein defining a fluid sampling inlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the subterranean formation of a wellbore is presented. The method includes conveying a downhole tool in a wellbore via a cable, and determining the torque in the cable in real-time. The method further involves conveying the downhole tool on a wireline, and automatically triggering an alert when the torque reaches a certain level. The apparatus includes a cable, a downhole tool attached to the cable for conveyance within the wellbore, and a sensor to measure torque in the cable. The apparatus may also include a telemetry system to communicate the torque data to the surface. The downhole tool includes a sensor to measure the relative torque between the downhole tool and the cable in real time.

Abstract: An apparatus for flowing a tool string along a wellbore tubular may include a flow restrictor having a diametrically expanded position and a diametrically retracted position. The flow restrictor may include at least one sealing element that sealingly engages the wellbore tubular when in the diametrically expanded position. The apparatus also includes an actuator configured to move the at least one sealing element to at least a position intermediate of the open and the closed position. The actuator may be responsive to a control signal that is generated locally or transmitted from a remote location.

Abstract: An orienting tool for use in wells can include a flow control device which controls flow between an interior and an exterior of a body of the tool to thereby transmit a signal indicative of an orientation of the body, the flow control device being outwardly extendable relative to the body. A method of orienting a structure in a well can include transmitting at least one signal from an orienting tool, the signal being indicative of an orientation of the orienting tool, and displacing a housing of the tool outward relative to a generally tubular body of the tool. A well system can include an orienting tool connected to a structure and positioned in a wellbore, the tool including a housing which is outwardly extendable relative to a generally tubular body, the tool being configured to transmit at least one signal indicative of an orientation of the structure.

Abstract: A downhole hydraulic control tool comprising a substantially tubular body adapted for connection in a tubing string, the body including a throughbore arranged coaxially with a bore of the tubing string and one or more pockets arranged on a wall of the body, the pockets including a hydraulic power source and at least two control lines, wherein the device includes a pump to drive hydraulic fluid through the control lines and a switchable flow mechanism for switching the flow of pumped fluid between the at least two control lines, and a switchable flow mechanism and a method of operating one or more downhole devices from a downhole located hydraulic control tool.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the impact of guided (or “tube”) waves in permanently installed seismic systems. By utilizing passive acoustic absorbers, the impact of tube waves may be reduced, leading to improved performance of permanently installed seismic systems that are installed onto production tubing when the well is completed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for borehole seismic investigation are provided. The devices are a downhole tool having gripping devices which may improve contact between the downhole tool and the borehole wall (or casing of the borehole wall) and reduce slippage as compared to downhole tools without the gripping devices. The methods involve lowering a downhole tool having the gripping devices into a borehole and applying force to cause the gripping devices to penetrate or create an indentation in the borehole wall (or casing of the borehole wall). The methods and devices may improve the coupling between the downhole tool and surface to be monitored and/or may enhance the frequency range due to higher coupling frequency as compared to downhole tools without the gripping devices.

Abstract: A running tool has a stem for connecting to a string of conduit, a body, and a plurality of functional positions selected in response to rotation of the stem relative to the body. A feedback mechanism assembly is connected to the running tool and is operational with rotation of the stem relative to the body. The feedback mechanism assembly increases the torque required to rotate the stem relative to the body when the running tool has reached one of the plurality of its functional positions. The increased torque thereby provides a positive indication that the running tool has reached and is in the desired and proper functional position.

Abstract: A system for attaining and maintaining a pre-determined fluid level in a petroleum-producing well having a pump, such as a progressive-cavity pump, and a pump motor having a variable-frequency drive control using two sensors: a pump pressure sensor located at the pump depth and a casing pressure sensor located at the casinghead of the well. A programmable computer is connected to the first and second pressure sensors and the motor speed control so that the programmable computer controls the operation of the pump motor to attain and maintain a target fluid level in the well over a predetermined time interval for reaching the target fluid level in the well. The programmable computer computes an error signal to control a variable frequency drive motor, where the error signal is computed periodically from the difference between in the actual fluid level in the well and the target fluid level in the well according to a rate reference curve.

Abstract: A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a tubing string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the tubing string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A tubing string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen.

Abstract: A sensing system comprises at least one gauge disposed in a wellbore, a sensing link coupled to the at least one gauge, and a debris barrier coupled to the sensing link. The debris barrier comprises a housing coupled to the sensing link, and a barrier element configured to reduce the transport of particulates from the wellbore into the sensing link.

Abstract: A completion assembly for operation in a subterranean well having multiple production zones. The completion assembly includes a lower completion assembly operably positionable in the well. The lower completion assembly includes first and second zonal isolation subassemblies. An upper completion assembly is operably positionable at least partially within the lower completion assembly to establish fluid communication between first and second fluid flow control modules, respectively, with the first and second zonal isolation subassemblies. A first communication medium having a connection between the upper and lower completion assemblies extends through the first and second zonal isolation subassemblies. A second communication medium is operably associated with the first and second fluid flow control modules. Data obtained by monitoring fluid from the production zones is carried by the first and second communication media and is used to control production through the first and second fluid flow control modules.

Abstract: A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a tubing string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the tubing string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A tubing string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen.

Abstract: A pressure measurement system for use with a subterranean well can include a chamber positioned in the well, the chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion as positioned in the well, and a device which, in response to gravity acting on the device, selects the upper portion of the chamber for communication with a line extending to a remote location. A method of measuring pressure in a well can include introducing a chamber into the well, then selecting a vertically upper portion of the chamber, and establishing communication between the upper portion of the chamber and a line extending to a remote location.

Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes conveying an inner string and an outer string downhole; attaching the inner string to the outer string at a first location and forming the wellbore; and attaching the inner string to the outer string at a second location uphole of the first location and cementing an annulus between the outer string and the wellbore, without retrieving the inner string from the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating an earth formation intersected by a wellbore may include a logging tool conveyed into the wellbore through a drilling tubular, a landing indicator associated with the logging tool, and a sensor operatively associated with the logging tool. In use, the landing indicator generates a pressure pulse in the drilling tubular after contacting a travel restrictor positioned in the drilling tubular. After the logging tool is positioned at the target depth, the sensor makes at least one measurement while the logging tool is in the drilling tubular and provides an output indicative of a selected subsurface parameter.

Abstract: A method of opening a conduit cemented in a subterranean well can include flowing a fluid through a passage in the well after the conduit is cemented in the well, and the conduit opening in response to the flow of the fluid through the passage. A well system can include a flow control device cemented in a wellbore, and a conduit positioned adjacent a passage of the flow control device, whereby the conduit opens in response to the passage being opened.

Abstract: A logging system and method for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation. A tubular conduit that extends from the surface into the wellbore is included in the system. The conduit includes a stabilizer with sensors to obtain data from the wellbore. A communication interface is used to communicate data from the stabilizer to the logging tool string. Also, a surface communication and control device, along with a telemetry device can be included in the system. The telemetry device could be used to send and receive data to and/or from the surface communication and control device, if needed. Also provided is a logging tool string that is capable of passing from a position within the conduit to a position outside the lower end of the conduit. In addition, a memory storage device used to and store data collected from the wellbore for further analysis and communication.

Abstract: An actuator switch for actuation of a downhole tool, the actuator switch comprising: a rheomagnetic fluid having a state convertible between a liquid and a solid by the application of a magnetic field thereto, a change in the state of the rheomagnetic fluid acting to actuate the downhole tool; and a magnet installed in the tool and moveable relative to the rheomagnetic fluid to apply or remove the magnetic field to the rheomagnetic fluid, the magnet being moved by through tubing operations in an inner diameter of the downhole tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a network of fractures in a rock formation for extraction of hydrocarbon or other resource from the formation. The method includes the steps of i) enhancing a network of natural fractures and incipient fractures within the formation by injecting a non-slurry aqueous solution into the well under conditions suitable for promoting dilation, shearing and/or hydraulic communication of the natural fractures, and subsequently ii) inducing a large-fracture network that is in hydraulic communication with the enhanced natural fracture network by injecting a plurality of slurries comprising a carrying fluid and sequentially larger-grained granular proppants into said well in a series of injection episodes.

Abstract: A downhole tool in a drill string for mitigating hazards of a blockage in an annulus of the drill string. The downhole tool can sense blockages and selectively recirculate flow from within the annulus back to surface. Further, the downhole tool is made up of segments that are selectively detachable from one another, so that the segments above the point of detachment are removable from a wellbore. The bypass assembly includes a sleeve in the downhole tool with openings in its side; when the annulus reaches a set pressure, the sleeve slides to a position so the openings register with ports formed through a side of the tool to allow bypass flow. A processor in the downhole tool senses movement of the string, and when the string is axially stationary more than a designated period of time, the processor emits signals to detach the segments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for remotely and selectively controlling fluid flow through tubular string disposed within a wellbore and further control fluid flow between the tubular string inner flow passage and the annular flow passage. The present invention further discloses a method of selectively and remotely receiving and interpreting a form of command or information at a desired apparatus within the wellbore caused by the operator on earth surface.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a plurality of location markers in a passageway of the well and deploying an untethered object in the passageway such that the object travels downhole via the passageway. The technique includes using the untethered object to sense proximity of at least some of the location markers as the object travels downhole, and based on the sensing, selectively expand its size to cause the object to become lodged in the passageway near a predetermined location.

Abstract: A method for cement bond logging and targeted intervention, including lowering a cylindrical n×m array of ultrasound (US) transducers into a well, firing the US transducers to transmit US signals into a well casing, converting reflected US signals received by the transducers into electronic form and transmit the converted signals to a control unit, analyzing the converted signals to detect holidays, if a holiday is detected, determining a position and angle of the holiday with respect to the transducers, and applying a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) signal to the well casing to fill the holiday.

Abstract: A method according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes moving a piston of a displacement unit to pump a fluid through first and second flowlines hydraulically connected to the displacement unit through a valve network. The method also includes monitoring flowing pressure in the first flowline and monitoring pressure in a first chamber of the displacement unit. The method further includes opening a first active valve of the valve network in response to the monitored pressure in the first chamber being about equal to or less than the monitored flowing pressure in the first flowline.

Abstract: A reservoir production management system includes a plurality of dielectric spectrometers disposed at different locations along the length of production tubing within a wellbore, each of the plurality dielectric spectrometers being in fluid communication with separate producing zones of the reservoir, wherein the plurality of dielectric spectrometers are configured to detect one or more dielectric properties by measuring the response of incident radio waves through fluids from each of the respectively separate producing zones, and a plurality of valves in the production tubing to selectively control production from each of the respectively separate producing zones in response to detected dielectric fluid properties.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring hydraulic fracturing in well formation and fracture characterisation using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The method involves interrogating a optic fibre (102) arranged down the path of a bore hole (106) to provide a distributed acoustic sensor and also monitoring flow properties of fracturing fluid pumped (114) into the well. The acoustic data from the distributed acoustic sensor is processed together with the flow properties data to provide an indication of at least one fracture characteristic.