Abstract: Assemblies and methods of use are disclosed for determining a position of a body within a tubing section. A signal generator coupled to the body is operable to generate a pressure wave in response to detecting a detectable portion of the tubing section when the body is moved relative to the tubing section.

Abstract: Cement plug parameters in a wellbore may be monitored by providing a cable through the cement plug before the cement plug sets. The cable comprises one or more sensors that monitor the parameters, and the sensors are operated to transmit measurement data to the surface. The parameters may include temperature, pressure, conductivity, vibration, acceleration and impedance.

Abstract: A carrier rod having at least one recess extending along at least part of the length of the rod, in which recess a optical fiber assembly for monitoring strain, temperature and/or other physical parameters is arranged, which optical fiber assembly is along at least part of its length bonded within the recess. The carrier rod can be used in a system or a method of monitoring deformation and other characteristics of a casing or other tubular or cylindrical well equipment in a well traversing an underground formation.

Abstract: A method and/or system is provided for milling an opening into a tubular positioned in a well bore using coiled tubing. Surface equipment includes a programmable controller at the surface, which is utilized for controlling an injector motor so that an encoder for monitoring movement of said coiled tubing string produces less than a predetermined maximum number of pulses for a given time interval.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed, including an occlusion retaining mechanism; an integrated controller configured to compare a plurality of downhole conditions to a plurality of predetermined release conditions and release an occlusion from the occlusion retaining mechanism in response to the plurality of downhole conditions satisfying the plurality of predetermined release conditions. In another aspect, a method for isolating a portion of a wellbore is disclosed, including deploying a frac plug in the wellbore; setting the frac plug in the wellbore; deploying a frac ball release tool in the wellbore; selectively retaining a frac ball within the frac ball release tool; releasing the frac ball in response to a plurality of downhole conditions satisfying a plurality of predetermined release conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the flow distribution of a fluid through a component with a sensing cable including an optical fiber sensor array aligned with a heating element disposed in the component. An excitation source is configured to propagate at least one heat pulse through the heating element along at least a portion of the sensing cable to affect an exchange of thermal energy between the heating element and the fluid exposed to the sensing cable. An optical signal is adapted to receive a signal from each of a plurality of sensor locations and measure a temperature profile corresponding to the heat pulse at the sensor locations. A control unit is configured to determine a flow of the fluid by determining one or more properties of the fluid exposed to the sensing cable at each of the plurality of sensor locations based on the temperature profile corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A sensor garment for monitoring an individual engaged in an athletic activity includes a garment formed of textile material, and a sensor module inseparably coupled to the textile material of the garment. The sensor module includes a single-purpose sensor configured to sense a single characteristic, and a radio antenna configured to transmit data generated by the single-purpose sensor. The sensor module includes no external port.

Abstract: An adaptor (64,66) has attachment means to releasably attach a core orientation instrument (60) or survey probe to a drill string component and/or drill string, preferably by one or more screw threads (70, 72, 76, 78), retaining screws, bolts, clips or pins or welding/soldering. Anti release means, such as a circlip, can be used to prevent release of the adaptor. A survey system for obtaining data from a drilling operation includes a core orientation instrument, a downhole survey probe and a common single remote controller/data logger configured to control or communicate with both the survey probe and the core orientation instrument. Further, a survey system includes multiple components arranged in a portable container for transport and deployment at a drilling site include a survey probe, a core orientation instrument and a single controller configured to control or communicate with the survey probe and core orientation instrument.

Abstract: A wellbore system can include a completion assembly having a completion string. The system can also include a service string that can be positioned within an inner diameter of the completion string. A location-sensing component can be positioned on the completion string or the service string. A communication link communicatively coupled with the location-sensing component can transmit signals representing a stimuli detected by the location-sensing component. A stimuli-producing device can output the stimuli that is detected by the location-sensing component. A stimuli-producing device can be positioned on the other of the completion string or the service string.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed, including an occlusion retaining mechanism; a rupture member associated with the occlusion retaining mechanism; an inertial member configured to puncture the rupture member in response an inertial event to release an occlusion from the occlusion retaining mechanism. In another aspect, a method for isolating a portion of a wellbore is disclosed, including providing a tubular in the wellbore; deploying a perforation gun in the tubular; deploying a frac plug in the wellbore; setting the frac plug in the wellbore; deploying a frac ball release tool associated with the perforation gun; selectively retaining a frac ball within the frac ball release tool; releasing the frac ball in response to an inertial event via an inertial member associated with the frac ball release tool.

Abstract: A method is taught for creating a laterally-continuous, vertically-oriented dilation zone connecting the two SAGD wells. A method is taught for drilling and completing the SAGD wells in a formation, conditioning said wells to create a stress condition favorable for forming a dilation zone, injecting one or both of said two wells with a stimulant at pressures greater than the in-situ minimum stress of the formation to initiate the dilation zone connecting said SAGD wells and continuing stimulant injection into a first of said two wells while maintaining a target pressure at a second of said two wells to propagate the dilation zone homogenously along the well length.

Abstract: Techniques for evaluating a fluid flow through a wellbore include identifying an input characterizing a fluid flow through a wellbore; identifying an input characterizing a geometry of the wellbore; generating a model of the wellbore based on the inputs characterizing the fluid flow and the geometry of the wellbore; simulating the fluid flow through the wellbore based on evaluating the model with a numerical method that determines fluid flow conditions at a first boundary location uphole and adjacent to a perforation of a plurality of perforations in the wellbore and at a second boundary location downhole and adjacent to the perforation; and preparing, based on the fluid flow conditions determined with the numerical method, an output associated with the simulated fluid flow through the wellbore for display to a user.

Abstract: A deterministic risk reduction method for product reliability comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of parameters associated with at least one of a goal concept, desired functionality and performance criteria for said product; performing an analysis of said product, said analysis comprising levels of cause and effect for identifying and quantifying key performance factors and failure mechanisms associated with said product; developing test protocols and subjecting said product to stress tests corresponding to said test protocols to determine at least one operating limit for said product, whereby a relationship between said stress and expected life of said product is provided; and estimating said product life based on said key performance factors and said stress tests.

Abstract: An amount of treatment water injected into a subterranean well may be reduced by providing an environmentally friendly polymer, such as a biodegradable polymer (e.g., an aspartic acid based polymer), to the subterranean well. In some cases, the aspartic acid based polymer may include one or more of a copolymer of the aspartic acid based polymer, a terpolymer of the aspartic acid based polymer, an aspartic acid based polymer derivative, an aspartic acid based polymer having an end cap, and a soluble salt of the aspartic acid based polymer. In some cases, the treatment water use may be reduced within the range of about five percent to about ninety five percent.

Abstract: Multivariate optical computing using polarizers to modulate the intensity of sample-interacted light. The polarizer(s), along with other device components, produce a spectroscopic intensity profile that mimics the regression vector that corresponds to the sample characteristic(s) of interest.

Abstract: Translational data in a first direction is measured by particle motion sensors contained in an elongated housing of a sensor device provided at an earth surface. The particle motion sensors are spaced apart along a second, different direction along a longitudinal axis of the elongated housing. Rotation data around a third direction is computed based at least in part on computing a gradient of the translational data with respect to the second direction.

Abstract: A disclosed example method involves receiving a first signal transmitted into a reservoir from a production installation in a formation at a wellsite, and determining an apparent resistance of the reservoir based on the first signal. A distance between a fluid extraction tool and a fluid distribution is determined based on the apparent resistance.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface and penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises placing an assembly in the wellbore, wherein the assembly comprises at least a first downhole tool, a signal receiver subassembly, and a conveyance between the first downhole tool and the surface. The method further comprises the signal receiver subassembly receiving a first signal generated by contact between the wellbore and the assembly and initiating a first function of the first downhole tool based on the first signal.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump assembly has a centrifugal primary pump having a primary pump housing. An electrical motor is operatively coupled to the primary pump. An instrument sub has a housing secured by threaded fasteners to one end of the primary pump housing. A pump stage in the instrument sub housing is driven by the electric motor along with the primary pump, the pump stage including an impeller and a diffuser. A sensor within the instrument sub monitors parameters in the instrument sub. A sensor line port extends through a wall of the instrument sub housing. A sensor line extends sealingly through the sensor line port to the sensor for conveying sensed information from the sensor to a remote instrument panel.

Abstract: Direct arrivals from walkaway vertical seismic profiling or VSP survey data are used to derive Green's functions representing the seismic wave amplitude and travel time information required to extrapolate the vertical seismic profiling survey data from individual wellbore receivers to the individual source locations. The derived Green's functions are employed in a convolution process with upcoming primary wavefields from the VSP survey data for other surface locations. The derived Green's functions are also used in a correlation process with downgoing wavefields from the VSP survey data to extend lateral coverage of the VSP image. The sets of VSP-CMP gathers so formed are then processed to obtain information about the subsurface formations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a drilling or cutting operation performed by a wireline tool downhole, comprising the steps of commencing a drilling or cutting operation in a downhole object, such as a casing or valve; detecting vibration produced during the drilling or cutting operation in the downhole object using a vibration sensor adapted to transmit detected vibrations; processing a vibration signal from the vibration sensor to produce a real-time frequency spectrum; comparing the frequency spectrum to a reference frequency spectrum; and controlling the operation based upon the comparison of the frequency spectrum and the frequency spectrum specification. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a wireline tool for performing a drilling or cutting operation downhole and carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A well-logging tool for a geological formation includes a housing to be positioned in a borehole and an antenna assembly carried by the housing. The antenna assembly includes an antenna housing having a recess therein. A dielectric material layer comprises a basalt fiber composite and is within the recess. At least one antenna coil is supported by the dielectric material layer. An electrical connector is coupled to the at least one antenna coil. Resistivity processing circuitry is coupled to the electrical connector to determine an electrical resistivity of the geological formation based on the at least one antenna coil.

Abstract: An electric submersible pumping system has an electric motor, a pump assembly driven by the electric motor and a sensor module. The sensor module preferably includes a detachable sensor array that can be selectively released from the sensor module. In preferred embodiments, the detachable sensor array includes a self-propelled sensor array vehicle that has a drive motor, a drive mechanism driven by the drive motor and a sensor array. The detachable sensor array provides a wellbore condition signal that can be used to automatically adjust the performance of the electric submersible pumping system.

Abstract: A top drive includes a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with first inlet for a supply of pressurized drilling fluid. A drill string adapter is mechanically coupled to the hydraulic motor and is in fluid communication with the first inlet.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector comprises a drive system for independently driving a plurality of chains independently but otherwise retarding relative motion between the driven chains when a chain begins to slip uncontrollably.

Abstract: A method for improving fuel collection from an underground deposit comprising stimulating fuel-containing sections of an underground formation, the sections being located between a first well and a second well, the first well being either an injection well or a production well, and the second well being a production well. The method includes arranging a mechanical wave generation device downhole in the first well and arranging at least a first mechanical wave sensor in the production well, injecting a pressurized fluid into the formation from at least the first well, activating the mechanical wave generation device downhole to project mechanical waves into and through the fuel-containing sections, receiving and processing the waves sent from the first well, generating a tomography of the underground environment between the first well and the second well, and collecting fuel in the second well via inflow valves arranged in the second well.

Abstract: Various implementations of optical computing devices are described herein which include a “tuning fork” probe, “spark plug” probe, “grooved tubular” and “modular” type implementation.

Abstract: A well tool includes a housing, an electronic controller, and a drag assembly. The electronic controller is at least partially enclosed within the housing and adapted to determine a status of a downhole wellbore operation. The drag assembly is coupled to the electronic controller and, based on the determination of the electronic controller, adapted to engage with a downhole tubular to generate a drag force on the well tool during movement of the well tool through the tubular. The electronic controller is operable to selectively control the drag assembly to engage with the downhole tubular to generate a plurality of unique drag forces based on a status of the wellbore operation. The plurality of unique drag forces are generated in a substantially repeating pattern.

Abstract: A distributed borehole system includes a surface-based assembly located on a surface of a body of water and a marinized assembly located on a floor of the body of water adjacent to a borehole in an earth formation. The system includes a borehole interrogator including a transmitter configured to generate a signal and to transmit the signal into the borehole and a receiver configured to receive a reflected signal from the borehole based on the signal transmitted by the transmitter. The system further includes a processor configured to process the reflected signal to generate data representing characteristics of one of the borehole system, the borehole, and an earth formation defining the borehole. The processor is located in the surface-based assembly, the receiver is located in the marinized assembly, and the transmitter is located in at least one of the surface-based assembly and the marinized assembly.

Abstract: A gravel pack assembly includes screen sections with a packer between them. A first screen section communicates an uphole annulus with the assembly's interior passage, and a second screen section communicates a downhole annulus with the interior passage. A housing of the packer has an internal bore communicating with the assembly's interior passage and has an internal bypass communicating external ports with one another. A first packer element disposed between the external ports restricts gravel passage at least from the uphole to the downhole annulus. A second packer element disposed downhole from a second of the external ports is independently actuated to isolate fluid passage between the uphole and downhole annulus. One or more transport tubes communicate slurry from the uphole annulus to the internal bypass once the uphole annulus is packed with gravel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new process of the transitiometric scanning technique to determine in an experimental way the minimum miscibility pressure of any sample of hydrocarbon at constant temperature (from the atmospheric temperature to 673 K) in the pressure interval of the atmospheric temperature to 400 MPa, including pressure at which the organic matter will precipitate due to the CO2 injection, based on a transitometric technique which has proved to be reliable, highly accurate and highly reproducible. The apparatus used is based on a highly accurate control of the pVT variables and the calorimetric determination of the present phase transitions during the injection process of gases into hydrocarbons. Accurate control of pVT variables enables the determination of the derivative thermodynamic variables useful to define the type of phase transition.

Abstract: A downhole equalization assembly permits selective and remote opening of at least one downhole port or pathway to allow communication of pressure and/or fluid flow from inside a pressure containing system (such as, for example, a tubular pipe or other pressure containment system) to the outside of the containment system, or vice versa. A control device generating a magnetic field is inserted into a well and conveyed to a downhole equalization assembly. When the control device passes through an equalization assembly, an electrical current is generated that triggers an electronic counter. When a predetermined counter number is reached, a sliding sleeve is shifted, thereby exposing ports and/or pathways extending between the inside and outside of the equalization assembly. No physical contact or mechanical interference is required between the control device and any other components in order to actuate the equalization assembly.

Abstract: Methods, computer programs, and systems for detecting at least one downhole condition are disclosed. Forces are measured at a plurality of locations along the drillstring. The drillstring includes a drillpipe. At least one of the forces is measured along the drillpipe. At least one downhole condition is detected based, at least in part, on at least one measured force.

Abstract: An inspection system and method for use in underground utility construction, especially underground boring operations, is provided. The inspection system generally includes a sensor, a sensor carrier apparatus, and an output device. The sensor is employed to obtain inspection data regarding the condition of a tunnel created in an underground boring operation. The sensor carrier is adapted to incorporate the sensor and connect to means for transporting the sensor through the tunnel. The output device receives an output signal from the sensor corresponding to the inspection data and presents it to an operator for interpretation and/or otherwise documents and/or records the inspection data.

Abstract: A method for forming a controllable bend angle in a drill string in a wellbore comprises attaching an upper housing to a drill string. At least, one drive motor is anchored in the upper housing. A middle housing is operably coupled to the at least one drive motor. A lower housing is operably coupled to the at least one drive motor. The at least one drive motor is controllably operated to rotate the middle housing by a first rotation angle with respect to the upper housing, and to rotate the lower housing by a second rotation angle with respect to the upper housing, to generate a desired bend angle between the middle housing and the lower housing at a target toolface orientation between the bend angle and the upper housing.

Abstract: A drilling system including a drill string (12) which extends into a borehole (10), and a well closure system which contains fluid in the annular space (16) in the borehole around the drill string, the well closure system having a side bore whereby controlled flow of fluid out of the annular space in the borehole around the drill string is permitted, the side bore being connected to fluid return line (28) which extends from the side bore to a fluid reservoir (34), there being provided in the fluid return line a valve (30a) which is operable to restrict flow of fluid along the fluid return line to variable extent, and a flow meter (32) operable to measure the rate of flow of fluid along the fluid return line, the flow meter being located between the valve and the side bore, wherein a filter (40) is provided between the flow meter and the side bore, the filter including a plurality of apertures which have a smaller cross-sectional area than the smallest fluid flow lines in the flow meter.

Abstract: A well-logging tool for geological formation has a borehole. A housing that is to be positioned within the borehole includes an opening. An electrically conductive winding is carried by the housing. A feedthrough assembly includes an elongate electrical conductor having opposing first and second ends and a medial portion extending therebetween. The first end is coupled to the electrically conductive winding. An integrally formed, monolithic, dielectric layer sounds the elongate electrical conductor and includes a first enlarged diameter end portion surrounding the first end of the elongate electrical conductor and is positioned within the opening. A reduced diameter portion surrounds the medial portion of the elongate electrical conductor.

Abstract: An amount of treatment water injected into a subterranean well may be reduced by providing an environmentally friendly polymer, such as a biodegradable polymer (e.g., an aspartic acid based polymer), to the subterranean well. In some cases, the aspartic acid based polymer may include one or more of a copolymer of the aspartic acid based polymer, a terpolymer of the aspartic acid based polymer, an aspartic acid based polymer derivative, an aspartic acid based polymer having an end cap, and a soluble salt of the aspartic acid based polymer. In some cases, the treatment water use may be reduced within the range of about five percent to about ninety five percent.

Abstract: A well-logging tool for a geological formation has a housing to be positioned within a borehole and has first and second openings. A feedthrough assembly includes an elongate electrical conductor having opposing first and second ends and a medial portion extending therebetween. An integrally formed, monolithic, dielectric layer surrounds the elongate electrical conductor and includes a first enlarged diameter end portion surrounding the first end of the elongate electrical conductor and is positioned within the first opening. A second enlarged diameter end portion surrounds the second end of the elongate electrical conductor and is positioned within the second opening. A reduced diameter portion surrounds the medial portion of the elongate electrical conductor.

Abstract: A production logging tool (PLT) is conveyed within production tubing containing production fluid flow established by zonal fluid flow from formation zones. The PLT measures a flow rate of the production fluid flow at each of a plurality of depths associated with a corresponding one of the zones. A flow rate of the zonal fluid flow from each zone is determined based on the flow rates of the production fluid flow measured at each of the depths. The PLT measures proportions of compositional components of the production fluid flow at each of the depths. A flow rate of each compositional component of the zonal fluid flow from each zone is determined based on the determined flow rate of the zonal fluid flow from each zone and the proportions of compositional components of the production fluid flow measured at each of the depths.

Abstract: A downhole system includes a tubular having a plurality of spaced apertures radially extending through a wall of the tubular. A section of the tubular blocking radial fluid flow through the wall between an interior and exterior of the tubular. The section arranged from a first end to a second end of the tubular. A plurality of filter pucks respectively inserted into at least some of the plurality of apertures. The filter pucks each including a body configured for insertion in one of the apertures and a filtering element within each body; and, at least one control or monitoring line arranged on the section. Further is a method of controlling sand in a downhole system.

Abstract: A method for detection of permeability anisotropy, having steps of positioning a formation testing tool, conducting a series of three flow tests with the testing tool wherein a first test is a four drain flow test, a second test is a pair of opposite drains flowing on diametrically opposite sides of the formation testing tool and a third test is a second pair of opposite drains flowing on opposite drains different than the second test; determining one of horizontal permeability and horizontal mobility, determining one of orthogonal components of horizontal permeability and horizontal mobility based on the measured flow response and determining a direction of the orthogonal components of the horizontal permeability or horizontal mobility with respect to the orientation of the formation testing tool based on a measured flow response.

Abstract: A method includes pumping fluid from outside of a downhole tool through a flowline of the downhole tool with a pump and taking first measurements, using at least one sensor, within the flowline during a first stage of pumping the fluid. The method further includes estimating a saturation pressure of the fluid, via a processor, based on the first measurements and a saturation pressure model generated based on second measurements taken using the at least one sensor during a second stage of pumping the fluid, and operating the pump to maintain a fluid pressure in the flowline greater than the estimated saturation pressure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for actuating a downhole tool in wellbore includes acquiring a CCL data set or log from the wellbore that correlates recorded magnetic signals with measured depth, and selects a location within the wellbore for actuation of a wellbore device. The CCL log is then downloaded into an autonomous tool. The tool is programmed to sense collars as a function of time, thereby providing a second CCL log. The autonomous tool also matches sensed collars with physical signature from the first CCL log and then self-actuates the wellbore device at the selected location based upon a correlation of the first and second CCL logs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless downhole unit (1) adapted to be lowered into a well (2) in a casing (3) having an inner wall (4) and an inner diameter (Dc). The wireless downhole unit comprises an electrical motor (5), a pump (6), and driving means (7) for allowing movement of the wireless downhole unit within the casing, and at least one battery pack (8). The present invention further relates to a downhole system.

Abstract: Three-phase separation is achieved downhole in a production well by forming an oil/liquid separation zone in the well between two packers which are positioned between producing and disposal zones. Gas is permitted to separate above the top packer. A pump is used to pump an oil/water mixture from above the top packer into the separation zone. Adequate residence time is permitted in the separation zone to achieve the separation. A check valve in the bottom packer is used to provide pressure to raise the oil to the wellhead. A control valve at the wellhead is used to control pressure in the separation zone and the relative sizes of the streams issuing therefrom.

Abstract: An assembly including a flexible sinker bar (24) including an electrically conductive wire (30) for use in the well drilling industry, particularly oil wells, and more particularly for use in assisting introduction into the wellbore, through the drill pipe or tubing, various types of logging tools and other completion assemblies securable to a tool connector (T), such as chemical cutters, string shots, free point indicators, jet cutters, metal severing tools, split shot cutters, radial cutting torches, pipe recovery logs, temperature logs, noise logs, and perforating guns. Conductive wire 30 is used to send electric power to operate or trigger the various logging tools.

Abstract: Apparatus and computer readable media for managing an intelligent field, are provided. An exemplary apparatus can include hydrocarbon well instruments, a SCADA system, a process integration server and/or dynamic field data analyzing computer, and memory/computer readable media storing a dynamic field data analyzing computer program. The computer program can include instructions that when executed cause the dynamic field data analyzing computer to perform various operations to include receiving real-time dynamic field data, analyzing validity of the dynamic field data, validating values of the field data, validating a state/condition of a well, and flagging well components, well conditions, and/or well state validation issues.

Abstract: A system and a method for time lapse monitoring of a target feature within a rock formation are provided. The system includes a data weighted electromagnetic source configured to generate an electromagnetic field in vicinity or at a surface of the rock formation; and an electromagnetic receiver configured to measure a component of the electromagnetic field generated by the source. The data weighted electromagnetic source includes a plurality of electromagnetic sources and an electromagnetic field contribution from each electromagnetic source is weighted so as to enhance the component of the electromagnetic field measured by the electromagnetic receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of custom stabilization of the hydrogen peroxide used in the safe in-situ treatment of soil and groundwater. In one embodiment, disclosed is a method of in-situ chemical oxidation treatment of soil and/or groundwater wherein the hydrogen peroxide has been stabilized with carboxylate salt (e.g., sodium citrate, sodium malonate, or sodium phytate).