Abstract: An apparatus having one or more printed electrical interconnections is disclosed. The apparatus may include a chassis component of a drill string. The chassis component is configured to receive an electronic component. The apparatus also includes one or more printed electrical interconnections disposed proximate to the chassis. The one or more printed electrical interconnections are configured to communicatively connect with the electronic component.

Abstract: A testing system for a wellbore operation and method of testing a fluid sample from a wellbore. A fluid sample is obtained from the wellbore operation. The fluid sample is received at a first test station having a first robot arm for performing a test on the fluid sample. A controller receives data on the wellbore operation, selects the test based on the data and controls the first robot arm to perform the test. A result of the test is used to adjust a parameter of the wellbore operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a well bore is described herein. The apparatus includes a one-piece housing having a length in an axial direction from a first end to a second end, and end wall and a sidewall defining a cavity within the housing. The apparatus also includes a frame inside the cavity. The frame includes a charge receptacle, a detonator receptacle, a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The apparatus further includes a conductive material coupled with the first electrical contact.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure generally relate to orienting perforation systems for subterranean operations. An alignment system comprises a first component coupled to a charge tube, the first component operable to rotate in concert with the charge tube, wherein an axis of rotation of the first component extends in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the first component; a second component nested within the first component or disposed within a gun body, wherein the charge tube is movably disposed within the gun body; and an electrical contact extending through the first and second components, wherein the first component is further operable to move in axial directions within the gun body and along the electrical contact to interlock with the second component or separate from the second component.

Abstract: A logging system for a tubular includes: a rail system comprising a plurality of rails and mounted to a surface of the tubular; a logging tool carrier connected to the rail system; and a logging tool disposed on the logging tool carrier. The logging tool is deployed on the logging tool carrier connected to the rail system along the tubular to a targeted position along the tubular and then retrieved from the wellbore. During deployment of the logging tool, the logging tool acquires a plurality of logging data.

Abstract: A perforating gun system may include a gun body and a charge tube disposed within and rotatably mounted to the gun body, wherein the charge tube includes a receiving feature disposed at an axial end of the charge tube. The perforating gun system may also include at least one charge mounted within the charge tube. The at least one charge is configured to perforate a sidewall of a wellbore upon detonation. Additionally, perforating gun system may include a weighted feature adjustably attached to the receiving feature of the charge tube in one of a plurality of angular positions, wherein adjusting the angular position of the weighted feature is configured to adjust a center of gravity of the charge tube such that gravity will cause the charge tube to rotate to a corresponding phasing angle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing a deflector in a primary wellbore and confirming lateral wellbore access. The hydraulic retrieving tool is coupled to the interior of the deflector and introduced into the primary wellbore. The hydraulic retrieving tool comprises a bullnose, a plurality of retractable deflective pads, and a retractable dog. The deflector comprises a deflection surface. The hydraulic retrieving tool is decoupled from the interior of the deflector at a depth in the primary wellbore by retracting the dog and the plurality of deflective pads. The hydraulic retrieving tool is removed from the interior of the deflector. The dog and the plurality of deflective pads on the hydraulic retrieving tool are expanded when the hydraulic retrieving tool is removed from the interior of the deflector. The hydraulic retrieving tool drifts at least a portion of the deflection surface to determine if there is lateral wellbore access.

Abstract: Provided is a downhole perforating device, a well system, and a method for perforating a well system. The downhole perforating device, in one aspect, includes a perforating structure for surrounding at least a portion of an outer surface of a wellbore casing. The downhole perforating device, according to this aspect, includes one or more perforation elements at least partially embodied within the perforating structure, the one or more perforation elements positioned to perforate the wellbore casing to an inside thereof, and electronics at least partially embodied within the perforating structure, the electronics for triggering the one or more perforation elements.

Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis device includes a piezoelectric helm resonator, an optical sensor, and an electromagnetic spectroscopy sensor. The piezoelectric helm resonator includes a strain bar and a pair of electrodes coupled to opposite sides of the strain bar. The piezoelectric helm resonator further includes a pair of tines, in which a first tine of the pair of tines is coupled to opposite ends of the strain bar, the pair of tines each having an arc, and such that strain across a transverse face of the strain bar generates a resonance response from the pair of tines. The optical sensor is positioned centrally with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator, and the spectroscopy sensor is positioned symmetrically with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator in at least on direction.

Abstract: A frac plug includes a body having an outer surface, a first pocket in the outer surface, and a second pocket in the outer surface. In addition, the frac plug includes a first sensor removably disposed in the first pocket. The first sensor is configured to measure and record a plurality of pressures. The frac plug also includes a second sensor removably disposed in the second pocket. The second sensor is configured to measure and record a plurality of pressures. Further, the frac plug includes a first cap releasably coupled to the body and closing the first pocket. Moreover, the frac plug includes a second cap releasably coupled to the body and closing the second pocket. The first cap includes a port and the second cap includes a port.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting production logging for a wellbore are described which incorporate production logging sensors into a bottom hole assembly which is run in on coiled tubing. The production logging system may include a tool for also conducting a secondary operation, such as milling, fishing, perforation or clean out.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for controlling a trajectory of a borehole being drilled into the earth are provided. The apparatus includes a drilling system including a drill tubular, a disintegrating device, and a steering system coupled to the drill tubular configured to steer the drilling system, the drilling system configured to drill the borehole by receiving control outputs from at least one control unit for controlling parameters of the drilling system, the at least one control unit configured to provide the control outputs to the steering system, the at least one control unit being configured to provide depth-based control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating a collar of a casing of a wellbore is disclosed. A sensor for measuring a magnetic field is conveyed through the casing on a tool string. A physical model is formed of a process of obtaining a magnetic measurement of the casing with the sensor. A simulation of the physical model is run through a processor to select a design parameter of the tool that allows for using the sensor at a determined value of an operational parameter for obtaining the measurement at a selected signal-to-noise ratio. The tool is conveyed into the wellbore and the sensor set to the determined value of the operational parameter. The magnetic measurement of the casing is obtained using the sensor, and the collar is located using the obtained magnetic measurement.

Abstract: Logging tool communication apparatus (10), for carrying out a downhole communication method, comprises rotatable and/or longitudinally reciprocable drill pipe (12) including fixed or capable of being fixed in a co-rotative and/or co-reciprocable relationship at an in-use downhole end an in-use downhole logging tool (27). The logging tool (27) includes a movement sensor (33); and the apparatus (10) includes a motor, at a location remote from the logging tool (27), for causing rotation and/or reciprocation of the drill pipe (12) in a borehole or wellbore (18). The apparatus (10) includes one or more control elements for selectively controlling operation of the motor so as to cause selective rotation and/or reciprocation of the drill pipe (12) which causes movement of the logging tool (27), when fixed to the drill pipe (12), in a manner that is detectable by the movement sensor (33).

Abstract: A system includes at least one processing unit and a bottomhole assembly (BHA) that includes or communicates with the at least one processing unit. The BHA includes at least one drilling component and at least one acoustic transducer to convert drilling noise into one or more electrical signals. The at least one processing unit analyzes the one or more electrical signals or related data to categorize different components of the drilling noise as rock contact noise and mechanical noise. The at least one processing unit derives a data log, a plan, or a control signal based on the categorized drilling noise components.

Abstract: A technique facilitates latching of a tool in a desired alignment within a tubing string. The tubing string comprises a latching section designed to latch the tool in a specific orientation. The latching section comprises a plurality of mounting regions designed to receive a plurality of profile inserts which are releasably engaged and interchangeable. The profile inserts may be arranged to create a key profile for engagement with a corresponding key associated with the tool. However, the profile inserts may be interchanged to change the key profile. Additionally, different combinations of profile inserts may be used to create different key profiles from one latching section to the next in tubing strings with more than one latching section.

Abstract: A plug release system for cementing a tubular string into a wellbore includes: a wiper plug; a tubular housing; a latch for releasably connecting the wiper plug to the housing. The latch includes: a fastener engageable with one of the wiper plug and the housing; a lock movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock keeping the fastener engaged in the locked position; and an actuator connected to the lock and operable to at least move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. The plug release system further includes an electronics package disposed in the housing and in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.

Abstract: For drill bit cutter indexing, a housing is disposed in a drill bit. An indexing cog is in physical communication with a cutter and interlocks with the housing in a first index position of a plurality of index positions in response to a first compressive load applied to the cutter. A motivator disengages the indexing cog from the housing and positions the indexing cog to interlock with the housing at an initial second index position in response to a removal of the compressive load from the cutter.

Abstract: A drilling tool in accordance to one or more aspects includes a processor and a steering device. The processor determines a demand attitude and an instantaneous drilling tool attitude, evaluates a control law to derive a control law tool face, and converts the control law tool face to an equivalent tool face. The steering device applies the equivalent tool face to control a drill attitude of the drilling tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for acoustic measurement in a downhole environment to enable high quality measurements to be obtained in difficult logging conditions are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a downhole tool having a body with a plurality of transmitters located on the body. A receiver is located on the body a distance from the transmitters and an attenuator section is integrally formed on the body between at least one transmitter and the receiver.

Abstract: Parallel drilling systems and methods suitable for drilling wells for steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). In some method embodiments, a tilted-antenna tool gathers azimuthally-sensitive electromagnetic signal measurements. Such measurements enable accurate measurement of inter-well distance and direction, thereby providing, the necessary information for drilling accurately-spaced wells having reduced vulnerability to “short-circuits” that inhibit effective reservoir exploitation. In some other method embodiments, a tilted-antenna tool transmits azimuthally non-uniform signals as it rotates. The attenuation and azimuthal variation detected by one or more receivers enables accurate direction and distance determination. The transmitter and receiver antennas can in some cases be combined into a single tool, while in other cases the transmitters and receivers are placed in separate wells to increase detection range.

Abstract: Methods of identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An example of method includes connecting a downhole sensor subassembly between a drill bit and a drill string, operably coupling acoustic sensors to a downhole processor, operably coupling a borehole telemetry system, downhole and surface data transmitting interfaces, and a surface computer to the downhole data transmitting interface. The method also includes receiving raw acoustic sensor data resulting from rotational contact of the drill bit with rock by the downhole processor, transforming the raw acoustic sensor data into the frequency domain, filtering the transformed data, and deriving acoustic characteristics from the filtered data. The method also includes the surface computer receiving the acoustic characteristics and deriving petrophysical properties from the acoustic characteristics directly or by utilizing a petrophysical properties evaluation algorithm.

Abstract: Provided herein are various embodiments of casing collar locator (CCL) tools, circuits and methods, which enable a CCL tool to selectively operate in passive or active mode. More specifically, a dual-mode CCL tool is provided herein with a mode selection circuit, which may be coupled between a coil of the CCL tool and a wireline of a well survey system. The mode selection circuit may be generally configured to detect a voltage on the wireline, connect the coil of the CCL tool to the wireline if the detected voltage is less than a threshold voltage, and connect the coil of the CCL tool to an amplifier circuit if the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage. The mode selection circuit described herein therefore enables a single CCL tool to be used for a variety of different downhole operations, including but not limited to wireline logging and well perforation jobs.

Abstract: Methods of identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An example of method includes connecting a downhole sensor subassembly between a drill bit and a drill string, operably coupling acoustic sensors to a downhole processor, operably coupling a borehole telemetry system, downhole and surface data transmitting interfaces, and a surface computer to the downhole data transmitting interface. The method also includes receiving raw acoustic sensor data resulting from rotational contact of the drill bit with rock by the downhole processor, transforming the raw acoustic sensor data into the frequency domain, filtering the transformed data, and deriving acoustic characteristics from the filtered data. The method also includes the surface computer receiving the acoustic characteristics and deriving petrophysical properties from the acoustic characteristics directly or by utilizing a petrophysical properties evaluation algorithm.

Abstract: In a method of integrating position information including: position data of an object that will be embedded in a material at a worksite is determined. The position data of the object is recorded, in an information management system. The position data is used to update a record at the information management system, where the record indicates that the object is an embedded object and the position data of the object includes a position of the embedded object. The position of the embedded object is conveyed from information management system to the to a handheld tool at the worksite. The position of the embedded object is displayed on a display device integrated with the handheld tool.

Abstract: An actuation method according to one or more embodiments includes axially translating an operator in a first direction in response to applying a tubing pressure to a first side in excess of an annulus pressure acting on a second side, axially translating the operator in a second direction to an actuation position in response to applying an underbalance pressure level to the operator and operating a tool element from a first position to a second position in response to translating the operator to the actuation position.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore includes arranging an assembly within a lubricator coupled to a tree, the assembly including at least one downhole tool and a signal receiver subassembly. An acoustic signal is communicated to the signal receiver subassembly while the assembly is arranged within the lubricator. The acoustic signal is perceived with a transceiver communicably coupled to the signal receiver subassembly and thereby activates a timer communicably coupled to the signal receiver subassembly while the assembly is arranged within the lubricator. The assembly is introduced into the wellbore and advanced until reaching a target depth. A trigger signal is them transmitted with the signal receiver subassembly to the at least one downhole tool to actuate the at least one downhole tool.

Abstract: A method of forming a sealed junction between wellbores includes first enlarging a length of a first wellbore to form an enlarged wellbore segment. Then installing casing in the first wellbore and in the enlarged wellbore segment. After the casing is installed, material is pumped into the enlarged wellbore segment and allowed to harden to form a hardened material. After hardening, the first wellbore is reestablished. And then a second wellbore is formed by drilling out a lateral passage through the casing and the hardened material. A liner is then run into the second wellbore with an end of the liner covered with a swellable elastomer. The swellable elastomer is allowed to expand and seal against the surface of the lateral passage forming a sealed junction between the first wellbore and the second wellbore.

Abstract: An example method may include determining a first planned stimulation location within the formation. The first planned stimulation location may be based, at least in part, on a pre-determined model of a formation. A borehole in the formation may be drilled with a downhole tool. The first planned stimulation location may be adjusted based, at least in part, on data received at the downhole tool. Additionally, the downhole tool may stimulate the formation at the adjusted first planned stimulation location. A second stimulation location also may be determined based on data received at the downhole tool after stimulation of the formation at the adjusted first planned stimulation location.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is described. The apparatus includes a load, a motor coupled to the load to provide mechanical power to the load and an alternator directly coupled to the motor driving the motor. The apparatus further includes a switch between the alternator and the motor that in a first position connects the alternator to the motor in a first configuration that rotates the motor in the clockwise direction and in a second configuration that rotates the motor in the counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and method for servicing a wellbore and otherwise triggering a downhole tool. One method includes arranging an assembly within a lubricator coupled to a tree, the assembly including at least one downhole tool and a signal receiver subassembly, communicating a signal to the signal receiver subassembly while the assembly is arranged within the lubricator, the signal being configured to activate a timer communicably coupled to the signal receiver subassembly, introducing the assembly into the wellbore and advancing the assembly until reaching a target depth, and transmitting a trigger signal with the signal receiver subassembly to the at least one downhole tool and thereby actuating the at least one downhole tool.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for utilizing a radio frequency communication system to wirelessly exchange data with well logging tools and external devices. A logging tool component is operably fitted with an extension antenna which travels through the thick casing of the logging tool. The extension antenna enables data exchange, for example, between radio frequency identification tags inside the logging tool and devices outside of the logging tool.

Abstract: A wellbore y-block junction comprises a first bore channel, a second bore channel, a deflector selectable to a neutral position, to a first bore channel selected position, and to a second bore channel selected position, a radio receiver, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to command the deflector position to one of the neutral position, the first bore channel selected position, or the second bore channel selected position based on an input from the radio receiver.

Abstract: A robot system, including one or more robots which are provided to a first area where an entry by a person is restricted, and configured to perform a first work which includes one or more steps in the first area, a controller configured to control an operation of the one or more robots, and a visitor detector configured to detect a visitor to the first area.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a locating device having a locating collet configured to engage with a locating profile on a housing and disengage from the locating profile when a first pull load is applied to the locating collet, a delay device that prevents application of the first pull load on the locating collet when it is engaged with the locating profile until the delay device has been activated, and a locking device configured to prevent activation of the delay device until a second pull load less than the first is applied on the locking device for a selected period of time.

Abstract: A downhole formation fluid pumping and a sampling apparatus are disclosed that may form part of a formation evaluation while drilling tool or part of a tool pipe string. The operation of the pump is optimized based upon parameters generated from formation pressure test data as well as tool system data thereby ensuring optimum performance of the pump at higher speeds and with greater dependability. New pump designs for fluid sampling apparatuses for use in MWD systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique facilitates deflecting a tubing string into a desired branch of a surrounding tubular structure. A deflector assembly is provided with a deflector tube, an orienting member, and a latching feature, such as latch dogs which are circumferentially disposed on the deflector tube in an asymmetrical pattern. The deflector assembly may be moved within the outer tubular structure, e.g. wellbore tubing, to a desired junction. The deflector tube and the latching feature are then oriented in an alignment sleeve of the surrounding tubular structure by moving the orienting member along a profile within the outer tubular structure. The latching feature is able to securely latch at the selected junction. The latching feature may use a pattern of latch dogs which matches a corresponding asymmetrical pattern of latch openings in the alignment sleeve.

Abstract: A system of couplings and method of use of the couplings to locate a downhole tool connected to coiled tubing, such as a bottom hole assembly, within a selected segment of a casing string. The selected segment of casing may be a ported collar or ported housing that permits the treatment and/or stimulation of the adjacent well formation. The system of couplings may be two, three, or four couplings spaced apart at predetermined lengths. The predetermined lengths may be shorter than typical lengths of casing segments. The distance between the first and second coupling may be substantially identical to the distance between the third and fourth coupling. The use of distances between the couplings that are shorter than the length of conventional casing segments may provide surface indicators as to the location of the bottom hole assembly with a higher confidence than relying on a traditional tally sheet.

Abstract: An electronic transmitter assembly used in directional boring, the housing of the assembly being configured for receiving a beacon. The housing and cover of the assembly are configured to provide transmission windows along each side of the cover rather than in the center of the cover. The beacon contained within the housing is configured to have a forward isolator on one end and a rear isolator on the other end to isolate the beacon from shock during boring operations.

Abstract: An assembly using an onboard controller employs sensors to precisely determine the landing status of downhole logging tools. A control algorithm of the onboard controller can enable an intelligent management of the battery system and memory system of the logging tools. Sensors are used to verify landing having been reached. The sensors may include a real time clock, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a proximity/position sensor. The sensors can send measurement signals to the controller for determining if the measurement values are within an acceptable range indicating the logging tools having landed. As a correct landing has been confirmed or verified, the controller can trigger an onset for data logging (e.g., powering up the battery system and/or memory system). A method of determining landing of a logging tool in a wellbore is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining a piston position in a downhole tool, having steps of providing a transducer in the downhole tool, wherein the tool has a piston used to create a vacuum for the downhole tool, providing a transducer tone burst to provide acoustic energy toward the piston, reflecting the transducer tone burst by a surface of the piston, receiving the transducer tone burst at a receiver, calculating time of flight for the transducer tone burst and determining the piston position in the downhole tool based upon the calculated time of flight of the transducer tone burst.

Abstract: A method of determining an azimuthal orientation of a well tool relative to a line in a well can include connecting at least one acoustic source to the well tool, the acoustic source having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the well tool, and detecting at least one acoustic signal transmitted from the acoustic source to an acoustic sensor, the acoustic sensor having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the line. A system for determining an azimuthal orientation of one or more lines relative to a well tool in a wellbore can include at least one acoustic source having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the well tool, and an optical waveguide connected to a distributed acoustic sensing instrumentation, the waveguide having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the lines, and in which the distributed acoustic sensing instrumentation detects acoustic signals transmitted from the acoustic source to the waveguide.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Also provided are apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more perforating guns, release devices, and explosive devices in a string to be lowered into a wellbore. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, “each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. Control and power functions are accomplished with voltage of different polarities for safety.

Abstract: Method of drilling a well, including one method comprising determining a first value indicative of a relative position of a geological bed boundary with respect to a drilling assembly, determining a second value indicative of an optical property of a formation fluid proximate the drilling assembly, and controlling a well trajectory based on the first and second value.

Abstract: An acoustic line tracing system for tracing a fluid transfer system tubing line includes an acoustic receiver operably connectable to the tubing line and configured to receive the vibratory signal. The acoustic receiver includes a vibration sensor disposed to contact the tubing line and configured for detecting vibration of the surface of the tubing line caused by the vibratory signal, and an indicator producing at least one of an audio and a visual cue when the vibration sensor detects the vibratory signal.

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: A method of drilling boreholes is provided. The method, according to one embodiment, may include drilling a borehole, transmitting a signal into the earth formation, receiving signals at least three spaced sensors responsive to the transmitted signals and estimating a path of the borehole using the signals received by the at least three sensors. In another aspect, the method may include drilling a borehole, transmitting signals into the earth formation from at least three spaced transmitters, receiving signals at least one sensor responsive to the transmitted signals and estimating a path of the borehole using the signals received by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for use for determining orientation of a measurement tool in a cased borehole. The measurement tool is deployed in a cased section of a borehole. The tool includes a volume containing a reference fluid having a first density, and a marker within the fluid having a different density. The position of the marker within volume containing the reference fluid is senses, and orientation information of the measurement tool is determined based at least in part on combining information relating to the position of the marker with prior recorded data representing orientation measurements made while the section of the borehole was not yet cased.

Abstract: A wellbore y-block junction comprises a first bore channel, a second bore channel, a deflector selectable to a neutral position, to a first bore channel selected position, and to a second bore channel selected position, a radio receiver, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to command the deflector position to one of the neutral position, the first bore channel selected position, or the second bore channel selected position based on an input from the radio receiver.

Abstract: A technique facilitates control over the orientation of a bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly comprises an orienting tool having a dual-spline drive which, in turn, comprises a first lead screw portion and a second lead screw portion having threads of a first pitch and a second pitch, respectively. A motor is connected to the dual-spline drive to impart rotational motion with respect to the first threads having the first pitch. A difference in pitch between the first pitch and the second pitch enables the rotational motion imparted by the motor to be converted to a slower, higher torque, output via the second lead screw portion. As a result, the orienting tool is able to provide a selective, high torque, low-speed adjustment to the drilling orientation of the bottom hole assembly.