Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow into a heavy oil production pipe includes reducing inflow into the production pipe locally from hot spots using inflow control devices including a movable body provided within a housing, the movable body being arranged to adjust the flow of fluid through the inflow control devices autonomously by exploiting the Bernoulli principle; increasing inflow into the production pipe remote from the hot spots using the inflow control devices to increase inflow locally; and increasing draw down in the production pipe by using an injector to inject a gaseous medium at or downstream of the inflow control devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.

Abstract: An autonomous inflow control system for use downhole comprises a flow ratio control system comprising one or more fluid inlets, and a pathway dependent resistance system comprising a vortex chamber. The one or more fluid inlets provide fluid communication between the flow ratio control system and the pathway dependent resistance system, and at least one of the one or more fluid inlets comprises a super hydrophobic surface.

Abstract: Pump device for hydraulically activating a valve in particular used for oil and gas exploration wherein such a valve may be a safety valve assigned to a riser or a tree, said pump device including a piston cylinder unit from which pressurized hydraulic fluid can be pumped in direction to the valve. To improve such a pump device so that the pressure of the hydraulic fluid is produced in particular at the corresponding site and near to the valve and is safe and constructed in a simple way an electrical drive means is movably connected to a piston of the piston cylinder unit for alternating movement in axial direction of the piston within the cylinder.

Abstract: A landfill well control system includes a mobile hand-held device provided with a software monitoring application including a table having data related to determination of a desired methane gas output flow rate. A landfill gas (LFG) wellhead gas control valve includes: an electronically controlled, powered flow control device actuator; a flow measurement element producing differential pressures proportional to a gas flow rate; a pressure sensor/transducer; and a microprocessor having control logic capability and the ability to communicate via a local wireless signal to the mobile hand-held device. The powered flow control device actuator using data from the table of the mobile hand-held device or remotely stored data provides automatic valve positioning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pressure-cycled stimulation during gravity drainage operations. These systems and methods include increasing a pressure within a stimulation well that extends within a subterranean formation and subsequently decreasing the pressure within the stimulation well to increase production of viscous hydrocarbons from a production well. The systems and methods include repeating the increasing and the decreasing for a plurality of stimulation cycles and producing viscous hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation during the increasing, the decreasing, and the repeating. The increasing may include increasing a reservoir pressure within the subterranean formation to a pressure that is greater than a bubble point pressure of the viscous hydrocarbons, and the decreasing may include decreasing the reservoir pressure to a pressure that is less than the bubble point pressure of the viscous hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system performs methods for well and reservoir management for optimized production of fluids in a reservoir. The system includes a knowledge engine configured to receive a plurality of field inputs, process and analyze the field inputs, and provide a plurality of outputs for presentation to an operator. The system also includes a user data interface configured to display the plurality of data outputs. The plurality of field inputs comprises chemical sensing data and at least one of: temperature, pressure, flow rate and concentration of production components from one or more individual wells located within the reservoir, seismic surveys of the reservoir, permeability, geochemistry and lithology of rock formations, and geographic information system (GIS) data associated with the reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring and controlling the operation of a downhole steam generator. The system may include surface and/or downhole control systems for sending and/or receiving control and measurement signals. The control systems may also communicate with and control surface and/or downhole equipment for supplying process fluids, gasses, and/or mixtures to the downhole steam generator. The control system may control operation of the downhole steam generator by storing, processing, and/or analyzing measured data corresponding to one or more downhole steam generator operations and/or one or more field, formation, reservoir, or other operating objective.

Abstract: A method can include providing a pump connected to a power cable with a smooth surface; providing a stuffing box with a valve configured to form a seal with the smooth surface of the power cable in a closed state and to form a passage for the pump as connected to the power cable in an open state; providing a lubricator; providing a blow-out protector with a valve configured to form a seal with the smooth surface of the power cable in a closed state and to form a passage for the pump as connected to the power cable in an open state; and controlling the states of the valves while lowering the pump via the power cable through the stuffing box, the lubricator, and the blow-out protector to position the pump into a bore of a well. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

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. 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. The state machine need not return a signal including a unique identifier.

Abstract: A tool assembly for performing a wellbore operation including an actuatable tool, a location device, and on-board controller are together dimensioned and arranged to be deployed in the wellbore as an autonomous unit. The actuatable tool, such as a perforating gun having associated charges, perforates a wellbore along a selected zone of interest. The location device, such as casing collar locator, senses the location of the actuatable tool based on a physical signature provided along the wellbore. The on-board controller or micro-processor is configured to send an activation signal to the actuatable tool when the location device has recognized a selected location of the tool based on the physical signature. The tool assembly further includes a multi-gate safety system. The safety system prevents premature activation of the actuatable tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the formation and a single probe configured to be extended from the carrier and to seal with a wall of the borehole. The apparatus further includes a fluid analysis sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to sense a property of a formation fluid sample extracted from the formation by the probe. A coring device is disposed at the carrier and configured to extend into the probe, to drill into the wall of the borehole, and to extract a core sample. A core sample analysis sensor is disposed at the carrier and configured to sense a property of the core sample. A processor is configured to receive data from the fluid analysis sensor and the core sample analysis sensor and to estimate the property using the data.

Abstract: An automated pipe tripping apparatus includes an outer frame and an inner frame. The inner frame includes a tripping slips and iron roughneck. The automated pipe tripping apparatus may, in concert with an elevator and drawworks, trip in a tubular string in a continuous motion. The tripping slips and iron roughneck, along with the inner frame, may travel vertically within the outer frame. The weight of the tubular string is transferred between the tripping slips and the elevator. The iron roughneck may make up or break out threaded connections between tubular segments, the upper tubular segment supported by the elevator and the lower by the tripping slips. An automated pipe handling apparatus may remove or supply sections of pipe from or to the elevator. A control system may control both the automated pipe tripping apparatus and the elevator and drawworks.

Abstract: A fugitive gas capture system includes a variable volume gas storage assembly (e.g., a bag) that expands and deflates between a first position and a second position, respectively, where the positions influence control of a switch coupled to a throttle on a gas engine that powers a compressor or coupled to a valve input to a gas booster compressor. The compressor is coupled to an output pipeline to provide the compressed gas in liquid or gas form to a pipeline under consistent pressure. Alternatively, the compressed gas may be on-site in a separator, in a heater treater, for various controls, as engine fuel, or with any other energy source employed on site, e.g., electric power from offgas vapors used to generate on-site electricity.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the recovery of hydrocarbon deposit includes the step of sensing a material property of an underground volume. A three-dimensional map identifying the spatial variation in the sensed material property of the underground volume is generated. Propagating electromagnetic radiation is transmitted in the volume based on the map. The propagating electromagnetic radiation transmission is varied in at least one of frequency, polarization, wavelength, frequency, amplitude, mode, and phase in response to the variation in the material property of a region within the volume to which the propagating electromagnetic radiation is directed. Accordingly, the volume is heated in a spatially varying manner to heat material in the volume and thereby induce the flow of hydrocarbon deposits from the volume.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an advancing water front in a reservoir toward a wellbore is provided. The system has a production control unit. The production control unit has a reservoir unit for producing a reservoir model and a production path unit for producing a production path model that determines at least one pressure parameter about the wellbore during a life of the wellbore. The production control unit has a production optimizer unit for producing a well plan that optimizes a function of the wellsite. The production control unit may be for controlling an advancing fluid front in the reservoir with at least one control device, and wherein a production path is constructed based on the well plan.

Abstract: A pumping system includes a probe to suction a fluid from a fluid reservoir, a pump in fluid communication with the probe, and a sensor for detecting phase changes in said pumping system. The sensor is in fluid communication with the probe or pump and is operable to generate a sensor signal. The pumping system also includes a fluid exit from the pumping system that is in fluid communication with said pump, and a variable force check valve that is located between the probe and fluid exit.

Abstract: A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a completion 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 completion 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 completion 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 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 system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a completion 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 completion 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 completion 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 hydrocarbon heating system comprises a surface control panel and a subsurface heating system, connected by an external power cable which also serves as the data communication link between the two parts. The subsurface heating system includes a heating element and two separate, thermally isolated temperature sensors. One thermal sensor, mounted near the heating element, monitors the temperature of the heating element. Another thermal sensor monitors the ambient temperature of fluid in the borehole. The temperature of the heating element may be varied to maintain an optimal well temperature for the production of hydrocarbons. Downhole electronics convert the thermal sensor outputs to digital data, and modulate the digital data onto a power cable that carries power from the surface to the heating element. A control system at the surface controls the heating element via nested control loops monitoring the temperatures of the borehole fluid and the heating element.

Abstract: An automated tubular handling system adapted to make-up or break-out tubulars that includes a rotary drive adapted to operatively grip a tubular to be connected to or disconnected from a tubular string, a controller adapted to receive and process data indicative of a rotation, torque, and minimum time value associated with a make-up or a break-out of the tubular string, and a user interface adapted to convey the received data, the predetermined values, or both, of the tubular make-up or break-out to an operator. The controller compares the rotation, torque, and minimum time values to acceptable predetermined values to determine when the make-up or the break-out is complete. Automated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A friction reduction assembly for a downhole tubular. The friction reduction assembly includes an electrically activated friction reduction sub. The sub includes a flowbore fluidically connected to a flowbore of the tubular and remaining open for fluid flow therethrough during both activated and non-activated states of the friction reduction sub. A friction reducer responsive to an indication of lockup of the tubular, wherein friction between the tubular and surrounding casing or borehole is reduced in an electrically activated state of the friction reduction sub. A method of reducing friction in a downhole tubular is also included.

Abstract: A system usable with a well includes a waveform generator for enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by controlling a production pump or an injection pump downhole in the well with waveform signals to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir and enhances the recovery of the fluid.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve system for use in a downhole operation may include a pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from high pressure tubing extending between a pump and a wellhead, and may include a sensor operably disposed to detect pressure in the high pressure tubing. The pressure relief valve system also may include a controller having a pressure threshold stored therein. The controller may be configured to receive data from the sensor and compare the detected pressure to the stored pressure threshold. A valve actuation system may be in communication with the pressure relief valve and in communication with the controller. The valve actuation system may be configured to change the state of the pressure relief valve from a closed state to an open state in response to a command signal from the controller.

Abstract: A method and system for autonomously enhancing the performance of rig operations at a rig-site, including subterranean operations at a rig-site. The system may include an integrated control system, wherein the integrated control system monitors one or more parameters of sensor units of the rig operations, and a central computer that can communicate with sensor units reporting the health and operational status of the rig operations. The system may further be upgraded by a package of sensors attached to the various tools that allow the central computer an overall synchronized view of the rig operations.

Abstract: A multiple chamber gas generator system has a plurality of gas generators shaped to fit within the borehole. Each of the gas generators having an elongate combustion chamber. A gas flow control system is operably installed for supplying gas to the elongate combustion chambers of each of the gas generators. The system further includes a control computer having a control program operatively installed thereupon, the control program functioning to control the operation of the gas flow control system and to selectively turn on or off each of the gas generators to regulate the volume of gasses being generated in response to changes in pressure within the borehole.

Abstract: A gas generator has an elongate combustion housing shaped to fit within a borehole for generating gasses in the borehole for use in the recovery of petroleum products. The gas generator includes a plurality of annular cooling jacket segments that surround the elongate combustion housing, each of the annular cooling jacket segments having an inlet port and an outlet port for allowing water to flow therethrough. A plurality of apertures through the elongate combustion housing allow water to flow from the plurality of annular cooling jacket segments into the elongate combustion chamber.

Abstract: Wellbore rotational indexing devices, methods and systems for indexing a wellbore device downhole. The rotational indexing device has an electronic controller electronically configured to cause a rotary actuator to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence. The rotary actuator, the controller and a power source are operatively carried on the body for inserting downhole in the wellbore. When the indexing device is disposed downhole and the rotary actuator is operatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, the indexing device automatically rotates the wellbore device through successive rotational steps according to the predetermined indexing sequence.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to an actuation assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The actuation assembly can include a body, a potential force in the body, and a device in the body. The device can cause the potential force to be released from the body in response to receiving a signal identifying a target device disposed in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method includes performing a chemical process to create a chemical product and an amount of heat, and transferring the heat to a first fluid. The method further includes hydrating a polymer in the first fluid, and adding the chemical product from the chemical process to the first fluid to create a treatment fluid. The method further includes diluting the treatment fluid with respect to at least one constituent of the treatment fluid. The method includes treating a formation of interest in a wellbore with the treatment fluid. The method includes changing a formulation of the treatment fluid during the treating. The method also includes extending the treating beyond a design amount, or ending the treatment before the design amount and preserving some reagents of the chemical process.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus that controls a liquid level down-hole of a hydrocarbon producing well by physically monitoring the liquid level down-hole having a down-hole liquid level measurer and a signal device connected to the liquid level measurer that causes a pump to adjust its current liquid output based on the liquid level down-hole as measured by the down-hole liquid level measurer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a wellbore and actuating a downhole device include a body adapted for insertion into the wellbore that contains a processor, data storage, and sensors that detect a pressure, temperature, and acceleration associated with the body. Computer instructions are usable to receive and store preselected parameters, which include pressure, temperature, and acceleration ranges, and to compare measured values to these ranges for forming a determination usable to initiate actuation of a downhole tool. Additional parameters, such as temporal parameters, can be used to allow, cease, reset, or prevent actuation of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.

Abstract: A method for reducing the extent of treatment required for groundwater comprises the steps of (A) determining one of groundwater (1) flow, and (2) chemistry within at least one of a plurality of fluid zones within a subsurface well having a primary pump positioned at least partially therein; (B) modifying fluid dynamics within the subsurface well based on at least one of the groundwater flow and chemistry; (C) selectively extracting groundwater from at least one of the plurality of fluid zones with the primary pump; and (D) removing one or more contaminants from the groundwater with a fluid treatment system. Additionally, the step of determining can include the use of miniaturized technologies, such as miniaturized flow profiling technologies, miniaturized water sampling technologies and miniaturized sensors.

Abstract: A method for performing an oilfield operation of an oilfield having a subterranean formation. The method includes collecting oilfield data and deploying a first plug-in including a first oilfield technology functionality into an oilfield hosting application. The method further includes performing an oilfield analysis on the collected oilfield data in the oilfield hosting application using the first oilfield technology functionality of the first plug-in to generate an oilfield output and adjusting an oilfield operation based on the oilfield output.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating fluid downhole in the well. The technique includes enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by, downhole in the well, controlling the pumping of the fluid to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir.

Abstract: A machine includes a spindle for storing wire, a wire passage structure having an interface coupline, a controllable drive system, a control system, and a pressure-resistant housing. The drive system is configured to feed the wire through the wire passage structure and through the interface coupling, under the control of the control system. The housing encloses the wire passage structure, the controllable drive system, and at least a portion of the control system.

Abstract: A specially designed rotary indexing system and associated operational methods are incorporated in a downhole control device, representatively a sliding sleeve valve, having an outer tubular member in which an annular plug seat is coaxially disposed. The plug seat is resiliently expandable between a first diameter and a larger second diameter and is illustratively of a circumferentially segmented construction. The rotary indexing system is operative to detect the number of plug members that pass through and diametrically expand the plug seat, and responsively preclude passage of further plug members therethrough when such number reaches a predetermined magnitude. Such predetermined magnitude is correlated to the total rotation of an indexing system counter ring portion rotationally driven by axial camming forces transmitted to the rotary indexing system by successive plug member passage-generated diametrical expansions of the plug seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching objects, such as during casing cementing operations, in wells having dual gradient fluid systems or certain downhole internal diameter restrictions. A launching assembly is located below a dual gradient valve or other restriction. In one embodiment, control lines extend from the earth's surface to the launching assembly and control actuation of the launching assembly. In an alternative embodiment, a receptacle assembly is positioned above a dual gradient valve or other restriction, with control lines extending from the receptacle assembly to the launching assembly. A dart or other triggering object is launched from the earth's surface to the receptacle assembly in order to control actuation of the launching assembly.

Abstract: A computer assisted method to monitor a status from a secondary location of a plurality of equipment on a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventive maintenance is described herein. A user can view at least one cycle, at least one control state, and at least one pressure. The user can also view equipment information, equipment repair history, and other information necessary to ensure that a piece of equipment has minimal down time.

Abstract: A method to monitor a status from a secondary location of a plurality of equipment on a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventive maintenance for the plurality of equipment is described herein. A user can view at least one cycle, at least one control state, and at least one pressure. The user can also view equipment information, equipment repair history, and other information necessary to ensure that a piece of equipment has minimal down time.

Abstract: A system to monitor a status from a secondary location of a plurality of equipment on a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventive maintenance is described herein. A user can view at least one cycle, at least one control state, and at least one pressure. The user can also view equipment information, equipment repair history, and other information necessary to ensure that a piece of equipment has minimal down time.

Abstract: A perforating gun (50) for use in a wellbore comprises a body (52) configured to be displaced within the wellbore, and first and second charge arrangements mounted on the body (52) and configured to be detonated independently of each other. In one embodiment the body (52) is configured to be moved axially within the wellbore between detonation of the first and second charge arrangements and at least portions of the first and second charge arrangements are provided within a common axial length of the body (52).

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: 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 and apparatus for controlling the operation of a well which is not flowing or in which fluid is pumped or injected into the well utilising a downhole located pressure monitoring device which is operative to monitor a characteristic pressure profile of the well, and to respond and generate a triggering output when a significant deviation to the pressure profile is introduced into the well as a control signal to the monitoring device by comparing two separate pressure profiles within a certain time span, the device only generating a triggering output when the same pressure profile is monitored twice within the time span; and an actuator which is initiated into operation to control any required operation of the well when the monitoring device responds to the control signal and generates the triggering output.

Abstract: A method for the controlled delivery of a fracturing fluid to a well bore comprises formulating an aqueous base fluid such that it meets or exhibits desired physical and chemical characteristics for an optimal fracturing fluid. The formulation of the aqueous base fluid max involve commingling one or more sources of waste water with a source of fresh water followed by controlled injection of one or more additives. This process is substantially completed prior to delivering the aqueous base fluid to the well site. This allows the delivery of an optimal volume of the aqueous base fluid with homogeneously blended additives to the well bore.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present techniques provides a method of injecting a particulate mixture into a target location. The method includes forming a mixture of at least two sources of particles with different size distributions wherein the mixture of solids has a permeability in a predefined range. A water content of the mixture is varied to control the rheology of the mixture. The particles are injected through one or more pipes into a target location.

Abstract: A borehole pump system includes an immersion pump (20) and a riser (15) accommodated in the borehole (10). A water treatment system for cleaning pumped water is disposed in the riser.