Abstract: Blowout preventer systems are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a blowout preventer, a plurality of position sensing mechanisms, a plurality of pressure sensing mechanisms, and a controller configured to receive position data indicating a position of a piston and pressure data indicating the pressure of hydraulic fluid being applied to the piston, and to determine a current stroking pressure signature or fingerprint during a closing cycle, which when compared to a baseline stroking pressure signature or fingerprint, can provide an indication of the health of one or more components of the operator containing the piston. The controller can also determine a backlash of the ram block, and/or to record a position of the ram block, and/or to calculate an instant when a supplemental closing pressure is desired to be applied, and/or to determine when maintenance of a ram locking mechanism is due, and/or to determine when sealing elements are worn.

Abstract: Sealing devices such as packers comprise an expandable sealing element that is inflated and/or deflated by an electrically-activated pump disposed in a wellbore so that the sealing element can be set and retrieved from the wellbore. The pump is disposed downhole in close proximity to the expandable sealing element and is electronically associated with a surface processing unit located at the surface of the wellbore. In certain embodiments, an electric motor electronically associated with the surface processing unit drives the pump to flow a fluid into a chamber of the expandable sealing element to inflate the expandable sealing element and pumps the fluid out of the chamber of the expandable sealing element to deflate the expandable sealing element. Multiple sealing elements can be disposed on a tool or work string and all can be addressable and individually and separately controlled by the surface processing unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cable deployment of downhole equipment, wherein the conductors of a power cable bear the load of the downhole equipment and jewelry, as well as the cable itself. The power cable includes a set of elongated conductors, an upper coupling and a lower coupling. The upper support coupling suspends each of the conductors from the support structure and electrically couples the conductors to a power source. The lower coupling suspends the downhole electrical equipment from the conductors and electrically couples the conductors to the downhole equipment. One embodiment uses 7075 T-6 aluminum conductors to provide a length of at least 10,000 feet, a yield stress of at least 50,000 psi and a resistance of less than 0.2 ohm/kf. The aluminum conductors are homogeneous and are non-reactive with hydrogen sulfide, so no lead sheathing is required.

Abstract: A reagent processing vessel is disclosed comprising: an outer container; a reaction chamber disposed in the outer container; a mixing chamber disposed in the outer container for allowing transfer of a substance between the reaction chamber and the mixing chamber; a delivery chamber disposed in the outer container for allowing transfer of a substance between the mixing chamber and the delivery chamber; and at least one of a mixing motor and a delivery pump.

Abstract: A wet connection system suitable for use in hydrocarbon wells preferably comprises one or more elongate, small diameter conduits (50) which extend down the wellbore (2) and terminate adjacent a locating structure (11) on the production tubing (10). Equipment (70) deployed at the locating structure is connected to one or more self supporting conductors (30) which extend down the conduits from the wellhead (5). Preferably the conductors are retractable and the conduits are sealingly connected to the equipment, allowing the equipment and conductors to be deployed and recovered independently of each other and to be flushed with dielectric oil (99) pumped down the conduits after re-connection.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource recovery system for a laterally extending wellbore in a subterranean formation may include a radio frequency (RF) source and an electrically conductive well pipe extending within the laterally extending wellbore. The hydrocarbon resource recovery system may further include an RF transmission line coupled to the RF source and extending alongside in parallel with an exterior of the electrically conductive well pipe within the laterally extending wellbore. The RF transmission line may be coupled to the electrically conductive well pipe to define an RF antenna for heating the hydrocarbon resources within the subterranean formation.

Abstract: An actuation apparatus includes an electronics module (102), an actuator module (104) coupled to the electronics module and electrically communicating with the electronics module, and a motor (112) in the actuator module coupled to a drive member (106), the drive member moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the movement of the drive member between the first and second positions is adjustable in response to a signal from the electronics module. In some embodiments, the electronics module is operable to adjust a speed of the drive member. The motor may be a brushless direct current motor. In other embodiments, the actuation apparatus (300) includes a processor and a memory, the adjustable drive member is engaged with an actuatable tool (200), the processor receives feedback from the drive member and the tool, and the processor is operable to create a signature in response to the movement of the drive member and compare the signature to a baseline.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first pin and a second pin. The first pin has a first joint section. The first joint section has first holes extending a length of the first joint section and terminating at a first preload face. The second pin has a second joint section. The second joint section has second holes extending a length of the first joint section and terminating at a second preload face. The second joint section is adapted to receive the first joint section and the first holes match the second holes when the first pin and the second pin are mated.

Abstract: A device for connecting at least one electrical data and/or supply line to electrical sockets of a wired drill pipe is disclosed. One inventive aspect of the device comprises: a collet blocking plug axially insertable into and removable from a receiver end of the drill pipe and at least one collet. The collet is configured to be interlocked with the drill pipe in a locking position and be released from the drill pipe in a release position. The collet is axially displaceable from the collet blocking plug between the locking position and the release position. The collet blocking plug is axially insertable into and removable from a receiver end of the drill pipe.

Abstract: A wired pipe coupler that carries at least a data signal includes a carrier having a plurality of electrical components disposed therein and one or more antennas supported by and spaced from the carrier, the one or more antennas being electrically coupled to the carrier through respective ones of the plurality of electrical components.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, an apparatus includes a hydraulic directional control manifold and a plurality of electric piezopumps. The apparatus also includes an electric piezopump controller that operates the plurality of electric piezopumps in varying combinations to provide generation and directional control of hydraulic power to linear hydraulic actuators using localized closed-loop hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting electromagnetic waves from a wellbore. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising production tubing in a wellbore, the production tubing extends beyond a casing in the wellbore, and the production tubing beyond the casing comprises a first conductive portion, and a second conductive portion mechanically coupled to and electrically isolated from the first conductive portion.

Abstract: A system for hydraulically fracturing an underground formation in an oil or gas well to extract oil or gas from the formation, the oil or gas well having a wellbore that permits passage of fluid from the wellbore into the formation. The system includes a plurality of electric pumps fluidly connected to the well, and configured to pump fluid into the wellbore at high pressure so that the fluid passes from the wellbore into the and fractures the formation. The system can also include a plurality of natural gas powered generators electrically connected to the plurality of electric pumps to provide electrical power to the pumps.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the employment of an electric submersible pumping system or other well system downhole into a wellbore. The electric motor system is coupled with a signal carrying cable for conveyance to a desired downhole location in the wellbore. The signal carrying cable is constructed with sufficient strength to solely support the electric motor system during deployment and use in the wellbore without addition of a separate supporting mechanism.

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: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O and sulfur hexafluoride within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O and sulfur hexafluoride contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: An electrical power system comprising a support configured for interconnection within a subsurface drillstring, an electrical power unit coupled to the support, and a conductive link configured to distribute electrical power from the electrical power unit to at least one component coupled to the electrical power system within the subsurface drillstring.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing cable along a tubular in a wellbore using a first retainer for attachment to the tubular at a first location and a second retainer for attachment to the tubular at a second location. Each retainer is constructed and arranged to reverse the direction of the cable and to at least partially retain the cable due to elastic forces therein. In one embodiment, the cable is formed into a plurality of loops, each having an upper end retained by the first retainer and a lower end retained by the second retainer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes (methods) for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in an oil and/or gas well and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.) downhole. The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore.

Abstract: Systems devices and methods for the transmission of 1 kW or more of laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser perforation of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perforate such boreholes.

Abstract: A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described.

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 process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a work string for downhole use in a well comprises a safety valve comprising a sealable flow path; a first electrical connection disposed above the safety valve; a second electrical connection disposed below the safety valve; and a jumper electrically coupling the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection, wherein the jumper does not pass through the sealable flow path of the safety valve.

Abstract: A connector system for reducing particulate matter may include a first unit for supplying signals and a second unit for receiving and/or relaying the signals. The signals may be for power generation and/or communications. A coupling may be positioned between the first unit and second unit. The coupling may include a center pin attached to the first unit and for receiving a signal at a first potential. The coupling may further include an outer case attached to the first unit and for receiving a signal at a second potential. The coupling may also have a seal and a spring. The seal and spring may surround the outer case. The spring may engage the second unit and may pass signals between the first unit and the second unit. The spring may comprise a canted coil spring for supporting load forces and for passing electrical current.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of producing from multiple production zones with a single trip multi-zone completion system. One single trip multi-zone completion system includes an outer completion string having at least one sand screen arranged thereabout and being deployable in an open hole section of a wellbore that penetrates at least one formation zone, a production tubing arranged within the outer completion string and having at least one interval control valve disposed thereon, a control line extending external to the production tubing and being communicably coupled to the at least one interval control valve, and a surveillance line extending external to the outer completion string and interposing the at least one formation zone and the at least one sand screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool string for being suspended in a well, the tool string extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a first string part and a second string part, each having a centre axis and comprising; an electrical connection in a first end and a fluid channel extending at least partly through the string part. Furthermore, the tool string comprises a connecting element rotatably connected to one string part and adapted to be threadably connected to a threaded portion of the other string part to join the electrical connections of the first and second string parts. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for assembling two string parts of a tool string by rotating a connecting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool comprising a tool housing, an electronics assembly comprising an electronic module located within the housing, wherein the electronics assembly further comprises a plurality of transistor elements being electrically connected with the electronic module and being arranged on a thermal member which is thermally connected with the housing, wherein the electronic module is thermally insulated from the thermal member. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole system comprising a wireline, a tool string, and a downhole tool according to the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and systems for perforating a well using a wired work string assembly. According to embodiments of the invention, the method includes positioning a wired work string assembly in a wellbore, the work string assembly comprising a plurality of wired pipe communicatively coupled at each joint, a depth correlation tool, and a perforating gun assembly. A depth of the perforating gun assembly is determined from a depth correlation tool positioned within the wellbore, and an electrical signal related to the depth of the perforating gun assembly is transmitted to a surface above the wellbore. Firing of the perforating gun assembly is initiated via a signal transmitted from the surface above the wellbore. An electrical signal from the wellbore is transmitted to the surface to confirming the firing of perforating gun assembly. The system includes various tools for perforating the well using the disclosed methods.

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: Workover and completion systems, devices and methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems and devices for the laser workover and completion of a borehole in the earth. These systems and devices can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform laser workover and completion operations in such boreholes deep within the earth and at highly efficient rates.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile high power laser system and conveyance structure for delivering high power laser energy to and for performing high power laser operations in remote and difficult to access locations. There is further provide such systems with high power laser, handling equipment and conveyance equipment that are configured to avoid exceeding the maximum bending radius of high power optical fibers used with the conveyance structures. There are also provided embodiments of the conveyance structures having channels, lines and passages for delivering materials such as fluids.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the conveyance of signals along a drill pipe. A cable system is combined with the drill pipe and attached along the drill pipe to convey signals. The cable system may comprise a conductive cable, a cable retention system, a cable termination, and a cable connector coupled to the conductive cable at the cable termination.

Abstract: A reverse rotation protection for borehole pumps is disposed in a drive head. The reverse rotation protection includes a housing and a clamping tool for securing a polished rod. The clamping tool includes at least two exchangeable contact elements with which the polished rod can be fixed releasably.

Abstract: The system includes a modular drum unit disposed in a first skid. The modular drum unit may include a drum and a winch. The system also includes a power pack assembly disposed in a second skid. The power pack unit may comprise a power source. The system also includes a cable assembly for electrically coupling the modular drum unit to the power pack unit. The cable assembly includes a power connector with a connector type incorporating design constraints from both the modular drum unit and the power pack unit.

Abstract: A modular control system includes a control module removably attachable to an exterior of a downhole tool. A controlled device, the controlled device providing a function for the downhole tool. The controlled device controlled by the control module.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods for dampening vibrations transmitted to a sensor assembly based on well drilling operations. Vibration isolators are distributed around a sensor assembly and retained in their desired location. The sensor assembly and retained vibration isolators are inserted in a shrinkable thin-walled tube and the thin-walled tube is shrunk to constrict the inner surface of the thin-walled tube, and the retained vibration isolators against the outer surface of the sensor assembly. Additionally, the constricted thin-walled tube restrains a wiring harness associated with the sensor assembly in a wire well traversing the axial direction of the sensor assembly.

Abstract: Position indication in multiplexed downhole well tools. A method of selectively actuating and indicating a position in a well includes selecting at least one well tool from among multiple well tools for actuation by flowing direct current in one direction through a set of conductors in the well, the well tool being deselected for actuation when direct current flows through the set of conductors in an opposite direction; and detecting a varying resistance across the set of conductors as the selected well tool is actuated, the variation in resistance providing an indication of a position of a portion of the selected well tool.

Abstract: A system to harvest energy in a wellbore is disclosed. The system includes a flexible member disposed in a wellbore. The flexible member includes at least a portion of a drill string. The system includes an energy harvesting apparatus that includes magnetostrictive material and a conductor coupled to the magnetostrictive material. The energy harvesting apparatus is coupled to the flexible member to transfer forces from the flexible member to impart at least one of a strain or stress in the magnetostrictive material and to induce an electrical current in the conductor.

Abstract: A method of treating a subsurface formation includes circulating at least one molten salt through at least one conduit of a conduit-in-conduit heater located in the formation to heat hydrocarbons in the formation to at least a mobilization temperature of the hydrocarbons. At least some of the hydrocarbons are produced from the formation. An electrical resistance of at least one of the conduits of the conduit-in-conduit heater is assessed to assess a presence of a leak in at least one of the conduits.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include injecting a solvent via a wellbore into the subterranean formation while supplying radio frequency (RF) power from the wellbore and into the subterranean formation. The method may also include recovering hydrocarbon resources via the wellbore and from the subterranean formation while supplying RF power from the wellbore and into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool comprising a tool housing for accommodating components of the downhole tool, the tool housing comprising; a first tool housing part having a first end face and a second end face, and an activation unit removably connected with the first tool housing part, the activation unit comprising: a second tool housing part, and a closing member removably connected with the second tool housing part, wherein the second tool housing part and the closing member together constitute a fluid-tight chamber wherein a fluid is retained, the fluid-tight chamber housing mechanical and/or hydraulic and/or electrical components, and wherein the activation unit may be separated from the first tool housing part while the closing member is connected with the second tool housing part. The invention further relates to a downhole system and to a method of performing services of a downhole tool.

Abstract: A device is provided for fracturing a geological hydrocarbon reservoir including two packers defining between them a confined space in a well drilled in the reservoir; a pump for increasing the pressure of a fluid in the confined space; an apparatus for heating the fluid; at least one pair of two electrodes arranged in the confined space; and an electric circuit for generating an electric arc between the two electrodes, the circuit including at least one voltage source connected to the electrodes and an inductance between the voltage source and one of the two electrodes. The device permits improved fracturing of the reservoir.

Abstract: Electrical power may be generated at a downhole position of a production well by way of electromagnetic induction through oscillating linear translation driven by the flow of a fluid being transported by the production well. In exemplary embodiments, a conductive coil is disposed in a fixed position along a length of a production pipe such that the conductive coil encircles the production pipe. A linear translation apparatus is disposed radially inward from the conductive coil and is configured to move linearly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the production pipe and within the conducting coil by harnessing mechanical energy from fluid flowing within the production pipe. Magnets are affixed to the linear translation apparatus to cause electrical power to be generated in the conductive coil by way of electromagnetic induction responsive to the magnets passing by the conductive coil when the linear translation apparatus is in motion.

Abstract: A wellbore apparatus may include first and second tubular members aligned in end-to-end relation, and an antenna assembly coupled to at least one of the first and second tubular members. The antenna assembly may include a cylindrical housing having a circumferential recess therein, a rigid insulating support ring carried by the cylindrical housing in the circumferential recess, an antenna coil carried by the rigid insulating support ring, and an electrical connector coupled to the antenna coil. The wellbore apparatus may include resistivity processing circuitry coupled to the electrical connector to determine an electrical resistivity of a wellbore based upon the antenna coil.

Abstract: A Y-tool for use in a wellbore includes: a stem having a bore formed therethrough, a port formed through a wall thereof, and a coupling formed at each end thereof; a branch fastened to the stem and having a passage formed therethrough in fluid communication with the stem port and a coupling formed at an end thereof; and a gasket sealing an interface of the stem port and branch passage.

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 and apparatus for inspecting and tallying pipe in a well completion system. In one embodiment, at least one sensor determines the length of a pipe and/or at least one thread protector sensor determines whether the thread protectors are removed from both ends of the pipe. The sensors may be located in a mast assembly, a pipe arm, a walkway adjacent said pipe arm used to urge pipe towards the pipe arm, or various other places as desired. A moveable control van with a control system receives signals from the sensors. The control van comprises a system which also keeps a tally of the total amount of pipe currently in the wellbore. In one embodiment, memory chips may be used on the pipe to store a history of the pipe. The sensors then communicate this information back to the control system.