Abstract: A power system a method for enhanced voltage protection. The system may comprise a surface high voltage power supply, a voltage controller connected to the surface high voltage power supply that sends commands to the surface high voltage power supply to control an output voltage of the surface high voltage power supply, one or more power cables attached to the surface high voltage power supply, a downhole tool connected to the one or more power cables at an end opposite of the surface high voltage power supply, and a dynamic clamp circuit connected to the surface high voltage power supply. A method may comprise creating a setpoint with a dynamic clamp circuit based at least in part on the command, activating the dynamic clamp circuit when the output voltage is higher than the setpoint, and absorbing excess energy from the high voltage power supply with the dynamic clamp circuit.

Abstract: This system maintains bottom hole pressure and constant well bore pressure profile for a period of time in event of loss of power to rig pumps, rig pump failure or other loss of pressure to the primary flowline. The back pressure system diverts mud into the primary flowline to maintain pressure. The system provides time to get the diesel powered cement unit on line to maintain pressure or get the power reinstated to the rig pumps. The mud discharged into the primary flowline can be recovered back into the housing via the housing inlet line and the housing can be recharged via the N2 high pressure bottle rack. The back pressure system installs upstream of the MPD chokes with interfaces to the primary flow line to divert the drilling mud to the primary flowline.

Abstract: A method for cooling drilling mud includes controlling operation of a first closed-loop cooling system to cool a flow of drilling mud when a first temperature of the flow of drilling mud exceeds a first predetermined mud set point temperature, and controlling operation of a second closed-loop cooling system to further cool the flow of drilling mud when a second temperature of the flow of drilling mud that has been cooled by the first closed-loop cooling system exceeds a second predetermined mud set point temperature.

Abstract: The invention discloses a circulating system and a method for continuous downhole cooling of high-temperature drilling fluid. The circulating system includes a cooling water tank, a cooling water injection pump, a plurality of U-shaped pipes, a liquid nitrogen cooling tank, a spiral pipe, a cooling water return pump and a return pipeline. The U-shaped pipe is fixed in an unsealed bond cement gap between outer and inner casings, and two ends are respectively connected with output end of the cooling water injection pump and the spiral pipe. The spiral pipe is disposed in the liquid nitrogen cooling tank; input and output ends of the cooling water return pump are respectively connected with the spiral pipe and the return pipeline; one end of the return pipeline is disposed in the cooling water tank; input end of the cooling water injection pump is connected with the cooling water tank by a pipe.

Abstract: An active control method and system for wellbore pressure in open-cycle drilling in marine natural gas hydrates. The system comprises a drilling system, a drilling fluid injection system, and a data processing system for conducting the drilling operation.

Abstract: An example method for analyzing drilling fluid used in a drilling operation within a subterranean formation may include receiving a drilling fluid sample from a flow of drilling fluid at a surface of the subterranean formation. A chemical composition of the drilling fluid sample may be determined using a mass spectrometer. A formation characteristic of the subterranean formation may be determined using the determined chemical composition. Determining the chemical composition of the drilling fluid sample may include determining the chemical composition of at least one of extracted gas from the drilling fluid sample and a liquid portion of the drilling fluid sample.

Abstract: A downhole tool including a tube having an inner bore that receives a sample of fluid from a subterranean formation, a vibration source and a vibration receiver each at least partially coupled to the tube, and a controller coupled to the vibration source and the vibration receiver is provided. In situ measurements of thermo-physical properties including, but not limited to, fluid density/viscosity, thermal conductivity and heat capacity, and hydrocarbon molecular weight may be provided through the system. The vibrating sensor may include a sensor platform that can be incorporated into sensors purpose built to test different in situ thermo-physical properties that are technically difficult or expensive to test using typical sensors. The vibrating sensors may be modularized and incorporated as a suite of in situ downhole sensors into existing downhole fluid sampling tools, reducing the overall expense of in situ testing.

Abstract: A system for treating a contaminated soil. The system includes a soil receptacle, a first conveyance mechanism in communication with the soil receptacle, and a second conveyance mechanism in communication with the first conveyance mechanism. The second conveyor is placed lower relative to the first conveyor so that the contaminated soil drops in elevation as it passes from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. One or more pretreatment sprayers are positioned substantially at a junction between the first conveyor and the second conveyor and that spray the contaminated soil as it moves from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. One or more sprayers are also positioned on the second conveyor such that they can spray the contaminated soil as it passes. An aerator is located at a depositing end of the second conveyor, by which the contaminated soil is further aerated as it drops of the depositing end of the second conveyor and contacts the aerator.

Abstract: A wellbore intervention tool includes a housing and a means for locking the housing at a selected position inside a first wellbore pipe. The tool includes means for penetrating the first wellbore pipe extensible from the housing. The means for penetrating includes means for measuring an amount of extension thereof or an amount of force exerted thereby such that the means for penetrating is controllable to penetrate the first wellbore pipe without penetration of a second wellbore pipe in which the first wellbore pipe is nested.

Abstract: Example computer-implemented methods, computer-readable media, and computer systems are described for providing communication protocol architecture or framework for magnetic induction (MI)-based communications in wireless underground sensor networks (WUSNs), for example, in underground oil reservoirs. In some aspects, environment information of an underground region that affects the transmission qualities of MI communications is evaluated. A protocol stack is identified. The protocol stack includes a number of layers for MI communications among a number of sensors in a WUSN in the underground region. A cross-layer framework and the distributed protocol are built to jointly optimize communication functionalities of the plurality of layers based on the evaluation.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a control system including a controller configured to regulate a drilling fluid flow through a pipe element during installation of the pipe element into a wellbore or removal of the pipe element from the wellbore, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the drilling fluid flow based on feedback from one or more sensors of the control system.

Abstract: A blasthole drill rig includes a base, a drill tower extending from the base, a drill pipe coupled to the drill tower, a drill bit coupled to a lower end of the drill pipe, an air compressor that directs compressed air through the drill pipe, and a heating element that heats the compressed air.

Abstract: A sampling tool to sample core samples from a wellbore is disclosed. A core sampling storage module includes a pressure housing to store a plurality of core samples, a core tube within the pressure housing, the core tube to store a plurality of core samples drilled from a downhole formation, a pressure housing cover that is configured to be selectively rotated to an open position or a closed position, an activation mechanism to receive a command, and based on the command, open or close the pressure housing cover, a push rod to selectively install a plug to cover the core tube, wherein when the plug is installed the pressure housing maintains a pressure.

Abstract: Samples of hydrocarbon are obtained with a coring tool. An analysis of some thermal or electrical properties of the core samples may be performed downhole. The core samples may also be preserved in containers sealed and/or refrigerated prior to being brought uphole for analysis. The hydrocarbon trapped in the pore space of the core samples may be extracted from the core samples downhole. The extracted hydrocarbon may be preserved in chambers and/or analyzed downhole.

Abstract: A first fluid is moved using a second fluid. The first fluid may be moved using a ferrofluid attracted by an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may be generated by an electromagnetic source connected to a conduit, and the first fluid may move through the conduit. In an embodiment, the first fluid may absorb heat from a heat source and transfer the heat to a heat sink. For example, the heat source may be a component of a tool located in a wellbore, and the heat sink may be the wellbore. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic source may be one or more three-phase coils.

Abstract: A forced cooling circulation system for drilling mud, which includes a refrigeration unit (1), a secondary refrigerant tank (4), a coaxial convection heat exchanger (12) for mud and a mud pond (17), is disclosed. The refrigeration unit (1) is in connection with the secondary refrigerant tank (4) and the coaxial convection heat exchanger (12) for mud via a pump (2), and the coaxial convection heat exchanger (12) for mud is in connection with the mud pond (17) via a pump (15) and pipelines. Heat exchange tubes of the coaxial convection heat exchanger (12) for mud are disposed as a double-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, and the inner heat exchange tubes (23) are mounted inside of the outer heat exchange tubes (25). The secondary refrigerant or the mud is circulated in the annular space between the inner heat exchange tubes (23) and the outer heat exchange tubes (25), and the mud or the secondary refrigerant is circulated in the inner tubes (23).

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a pulsed-electric drilling system includes a bit that extends a borehole by detaching formation material with pulses of electric current, and a drillstring that defines at least one path for a fluid flow to the bit to flush detached formation material from the borehole. A feed pipe transports at least a part of said fluid flow to said path, and the feed pipe is equipped with a cooling mechanism to cool the fluid flow. The use of a cooled fluid flow may enhance the performance of the pulsed-electric drilling process.

Abstract: A method of transferring heat to or from a downhole element comprising contacting a downhole fluid comprising a fluid medium, and a nanoparticle, the nanoparticle being uniformly dispersed in the downhole fluid, to a downhole element inserted in a downhole environment. A method of cooling a downhole element, and a method of drilling a borehole are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for installing two or more heaters in a subsurface formation includes providing a spool having a substantially helical configuration of two or more heaters that have been spooled on the spool. The helical configuration of heaters is unspooled from the spool and the helical configuration of heaters is installed into an opening in a subsurface formation.

Abstract: A method for reducing stress in a downhole tool. The method includes varying a temperature of the downhole tool by at least 5° C. Vibrational energy may be transferred to the downhole tool with a vibration device coupled to the downhole tool. The vibrational energy may cause the downhole tool to move with a frequency from about 10 Hz to about 5 kHz.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a temperature sensitive component. The temperature of the temperature sensitive component is at least partially controlled by a temperature management system thermally coupled to the temperature sensitive component. A metal hydride may be selectively thermally coupled to a cold plate that is thermally coupled to the temperature sensitive component.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a temperature sensitive component. The temperature of the temperature sensitive component is at least partially controlled by a temperature management system thermally coupled to the temperature sensitive component. The temperature management system may include a cold plate thermally coupled to the temperature sensitive component, a hot plate thermally coupled to the cold plate, and a thermo-electrical converter system thermally coupled to the hot plate and to the body of the downhole tool, wherein the thermo-electrical converter system comprises two membrane electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a temperature sensitive component. The temperature of the temperature sensitive component is at least partially controlled by a temperature management system thermally coupled to the temperature sensitive component. The temperature management system may include a cooling mixture chamber thermally coupled to the temperature sensitive component, wherein first and second components of a cooling mixture cause an endothermic reaction when mixed together within the cooling mixture chamber.

Abstract: A downhole laser tool for penetrating a hydrocarbon bearing formation includes a laser surface unit to generate a high power laser beam, a fiber optic cable to conduct the high power laser beam from the laser surface unit to a rotational system that has a rotational head which includes a focusing system and a downhole laser tool head, the focusing system includes a beam manipulator, a focused lens, and a collimator, the downhole laser tool head includes a first cover lens to protect the focusing system, a laser muzzle to discharge the collimated laser beam from the downhole laser tool head into the hydrocarbon bearing formation, a fluid knife to sweep the first cover lens, a purging nozzle to remove dust from the path of the collimated laser beam, a vacuum nozzle to collect dust and vapor from the path of the collimated laser beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a managed pressure and/or temperature drilling system (300) and method. In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore into a gas hydrates formation is disclosed. The method includes drilling the wellbore into the gas hydrates formation; returning gas hydrates cuttings to a surface of the wellbore and/or a drilling rig while controlling a temperature and/or a pressure of the cuttings to prevent or control disassociation of the hydrates cuttings.

Abstract: A pipe in pipe electric heater assembly comprising a work string comprising an inner pipe and an outer pipe and a heater element, wherein the heater element is provided with power supplied by the inner pipe and the outer pipe acting at least as conductors and associated methods.

Abstract: A method to condition a portion of a wall surrounding a borehole section drilled in a formation fluid-bearing formation comprising locally injecting a gas to displace working fluid from a laser path adjacent a drill head, providing an underbalanced pressure at the portion of the borehole section to be conditioned, impinging laser light on the portion of the wall to be conditioned to melt a component of the formation material in the portion of the bore wall to be conditioned, and drawing fluid from the formation through the solidifying component of the material to create fluid flow passageways to facilitate the flow of fluid from the formation into the borehole section. Injected gas may be provided to the drill head through a conduit within an umbilical that includes a plurality of optical fibers to transmit laser light to the drill head.

Abstract: A nanocomposite fluid includes a fluid medium; and a nanoparticle composition comprising nanoparticles which are electrically insulating and thermally conductive. A method of making the nanocomposite fluid includes forming boron nitride nanoparticles; dispersing the boron nitride nanoparticles in a solvent; combining the boron nitride nanoparticles and a fluid medium; and removing the solvent.

Abstract: A drilling rig with continuous microwavable particulate treatment system for treating fluid from a wellbore on an offshore platform. The system uses a materials handling controller, a vibrating sieve device or filtering device to separate particulate from drilling fluid, a cuttings discharge collection device for continuously moving the slurry to a cuttings processing station, a treatment system controller controlling the continuous cuttings processing station that uses a microwave generator creating microwaves that heat the slurry and a plurality of non-deforming microwave heatable polishing and grinding media in a vibrating trough. The system continuously creates water vapor with oil droplets and cleaned cuttings, and a vapor recovery system is used for removing the oil droplets from the water vapor having a vapor recovery system controller in communication with the material handling controller and treatment system controller.

Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer is provided that includes a housing, a solid core piston mounted within the housing, a seal located between the solid core piston and the housing, and a backhead configured to exhaust working fluid volumes about a proximal end of the DHD hammer. The backhead includes a check valve assembly having a plug seal that can be moved to a closed seal position by gravity. A DHD hammer having a segmented chuck assembly is also provided. The segmented chuck assembly includes a plurality of chuck segments forming a cylindrical chuck assembly.

Abstract: A continuous microwave particulate treatment system for treating fluid from a wellbore. The system uses a material handling controller, a vibrating sieve device or filtering device to separate particulate from drilling fluid, a cuttings discharge collection device for continuously moving the slurry to a cuttings processing station, a treatment system controller controlling the continuous cuttings processing station that uses a microwave generator creating microwaves that heat the slurry and a plurality of non-deforming microwave heatable polishing and grinding media in a vibrating trough. The system continuously creates water vapor with oil droplets and cleaned cuttings, and a vapor recovery system is used for removing the oil droplets from the water vapor having a vapor recovery system controller in communication with the material handling and treatment system controllers.

Abstract: Job monitoring methods and apparatus for logging-while-drilling equipment are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes identifying a downhole scenario based on a property of an underground geological formation, selecting a first telemetry frame type based on the identified downhole scenario, conveying an identifier representative of the selected first telemetry frame type to a downhole fluid sampling tool, and receiving a first telemetry data frame from the downhole fluid sampling tool, the telemetry data frame containing fluid analysis parameters for a fluid, and being constructed in accordance with the selected first telemetry frame type.

Abstract: One aspect of the instant disclosure relates to a subterranean drilling assembly comprising a subterranean drill bit and a sub apparatus coupled to the drill bit. Further, the sub apparatus may include at least one cooling system configured to cool at least a portion of the drill bit. For example, the sub apparatus may include at least one cooling system comprising a plurality of refrigeration coils or at least one thermoelectric device. In another embodiment a subterranean drill bit may include at least one cooling system positioned at least partially within the subterranean drill bit. Also, a sub apparatus or subterranean drill bit may be configured to cool drilling fluid communicated through at least one bore of a subterranean drill bit and avoiding cooling drilling fluid communicated through at least another bore of the subterranean drill bit. Methods of operating a subterranean drill bit are disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole drilling motor for well drilling operations includes a tubular housing and a stator disposed in the tubular housing. The stator defines an internal cavity passing therethrough, wherein the stator includes one or more lobes defining at least a portion of the cavity. A rotor is operatively positioned in the internal cavity to cooperate with the one or more lobes of the stator. At least a portion of the stator or of the rotor comprises a memory material adapted to expand or contract when heat is applied by a localized heating module to the memory material. A fluid escape gap between the rotor and stator is adjusted by applying heat to the rotor and/or stator. At least one controller is adapted to receive input data and provide output signals increasing and/or decreasing electrical current applied to the at least one localized heating module.

Abstract: A method of cooling a downhole tool. A first step involves providing a cooling chamber in the downhole tool. The cooling chamber is positioned in proximity to components to be cooled. A second step involves ports through defining walls of the downhole tool. The ports must be adapted to allow liquids from a well bore, in which the downhole tool is positioned, to communicate with the cooling chamber. A third step involves providing means to circulate liquids from the well bore in through the ports into the cooling chamber and out through the ports back into the well bore, such that the liquids in the cooling chamber are continually being replaced. A heat exchange takes place between the liquids in the cooling chamber and the components to be cooled. The liquids are continually being replaced dissipating heat into the well bore.

Abstract: A system and a method manage temperature in a wellbore. A thermal barrier may be positioned within the drill pipe and/or the drill collars to obtain a desired downhole temperature and/or control the effect of thermal energy in high-angle and horizontal wellbores. Downhole measurements, such as real-time measurements and/or recorded measurements, may be used to update models, such as steady state models and/or dynamic models. The downhole measurements may validate the static temperature gradient and may provide information about the thermal characteristics of the one or more formations in which the wellbore is located.

Abstract: A method of transferring heat to or from a downhole element comprising contacting a downhole fluid comprising a fluid medium, and a nanoparticle, the nanoparticle being uniformly dispersed in the downhole fluid, to a downhole element inserted in a downhole environment. A method of cooling a downhole element, and a method of drilling a borehole are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus (100) includes a drill bit (200), a heating assembly, a cooling assembly, and a digging assembly. The heating assembly is configured to rapidly heat a material to be drilled at a target location. The heating assembly includes one or more first discharge structures (520) configured to discharge a high-temperature substance at the target location of the material. The cooling assembly includes one or more second discharge structures (440) configured to discharge a low-temperature substance at the target location of the material. The digging assembly is configured to remove substrate from the material at the target location.

Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer having a housing, a backhead and a tubular sliding check valve assembly that includes a distal end, a threaded male proximal end, a supply inlet and an exhaust port. The exhaust port communicates between an interior of the backhead and an exterior of the backhead. The tubular sliding check valve assembly includes a distributor, a sliding valve, and a biasing member. The distributor has a central opening extending through the distributor, an aperture extending through the distributor, and an exhaust gallery. The sliding valve is slidable along the central opening. The biasing member biases the sliding valve to a closed position.

Abstract: A method of transferring heat to or from a downhole element comprising contacting a downhole fluid comprising a fluid medium, and a nanoparticle, the nanoparticle being uniformly dispersed in the downhole fluid, to a downhole element inserted in a downhole environment. A method of cooling a downhole element, and a method of drilling a borehole are also disclosed.

Abstract: A first fluid is moved using a second fluid. The first fluid may be moved using a ferrofluid attracted by an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may be generated by an electromagnetic source connected to a conduit, and the first fluid may move through the conduit. In an embodiment, the first fluid may absorb heat from a heat source and transfer the heat to a heat sink. For example, the heat source may be a component of a tool located in a wellbore, and the heat sink may be the wellbore. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic source may be one or more three-phase coils.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus and methods for use with downhole tools are described. An example apparatus includes a cooling apparatus for use with a downhole tool. The cooling apparatus includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is configured for fluid communication with a wellbore and the inlet is spaced from the outlet. The cooling apparatus also includes a pump configured to convey at least one of a drilling fluid or a formation fluid between the inlet and the outlet. Additionally, the cooling apparatus includes a heat exchanger coupled to a surface adjacent the flow passage and a component of the downhole tool to convey heat from the component to the cooling fluid.

Abstract: A system for the thermal conditioning of a fluid, more particularly a drilling mud, in Preparation for subsequent cycles of analysis of the composition of the fluid. The system provides for the presence of at least one generator of microwaves for heating the fluid, and a cylinder of non-stick material. The fluid flows through the cylinder such that the heating of the mud takes place in less than 70 seconds.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for excavation of a borehole in a geological formation are provided. Such methods may include providing a thermal system capable of providing substantially hot fluid, and comprising at least one jet nozzle, providing a mechanical drilling system comprising a drill bit, directing the substantially hot fluid through the jet nozzle towards the geological formation causing an altered portion of geological formation to form, and removing the altered portion using the drill bit, thereby creating cuttings and producing a borehole in the geological formation.

Abstract: A drill bit, system and method for penetrating a material such as a mineral bearing rock or the like. The system comprises a drill bit comprising a cutting face comprising at least one cutting tool, an emitter of microwaves positioned behind the cutting face, wherein at least a portion of the microwaves are emitted in a direction away from the cutting face, and a reflector for directing the portion to the cutting face. In operation the emitted microwaves irradiate the material prior to the irradiated material being removed by the at least one cutting tool.

Abstract: A drill rod combination for creating a closed loop geothermal hole in the ground. The heat exchange tube is positioned in the hole simultaneously with the creation of the hole and is mounted to the drill rod. A rudder on the heat exchange tube limits twisting of the tube. An adaptor mounted to the outer end of the sonde housing has the drill bit mounted on its distal end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling a Rotating Control Device (RCD) and RCD insert during drilling operations are described. The system includes a body for connection between the RCD and a hot drilling fluid return outlet of a well head, the body including an inlet for injecting cool drilling fluid adjacent the RCD insert and an outlet for removing partially warmed drilling fluid. During operation, cool drilling fluid is circulated through the inlet and outlet such that cool drilling fluid is in direct contact with hot drilling fluid recovered from the well in a buffer zone adjacent the hot drilling fluid return outlet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a heat dissipating apparatus includes a chassis positionable within a housing of a downhole tool. The heat dissipating apparatus also includes a heat sink coupled to the chassis and a displacement mechanism coupled to the heat sink. The displacement mechanism is actuatable to move the heat sink, with respect to the chassis, between a first position and a second position such that in the first position the heat sink is radially retracted toward the chassis to form a gap between the heat sink and the housing and such that in the second position the heat sink is radially extended from the chassis to contact the housing.

Abstract: Job monitoring methods and apparatus for logging-while-drilling equipment are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes obtaining a fluid associated with an underground geological formation, analyzing the fluid with one or more sensors to form respective ones of sensor outputs, identifying a downhole scenario associated with the fluid based on the sensor outputs, the identifying being performed while the sensors are within the underground geological formation, and selecting a telemetry frame type based on the identified downhole scenario.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components disclosed herein provide propagation of light signals from an external source to a borehole mining mole which includes an optical/electric transducer configured to provide propulsive power for the borehole mining mole and its associated mineral prospecting tools. Some embodiments include one or more umbilicals connected from a remote source location to an onboard reel incorporated with the borehole mining mole. The umbilicals are spooled outwardly or inwardly from the onboard reel during traverse of the borehole mining mole along a path in an earthen environment.