Abstract: Methods, computing systems, and computer-readable media for interpreting drilling dynamics data are described herein. The method can include receiving drilling dynamics data simulated by a processor or collected by a sensor positioned in a drilling tool. The method can further include extracting a feature map from the drilling dynamics data, and determining that a feature zone from the feature map corresponds to a predetermined dynamic state. The feature zone can be determined using a neural network trained to associate feature zones with dynamic states. Additionally, the method can include selecting a drilling parameter for a drill string based on the feature zone.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a choke valve system in fluid communication with a wellbore via a fluid return line. The choke valve system is configured to receive a return fluid from the wellbore. The choke valve system includes a choke valve through which the return fluid flows and a valve position sensor configured to determine a position of the choke valve. The drilling system further includes a controller in signal communication with the valve position sensor. The controller is programmed to determine a flow rate of the return fluid through the fluid return line based on the determined position of the choke valve. The controller is further programmed to adjust the position of the choke valve in response to the determined flow rate of the return fluid.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a computer-implemented method. The method may comprise estimating a value range of a water body parameter based on measured data for a water quality indicator of a first set of time-spatial points and measured data for the water quality indicator of a second set of time-spatial points; and determining an optimal value of the water body parameter from the estimated value range by comparing the measured data for the water quality indicator of the second set and simulated data for the water quality indicator of the second set, wherein the simulated data for the water quality indicator of the second set is obtained based on a fluid dynamic model using the measured data for the water quality indicator of the first set as an input of the fluid dynamic model and using a value in the estimated value range as a parameter of the fluid dynamic model.

Abstract: Control of a drilling system drilling a wellbore is improved using a hydraulic model corrected for pressure losses. A surface backpressure of the outlet and a standpipe pressure of the inlet are measured with sensors in the system. An estimate of the standpipe pressure is calculated based integrating from the measured surface backpressure back to the inlet in the hydraulics model. The pressure loss increment in the hydraulics model is calculated based on a difference between the measured and estimated standpipe pressures. Meanwhile, a parameter in the drilling system is monitored during drilling so the parameter can be adjusted at least partially based on the hydraulics model corrected for the pressure loss.

Abstract: A system for use in the drilling of oil or gas wells in conjunction with a mud injection device, said mud injection device adapted to maintain fluid pressure control within the borehole of a well bore when operating a drillstring therethrough, the system comprising: a gas reservoir containing gas; adapted for injection to control borehole pressure; compression system fluidly connected to the gas reservoir and the borehole; a pressure regulation system operatively connected to the gas reservoir and the borehole and adapted to measure the pressure within the annulus and relay such to a computer; wherein, when a drilling operation is halted to add a new stand to the drillstring and the mud injection device is stopped, the gas is injected to maintain the borehole pressure within the annulus of the borehole at a near constant value.

Abstract: A well system includes a drilling vessel, a concentric drillstring extending from the vessel into a subterranean wellbore disposed beneath a mudline, wherein the concentric drillstring is configured to circulate a drilling fluid from the drilling vessel into the wellbore along a first passage, and to circulate the drilling fluid from the wellbore to the drilling vessel along a second passage, and a subsea pump in fluid communication with the wellbore, wherein the subsea pump is configured to manage fluid pressure in the wellbore by controlling a height of a column of hydrostatic fluid disposed in the wellbore.

Abstract: In view of the problems of complex downhole conditions, low control precision of bottomhole pressure, low one-time success rate of well-killing and the like during a high-temperature and high-pressure deep well-killing operation, a well-killing operation wellbore flowing model is established according to measured data during throttled well-killing. The fluid distribution and flowing states in a wellbore annulus are analyzed in real time, and during a measured standpipe pressure deviation design, a pressure control value is calculated accurately in consideration of the effects of a pressure wave propagation speed and a back pressure application delay, and a throttle valve is automatically adjusted and automatically controlled to actuate.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features relate to a system and a sensor that provides real-time, downhole cutting concentration measurements. Electrical impedance measurements can be used in conjunction with a wired drill pipe to monitor the drill cuttings in the annulus under downhole conditions and along the drill string. This measurement provides direct information for optimal cuttings cleaning efficiency. In some examples, the system includes the sensor, a processing device connected to the sensor, and a non-transitory memory device including instructions that are executable by the processing device to cause the processing device to apply a transmitted signal to the sensor, receive an impedance signal from the sensor, and correlate the impedance signal with a wellbore cuttings concentration. In some examples the sensor includes multiple electrodes attachable to a drill string.

Abstract: A pressure balanced well flow control system includes a pressure balanced variable orifice flow control having a controlled flow inlet in fluid communication with a subterranean well and a balance pressure inlet in fluid communication with an outlet end of a fluid pressure isolator. An inlet end of the fluid pressure isolator is in fluid communication with the subterranean well.

Abstract: Back pressure control devices used to control fluid pressure in a wellbore require various utilities for operation, such as an air supply. Apparatus disclosed herein provide for the continued operation of one or more back pressure control devices when supply of utilities for operation of the back pressure control devices are intentionally or unintentionally interrupted.

Abstract: In a drilling system, a control system coupled to a drilling rig controls a bottom hole assembly (BHA) to drill a borehole through a geological formation along a drilling path. The control system determines a present position of the BHA and calculates a toolface vector to create a convergence path from the present position of the BHA to a desired target path. The control system also receives geological information and compensates the toolface vector to account for an estimated geologic formation drift. The control system causes at least one control parameter to be modified in order to alter a drilling direction of the BHA based on the calculated toolface vector and transmits the at least one control parameter to the drilling rig to target the BHA in accordance with the calculated toolface vector. The control system iteratively performs this process until convergence with the desired target path is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and equipment for optimizing hydraulic parameters of deepwater managed pressure drilling in real time. The method comprises: acquiring overflow parameters in the current drilling process, performing preprocessing and feature extraction on the overflow parameters, and inputting the overflow parameters into trained support vector machine identification models for overflow judgment. If overflow occurs at the current drilling depth, reducing an opening of a throttle valve and increasing a displacement of a submarine pump, measuring a wellhead back pressure and calculating a bottom hole pressure, and judging whether overflow continues is performed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for sealing Rotating Control Devices (RCD) may include one or more guides that track the diameter of a pipe and pre-expands an RCD seal when larger diameter pipes or portions of pipes are approaching the seal. The RCD seal may reduce the stress between sealing faces and the larger pipe diameter, thereby decreasing the likelihood of a damaged or blown seal.

Abstract: A well drilling system is provided that includes a choke manifold and a controller. The choke manifold includes at least one choke valve. The choke valve is actuable between fully open and closed choke positions. The choke valve has a Cv value for each choke position. The controller is in communication with the choke valve and a non-transitory memory storing instructions. The instructions relate Cv values to choke positions for the choke valve. The instructions when executed cause the controller to: a) determine a difference in pressure (?P); b) input or determine a density value; c) input or determine a Q value; d) determine a first Cv value using the ?P, the density value, and the Q value; and e) actuate the choke valve to a first choke position associated with the first Cv value.

Abstract: An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer may include a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. An electromagnetic activation system may be disposed at least partially within the bore of the body. A valve may be disposed within the bore of the body and coupled to the electromagnetic activation system. The valve may include a mobile element and a static element. The mobile element may be coupled to the electromagnetic activation system and move from a first position where the mobile element obstructs fluid flow through the valve to a second position where the mobile element permits fluid flow through the valve. A cutter block may be movably coupled to the body and move radially-outward as the mobile element moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managed pressure cementing and/or completions operations in subterranean well bores are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: placing a tubular string into a well bore, wherein an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner wall of the well bore define an annulus in a closed pressure loop and in communication with a choke valve; pumping a fluid into the annulus; and while pumping the fluid, determining a setpoint for the choke valve corresponding to a setpoint for a bottomhole pressure in the annulus, determine an actual bottomhole pressure in the annulus using data from a downhole sensor in the annulus, determining if the actual bottomhole pressure is greater than, less than, or equal to the setpoint, and if the actual bottomhole pressure is greater or less than the setpoint, manipulating the choke valve using a controller to decrease or increase the bottomhole pressure.

Abstract: A method for generating a BHA design and component selection by creating a plurality of BHA configurations. A cost function, representative of each respective BHA configuration, is determined. Each cost function includes drilling process metrics. A final BHA configuration of the plurality of BHA configurations is selected having an optimal cost function value. The optimal cost function value may be defined as a cost function value that is less than cost function values of other respective cost functions for the plurality of BHA configurations.

Abstract: A continuous circulation system and an connection assembly for establishing a threaded fluid seal to a side port of a continuous circulating sub, according an embodiment, is disclosed, having independently rotatable and movable first and second first engagement mechanisms. The first engagement mechanism may include first and second wrenches for engaging a pressure tap, checking pressure, removing and reinstalling a safety plug. The second engagement mechanism may include an adapter pipe for creating a threaded seal with the side port thereby allowing reliable high-pressure flow. The connection assembly automates the steps of checking pressure within the sub between the radial valve and safety plug, removing the safety plug, screwing the threaded adapter pipe into the side port, providing a flow path for drilling fluid, disengaging the threaded adapter pipe, replacing the safety plug and returning the continuous circulation sub to its original operational state.

Abstract: Creating pressure pulses for pulse telemetry for MWD tools using direct drive. Example embodiments include activating an electric motor of the MWD tool, and thereby turning a motor shaft. Rotating the motor shaft may cause turning of a threaded shaft. Turning the threaded shaft may cause a ball screw nut to translate along the threaded shaft. Translating the ball screw nut may cause translating a piston rod within a cylinder housing. Translating the piston rod may cause movement of the poppet coupled to the piston rod.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for controlled delivery of unknown fluids that safely and efficiently removes entrained gas from unknown fluids in the wellbore and/or marine riser. A control system automatically controls one or more choke manifold(s), and optionally the flow rate of one or more mud pump(s), to maximize the safe flow rate of returning unknown fluids to one or more instrumented mud-gas separator(s) without overloading. The control system may receive the state of the one or more instrumented mud-gas separator(s) to manipulate the choke manifold(s), and optionally the one or more mud pump(s) to maximize the safe flow rate of return fluids and expedite the removal of gases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of for measuring the characteristics and volume of drill cuttings. The system comprises at least one camera operably connected to a processor for recording characteristics of drill cutting particles wherein said processor is configured to perform particle detection, extract features of said particles, or both. The processor is typically configured to initiate, interrupt or inhibit an automated activity based on the particle characteristics. The method comprises acquiring visual data from at least one camera, performing particle detection using said data, extracting feature data of any detected particles, alerting an operator and/or initiating, interrupting, or inhibiting automated activity.

Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling a well along a path substantially along a bedding direction of a selected subsurface formation having at least one substantially vertical fracture therein. A direction of the at least one substantially vertical fracture is determined with respect to a direction of the prior to drilling therethrough. A direction of the path is adjusted so that the well will intersect the at least one substantially vertical fracture substantially perpendicularly to the direction.

Abstract: A method for directional drilling a subterranean borehole includes transforming surface sensor measurements from time domain sensor data to frequency domain sensor data. A rotary drilling parameter may be changed when a parameter of the frequency domain sensor data reaches a threshold or is within a predetermined range of values.

Abstract: A calibration quality associated with a well-drilling apparatus can be determined. A projected value and a calculated value based upon a data set corresponding to a time interval section of a rig state of the well-drilling apparatus can be determined. A difference can be calculated between the projected value and the calculated value. A quality indicator can be applied to the difference, and a calibration quality based upon the application of the quality indicator can be determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using pressure signals to assess effectiveness of a diverter in a stimulation wellbore are disclosed. A pressure signal in an observation wellbore in the subsurface formation may be assessed using a pressure sensor in direct fluid communication with a fluid in the observation wellbore. The fluid in the observation wellbore may be in direct fluid communication with a fracture emanating from the observation wellbore. The pressure signal may include a pressure change that is induced by a fracture being formed from a stimulation wellbore in the subsurface formation. The pressure signal may be a pressure-induced poromechanic signal. The slope in the pressure signal before and after the diverter are provided into the stimulation wellbore may be assessed to determine the effectiveness of the diverter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for monitoring the integrity of a subsea pipeline network to transport the production fluid from a subsurface wellhead to surface facilities. More specifically, the described methods and systems are for monitoring the integrity of a riser pipe network and can include installing one or more inclinometers to the buoyancy tank and/or vertical riser structures.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subsea wellbore includes drilling the subsea wellbore and, while drilling the subsea wellbore: measuring a flow rate of the drilling fluid injected into a tubular string; measuring a flow rate of returns; comparing the returns flow rate to the drilling fluid flow rate to detect a kick by a formation being drilled; and exerting backpressure on the returns using a first variable choke valve. The method further includes, in response to detecting the kick: closing a blowout preventer of a subsea pressure control assembly (PCA) against the tubular string; and diverting the flow of returns from the PCA, through a choke line having a second variable choke valve, and through the first variable choke valve.

Abstract: A method including obtaining input attribute values and a target risk attribute value associated with a first borehole segment. The method also includes training a prediction model for the target risk attribute using the input attribute values and the target risk attribute value. The method also includes acquiring subsequent input attribute values. The method also includes using the trained prediction model and the subsequent input attribute values to predict a target risk attribute value for a second borehole segment. The method also includes storing or displaying information based on the predicted target risk attribute value.

Abstract: A managed pressure drilling (“MPD”) manifold is adapted to receive drilling mud from a wellbore during oil and gas drilling operations. The MPD manifold includes one or more drilling chokes.

Abstract: A method for regulating a downhole fluid flow rate, in at least some embodiments, comprises partitioning a fluid circulation system into a sequence of segments, the sequence including a pump segment at one end and a drill bit segment at another end; obtaining a desired pressure for the drill bit segment; determining, for each of the segments in the sequence except for the drill bit segment, a desired pressure based at least in part on the desired pressure for a preceding segment in the sequence; determining a pump setting based on the desired pressure for the pump segment; and applying the pump setting to a pump used to move drilling fluid through the fluid circulation system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wellbore strengthening are disclosed. An effective way to strengthen a wellbore and prevent future fractures during drilling operations is to induce fractures having a desired fracture width profile and fracture length. Surface back pressure can be used to accurately induce such fractures. The induced fractures which are then sealed can increase fracture gradient of the wellbore thus mitigating future fractures.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a secondary drilling fluids circuit to a drilling element includes a radial aperture. A central body has a first connection portion forming a sealed connection to the secondary circuit. A second connection portion forms a sealed connection to the radial aperture and an intake duct conducts drilling fluids. A clamping system connects the connection device to the drilling element. One opening device is adapted to selectively open and close the radial aperture by acting upon a valve assembly. One coupling device connects the opening device to the valve assembly. The opening device selectively opens and closes the radial aperture by acting upon an obstructor of the valve assembly through rotary movement. The coupling device couples to a clamping element in the obstructor to transfer the rotary movement of the opening device to the obstructor to selectively and securely open and close the radial aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for improving the accuracy of bottom hole pressure control. One example embodiment includes a torque and drag model that calculates the elasticity of the drill string, which is included in a managed pressure drilling control system. The addition of the torque and drag calculations provide more accurate surge/swab effect calculations based on pipe movement corrected for elasticity effects. The results of these calculations will be used in a real-time hydraulics model to determine a setpoint pressure which will be utilized by a MPD choke system. Further, the real-time torque and drag models are calibrated to actual hole conditions in real-time using survey, temperature, pressure and downhole tool data to calculate friction factors in a wellbore.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed. The drill bit includes a bit body and a plurality of blades on the bit body. A cutting element is located on one of the plurality of blades and is communicatively coupled to a depth of cut controller (DOCC) located on the one of the plurality of blades. The DOCC is coupled to the cutting element such that the DOCC moves in response to an external force on the cutting element.

Abstract: Killing a well by diverting flow in a drilling fluid circulation system to maintain kill mud pressure in a discharge piping during the well kill operation. It is determined that a target pressure of the kill mud in the discharge piping is not satisfied by a pressure of the kill mud discharged by a pump into the discharge piping. In response, a pressure of the kill mud is adjusted by at least partially opening a pressure control device to release kill mud into a bypass piping.

Abstract: A choke valve assembly, system, and method can be used with a drill string in a wellbore to aid in controlling the bottom hole pressure during drilling of the wellbore. The choke valve assembly can have a primary choke and one or more supplemental chokes, where these choke valves each have a controllable range relative to the flow and pressure of drilling fluid passing through the assembly. A control unit can automatically actuate the primary choke and one or more supplemental chokes in order to both maintain the choke valves within their controllable ranges and concurrently maintain a consistent boom hole pressure in the connected wellbore.

Abstract: A method and system to recycle water for hydro-excavation includes a vacuum hose to remove a slurry of solids and liquid from hydro-excavation at a site. A debris tank is in fluid communication with the vacuum hose and is used to collect the slurry. The system also includes a filter drum, where a portion of the filter drum is configured to rotate through the slurry to filter the liquids from the solids, where dewatered solids are returned to the site for compaction. In addition, an outlet is in fluid communication with a central portion of the filter drum to return filtered water for use in hydro-excavation at the site.

Abstract: A well drilling system can include a hydraulics model which determines a modeled fluid friction pressure and a calibration factor applied to the modeled friction pressure, and a flow control device which is automatically controlled in response to a change in the calibration factor. A well drilling method can include drilling a wellbore, a fluid circulating through the wellbore during the drilling, determining a calibration factor which is applied to a modeled fluid friction pressure, and controlling the drilling based at least in part on a change in the calibration factor.

Abstract: An automated system for detecting fluid influx into a wellbore during the transient conditions that occur after pumps stopped. The system comprises at least one sensor normally employed on a drilling rig for measuring at least one parameter, and a processor for receiving a signal indicative of the parameter from the sensor. The processor is programmed to analyze a plurality of values of the parameter measured during a plurality of previous events so as to generate a predetermined threshold value, compare the received signal to the predetermined threshold value, and provide an output signal indicative of fluid influx when the received signal is beyond the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean wellbore using a drill string including the steps of estimating or determining a reduced static density of a drilling fluid based on the equivalent circulating density of the drilling fluid in a section of the wellbore, providing a drilling fluid having substantially that reduced static density, introducing the drilling fluid having said reduced static density into the wellbore, and removing the drilling fluid from the wellbore via a return line.

Abstract: A method, including: performing dual-side depressurization on a hydrate blockage in a subsea flow line, wherein dual-side depressurization includes, reducing pressure on a topside of the hydrate blockage in the subsea flow line by removing liquid from within a subsea riser with a bubble pump that has a first end in fluid communication with the liquid within the subsea riser, reducing pressure on a backside of the hydrate blockage, and concurrently controlling the reduction in pressure on the topside of the hydrate blockage and the backside of the hydrate blockage.

Abstract: A drilling assembly positionable in a well bore includes a turbine motor couplable to a drill string and a harmonic drive transmission coupled to the turbine motor. The harmonic drive transmission includes a circular spline, a wave generator, a flexspline, and a sealing subsystem. The sealing subsystem defines a substantially sealed volume containing the circular spline, wave generator, and flexspline, and isolates the circular spline, wave generator, and flexspline from drilling fluid exiting the turbine motor and flowing through the harmonic drive transmission.

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: The present invention relates to a method for determining a variation of a flushing medium flow at a rock drilling apparatus, where a compressor (8;301) discharges a flow of pressurized gas, where said gas flow at least partially is used as flushing medium during drilling with a tool (3), wherein, during drilling, said flushing medium is led to said tool (3) for flushing away drilling remnants. The method includes to determine a rate of a pressure variation of said flushing medium, and generating a signal when said determined rate exceeds a first value. The invention also relates to a system and a rock drilling apparatus.

Abstract: Reducing or eliminating stick-slip and vibrations downhole may include controlling top drive torque in order to adjust drill bit angular speed in a manner that prevents, eliminates, or reduces stick-slip and vibration. Control methods and systems may include solving one or more optimization problems including an objective function. The objective function may be subject to conditions including a physical model of the drilling system. The objective function may be minimized without reference to a model, but instead by reference to estimated stick-slip frequency based upon a drill bit angular speed profile. In addition, actual downhole measurements for use in control methods and systems, such as drill bit angular speed, may be estimated using an observer.

Abstract: In some aspects, an injection treatment of a subterranean region is controlled based on a target net treating pressure. A measure of fluid pressure acting on a subterranean region during an injection treatment is received. The measure of fluid pressure is compared against a target net treating pressure for fluid acting on the subterranean region during the injection treatment. The target net treating pressure is associated with a target fracture growth orientation. The injection treatment is modified based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method and system for building a relationship hierarchy from big data. The method comprises extracting a plurality of relationships defined between entities from a big data, building relationship recognition models adapted to identify different forms of generic relationships, resolving the relationships by grouping the similar relationships together and separating the relationships which are syntactically and semantically dissimilar and reconciling the resolved relationships to build the relationship hierarchy. The relationship hierarchy comprises groups and subgroups of relationships created based on generic relationship similarity based on a contextual aspect and a specialization aspect using a Language and Domain model. The method of extraction of plurality of relationships from the unstructured data is a self-learning process which uses open information extraction techniques for learning new relationships.

Abstract: Drilling laterals in shale formations. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: drilling a deviated borehole through a shale formation with a drill string comprising a drill bit; logging the shale formation with a logging tool disposed within the drill string; estimating, in real time with the drilling, fracture potential of a portion of the shale formation near the drill bit, the estimation of fracture potential based on information acquired by the logging tool; and controlling drilling direction based on the fracture potential.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for controlling the coordination of pressure control equipment such as a BOP stack and/or a snubbing unit and/or other pressure control equipment in a well completion system while moving pipes into or out of a wellbore under pressure. In one embodiment, a moveable clamp and a fixed clamp are provided. The moveable clamp is clamped to a pipe while the fixed clamp is open so that the moveable clamp either moves the pipe into the well or pulls it out of the well. The fixed clamp is then clamped to the pipe. The moveable clamp is unclamped and moves to another position whereupon the process is repeated. A computer controls operation of the moveable clamp, fixed clamp, seals, and pipe moving equipment which moves pipe into and out of the mast.

Abstract: A method of identifying a self-sustained influx of formation fluids into a wellbore includes the steps of closing an annular shut-off device and diverting an annular return flow from the wellbore through a first flow rate measurement device, measuring a flow rate of said annular return flow, measuring an inlet flow rate of fluids entering the well through a second flow rate measurement device in a fluid injection line, and identifying a self-sustained influx of formation fluids if a non-decreasing measured annular return flow rate is greater than said measured inlet flow rate.