Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an acid gas in a formation fluid from a subterranean formation comprises (a) lowering a coring assembly into a wellbore. The coring assembly including an outer core barrel and an inner core barrel disposed within the outer core barrel. The inner core barrel has an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, and a core sample chamber extending axially from the lower end. In addition, the method comprises (b) capturing a core sample from the subterranean formation within the sample chamber. Further, the method comprises (c) raising the coring assembly to the surface after (b). Still further the method comprises (d) contacting a formation fluid in the sample chamber with at least one detector during (c). Moreover, the method comprises (e) detecting the presence of a formation acid gas in the formation fluid with the at least one detector during (c).

Abstract: Reamers for use in core-sample drilling include PDC inserts. Such reamers with PDC inserts may be used to maintain borehole diameters, reduce deviation, and/or stabilize drill strings used in core sample drilling. The PDC inserts may be of different sizes and shapes and may be arranged around the reamers in various ways.

Abstract: A method for predicting subterranean formation properties of a wellsite. The method includes obtaining seismic data for an area of interest, obtaining an initial seismic cube using the seismic data, and obtaining a shifted seismic cubes using the seismic data, where each of the shifted seismic cubes is shifted from the initial seismic cube obtaining a shifted seismic cubes using the seismic data, where each of the shifted seismic cubes is shifted from the initial seismic cube. The method further includes generating a neural network using the initial seismic cube, the shifted seismic cubes, and well log data and applying the neural network to the seismic data to obtain a model for the area of interest, where the model is used to adjust an operation of the wellsite.

Abstract: In a method for introducing a geothermal probe into the earth, a geothermal probe is introduced in a radiating manner with the drill head into the earth. After the drilling operation, the drill head remains in the earth. The drill head is introduced into the earth with the assistance of a rod linkage.

Abstract: A method of estimating a property of interest downhole according to one aspect of the disclosure may include continuously receiving a core drilled from a formation into an open end of a chamber while removing the core distal from the open end of the chamber. The method further includes obtaining a measurement relating to property of interest of the core using at least one sensor; and estimating the property of interest of the core using the obtained measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising a tool having a sample flow line an inlet disposed with the tool and configured to establish fluid communication between the formation and the sample flow line to draw a fluid sample into the sample flow line, and an active filter positioned in the sample flow line and providing a filter flow route and a bypass flow route in the sample flow line.

Abstract: A method and system for characterizing asphaltene gradients of a reservoir of interest and analyzing properties of the reservoir of interest based upon such asphaltene gradients. The analysis employs a correlation that relates insoluble asphaltene concentration to spectrophotometry measurement data measured at depth.

Abstract: Detecting and measuring the presence of a coring sample within a coring tool. These include moving a handling piston of the coring tool from a first position to a second position with respect to the coring tool, measuring a distance of the movement of the handling piston between the first position and the second position, comparing the measured distance with a predetermined distance, and determining if a coring sample is present within the coring tool based upon the comparison of the measured distance with the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A braking device for drilling operations in a borehole includes a brake retainer having a plurality of brake connector openings defined therein, a body member having a tapered surface having a first diameter and a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, at least one brake element positioned at least partially between the brake retainer and the body member and in communication with the tapered surface and at least one of the brake connector openings, and a bias member configured to exert a biasing force on the body member to move the body member toward the brake retainer to move the brake element from contact with the first diameter of the tapered surface toward contact with the second diameter.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for downhole sampling are presented. The sampling system includes a control unit and a housing to engage a conduit. The housing at least partially encloses at least one formation sampler to collect a formation sample. The formation sampler is stored in a sampler carousel. A sampler propulsion system forces the formation sampler into the formation. The propulsion system is in communication with the control unit.

Abstract: A rock core removal method and apparatus allows efficient, safe, and reliable removal of a rock core sample. An inner collet tube and an outer ground tube, within a drill tube, protect the core sample during drilling. At depth, the collet tube is raised with respect to the ground tube so that the conical wall of the ground tube pushes constricting fingers on the collet tube inward, gripping the core sample within. The collet tube and ground tube are then raised, rotated, or raised and rotated, applying the necessary force to break the core sample off of the substrate. After retracting the tubes, the collet tube is lowered with respect to the ground tube to release the core sample. An ejection rod then pushes the core sample out of the collet tube. The ground tube may also act as the actuating means for a quick-change drill-bit release feature.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly including external fluid pathways extending generally axially long the outer surface of the core barrel assembly. The one or more external fluid pathways can allow for increased fluid flow around a latch mechanism. The increased fluid flow around the latch mechanism can allow the core barrel assembly to travel faster within the drill string, can allow drilling fluid to pass by the latch mechanism when engaged. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including external fluid pathways, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. The driven latch mechanism can further include a refracted groove adapted to lock the plurality of wedge members radially within the core barrel assembly, thereby allowing for faster travel within the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining cores from a sea bed. A corer device includes one or more core barrels for retaining a cores and one or more pressure barrels. Fluid pressure within the pressure barrels is selectively varied to cause the corer device to be drawn into and released from the sea bed. The core barrels are provided with core catchers for retaining a core within.

Abstract: A core sample acquisition device includes a core receiving barrel configured to couple to a drill string proximate a core drilling bit. The device includes a sensor for determining a property of a core sample urged into the receiving barrel by drilling the core sample. The sample acquisition device includes a communication device for transmitting signals from the sensor over at least one of an electrical and an optical communication channel associated with the drill string.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for intensifying ore prospecting, a core (1) and/or drill cuttings sample being analyzed in said method, whereby the analysis of the sample (1) is performed with a movable analysing apparatus (4, 7) on the drilling site of the sample or in the vicinity thereof after the sample to be analyzed has been drilled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method obtains a sample from a subterranean formation. The coring apparatus includes an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and sensors adapted to provide data relating to downhole conditions. The sensors includes: a strain sensor adapted to measure tension and/or compression experienced by the inner core barrel; a first pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure out with the inner barrel and a second pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure within the inner barrel; a rotation sensor adapted to measure relative rotation between the inner core barrel and the outer core barrel; and a vibration sensor adapted to measure vibration experienced by the inner barrel.

Abstract: Methods are described using resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well using a drilling mud. Resistivity data ahead of the bit is gathered during drilling and prior to penetrating a region of interest of a target subterranean formation using the drill bit and the drilling mud. The drill string progresses at target dip and azimuth angles toward the region on interest. The resistivity data is used to determine the top of the region of interest while the drill bit advances toward but does not penetrate the region. A core bit is then installed and a whole core of the region of interest obtained. Resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well may also be compared with conventional resistivity measurements obtained from one or more offset wells.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a sidewall coring tool configured to obtain a plurality of sidewall formation cores from a sidewall of a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the sidewall coring tool comprises a core catching tube configured to store the plurality of sidewall formation cores therein, wherein the core catching tube comprises a fluid port configured to allow evacuation of fluid from the core catching tube as each of the plurality of sidewall formation cores is introduced therein, and wherein the core catching tube, including the fluid port, is configured to be sealed downhole without removing the sidewall coring tool from the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods comprising: lowering a downhole tool into a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a coring tool and a measurement tool; performing a measurement regarding the formation using the measurement tool; determining a section of interest within the formation relative to an axis of the coring tool based on the measurement; orienting a coring bit of the coring tool relative to the section of interest; and extending the oriented coring bit into the formation.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for characterizing a reservoir of interest by comparing measured downhole fluid analysis measurement data with predicted downhole fluid analysis measurement data for the corresponding depth within the reservoir. The downhole fluid analysis measurement data may comprise the results of compositional analysis, gas-oil ratio measurements, and spectrophotometry measurements. The compositional analyses may be delumped to characterize the compositional components of the downhole fluid and equations of state may be used to predict compositional gradients and fluid properties with depth. The method and system enable the user to characterize a reservoir as to its states of compartmentalization and equilibrium.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to perform operations in a wellbore using downhole tools having movable sections are described. In one described example, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore includes a first extendable anchor to contact a wall of the wellbore to fix the tool at a location in the wellbore. The downhole tool also includes a first tool of the downhole tool to perform a first operation at the location in the wellbore, and a second tool of the downhole tool spaced from the first tool and to perform a second operation. Additionally, the downhole tool includes an extendable member to move the second tool to the location while the anchor is in contact with the wall of the wellbore to perform the second operation after the first operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling head for reboring a stuck valve or drilling into the formation downhole. The invention furthermore relates to a drilling tool comprising the drilling head and a driving unit. The drilling head comprises a hole saw beside a drill bit for cutting out a piece from the stuck valve. Furthermore, the invention relates to a drilling system comprising the drilling tool and a driving tool for moving the drilling tool downhole, a method of drilling; and a use of the drilling head.

Abstract: A coring method and apparatus is provided for extracting a core sample from a subterranean formation and/or drilling a hydrocarbon well, the coring apparatus having: a pneumatic reciprocating hammer having a first end for operatively connecting the pneumatic reciprocating hammer to a drill string, a second end having a hammer bit and a reciprocating piston for reciprocating the hammer bit; and a coring member operatively connected to the pneumatic reciprocation hammer, the coring member comprising an impact anvil and a hollow coring barrel forming an internal longitudinal chamber for accommodating the core sample, the coring barrel positioned below the impact anvil; whereby when the hammer bit strikes the impact anvil, the coring barrel is driven into the formation and the core sample is extracted into the internal longitudinal chamber of the coring barrel.

Abstract: A water bottom ore sampler includes a submersible housing for positioning on or near a water bottom, a riser duct mounted within the submersible housing and movable vertically relative to the submersible housing, a drilling assembly disposed within the riser duct for excavating the water bottom, a passage defined within the riser duct through which a particulate fluid mixture produced by the excavation can flow up the riser duct and into an interior of the submersible housing, and a sample container disposed within the submersible housing for collecting ore from the particulate fluid mixture received in the submersible housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for finding a pre-existing downhole window includes a body having a deflector ramp and a cavity, and an extendable dog disposed in the cavity, the dog mechanically moveable between a retracted position and an extended position into the pre-existing window. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an axially moveable sleeve disposed adjacent the extendable dog. A downhole window finding apparatus includes a deflector including a window finding assembly, and a running tool removably coupled to the deflector, wherein the window finding assembly includes an extendable member and an axially moveable sleeve retaining the extendable member. In certain embodiments, a fluid flow path extends through the running tool and the deflector to the window finding assembly. In some embodiments, a shear bolt removably couples the running tool to the deflector and includes a fluid passage fluidicly coupling a flow line in the running tool to a flow line in the deflector.

Abstract: A coring device includes a primary and a secondary bit that drill a first and second depth into a formation, respectively. The first and second bits are positioned on telescopically arranged mandrels that are rotated by a suitable rotary drive. The coring tool also includes a drive device that extends the first bit and the second bit a first depth into the formation and extends only the second bit a second depth into the formation. In arrangements, the actuating device can include a first hydraulic actuator applying pressure to extend the second bit into the formation and a second hydraulic actuator applying pressure to retract the second bit from the formation. The advancement and retraction of the first and second bits can be controlled by a control unit that uses sensor signals, timers, preprogrammed instruction and any other suitable arrangement.

Abstract: A method and computer program product of either preventing or minimizing pore pressure increase near the wellbore wall within argillaceous formations through which a borehole has been drilled. By interpreting relevant drilling experience data, the type, extent and time-dependency of wellbore instability mechanisms are determined. The impact of drilling mud designs on the time-dependent wellbore instability and hole enlargement is determined by back-analyzing observed drilling events. At least one field-based criterion relationship between net mud weight reduction percentage ratio and hole enlargement is determined. A maximum allowable percentage ratio(s) of net mud weight reduction and either breakout mud weight or mud weight used for the adopted maximum hole enlargement that the wellbore may experience during drilling is determined. Drilling mud salinity value and salt type to satisfy maximum allowable percentage ratio(s) is then determined.

Abstract: High productivity core drilling systems are described. The system includes a drill string, an inner core barrel assembly, an outer core barrel assembly, and a retrieval tool that connects the inner core barrel assembly to a wireline cable and hoist. The drill string comprises multiple variable geometry drill rods. The inner core barrel assembly comprises a non-dragging latching mechanism, such as a fluid-driven latching mechanism that contains a detent mechanism that retains the latches in either an engaged or a retracted position. The inner core barrel assembly also comprised high efficiency fluid porting. Accordingly, the drilling system significantly increases productivity and efficiency in core drilling operations by reducing the time required for the inner core barrel assembly to travel through the drill string. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods are described using resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well using a drilling mud. Resistivity data ahead of the bit is gathered during drilling and prior to penetrating a region of interest of a target subterranean formation using the drill bit and the drilling mud. The drill string progresses at target dip and azimuth angles toward the region on interest. The resistivity data is used to determine the top of the region of interest while the drill bit advances toward but does not penetrate the region. A core bit is then installed and a whole core of the region of interest obtained. Resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well may also be compared with conventional resistivity measurements obtained from one or more offset wells.

Abstract: Core drill bits with long crown heights are described herein. The core drill bits have a series of slots or openings that are not located at the tip of the crown and are therefore enclosed in the body of the crown. The slots may be staggered and/or stepped throughout the crown. As the cutting portion of the drill bit erodes through normal use, the fluid/debris notches at the tip of the bit are eliminated. As the erosion progresses, the slots become exposed and then they function as fluid/debris ways. This configuration allows the crown height to be extended and lengthened without substantially reducing the structural integrity of the drill bit.

Abstract: A drill bit for core sampling includes a body having a central axis and first end having a tapered outer surface and a radius transverse to the central axis, and an insert having a cutting surface on the first end oriented at an axial angle relative to the radius to move material displaced during drilling away from the first end.

Abstract: A jointed spearhead assembly can include a base portion that is adapted to be connected to a down-hole object and a spearhead portion having a first end and a second. The second end includes a follower tab with a non-convex first follower interface. The spearhead portion can be pivotally coupled to the base portion.

Abstract: Reamers for use in core-sample drilling having PDC inserts and methods for using the reamers with PDC inserts are described. A reamer with PDC inserts may be used to maintain borehole diameters, reduce deviation, and/or stabilize drill strings used in core sample drilling. The PDC inserts may be of different sizes and shapes and may be arranged around the reamer in various ways.

Abstract: A head assembly includes a body, a spearhead operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body, and at least one latch operatively associated with the spearhead and the body. The latch is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body. In an extended position, the latch covers more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches.

Abstract: A method for continuous measurement of heterogeneity of geomaterials. The method includes identifying a core section from a first well within a field, obtaining the core section from the first well, and obtaining a continuous measurement of the core section. The method further includes overlaying the continuous measurement with a portion of a log response for the first well to obtain an overlay, associating an observation with the overlay to obtain an integrated overlay, and analyzing the integrated overlay to determine a heterogeneity of the core section. The method further includes identifying a location in the core section from which to obtain a sample based on the heterogeneity, obtaining the sample from the core section, and analyzing the sample to obtain an analysis result. The method further includes developing a continuous model for the first well using the integrated overlay and the analysis result and presenting the continuous model.

Abstract: A selectively operable downhole valve for use with core sampling apparatus, the valve comprising a throughbore through which a first body may pass, and an obstructing member which is capable of selectively obturating the throughbore, the obstructing member being arranged to open or close the throughbore by movement of the first body with respect to the valve. A core sample of the formation may then be obtained and retrieved from the bore under pressure since the valve seals the bore downhole. Retrieving the sample under pressure maintains the integrity of the core sample so that subsequent analysis of the sample will more closely reflect the true characteristics of the formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for recovering a sample from a subterranean formation. The apparatus comprises a receptacle for receiving a sample and at least two seal assemblies disposed on an inner surface of the receptacle. The seal assemblies can be arranged to allow a portion of the sample therethrough during the sampling process and to retain fluids within the receptacle during recovery of the sample. The seal assemblies can comprise at least one seal. The at least one seal can be provided with at least one fluid pocket configured to change shape as the volume of fluid therein alters in response to a pressure differential. A plurality of pairs of seal assemblies can be spaced along the length of the inner surface of the receptacle.

Abstract: There is provided a system for helicopter portable drilling comprising: a drill frame, a drill mast affixed a first end of the drill frame, a drill operatively coupled to the drill mast and operable using one of compressed air, pressurized hydraulic fluid and both compressed air and pressurized hydraulic fluid and a unified power source for providing compressed air and pressurized hydraulic fluid coupled to the drill, the total operating weight of the system being approximately 3000 pounds for allowing a single-pick move by a helicopter. A method of seismic line drilling comprising the steps of placing a first single-pick drilling system at a first location with a single pick, placing a second single-pick drilling system at a second location with a single pick, when finished drilling, moving the first single-pick drilling system to a third location with a single pick, when finished drilling, moving the second single-pick drilling system to a fourth location with a single pick.

Abstract: A particle impact drilling system and method are described. In several exemplary embodiments, the system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, an apparatus or system, methods, to excavate a subterranean formation. The system can including, for example, removing near-borehole damage, casing, window milling, fishing, drilling with casing, under reaming, coring, perforating, effective circulatory density management, assisted annular flow, and directional control. Embodiments of associated systems and methods are also included.

Abstract: A water bottom ore sampler includes a submersible housing for positioning on or near a water bottom, a riser duct mounted within the submersible housing and movable vertically relative to the submersible housing, a drilling assembly disposed within the riser duct for excavating the water bottom, a passage defined within the riser duct through which a particulate fluid mixture produced by the excavation can flow up the riser duct and into an interior of the submersible housing, and a sample container disposed within the submersible housing for collecting ore from the particulate fluid mixture received in the submersible housing.

Abstract: A down-the-hole vibratory unit for a drilling system includes a casing comprising a fluid inlet, and a plurality of eccentrically weighted rotor assemblies positioned at least partially within the casing and in fluid communication with the inlet, the eccentrically weighted rotor assemblies that are unbalanced relative to a central axis and are configured to rotate in response to a fluid flow directed thereto to apply centrifugal forces to the casing.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The tool includes a formation evaluation tool having fixed and retrievable portions. The fixed portion is operatively connected to a drill collar of the downhole tool. The fixed portion is for establishing fluid communication with a subterranean formation. The retrievable portion is fluidly connected to the fixed portion and retrievable therefrom to a surface location. The retrievable portion is for receiving a formation fluid from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A rotary coring device and a method for acquiring a sidewall core from an earth formation adjacent a wellbore are provided. The rotary coring device includes a coring tool having a housing with a core receptacle therein and being adapted for positioning at selected depths within the wellbore. The coring tool further includes a first gear assembly operably coupled to a rotary coring bit. The first gear assembly is configured to rotate the rotary coring bit. The rotary coring device further includes an electrical motor configured to drive the first gear assembly for rotating the rotary coring bit at one of a plurality of rotational speeds. The rotary coring device further includes a hydraulic actuator configured to move the rotary coring bit in a first direction toward the earth formation for obtaining the sidewall core and to move the rotary coring bit in a second direction away from the earth formation.

Abstract: A coring tool for use in a borehole formed in a subterranean formation includes a tool housing with a coring aperture and a core receptacle. A coring bit is mounted within the tool housing and movable between retracted and extended positions by a series of pivotably connected extension link arms. Another set of link arms rotates the coring bit between coring and eject positions. The coring tool may also include a multi-column core storage magazine with shifters to move cores or core holders between columns. The coring tool may be used to measure core lengths during operation and facilitates retrieval of cores having larger lengths and diameters than conventional sidewall coring tools.

Abstract: An apparatus made according to one embodiment may include a chamber configured to receive a core at a receiving end of the chamber and a cutting device configured to cut the core at a location distal from the receiving end of the core chamber. A method according to one aspect of the disclosure may include drilling into the formation to retrieve a core, receiving the core into a chamber at an open end of a chamber, and cutting the core uphole of the open end of the chamber so as to continue to receive the core into the chamber as the drilling continues.

Abstract: A system for extracting drill cores from a borehole. The system enables a semi-resilient sleeve-inserted in a housing—to be sealed about the circumference of a drill rod thereby allowing for upward backpressure against the drill core when activated. The system comprises: a housing assembly having sleeve retaining annular rings with edge treatment that forces outward displacement of the central region of the sleeve so as to ensure utmost clearance from a drill rod, which traverses said sleeve. The system thereby allows extraction of drill core samples without the time-consuming fishing method therefore increasing productivity by a substantial margin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mini core in drilling samples accumulated in the cups by sample catcher. It allows the explorations to obtain high resolution formation evaluation on drilling cuttings samples. The mini core apparatus includes a narrow tubular with a piston or cap. The thin wall tubular is rotated and/or vibrated and pressed in to the cup with wet sample of drilling cuttings. The piston or cap is placed after the desired depth of sample is reached and the vacuum is re-established. The core is pulled out from the cup and then analyzed within the tubular or squeezed out on a flat tray for horizontal analysis. The micro layering can be visually separated, before they are mixed as in conventional sample and the information is lost.

Abstract: A rock core removal method and apparatus allows efficient, safe, and reliable removal of a rock core sample. An inner collet tube and an outer ground tube, within a drill tube, protect the core sample during drilling. At depth, the collet tube is raised with respect to the ground tube so that the conical wall of the ground tube pushes constricting fingers on the collet tube inward, gripping the core sample within. The collet tube and ground tube are then raised, rotated, or raised and rotated, applying the necessary force to break the core sample off of the substrate. After retracting the tubes, the collet tube is lowered with respect to the ground tube to release the core sample. An ejection rod then pushes the core sample out of the collet tube. The ground tube may also act as the actuating means for a quick-change drill-bit release feature.