Abstract: A system includes a subterranean survey data acquisition network and a processor. The network has first nodes that are distributed along a length of the network between a first end of the network and a second end of the network. Each of the first nodes is capable of being either in a state in which the first node is transparent to the network or in a state in which the first node is visible to the network. The processor is adapted to communicate with the closest visible first node relative to the first end, and the processor is adapted to, based on the communication, determine whether the closest visible first node is the closest first node of all of the first nodes relative to the first end.

Abstract: A technique includes performing first electromagnetic field measurements to obtain a first set of data and performing second electromagnetic field measurements to obtain a second set of data. The first set of data is relatively sensitive to an effect caused by an air layer boundary and is relatively insensitive to the presence of a resistive body. The second set of data is relatively insensitive to the effect and is relatively sensitive to the presence of the resistive body. The technique includes combining the first and second sets of data to generate a third set of data, which is relatively insensitive to the effect and is relatively sensitive to the presence of the resistive body.

Abstract: A method enables the time required to complete a seismic survey and the noises recorded in the seismic data to be reduced. One aspect of the method includes actuating a first vibrator group to start a first sweep at time T0; and a second vibrator group to start a second sweep at time T1, wherein T0<T1<T0+S1+L, where S1 is a sweep time of the first vibrator group and L is a listening time; wherein the time between the first sweep and the second sweep is T1?T0?((n?1)*f1*S1)/(n*(f1?f0)) where n is a natural number, f0 is the lower frequency limit of the vibrator sweep and f1 is the upper frequency limit of the vibrator sweep.

Abstract: A technique includes obtaining seismic data, which was acquired during a seismic survey in seawater. The technique includes based on the seismic data, determining a conductivity of the seawater and processing data obtained from an electromagnetics-based survey based on the determined conductivity.

Abstract: A technique includes deploying a spring downhole, energizing the spring and using the energized spring to form an annular barrier in the well. The spring may be energized prior to being run downhole or after being run downhole, depending on the particular embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A system for completing a well with multiple zones of production includes a casing having a plurality of valves that are integrated therein for isolating each well zone. Communication is established between each underlying formation and the interior of the casing, and a treatment fluid is delivered to each of the multiple well zones. Mechanisms for actuating one or more of the valves include, but are not limited to, a dart, a drop ball, a running tool, and a control line actuating system.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a wellbore includes a deployment tool that is attached to a conveyance device and has an unexpanded state and an expanded state. The system also includes a scrolled tubular, such as a sand screen, which is attached to the deployment tool. The tubular is scrolled around the deployment tool in the unexpanded state with the scrolled tubular having an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of a tubing that is located in the wellbore. The tubular is then unscrolled to expand against a surface in an expanded state of the tubular.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a slurry through a shunt flow path and operating a control device to isolate slurry from being communicated to an ancillary flow path. The system may include a shunt tube and a diverter. The shunt tube is adapted to communicate a slurry flow within the well to form a gravel pack. The diverter is located in a passageway of the shunt tube to divert at least part of the flow. A slurry may be communicated through the shunt flow path, and a control device may be operated to isolate the slurry from being communicated to the ancillary flow path.

Abstract: A completion assembly for use in a well, including at least one inflatable packer; at least one control line and at least one source of pressurized fluid wherein the at least one source of pressurized fluid is in fluid communication with the at least one inflatable packer via the at least one control line.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a string and a plurality of tools that are mounted in the string. The string includes a passageway. The tools are mounted in the string and are adapted to be placed in a state to catch objects (free-falling objects and/or pumped-down objects, as just a few examples) of substantially the same size, which are communicated downhole through the passageway.

Abstract: A technique to install a tool in a well includes running the tool into the well and fixing the tool to the well with a fixing agent without pumping the fixing agent through a central passageway of the tool. The tool may be a perforating gun that includes a casing body that includes a longitudinal axis. The perforating gun may also include a fin and a perforating charge. The fin radially extends from the casing body, and the perforating charge is attached to the fin and is oriented to generate a perforation jet in a radial direction away from the longitudinal axis of the casing body.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a fluid into a region of the well and monitoring a level of the fluid communicated via a downhole sensor. The communication is controlled in response to the monitoring.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a valve in a tubing string that allows the tubing string to fill with well fluids as the string is assembled and lowered into a well bore, but can be used to check pressure integrity of the tubing string during various stages of the assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use when measuring pressure in hydrocarbon wells. A sensor, an interferometric optical pressure transducer, at the end of a fibre optic line is illuminated by broadband light pulses. Measuring equipment output drives a display indicating the pressure at the sensor. The transducer is modelled by subjecting it to known pressures. The measuring equipment is modelled by applying test signals. The models are combined and a display output C is assumed. A mathematical model is used to calculate an estimation B of the actual output A from the sensor. B is compared with A and the value of C changed until the closest match is found between A and B. This value of C is taken as the output representing the pressure at the sensor. Different models and compensation factors allow for interchange of sensors and sensor types and measuring equipment and measuring equipment types.

Abstract: A well conduit that has an aperture for communicating with a target reservoir and a one-way valve in the aperture may be used in injection and production wells. Other devices, systems, methods, and associated uses are also included in the present invention. For example, the conduit housing the valves may be used as a base pipe for a sand screen. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a seal assembly that maintains a seal under various conditions by providing a source of stored energy that can be used to insure contact forces are maintained.

Abstract: A cutting module to sever a tubing in a well includes a piston and shear blade. The piston includes at least two moveable telescoping elements, which are adapted to expand the first piston from a retracted length to an expanded length. The shear blade is connected to the piston to sever the tubing in response to the piston expanding from the retracted length to the expanded length. The cutting module may be located below a safety valve in the well.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a weld coupling and a thermal insulator. The weld coupling is adapted to be welded to an outer housing of a first cable segment to couple the first cable segment to a second cable segment. The thermal insulator is adapted to prevent thermal damage to a communication line of the first cable segment when the weld coupling is welded to the outer housing.