Abstract: Tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore using real time temperature measurements. A method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature in real time in the wellbore; and observing in real time a variation in temperature gradient between fluid compositions in the wellbore. Another method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature along the wellbore; and observing a variation in temperature gradient due to a chemical reaction in the wellbore. Another method includes the step of causing a variation in temperature gradient in the fluid while the fluid flows in the wellbore.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a laterally extending axle and an arm assembly welded to the axle. The arm assembly includes a longitudinally extending arm body having top and bottom surfaces, an axle connector welded to the axle and an end of the arm body, and a plate extending longitudinally over and welded to the arm body top surface, wrapped rearwardly about and welded to the axle connector, and extending longitudinally over and welded to the arm body bottom surface. A method includes the steps of welding an axle connector to an axle; welding a plate to the axle connector, the plate being wrapped rearwardly about the axle connector; and welding an arm body to the axle connector and to the plate, the arm body having top and bottom surfaces, and the plate being welded to each of the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A trunnion air ride suspension system. In one example, a trunnion suspension system includes a trunnion beam pivotably mounted to a hanger bracket, and an axle pivotably mounted to the trunnion beam. A brake actuator is secured to the axle and pivotably mounted to the trunnion beam, so that the brake actuator pivots with the axle relative to the trunnion beam. In another example, a trunnion suspension system includes a trunnion beam pivotably mounted to a hanger bracket, the trunnion beam having a longitudinally extending cylindrical portion positioned between two generally vertical plate portions. An axle is pivotably mounted to the cylindrical portion by a bushed connection, the bushed connection being retained longitudinally between the plate portions.

Abstract: Well control systems and associated methods. A well control method includes the steps of drilling a wellbore and predicting a change in flow between the wellbore and a reservoir prior to the change occurring, the predicting step being performed, and the change in flow occurring while drilling. Another well control method includes the steps of: sensing at least one first drilling operation variable while drilling a wellbore, thereby generating first sensed variables; sensing at least one second drilling operation variable while drilling the wellbore, thereby generating second sensed variables; and training a predictive device, using the first and second sensed variables, to predict the second drilling operation variable at a selected time.

Abstract: A formation isolation valve for underbalanced drilling applications. A system for operating a formation isolation valve includes the valve interconnected in a casing string. An assembly displaces through the casing string, thereby causing the valve to open prior to the assembly reaching the valve. An operating system includes a well tool with an actuator positioned downhole. A device for causing the actuator to operate the well tool is also positioned downhole remote from the actuator. A method of operating a well tool includes the steps of: positioning the well tool in a well, the well tool including an actuator; positioning a power source for the actuator in the well; and at a downhole position remote from the actuator, causing the actuator to operate the well tool.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.

Abstract: A single line control module for well tool actuation. A well tool control system includes an actuator, a control module for controlling pressure applied to the actuator, and a single line extending between the control module and a remote location, elevated pressure being applied to the line and exhausted from the line at the remote location to operate the actuator. Another well tool control system includes an actuator having first and second chambers, a line for applying elevated pressure to the actuator to operate the actuator, and a control module including an accumulator, and a valve. The valve has a first position in which the line is connected to the first chamber and the accumulator is connected to the second chamber, and a second position in which the line is connected to the second chamber and the accumulator is connected to the first chamber.

Abstract: A pulse width modulated downhole flow control. A downhole flow control system includes a flow control device with a flow restrictor which variably restricts flow through the flow control device. An actuator varies a vibratory motion of the restrictor to thereby variably control an average flow rate of fluid through the flow control device. A method of controlling flow in a well includes the steps of: installing a flow control device in the well, the flow control device including a flow restrictor which variably restricts flow through the flow control device; and displacing the restrictor to thereby pulse a flow rate of fluid through the flow control device.

Abstract: A fiber optic differential pressure sensor. In a described embodiment, a differential pressure sensor system for use in a subterranean well includes a fluid property sensing housing having a flow passage formed therethrough. A differential pressure sensor has an optical fiber extending in a wall having a first side and a second side, each of the first and second sides being exposed to pressure in the flow passage.

Abstract: A trailer wall construction having reduced weight. A trailer wall construction includes a spherical shaped corner at a juncture of three walls. Each of the walls includes at least one panel having spaced apart inner and outer shells. Another trailer wall construction includes a generally vertically extending front or side wall and a floor. The floor and front or side wall each includes at least one panel comprising spaced apart inner and outer shells. A curved connector connects a lower edge of the front or side wall to an edge of the floor. Yet another trailer wall construction includes a wall with panels attached to one another along opposing edges of the panels, each of the panels including spaced apart inner and outer shells. One connector is attached to each of the panels along a third edge. Another connector is attached to each of the panels along a fourth edge.

Abstract: A fiber optic conduit for use in a hostile environment includes an axial tube. The axial tube comprises a corrosion resistant material and is operable to receive one or more optical fibers. The fiber optic conduit further includes a hydrogen barrier shell that is disposed in contact with the axial tube. The hydrogen barrier shell comprises a material that is capable of reducing hydrogen permeation through the fiber optic conduit and has a thickness of at least approximately one-thousandth of an inch.

Abstract: A trailer wall construction having reduced weight. A trailer wall construction includes a spherical shaped corner at a juncture of three walls. Each of the walls includes at least one panel having spaced apart inner and outer shells. Another trailer wall construction includes a generally vertically extending front or side wall and a floor. The floor and front or side wall each includes at least one panel comprising spaced apart inner and outer shells. A curved connector connects a lower edge of the front or side wall to an edge of the floor. Yet another trailer wall construction includes a wall with panels attached to one another along opposing edges of the panels, each of the panels including spaced apart inner and outer shells. One connector is attached to each of the panels along a third edge. Another connector is attached to each of the panels along a fourth edge.

Abstract: Fluid column weight correction using discrete point and fiber optic temperature measurement. A method for determining pressure at a distal end of a fluid column in a well includes the steps of: dividing the fluid column into multiple segments; determining a temperature of each segment; and determining a pressure and density for each segment. Another method includes the steps of: determining the temperature of each segment by measuring a temperature in the well near a proximal end of the fluid column, and using the measured temperature in conjunction with a thermal wellbore model to generate a temperature profile of the fluid column. Another method includes the steps of: causing a pressure change in the fluid column; recording multiple pressure measurements during the pressure change; and generating a temperature profile of the fluid column for each of the pressure measurements.

Abstract: Methods of monitoring various downhole conditions are described, including a system for determining and/or identifying the flow of fluid in a well, determining sand production in a well, identifying localized events in a well, determining the apparent flow velocity of fluid flowing through a downhole conduit, and/or monitoring the strain in downhole tubulars. These determinations may be made by monitoring signals received from one or more sensors located in a well and analysing the signals, such as their frequency and timing.

Abstract: A suspension system having a reduced weight arm construction. In one vehicle suspension system, an axle is constructed at least partially of a metal alloy. An arm assembly of the suspension system includes an axle attachment constructed at least partially of a material which cannot be welded directly to the metal alloy. To interconnect the axle to the axle attachment of the arm assembly, a transition device is permanently secured to the metal alloy and permanently secured to the axle attachment material.

Abstract: A surface controlled subsurface lateral branch safety valve provides flow control for each branch wellbore in a multilateral well. In a described embodiment, a completion system for a well having an intersection between parent and branch wellbores includes an apparatus having multiple passages formed therethrough. One passage provides fluid communication between opposite ends of the apparatus in the parent wellbore, and another passage provides guidance for drilling the branch wellbore. The apparatus further includes a flow control device, such as a surface controlled subsurface safety valve, which selectively controls fluid communication with the branch wellbore.

Abstract: A trailer having sides with a combination of extruded panel and sheet material. A trailer wall construction for use as part of a trailer assembly includes at least one panel comprising spaced apart inner and outer shells, and at least one sheet. An edge of the sheet is attached to an edge of the panel. Another trailer wall construction includes a vertical side having a lower portion with spaced apart inner and outer shells, and an upper portion with only a single sheet thickness.

Abstract: A refrigerant charging tool. In a described embodiment, a refrigerant charging tool has two separately formed handles pivotably attached to each other. One of the handles has a container piercing member mounted thereon. Interchangeable spacers are configured for attachment to the other handle, so that a selected one of differently shaped containers may be biased against the container piercing member when the handles are pivoted toward each other.