Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring solids in wellbore that include a bottom hole assembly having a sensor to measuring a characteristic indicative of solids in the wellbore. The measurement may be used to measure solids or solids suspended in fluid flow. The invention is useful for use in wellbore cleanouts. A computer model may be used and updated based on the measured characteristic. The input of measured characteristic and the updating of the computer model may be performed in real time whilst the wellbore cleanout operation is ongoing.

Abstract: A commutation apparatus drives a brushless motor having a stator equipped with a plurality of coils and a rotor. The commutation apparatus comprises a rotatable commutator shaft, two or more conducting rings carried discretely about the shaft, and two or more conducting segments carried discretely about the shaft at staggered positions along or near a plane perpendicularly intersecting the shaft. Each conducting segment is electrically connected to one of the conducting rings. Two or more electrical source contacts are provided for rotatably connecting a power supply across pairs of the conducting rings. A plurality of electrical load contacts is further provided for sequentially, rotatably connecting the conducting segments to discrete coils of the brushless motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is used to test and/or treat individual production zones of a well in conjunction with a conventional coiled tubing unit. This method and apparatus allows testing and treatment of a well with production tubing in place. The return flowpath for formation fluids and/or treatment fluids is through the annulus between the coiled tubing and the production tubing. The preferred embodiment uses straddle packers, but alternative embodiments may use only a single inflatable packer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling inflation and deflation of spaced inflatable packer elements of a straddle stimulation tool within a well casing of a well. A straddle stimulation tool is positioned by tubing at a desired location within the well casing. Fluid is pumped through the tubing and tool at a rate inflating the spaced inflatable packer elements within the well casing and establishing an annulus interval. The inflation control retains pressure within the inflated packer elements and permits the flow of stimulation fluid into the annulus interval for stimulation of the formation. After completion of well stimulation, the packer element pressure control is moved to a packer equalizing position by tension applied via the tubing to equalize packer pressure with casing annulus pressure, deflating the packer elements and permitting conveyance of the straddle stimulation tool within the well casing by the tubing string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing gas from a hydrate formation includes the use of at least one wellbore which penetrates the hydrate formation and further extends into an aquifer below the hydrate formation. The aquifer provides relatively warm water which may be produced up and into the hydrate formation thereby causing the release of gas from the hydrate. Suitable flow control and monitoring equipment may be included to control the flow of water produced from the aquifer and gas produced from the hydrate formation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for deploying a line in a borehole using coiled tubing are presented. Methods are applicable for use in deploying a line in a coiled tubing when the coiled tubing is spooled on a reel or deployed in a wellbore. A line reel provided in a pressure housing is used to supply a line for deployment using fluid flow in coiled tubing. The line reel assembly and deployments methods are suitable for use under well pressure. The line may comprise fiber optics. Subsequent to deployment of coiled tubing with a line dispose therein, the coiled tubing may be withdrawn, leaving the line in the wellbore.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved downhole disconnect tool are provided, some of which may include a first housing releasably connected to a second housing, a first piston releasably connected to the first housing, and a second piston releasably connected to the second housing. Various fluid communication ports and ball seats may be provided in various combinations in the first and second pistons and in the second housing to enable remote control of the tool by circulating one or more balls into engagement with one or more of the ball seats to disconnect the first housing from the second housing, and thereby disconnect any structures connected to the first and second housings, respectively. Other features and aspects of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A flow responsive dump valve mechanism for a straddle packer tool and has a valve controlled flow passage from which underflushed fluid, typically well treatment slurry, in a conveyance and fluid supplying tubing string can be dumped into a well casing. The dump valve mechanism incorporates a ratcheting power piston, an indexing mechanism and high and low load energy storage systems to accomplish open, closed and intermediate dump valve positions. The intermediate position increases the functionality of the tool by preventing accidental closure either due to the free fall of fluid through the coiled tubing or during flushing of the tool and permits the flow rate to be increased for thorough cleaning of the straddle tool and coiled tubing. For energy storage, a light compression spring provides power to cycle the indexing mechanism. Heavier load disc springs (Bellville Washers) are used to provide power for the ratcheting power piston to open the valve.

Abstract: A service/completion liner having a plurality of downhole selectable indicating tools and being used in sand control (gravel pack) placement systems in conjunction with a straddle packer service tools or with conventional crossover type service tools. Each indicating collar has a downhole selectable indicating collar providing a robust, landing profile for precisely locating and maintaining service tool position during well treatment operations. The landing collars accommodate hydraulic and/or thermal effects commonly referred to as tubing move effects which are the principle cause of tool position error and excessive seal wear. The landing collar is downhole convertible between a pass through (Go) and non pass through (No-go) condition by simple upward and downward cycling via the tool running and treatment fluid tubing and a shifting tool, which may also be referred to as a set down collet.

Abstract: A digital telemetry system having improved data rate and robustness. The telemetry system has a data transmission cable having a first end and a second end, and is capable of transmitting data between the first and second end on at least two propagation modes. A data source connected at the first end has data transmission circuitry to generate data signals on these propagation modes. A receiver connected to the second end of the wireline cable has a first receive circuitry to receive signals on a first of the at least two propagation modes and a second receive circuitry to receive signals on a second of the at least two propagation modes. An adaptive far-end cross-talk cancellation circuitry connected to the first receive circuitry and to the second receive circuitry cancels out far-end cross-talk between the at least two propagation modes.

Abstract: A method for actuating or installing downhole equipment in a wellbore employs non-acoustic signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) to locate, inventory, install, or actuate one downhole structure in relation to another downhole structure. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a first downhole structure that comprises a non-acoustic (e.g.

Abstract: A distributed control system for local or remote control of equipment. The distributed control system provides a communication bridge through a local control panel between a non-real-time network, and a real-time network, such as a controller area network. Both soft real-time and hard real-time networks are suitable, but hard real-time is preferred. Multiple distributed control units are used to control various equipment components. The distributed control system may be applied in any environment. The distributed control system may be applied to a skid-mounted coiled tubing unit.

Abstract: Integrated horizontal selective testing of production flow from individual perforations or individual lateral branches of a highly deviated or horizontal multilateral branch well is accomplished by a downhole flow rate testing tool which is selectively positioned within the wellbore by a coiled tubing deployment system for multiple downhole production flow rate tests to indicate the production flow rates of individual lateral branches or perforated zones. Logging tools are on-board the downhole flow rate testing tool for accuracy of tool location and for conducting downhole production flow rate tests. A multi-phase flowmeter at the surface measures the total production flow rate of fluid flowing in the flowline of the well. Real-time downhole flow measurements are correlated to provide a production flow rate profile. The well operator may take remedial action using on-site equipment if the tests show excessive water or gas from any lateral branch.

Abstract: A method of forming a rotor for a positive displacement motor. The method includes forming a liner that includes at least two resilient layers and at least one fiber layer, and the at least two resilient layers are positioned so as to enclose the at least one fiber layer. The liner is positioned on a rotor tube, and the rotor tube includes a shaped outer surface including at least two radially outwardly projecting lobes extending helically along a selected length of the rotor tube. The liner is cured on the rotor tube so that the liner conforms to the radially outwardly projecting lobes formed on the outer surface and to the helical shape of the outer surface. The curing forms a bond between the liner and the outer surface and between the at least two resilient layers and the at least one fiber layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of measuring downhole the curvature of a borehole and, in a particular application of the invention, using the curvature information as an input component of a bias signal for controlling operation of a downhole bias unit in a directional drilling assembly.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a fuel cell suitable for use downhole in an oil and gas well includes a fuel vessel that providing a source of fuel and an oxidant vessel providing a source of oxidant. A reaction zone comprises at least one cathode, at least one anode, and an electrolyte between each anode and cathode. A closed water vessel is connected to the reaction zone by at least one capillary flow path. The fuel cell also comprises a fuel conduit that connects the fuel vessel and the reaction zone. This fuel conduit comprises a fuel pressure control apparatus adapted to maintain a static pressure of fuel in the reaction zone. The fuel cell further comprises an oxidant conduit that connects the oxidant vessel and the reaction zone, and includes an oxidant pressure control apparatus adapted to maintain a static pressure of oxidant in the reaction zone.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and systems for drilling wells, such as for production of petroleum products and ensuring efficient well drilling and protection of well drilling systems during drilling operations. A closed-loop drilling control system, including a digital switching control regulator (SCR) module is provided for automated actuation of selected drilling rig controls responsive to downhole and surface measurements of drilling parameters. The closed-loop drilling control system is responsive to digital data from a measuring-while-drilling (MWD) tool for refining the drilling controls by automated correction of driller inputs to the drilling controls of the well drilling system during drilling operations. The downhole data, such as surface weight on bit, downhole weight on bit, pressure and flow rate of downhole drilling fluid hydraulics, etc.