Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of using integrated computational elements to determine unknown interferents in a fluid being monitored. One method includes monitoring a fluid with an optical computing device comprising at least two integrated computational element (ICE) cores configured to optically interact with a fluid and detect a corresponding at least two characteristics of the fluid, each ICE core being designed and manufactured with reference to known spectra related to the at least two characteristics of the fluid, generating output signals corresponding to the at least two characteristics of the fluid with the optical computing device, wherein an intensity of each output signal corresponds to a concentration of the at least two characteristics of the fluid, and calculating a representative spectrum of the fluid with a signal processor based on the known spectra of the at least two characteristics and the intensity of each output signal.

Abstract: A system for detecting fluid influxes and losses can include a sensor which detects floating vessel movement, and a neural network which receives a sensor output, and which outputs a predicted flow rate from a wellbore. A method can include isolating the wellbore from atmosphere with an annular sealing device which seals against a drill string, inputting to a neural network an output of a sensor which detects vessel movement, the neural network outputting a predicted flow rate from the wellbore, and determining whether the fluid influx or loss has occurred by comparing the predicted flow rate to an actual flow rate from the wellbore. Another method can include inputting to a neural network actual flow rates into and out of the wellbore, and an output of a sensor which detects vessel movement, and training the neural network to output a predicted flow rate from the wellbore.

Abstract: A jar comprises a housing including an anvil. In addition, the jar comprises a mandrel telescopically disposed within the housing and including a hammer. Further, the jar comprises an annular chamber radially positioned between the mandrel and the housing. Still further, the jar comprises an actuation assembly disposed in the annular chamber. The actuation assembly includes a first collet disposed about the mandrel, a first trigger sleeve disposed about the first collet and adapted to releasably engage the first collet, and a first biasing member adapted to exert an axial force on the mandrel. Moreover, the jar comprises a lock assembly disposed in the annular chamber. The lock assembly includes a second collet disposed about the mandrel, a second trigger sleeve disposed about the second collet and adapted to releasably engage the second collet, and a second biasing member adapted to exert an axial force on the mandrel.

Abstract: A bending shock de-coupler for use with a perforating string can include perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the de-coupler. A bending compliance of the de-coupler may substantially increase between the connectors. A well system can include a perforating string including at least one perforating gun and multiple bending shock de-couplers, each of the de-couplers having a bending compliance, and at least two of the bending compliances being different from each other. A perforating string can include a bending shock de-coupler interconnected longitudinally between two components of the perforating string. A bending compliance of the bending shock de-coupler may substantially decrease in response to angular displacement of one of the components a predetermined amount relative to the other component.

Abstract: Settable fluids comprising particle-size distribution-adjusting agents, and methods of using such settable fluids in subterranean and surface applications are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the settable fluid comprises a cement, a set retarder, and a particle-size distribution-adjusting agent. Exemplary methods include, but are not limited to, methods of drilling with the settable fluids, methods of cementing with the settable fluids, and methods of using a settable fluid to displace another fluid from a well bore in a subterranean formation.