Abstract: A method and system for characterizing compositional and fluid property gradients of a reservoir of interest and analyzing properties of the reservoir of interest based upon such gradients.

Abstract: A system method and apparatus for remote upgrade of the software of an embedded device supporting packet-based communication. A packet-based communication path is provided between a remote device and the embedded device. An intermediate device is placed in the packet-based communication path as a local node directly coupled to the embedded device. The intermediate device includes packet-forwarding means for carrying out normal communication between the remote device and the embedded device. The software of the embedded device is upgraded by i) transferring software upgrade data from the remote device to the intermediate device, ii) transferring the software upgrade data from the intermediate device to the embedded device and iii) carrying out an upgrade process on the embedded device that loads the software upgrade data on the embedded device.

Abstract: A hermetic seal includes a face seal ring having a first end sealing face and a second end sealing face, a first sealing profile in contact with the first end sealing face, and a second sealing profile in contact with the second end sealing face. The face seal ring comprises a shape memory material. A hermetically-sealed, threaded joint includes a pin sub defining a first sealing profile, a box sub defining a second sealing profile, and a face seal ring comprising a shape memory material. The pin sub is threadedly engaged with the box sub. The face seal ring has a first end sealing face in contact with the first sealing profile and a second end sealing face in contact with the second sealing profile. The face seal ring is disposed about the pin sub.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a housing defining a passageway therethrough exhibiting a first diameter and a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a first turbine disposed in the first diameter of the housing. The downhole tool further includes means for measuring a rotational velocity of the first turbine, a second turbine disposed in the second diameter of the housing, and means for measuring a rotational velocity of the second turbine.

Abstract: A method for generating and characterizing an emulsion. The method provides a Couette device having first and second cylindrical members that define an annulus between them. The second cylindrical member is rotatably driven with respect to the first cylindrical member. Two or more substances each in a non-emulsified state are injected into the annulus. The Couette device is operated in a first mode to generate an emulsion from the two or more substances. The Couette device is also operated in a second mode to measure various attributes of the emulsion.

Abstract: An improved method and system for characterizing the compositional components of a hydrocarbon reservoir of interest and analyzing fluid properties of the reservoir of interest based upon its compositional components.

Abstract: A method involves identifying work elements of a work process which may be enhanced to provide a biggest impact on enhancing an overall value of the work process. The method involves identifying a plurality of work elements comprising a work process, interviewing one or more knowledgeable interviewees and determining existing states and enhanced proposed states of the plurality of work elements, visually displaying the existing and enhanced proposed states of the work elements, and estimating and visually displaying a change in value of the work process due to an enhancement of the work elements from the existing states to the enhanced proposed states.

Abstract: A method and a system for accessing a target fluid in a formation of an oilfield are provided. The method involves acquiring physicochemical property information of a portion of the formation, determining a type and a concentration of a chemical agent based on the physicochemical property information of the portion of the formation, and applying the chemical agent at the portion of the formation to provide a chemical action, where the target fluid is released at the portion of the formation responding to the chemical action.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for determining hydrocarbon CDVs in a multiphase environment. The method and system involve calculating a total hydrocarbons volume from an apparent oil volume and an apparent gas volume. The apparent oil volume is determined using C/O data from a nuclear logging tool operating in inelastic neutron scattering mode. The apparent gas volume is determined using neutron porosity data from a nuclear logging tool operating in pulsed neutron capture (“PNC”) mode. It is also possible to determine the total hydrocarbons volume using log data from formation thermal neutron capture cross section measurements, or a cased hole formation resistivity tool. The total hydrocarbons volume is then used to back-calculate the total hydrocarbons CDV at various formation depths using the logged C/O data. The resulting independently calculated total hydrocarbon CDV may be used for proper matching of log data and simulation results for history matching purposes.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for identifying compounds useful for producing heavy oil from an underground reservoir. The methods facilitate the development of chemicals with improved physicochemical features. The methods generally involve first identifying a physicochemical property of a compound that needs to be improved in order to increase the efficiency of heavy oil removal from underground reservoirs. Next, the physicochemical property is calculated by molecular modeling using semi-empirical or ab-initio calculations. By modifying the molecular model of the compound, the targeted physicochemical property can be optimized. After a suitable compound has been identified, the compound can be synthesized and evaluated.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein involve apparatuses for actuating a downhole tool. In one implementation, the apparatus may include a pressure sensor for receiving one or more pressure pulses and an electronics module in communication with the pressure sensor. The electronics module may be configured to determine whether the pressure pulses are indicative of a command to actuate the downhole tool. The apparatus may further include a motor in communication with the electronics module. The motor may be configured to provide a rotational motion. The apparatus may further include a coupling mechanism coupled to the motor. The coupling mechanism may be configured to translate the rotational motion to a linear motion. The apparatus may further include a valve system coupled to the coupling mechanism. The valve system may be configured to actuate the downhole tool when the valve system is in an open phase.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for removing heavy oils from underground reservoirs. The methods involve the use of chemical compositions in combination with steam techniques for the efficient removal of heavy oils.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for optimizing petroleum reservoir analysis and sampling using a real-time component wherein heterogeneities in fluid properties exist. The methods can help predict the recovery performance of oil such as, for example, heavy oil, which can be adversely impacted by fluid property gradients present in the reservoir.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a device to be activated by electrical energy and a micro-switch that includes conductors and an element between the first and second conductors selected from the group consisting of: a dielectric element capable of being modulated to provide a conductive path in response to receipt of electrical energy; and an element moveable in response to application of an electrical energy. The micro-switch may be formed of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology or microelectronics technology.

Abstract: A method for determining a wax appearance temperature of a fluid includes obtaining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of the fluid at a plurality of temperatures; deriving a NMR parameter from each of the NMR measurements; and determining the wax appearance temperature by analyzing the NMR parameter as a function of temperature. An apparatus for detecting wax appearance in a fluid includes a sample cell for holding a fluid for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements at a plurality of temperatures; a temperature measuring device disposed proximate the sample cell; a magnet for polarizing molecules in the fluid in the sample cell; at least one radiofrequency (RF) coil for generating pulses of magnetic field and for detecting NMR signals; and circuitry for controlling and measuring the temperature of the fluid in the sample cell and for obtaining NMR measurements.

Abstract: A groundwater monitoring device includes a wireless communications device operable to communicate only within a range of about 150 meters and a sensor package operably associated with the wireless communications device. The wireless communications device includes an antenna, a radio frequency transceiver coupled with the antenna, a processor coupled with the radio frequency transceiver, and an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell is electrically coupled with the sensor package, the processor, and the radio frequency transceiver. The electrochemical cell is capable of providing sufficient electrical power to operate the radio frequency transceiver, the sensor package, and the processor for a period of at least a plurality of months.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for isolating or manipulating a portion of a sample at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the vessel having a primary sample inlet and outlet; a secondary sample collection container defining a collection chamber fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel; and a sample probe comprising a distal end able to isolate a secondary sample in the primary chamber and transfer it to the collection chamber, the probe fluidly connected to the primary chamber via a seal allowing at least the distal end to be moved in 3-dimensions within the primary chamber. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A technique distributes localized stress acting on a tubular. The tubular is formed with an inner layer and an outer layer that is compliant relative to the inner layer. A force distribution material is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer to spread any concentrated loads acting against the tubular. The compliant nature of the outer layer causes it to distort against the force distribution material when acted on by a concentrated external load. The outer compliant layer and the force distribution material cooperate to isolate and protect the inner layer from displacements of the surrounding subterranean material.

Abstract: A technique enables testing of a wellbore tubular under simulated well conditions. The wellbore tubular is mounted in a fixture for testing. Controllable systems are used to subject the wellbore tubular to a variety of predetermined conditions simulating potential downhole environments. The controllable systems include manipulators able to place the wellbore tubular under predetermined load, displacement, temperature, and pressure conditions.