Abstract: A method for pore pressure prediction. The method includes obtaining a stress sensitivity coefficient, obtaining a compressional wave (P-wave) velocity and a shear wave (S-wave) velocity for a pre-drill location and obtaining a first predicted pore pressure. Further, the method includes iteratively performing calculating a total stress value associated with the pre-drill location using the first predicted pore pressure associated with the pre-drill location, and calculating a second predicted pore pressure associated with the pre-drill location using a stress-pressure relationship equation, a stress-velocity relationship equation, the stress sensitivity coefficient, a reference location, and at least one selected from a group consisting of the P-wave velocity and the S-wave velocity for the pre-drill location, and adjusting a drilling operation associated with the pre-drill location, based on the second predicted pore pressure.

Abstract: An offshore oil well assembly is provided that includes a floating vessel and a coiled tubing injector supported on the floating vessel. A coiled tubing string is movable by the injector into and out of a wellbore. The assembly also includes at least one measurement device which, either directly or indirectly, measures a heave induced acceleration of the injector; and a control system which receives a signal from the measurement device indicating the heave induced acceleration of the injector, and transmits a command signal which causes a counteracting acceleration to be applied to the coiled tubing, wherein the counteracting acceleration is opposite to the heave induced acceleration experienced by the injector.

Abstract: Disclosed are electric cables with improved armor wires used with wellbore devices to analyze geologic formations adjacent a wellbore. The cables include at least one insulated conductor, and one or more armor wires surrounding the insulated conductor. The armor wires include a low density core surrounded by a corrosion resistant alloy clad, where the alloy clad includes such alloys as beryllium-copper based alloys, nickel-chromium based alloys, superaustenitic stainless steel alloys, nickel-cobalt based alloys, nickel-molybdenum-chromium based alloys, and the like. The low density core may be based upon titanium or titanium alloys. The cables of the invention may be any useful electric cable design, including monocables, quadcables, heptacables, quadcables, slickline cables, multiline cables, coaxial cables, or seismic cables.

Abstract: A frac blender mounted on a transport vehicle and adapted for movement along a vertical, linear path between a raised stowed position and a lowered operating position. The frac blender is moved between positions by a drive system that is slip connected to the frac blender for minimizing binding stress. The frac blender is supported by a support member that is slip connected to the transport vehicle via a support frame for minimizing bending stress.

Abstract: A wireline logging assembly includes a cable having primary conductors, secondary conductors, and a central conductor. A first power source excites the primary conductors using a first propagation mode. A first telemetry transceiver excites the primary conductors using a second propagation mode orthogonal to the first mode. A second power source excites the secondary conductors and a second telemetry transceiver excites the central conductor. In one embodiment, the diameter of the primary conductors is greater than a diameter of the secondary conductors. The primary conductor includes four primary conductors symmetrically positioned around the center conductor and the secondary conductors include a secondary conductor positioned in the interstice between each pair of adjacent primary conductors.

Abstract: A system to determine the mixture of fluids in the deviated section of a wellbore comprising at least one distributed temperature sensor adapted to measure the temperature profile along at least two levels of a vertical axis of the deviated section. Each distributed temperature sensor can be a fiber optic line functionally connected to a light source that may utilize optical time domain reflectometry to measure the temperature profile along the length of the fiber line. The temperature profiles at different positions along the vertical axis of the deviated wellbore enables the determination of the cross-sectional distribution of fluids flowing along the deviated section. Together with the fluid velocity of each of the fluids flowing along the deviated section, the cross-sectional fluid distribution enables the calculation of the flow rates of each of the fluids. The system may also be used in conjunction with a pipeline, such as a subsea pipeline, to determine the flow rates of fluids flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluid properties such as flow velocity, flow rate, and fluid composition comprises positioning a heat exchange element with a temperature sensor, such as an optical fiber temperature sensor, arranged centrally inside the element in thermal contact with a fluid of interest, heating or cooling the heat exchange element to cause a temperature difference and exchange of thermal energy between the element and the fluid, using the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the heat exchange element during the exchange of thermal energy, and determining properties of the fluid from the temperature measurement. A second temperature sensor can be provided offset from the first sensor to provide additional measurements to improve accuracy, and a plurality of heat exchange elements with temperature sensors can be used together to determine fluid properties over a large region.

Abstract: A downhole tractor is provided that includes a motor, at least one rotatable screw powered by the motor, and a chain engageable with the at least one rotatable screw, whereby rotation of the at least one rotatable screw moves the chain.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis and a mechanism having one or more impact elements adapted to move along the longitudinal axis in an oscillating manner to impart a back and forth force on the housing to vibrate the housing. In another arrangement, an apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a housing and at least one impact element rotatably mounted in the housing. The at least one impact element is rotatable to oscillate back and forth to impart a vibration force to the housing.

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: Methods for calibrating and making measurements using fiber optic sensors are disclosed using backscattered wavelengths and independent sensors. The disclosure sets outs methods applicable with fiber optic sensors either in a deployed in a loop and in a linear configuration and useful for measurements including temperature.

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: Disclosed are methods of manufacturing electrical cables. In one embodiment of the invention, method for manufacturing a wellbore cable includes providing at least one insulated conductor, extruding a first polymeric material layer over the insulated conductor, serving a first layer of armor wires around the polymeric material and embedding the armor wires in the first polymeric material by exposure to an electromagnetic radiation source, followed by and extruding a second polymeric material layer over the first layer of armor wires embedded in the first polymeric material layer. Then, a second layer of armor wires may be served around the second polymeric material layer, and embedded therein by exposure to an electromagnetic radiation source. Finally, a third polymeric layer may be extruded around the second layer of armor wires to form a polymeric jacket.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods useful for controlling the traction of a downhole tractor in a borehole include the capability of repeatedly adjusting the normal force applied to at least one component that causes movement of the tractor in the borehole.

Abstract: A downhole service tool is provided that may include a body having an interior passageway, at least one exit port through which fluid may flow from the interior passageway to an exterior of the tool, and at least one diverting channel adapted to cause fluid exiting the exit port to flow in a predetermined pattern, such as a helical or rotational flow path. The diverting channel may be in the form of a trough, and may also have a tapering width from its upper end to its lower end, where it meets the exterior of the tool. The diverting channel may also have a helical or other predetermined shape so as to facilitate the inducement of the desired flow pattern. By designing the tool so as to create a desired flow pattern, erosion of the tool by the exiting fluid flow is lessened. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A reservoir simulator first estimates rock displacement parameters (u, v, and w) representing rock movement in the x, y, and z directions. When the rock displacement parameters (u, v, w) are determined, “?x,y,z” (the ‘x,y,z elongation strains’) and “?xy,yz,zx” (the ‘shear strains’) are determined since “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,zx” are function of “u”, “v”, and “w” When “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,zx” are determined, “?x,y,z” (the ‘elastic normal rock stress in x,y,z directions’) and “?xy,yz,xz” (the ‘elastic shear stress’) are determined since “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,xz” are a function of “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,zx”. When “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,xz” are determined, the rock momentum balance differential equations can be solved, since these equations are a function of “?x,y,z” and “?xy,yz,xz”. When any residuals are substantially equal to zero, the estimated rock displacement parameters (u, v, and w) represent ‘accurate rock displacement parameters’ for the reservoir.

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: A downhole tractor is provided that may be used in open or cased wells, and is also designed for use in open holes having a variety of soil/formation consistencies (e.g., soft, firm, rigid, etc.), varying diameters and non-uniform and irregular bore profiles. The tractor may include a track assembly including a plurality of idler wheels and a continuous track rotatably disposed around the idler wheels. A motor may be adapted to rotate the track around the idler wheels. Upper and lower arms may be pivotally connected to opposite ends of the track assembly and pivotally connected to a tractor housing. An actuator arm or link assembly may be provided to impart an outward force to the track assembly to move the track assembly outwardly into an open position and a retracting force to retract the track assembly into a closed position. A rotatable screw may be connected to a second motor, or a rod may be connected to a hydraulic system, to actuate the actuator arm or link assembly.

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.