Abstract: A method of assessing a hydrocarbon source rock candidate uses seismic data for a region of the Earth. The data are analyzed to determine the presence, thickness and lateral extent of candidate source rock based on the knowledge of the seismic behavior of hydrocarbon source rocks. An estimate is provided of the organic content of the candidate source rock from acoustic impedance. An estimate of the hydrocarbon generation potential of the candidate source rock is then provided from the thickness and lateral extent of the candidate source rock and from the estimate of the organic content.

Abstract: A method of plugging a well extending into a hydrocarbon bearing formation fascilitates temporary or permanent abandonment of the well. The method includes detonating one or more explosive charges within a tubular or tubulars extending through the well in order to remove, fragment and or cut one or more sections of the tubulars around the entire circumference of the well to expose the surrounding formation or cement. The well is then filled in the region of the exposed surrounding formation or cement with a sealing material so as to form one or more plugs within the well to seal the well.

Abstract: A pipe section for coupling to one or more pipe sections in order to form an elongate tubular. The pipe section has an optical fiber extending along a longitudinal axis of the pipe section and a waveguide disposed near one end of the pipe section and is in optical communication with the optical fiber to guide light in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining multiphase flow characteristics inside production equipment containing at least two fluids. A pulse of heat from a heat source adjacent to the production equipment is provided, and a thermal response to the pulse is measured at each of a plurality of temperature sensors located adjacent to the production equipment. The thermal response measurement includes a time constant obtained from a measured decline in the temperature after the pulse of heat has been provided. The measured thermal responses are used to determine parameters of a fluid contained in the production equipment in proximity to each of the temperature sensors. The determined fluid parameters are in turn used to determine multiphase flow characteristics.

Abstract: A method of controlling the annular pressure in a well during a well construction operation. The operation comprises pumping a fluid down a tubing located within the well and extracting the fluid that flows back through an annulus within said well and surrounding the tubing. The method comprises defining a set pressure pref, determining a desired extraction flow rate qc of fluid from said annulus in dependence upon the set pressure pref and a pumped flow rate into the annulus, and configuring an extraction path to achieve said desired extraction flow rate.

Abstract: A steam-based method and system for recovering and processing a hydrocarbon mixture from a subterranean formation. Steam is injected into the subterranean formation to mobilize said hydrocarbon mixture, then the mobilized hydrocarbon mixture is recovered, a self-sufficient diluent is added, and the mixture is separated to produce separated water and separated hydrocarbon. The separated hydrocarbon is deasphalted to produce a deasphalted hydrocarbon and asphaltenes, which is combusted in an oxycombustion process to generate steam and/or energy and CO2, and said the steam is injected into the formation.

Abstract: A safety device and method for protection of the integrity of well barrier(s) or other interfacing structure(s) at an end of a riser string or a hose includes a releasable connection in the riser string or hose, the releasable connection arranged to release or disconnect during given predefined conditions in order to protect the well barrier(s) or other interfacing structure(s). The safety device safety device includes at least one sensor to monitor at least one of tension loads, bending loads, internal pressure loads and temperature. The sensor provides measured data relating to at least one of tension loads, bending loads, internal pressure loads and temperature. An electronic processing unit receives and interprets the measured data from the sensor. An electronic, hydraulic or mechanical actuator or switch is arranged to receive a signal from the electronic processing unit and initiate a release or disconnect of the releasable connection.

Abstract: A method of removing a flexible line deployed between an offshore platform and a subsea structure, where the platform has a landing deck on which the flexible line is installed, the landing deck facing away from the platform towards an installation side. The method comprises: decoupling a topside end of the flexible line from the landing deck; lowering the topside end from the landing deck to the sea bed using a platform mounted winch, and detaching the winch from the topside end; moving the platform in a direction away from the installation side and positioning an installation vessel on the installation side; lowering a recovery line from the installation vessel and attaching an end of the recovery line to the topside or subsea end of the riser; raising the attached topside or subsea end onto the installation vessel from the seabed using the recovery line; and recovering the flexible line onto the installation vessel, whereupon the platform can be moved back to an operating position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-phase distribution system, a sub sea heat exchanger provided with such a multi-phase distribution system, the use of such a multi-phase distribution system and a method of temperature control for hydrocarbons. The invention provides an improved control over multi-phase mixtures comprising hydrocarbons and improvements in the controlling of heat exchanging processes.

Abstract: A CO2 desorption method and equipment for performing this method is described. More specific, a method for desorbing CO2 from an absorption fluid without involving a traditional stripper but instead using a heat exchanger as a flash-tank is disclosed. Further described is the utilization of cooling heat from a condenser for cooling the lean absorbent fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robotic inspection device (10) comprising at least one pair of robotic modules (1) connected together by means of an articulated joint (9), with at least one displacement device (2) coupled to a rail (11); the displacement device (2) comprising at least one pair of pivoted brackets (3); at least one of the robotic modules (1) comprising at least one within an instrumentation system (7) and a manipulator arm (8).

Abstract: A method of installing a subsea pipeline having a direct tie-in to a subsea structure includes, during introduction of the pipeline into the sea from a pipe laying vessel, applying a plastic deformation to a region of the pipeline at or close to an end of the pipeline to be tied-in and, either during or following tie-in, elastically deforming the region to increase its radius of curvature.

Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow into a heavy oil production pipe is disclosed. The method involves reducing inflow into a production pipe locally from hot spots using inflow control devices comprising a movable body provided within a housing. The movable body is arranged to adjust the flow of fluid through the inflow control devices autonomously by exploiting the Bernoulli principle. Inflow into the production pipe remote from said hot spots may be increased using the inflow control devices to increase inflow locally, and draw down in said production pipe may be increased by using an injector to inject a gaseous medium at or downstream of said inflow control devices.

Abstract: A drill pipe protector assembly comprising at least one protector sleeve (23) adapted to be mounted to the drill pipe string (7) through a fluid bearing (25) so as to be co-axially rotatable with respect to the drill pipe string (7). A retainer arrangement (21, 35) axially fixes the protector sleeve (23) with respect to the drill pipe string (7). The fluid bearing (25) is constructed according to the principles of a hydrostatic fluid bearing. At least one fluid channel (53) connects the fluid bearing (25) to a fluid path of pressurized drilling fluid flowing within an inner space (51) of the drill pipe string (7).

Abstract: System for mooring a large vessel for production of hydrocarbons, such vessel for example being a FPSO vessel, the mooring system comprising at least two floating bodies of the hang-off type, moored by means of differentiated compliance spread anchoring system to the sea bed, allowing partly weathervaning of the large vessel; a riser system extending from the sea bed to each the floating bodies, and means for transfer of fluids from the two floating bodies to the large vessel, the floating bodies and the large vessel being provided with locking means, locking floating bodies to the large vessel at the bow and the stern of the vessel in a mechanically rigid manner, thus providing a integrated, rigidly fixed unit comprising the large vessel and the floating bodies.

Abstract: A pressure joint is provided for use with a floating installation (1) that is connected to a stiff riser (3, 12). A low pressure slip joint (5) connects the installation (1) to the stiff riser (3, 12). A telescopic assembly (13, 14) fitted with a high pressure seal (15) is arranged to be fitted within the low pressure slip joint (5) when in a non-extended configuration, such that normal operation of the low pressure slip joint (5) is not impeded.

Abstract: A centralizer includes a centralizer body to be situated at the outer surface of a pipe string in the form of casing, liner, or the like used while drilling, the centralizer body being formed with a plurality of outer centralizer blades arranged in an inclined manner to the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the centralizer body has an separate split inner tube secured to the pipe string by means of a press fit, and low friction inner surface of the centralizer body and separate center tube facing each other are made from low friction material.

Abstract: A method for use in surveying a subsurface region beneath a body of water by detecting S waves propagating through the subsurface region. The method comprises using a first sensor configuration to detect mixed S and P waves on or in the subsurface region, using a second sensor configuration located on or in relatively close proximity to the subsurface region to detect P waves in the water, and using the P waves detected in the water to compensate the detected mixed S and P waves, and thereby attenuate the effects of P waves in the mixed S and P waves.

Abstract: A sensor system for deployment on or close to the seabed in marine seismic surveys includes a central hub, and a plurality of arms coupled to the central hub. Each arm has a degree of freedom of movement with respect to the central hub. The system further includes at least one seismic sensor mounted to each of said arms.

Abstract: The instant disclosure provides a method of generating steam for the recovery of hydrocarbon from a hydrocarbon producing system including (i) generating supercritical steam from water; (ii) converting the supercritical steam to a subcritical steam; and (iii) injecting the subcritical steam into the system.