Abstract: Improved hydraulic fracturing missiles and related systems, apparatus and methods are provided. Certain embodiments involve the low pressure side of a frac missile including a first suction conduit having multiple suction conduit spools releasably, longitudinally, mechanically and fluidly interconnectable and separable without welding and at least one respective suction inlet and outlet releasably mechanically and fluidly connectable to and separable from the first suction conduit without welding.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining bulk density and/or neutron porosity of a formation are described herein. The methods and systems use a pulsed neutron (PN) tool and may be performed with a tool having a single gamma detector though tools with multiple detectors may be used as well. The PN tool may be a geochemical logging tool. The methods and systems involve partitioning the time spectrum into pluralities of bins that are indicative of non-clay mineral elements and of shale/clay to the overall bulk density.

Abstract: A system includes hydraulic power tongs mounted to a rig floor and including a primary tong and one or more controls for operating the primary tong, an electronic limit barrier device including one or more sensors operable to determine a distance between the hydraulic power tongs and an operator on the rig floor, and a hydraulic control valve in communication with the electronic limit barrier device and fluidly coupled to the hydraulic power tongs. The electronic limit barrier device is programmed to compare the distance to a pre-defined cutoff distance, and release hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic power tongs upon determining that the distance is less than or equal to the pre-defined cutoff distance.

Abstract: A magnetic and electrical circuit element including magnetic-flux-conducting posts, and a multi-layer structure formed with an electrically-conductive material. The multi-layer structure includes multiple layers forming a stack of layers along a length of the posts, said multi-layer structure configured as primary and secondary windings of a transformer. The primary winding is embedded in the multi-layer structure and wound around the magnetic-flux-conducting posts in such a way that a magnetic field induced in each of the magnetic-flux-conducting posts has a magnetic field polarity opposite to a polarity of the respective magnetic field of the magnetic-flux-conducting post adjacent the respective magnetic-flux-conducting post. Around each of the magnetic-flux-conducting posts, there is a respective one of the secondary windings connected to a semiconductor device.

Abstract: A planar multilayer transformer in a power converter wherein winding arrangements and placement of shields reduces common mode noise to a level wherein the common mode inductor in an input EMI filter can be reduced and even eliminated decreasing the power dissipation and increasing the power density. The methods presented herein can reduce the number of layers in the multilayer PCB by eliminating the layers used for the shields and still be in full compliance with EMI requirements.

Abstract: A downhole tool, such an interval control valve, for use in a well has multiple motors and two drive assemblies to displace a yoke. A member, such as a sliding sleeve, of the downhole tool is connected to the yoke and can be actuated in response to the displacement of the yoke. The drive assemblies include first and second rotatable screws, and the yoke is disposed on the screws. Each motor can produce drive to rotate a respective screw. A respective gear is rotatable in association with at least the rotation of its associated screw. An intermediate gear is engaged between these two gears. The intermediate gear interconnects the rotation of the two screws, forcing them to rotate at the same speed. Likewise, the intermediate gear balances the drive of the motors, forcing the two screws to rotate at the same speed.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery module includes a housing with dimensions that conform to overall dimensions for a standard lead acid battery. The lithium ion battery module also includes a plurality of lithium ion battery cells arranged in a stack within the housing and a heat sink outer wall feature of the housing. The heat sink outer wall feature substantially extends in at least one direction to an outermost dimension of the standard lead acid battery.

Abstract: A battery system having a housing configured to receive a battery cell that is configured to generate thermal energy. The housing includes a first wall and a second wall, both of which are positioned proximate to the battery cell. The first wall and the second wall form in part a cell compartment. The battery system further includes a unitary heat sink having a first portion embedded into the first wall and a second portion embedded into the second wall.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: Highly mesoporous activated carbon products are disclosed with mesoporosities characterized by mesopore volumes of 0.7 to 1.0 cubic centimeters per gram or greater. Also disclosed are activated carbon products characterized by a Molasses Number of about 500 to 1000 or greater. Also disclosed are activated carbon products characterized by a Tannin Value of about 100 to 35 or less. The activated carbon products may be further characterized by total pore volumes of at least 0.85 cubic centimeters per gram and BET surface areas of at least about 800 square meters per gram. The activated carbon product may be derived from a renewable feedstock.

Abstract: Processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas is employed to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: A system and method set a liner hanger in a borehole by actuating a hydraulic setting mechanism on the hanger to engage slips in the borehole. A setting tool runs the hanger into position. A reserve volume of the tool holds a clean fluid separate from the borehole. A piston of the tool has a tool volume for the fluid. During run in, pressure in the tool volume is balanced to hydrostatic pressure by drawing actuation fluid from the reserve volume to the tool volume through a check valve. To set the hanger, a plug is engaged on a seat in the tool, tubing pressure is applied behind the engaged plug, and the seat is unlocked. With more applied pressure, the piston moves, reduces the tool volume, and intensifies pressure of the clean fluid communicated to the hanger's setting mechanism. Over-pressure can be handled by a venting valve.

Abstract: Some variations provide a composition for reducing a metal ore, the composition comprising a carbon-metal ore particulate, wherein the carbon-metal ore particulate comprises at least about 0.1 wt % to at most about 50 wt % fixed carbon on a moisture-free and ash-free basis, and wherein the carbon is at least 50% renewable carbon as determined from a measurement of the 14C/12C isotopic ratio. Some variations provide a process for reducing a metal ore, comprising: providing a biomass feedstock; pyrolyzing the feedstock to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas comprising hydrogen or carbon monoxide; obtaining a metal ore comprising a metal oxide; combining the carbon with the metal ore, to generate a carbon-metal ore particulate; optionally pelletizing the carbon-metal ore particulate; and utilizing the pyrolysis off-gas to chemically reduce the metal oxide to elemental metal, such as iron.

Abstract: A battery module includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion defining a sealed volume. A plurality of electrochemical cells is provided in the volume, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells including a respective vent to enable a release of a gas into the volume when an internal pressure of the respective electrochemical cell reaches a threshold. A ventilation vent is coupled with the housing and in fluid communication with the volume. A burst vent is coupled with the housing and in fluid communication with the volume, the burst vent including a valve having a first valve portion and a second valve portion. The first and second valve portions enable a staged release of vented gases through the burst vent based on incremented thresholds.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a battery cover is provided. The valve assembly may advantageously allow for testing prior to installation on a battery cover. A battery is also provided.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery is disclosed. The lead-acid storage battery has a container with a cover, the container including one or more compartments. One or more cell elements are provided in the one or more compartments. The one or more cell elements include a positive plate, the positive plate having a positive grid and a positive electrochemically active material on the positive grid; a negative plate, the negative plate having a negative grid and a negative electrochemically active material on the negative grid, wherein the negative electrochemically active material comprises barium sulfate and an organic expander; and a separator between the positive plate and the negative plate. Electrolyte is provided within the container. One or more terminal posts extend from the cover and are electrically coupled to the one or more cell elements.

Abstract: A debris catcher assembly includes a debris filter assembly having a selectively operable valve. such as a rupture disk, to allow a secondary flow path should the debris filter assembly become clogged with debris.

Abstract: A battery system includes a lithium ion battery that couples to an electrical system. The battery system also includes a battery management system that electrically couples to the lithium ion battery and controls one or more recharge parameters of the lithium ion battery. Additionally, the battery management system monitors one or more parameters of the lithium ion battery. Further, the battery management system controls the recharge parameters of the lithium ion battery based on at least one lithium plating model and the monitored parameters. Furthermore, the at least one lithium plating model indicates a relationship between the one or more parameters of the lithium ion battery and a likelihood of lithium plating occurring in the lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A gravel pack system includes a liner assembly and a deployment assembly. The liner assembly includes a sand control screen. The deployment assembly facilitates rotation of the liner assembly and circulation through the liner assembly while running the liner assembly into a wellbore using a work string. The deployment assembly includes a crossover tool that is operated to facilitate gravel packing without manipulation of the work string. The deployment assembly also includes a setting tool for setting a packer and/or a sand barrier at the top of the liner assembly.

Abstract: A planar multilayer transformer in a power converter wherein winding arrangements and placement of shields reduces common mode noise to a level wherein the common mode inductor in an input EMI filter can be reduced and even eliminated decreasing the power dissipation and increasing the power density. The methods presented herein can reduce the number of layers in the multilayer PCB by eliminating the layers used for the shields and still be in full compliance with EMI requirements.