Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring conditions in a well-bore using multiple cane-based sensors. The apparatus includes an array of cane-based Bragg grating sensors located in a single conduit for use in the well-bore. For some embodiments, each sensor is located at a different linear location along the conduit allowing for increased monitoring locations along the conduit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately determining wavelength by compensating a time delay using a bidirectional wavelength scan are provided.

Abstract: A control system is configured to actuate a tubular handling tool. The system includes a fluid source and a tubular handling tool having a plurality of piston cylinders and a plurality of slips configured to engage a tubular string. The system also includes a volume synchronizer having a plurality of first chambers in fluid communication with the fluid source, a plurality of second chambers in fluid communication with the piston cylinders, a piston separating each of the first and second chambers, and a rod member connected to each piston. Pressurized fluid supplied to the first chambers simultaneously moves each of the pistons to simultaneously force pressurized fluid out of the second chambers and into the piston cylinders to actuate the slips into engagement with the tubular string.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.

Abstract: A plug release system for cementing a tubular string into a wellbore includes: a wiper plug; a tubular housing; a latch for releasably connecting the wiper plug to the housing. The latch includes: a fastener engageable with one of the wiper plug and the housing; a lock movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock keeping the fastener engaged in the locked position; and an actuator connected to the lock and operable to at least move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. The plug release system further includes an electronics package disposed in the housing and in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.

Abstract: A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a mandrel having an upper portion and a lower portion for extending into the tubular string; a housing connected to the mandrel upper portion; and a bonnet. The bonnet is: for receiving an upper end of the tubular string, disposed along the mandrel, and linked to the housing. The setting tool further includes: an actuator for stroking the bonnet relative to the mandrel and the housing, thereby setting a hanger of the tubular string; an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal; and a latch. The latch is: connected to the mandrel lower portion, operable between an extended position and a retracted position, for being restrained in the retracted position by being disposed in the tubular string, and extendable by being removed from the tubular string.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a ball release system for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing, a seat disposed in the housing and comprising arcuate segments arranged to form a ring, each segment radially movable between a catch position for receiving a ball and a release position, a cam disposed in the housing, longitudinally movable relative thereto, and operable to move the seat segments between the positions, an actuator operable to move the cam, and an electronics package disposed in the housing and in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.

Abstract: A downhole tool for treating a zone adjacent a wellbore, comprising a body having at least two separable portions, the portions operable to open and close a fluid path through the tool, and at least one manipulator, like a spring-loaded finger, to establish a fluid path between an interior and exterior of the wellbore, thereby permitting a zone adjacent the wellbore to be treated. In another embodiment a method is disclosed for treating a zone of interest adjacent a wellbore.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the active control of a wavelength-swept light source used to interrogate optical elements having characteristic wavelengths distributed across a wavelength range are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining phase fractions (relative concentrations) within a multiphase fluid mixture, in the presence of an injected hydrate inhibitor. Combining this phase fraction information with a hydrate inhibitor injection rate (HIIR) enables resolving oil and water flow rates for the phase fractions. The liquid flow rates and a total combined flow rate of the fluid mixture—determined based on a differential pressure of the fluid mixture through a given area—enable resolving a gas flow rate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a radio-frequency identification device for use in a wellbore includes a housing made of a polymer; and an antenna disposed in the housing. The polymer may be selected from the group consisting of an elastomer, a plastic, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, and combinations thereof. The RFID device may also include a fill material disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A downhole assembly for directionally drilling a borehole has a motor, a transmission, and a steering mechanism. The motor has a rotor driven in a stator by flow of drilling fluid therebetween. The transmission operatively couples the rotor to a drill bit for drilling the borehole. A flow control controls the flow of drilling fluid through an internal passage of the rotor. The flow control can thereby vary the drive of the rotor in a bit speed effect that preferentially cuts the wall of the borehole to achieve directional drilling. The flow control can also thereby create a differential pressure displacing the rotor along a longitudinal axis of the motor in a thrust effect. The steering mechanism responds to the displacement of the rotor and deviates a direction of the drill bit from the longitudinal axis of the motor to further achieve directional drilling. The bit speed effect, the rotor displacement, and the deviation are preferentially coordinated to coincide or at least operate together.

Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes deploying a drill string into the wellbore through a casing string disposed in the wellbore. The casing string has a pressure responsive element and a hydraulic line in communication with the element and extending along the casing string. The method further includes: drilling the wellbore into a formation by injecting drilling fluid through the drill string and rotating a drill bit of the drill sting; and while drilling the formation, monitoring a pressure of the hydraulic line to ensure control of the formation.

Abstract: A separation catch mechanism disposed above a power section of a motor prevents full separation of lower components of the motor from upper components and an attached drillstring. An extension of the mechanism has a first end coupled to the rotor and has a second end disposed in a housing member beyond a seat. An expandable shoulder, such as a washer, disposed on the second end of the extension can be expanded thereon to engage the seat should housing components separate from one another on the motor. To expand the washer after being inserted during assembly past the seat, the second end of the extension has a tapered head on which the washer is disposed. The outside diameter of the washer is expanded on the tapered head by tightening a nut against the washer.

Abstract: A gravel pack assembly includes screen sections with a packer between them. A first screen section communicates an uphole annulus with the assembly's interior passage, and a second screen section communicates a downhole annulus with the interior passage. A housing of the packer has an internal bore communicating with the assembly's interior passage and has an internal bypass communicating external ports with one another. A first packer element disposed between the external ports restricts gravel passage at least from the uphole to the downhole annulus. A second packer element disposed downhole from a second of the external ports is independently actuated to isolate fluid passage between the uphole and downhole annulus. One or more transport tubes communicate slurry from the uphole annulus to the internal bypass once the uphole annulus is packed with gravel.

Abstract: A packer has a swellable element and has end rings and compressible elements at each end of the swellable element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to compress one of the compressible elements against one of the end rings with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to compress against the other compressible element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism. Either way, the compressible elements are compressed to expand out to the borehole and to limit extrusion of the swellable element outside the compressed elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus include tubing expanded to create a seal in an annulus surrounding the tubing. The tubing includes a sealing material selected to cause forming of undulations in a diameter of the tubing upon expansion of the tubing. Various factors of the sealing material such as deviations in its thickness influence sealing performance of the tubing with the sealing material.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for a drill string has a mud motor and a mandrel. The motor has a rotor driven by drilling fluid flow, and the rotor defines a bore for passage of fluid flow and/or conductors. The mandrel has a bore for passage of the conductors and/or fluid flow, and rotation of the mandrel rotates a drill bit. A shaft and universal joints transfer the drive of the rotor to the mandrel. To pass the conductors from a sonde uphole of the motor to electronics disposed with the mandrel and/or to conduct fluid flow, inner beams dispose in a bore of the shaft to seal at the ends of the shaft coupled to the first and second universal joints. Each beam has an internal passage for the conductors and/or fluid flow. One of the universal joints and inner beams compensate for eccentricity in motion of the rotor, while the other second universal joint and inner beam compensate for a bend in the downhole assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing erosion of a cable for use in a wellbore is described herein. The cable has one or more optical fibers adapted to monitor and/or control a condition in the wellbore. The cable includes a layer of elastomeric material at least partially located on an outer surface of the cable. The elastomeric material is adapted to absorb energy due to the impact of particles in production fluid or wellbore fluid against the cable.