Abstract: A downhole tool slip mechanism including a cone, cage, and slip disposed on a mandrel. The cone and cage can be move in relation to one another, and the cone may be locked into place during run-in and retrieval downhole. The cage contains slip slots contains a spring retaining finger for a spring that resides between the retention finger and the slip. This spring serves to bias the slip inward during run-in and retrieval. The slip slots have load-bearing shoulders used to engage the slip during retrieval. The slips outer surface is completely covered in wickers so that the slip can sustain greater loads when set in place. Additionally, the slip has load-bearing shoulders with an increased thickness cross-section to sustain greater loads during retrieval while minimizing slip and cage failures.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fast sweeping a spectral bandwidth in order to distinguish among signals received from effectively wavelength division multiplexed (WDMed) and time division multiplexed (TDMed) optical components on a single fiber. For some embodiments, a method for interrogating optical elements having characteristic wavelengths spanning a sweep range is provided. The method generally includes introducing a pulse of light, by an optical source, into an optical waveguide to interrogate at least a first set of optical elements having different characteristic wavelengths by performing a sweep of wavelengths over a period of the pulse, wherein the period is less than a round-trip time for light reflected from an optical element closest to the optical source to reach a receiver and processing the reflected light to determine a parameter based on the times at which signals are received.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus are provided for downhole sensing using optical couplers in a downhole splitter assembly to split interrogating light signals into multiple optical sensing branches. Each optical branch may then be coupled to an optical sensor (e.g., a pass-through or an optical single-ended transducer (OSET)) or to another optical coupler for additional branching. The sensors may be pressure/temperature (P/T) type transducers. Some systems may exclusively use OSETs as the optical sensors. In this manner, if one of the OSETs is damaged, it does not affect light traveling to any of the other sensors, and sensing information from remaining sensors is still returned.

Abstract: A container for collecting water samples to determine dissolved gas includes a flask-type pouch with a spout. A removable cap and valve install on the spout. The valve includes an adapter that fits with an O-ring or other seal inside the mouth of the spout. The valve includes a valve element, which can be a one-way, self-closing type of valve, that fits with an O-ring or other seal inside the end of the adapter. A cap of the container fits over the adapter and affixes to the spout to hold the valve on the spout. In use, the cap can be removed so that the valve element and adapter can be removed for filling the pouch. Otherwise, the cap can remain in place so filling can be performed through the valve element. A tamper-evident ring on the cap may be provided to ensure the integrity of the sample contained in the flask.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for compensating a landing string due to movement of a floating rig platform are provided. In one aspect, a compensation system for use with a landing string is provided. The compensation system includes a slip joint member attachable to the landing string, the slip joint member having an upper portion and a lower portion. The compensation system further includes a first lock assembly configured to connect the upper portion of the slip joint member to a floating rig. Additionally, the compensation system includes a second lock assembly configured to connect the lower portion of the slip joint member to a riser disposed below the floating rig. In another aspect, a method for compensating a landing string due to movement of a floating rig is provided.

Abstract: A packer is provided for sealing an annular region in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the, packer includes a boosting assembly adapted to increase a pressure on the packing element in response to an increase in a pressure surrounding the packer, for example, an increase in the annulus pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a managed pressure and/or temperature drilling system (300) and method. In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore into a gas hydrates formation is disclosed. The method includes drilling the wellbore into the gas hydrates formation; returning gas hydrates cuttings to a surface of the wellbore and/or a drilling rig while controlling a temperature and/or a pressure of the cuttings to prevent or control disassociation of the hydrates cuttings.

Abstract: An optical sensor formed from an optical waveguide having at least one core surrounded by a cladding and a large diameter generally D-shaped portion is disclosed. Axial or compressive strain across the D-shaped cross section may be determined by measuring the change in polarization or birefringence of the light output from the sensor. A layer responsive to a parameter may be disposed on a flat portion of the D-shaped portion of the sensor. The refractive index of the layer changes and/or the layer applies a strain on the sensor in response to the parameter. Changes in the refractive index of the layer alters the light output from the sensor, which is measured over time and correlated to the parameter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system includes a quill; a motor operable to rotate the quill; a gripper operable to engage a joint of casing; a connector bi-directionally rotationally coupled to the quill and the gripper and longitudinally coupled to the gripper; and a compensator longitudinally coupled to the quill and the connector. The compensator is operable to allow relative longitudinal movement between the connector and the quill.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a tubular handling tool. The tool may include a base and a ring or sleeve member. The tool may further include an actuation member configured to move or rotate the ring or sleeve member relative to the base. Additionally, the tool may include a clamp or dog member attached to the base. The clamp or dog member is configured to move between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position as the ring or sleeve member moves or rotates relative to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for expanding an expandable tubular assembly in a borehole. In one aspect, a system for expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided. The system includes a running tool configured to position the tubular in the borehole. The running tool including a first expander configured to activate the anchor portion by expanding the tubular to a first diameter. The system further includes a second expander configured to expand the tubular to a second larger diameter, wherein the second expander is movable between a retracted position and an expanded position. In another aspect, a method of expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular lifting system for lifting a wellbore tubular includes an outer tubular; an inner tubular disposed in the outer tubular; an annular chamber defined between the inner tubular and the outer tubular; and a tubular piston selectively movable in the annular chamber, wherein the wellbore tubular is connected to the tubular piston and movable thereby.

Abstract: A transport system has a dedicated trailer for transporting a small transport reel (i.e., <18-ft in diameter) of continuous rod to the field. The trailer has a pedestal that can pivot the reel. A hub motor on the pedestal can turn the reel, and a transfer unit and rod bender on the trailer can curve or straighten the rod when being fed into or out of the reel. A power and hydraulic system operates the various hydraulic components on the trailer. In other aspects, the transport system includes stands that can hold the small transport reels on a trailer within a defined transport envelope. When empty, these stands can be stacked on top of one another on the trailer for return to a facility.

Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.

Abstract: A system compensates for heave-induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during NIPD, tripping, cementing operations or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. The system also compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a riser telescoping joint located below an RCD is moving between its retracted and extended positions while drilling.

Abstract: A continuous rod transport system has a reel with a cage and a removable hub. The cage has support members interconnected by rings to hold the rod coiled in the cage. The removable hub has extending arms that removably attach to the cage's support members. Locks on the ends of the arms can removably lock the hub to the cages. Because the hub is removable, the cage with coiled rod can be shipped separate from the hub, thereby significantly reducing the transportation weight. Preferably, the cage has a diameter of 14-ft so two cages can be held on a stand and can be transported in overseas containers. In this way, the coiled rod in the cage can be transported to various areas in less costly and time-consuming ways than currently available.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating at least a portion of a tubular for use in a wellbore comprising a first, inner tubular in the form of carrier tube and a second, outer tubular in the form of protective shroud, coupled to the carrier tube. One or more aperture is provided in a wall of the carrier tube for permitting fluid transfer through the tube and one or more aperture is provided to permit fluid transfer through the shroud. A sealing layer is disposed on a surface of the shroud, the sealing layer defining a first configuration permitting fluid flow through the apertures and, on exposure to a selected reactant, adopting a second configuration to restrict fluid flow through the apertures, the sealing layer adapted to return from the second configuration to the first configuration where concentration of the selected reactant falls below a selected threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring one or more parameters associated with an artificial lift system for hydrocarbon production and operating the system based on the measured parameters. One embodiment of the invention provides a lubricator for a plunger lift system, which generally includes a housing, a spring disposed in the housing for absorbing an impact by a plunger, and a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the spring. One example method of operating a plunger lift system for hydrocarbon production generally includes measuring at least one parameter of a spring disposed in a lubricator of the plunger lift system and operating the plunger lift system based on the measured parameter.