Abstract: A technique facilitates regulation of flow through a flow control device to improve a well operation, such as a production operation. The technique utilizes a flow control device which has a valve positioned in a housing for movement between flow positions. The different flow positions allow different levels of flow through a primary flow port. At least one flow regulation element, e.g. a Venturi based flow regulation element, is used in a control line in communication with the valve to establish a differential pressure acting on the valve. The differential pressure is a function of fluid properties and is used to autonomously actuate the flow control device to an improved flow position.

Abstract: A liner hanger and packer are set at different times in a single trip without intervention. The running tool has a ball seat that accepts a ball for pressuring up which results in movement of a mandrel with a magnet mounted to it past a valve triggered by the magnetic field. Potential energy is released to set the liner hanger. Further mandrel movement then releases the running tool once the liner is supported by the hanger. After a cement job that starts with confirmation of release of the running tool, the same magnet is moved past another valve adjacent the liner top packer. Another valve is triggered open to release potential energy and move parts that set the packer. The running tool is removed from the liner and brought to the surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing marine riser buoyancy elements includes providing a master mold and mold inserts such that a range of buoyancy elements may be manufactured from one master mold and providing the mold inserts such that an annular space between the riser main conduit and the buoyancy elements, or a groove width between the buoyancy elements may be varied during manufacture.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for storing and handling a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes are presented. The node handling and storage system may be coupled to a node deployment system that deploys and/or retrieves nodes from water from the back deck of a marine vessel. One embodiment of the node handling and storage system includes a plurality of portable containers that may be assembled in a variety of configurations based on the vessel and survey requirements. The containers are coupled to an autonomous or semi-autonomous node conveyor and/or transport system that moves the nodes between and within the containers for node cleaning, downloading, charging, servicing, and storage. The conveyor system may include a plurality of different transport devices and/or systems, such as rotatable conveyors, lateral conveyors, lift mechanisms, and elevators.

Abstract: A downhole flow control system utilizes a tubing pressure operated valve to selectively open and close fluid flow across the system. The tubing pressure operated valve includes a piston responsive to tubing pressure, and a valve element responsive to piston movement. The valve element can be moved rotationally, longitudinally, or both, in response to the piston movement. The valve is movable between a closed and at least one open position. The piston and valve elements can be releasably attachable, such as by a one-way ratchet. The valve element can be a rotating valve operable by a J-slot mechanism to rotate to multiple positions in response to movement of the piston element.

Abstract: Inside blowout preventer release tool having an upper section and a tubular lower section. The upper section includes a pair of longitudinal members defining a central open region, and a formed lifting feature accepting a manipulator. The lifting feature is positioned such that when the release tool body and an inside blowout preventer connected thereto are lifted by the rig hoist they are easily moved over, aligned with, and connected with a working drillpipe while minimizing possibility of slipping off cables or chains. The lower section includes a threaded end mating with a mating end of an inside blowout preventer, a central longitudinal bore to accept a length-adjustable release rod, and an upper end formed to mate with the upper section. Slots in each longitudinal member may define one or more manipulating handles for a rig worker, machine, or tool, or a pair of generally horizontal hand holds are provided.

Abstract: A toe valve having an outer tubular member, including at least one outer flow port, and an inner tubular member positioned at least partially within the outer tubular member and including a central flow passage. An indexing mechanism is positioned within the outer tubular member and there is a flow path allowing fluid pressure from the central passage to act against a first side of the indexing mechanism. A biasing device acts on a second side of the indexing mechanism and the indexing mechanism is configured to allow communication between the central flow passage and the outer flow port after the indexing mechanism is subject to a plurality of pressure cycles within the central flow passage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a failsafe subsurface controlled safety valve. In one embodiment, a failsafe subsurface controlled safety valve assembly includes: a tubular housing; a closure member disposed in the tubular housing, wherein the closure member is movable between a closed position and an open position; an operating piston operable to move the closure member between the closed position and the open position; and a trigger piston operable to move the closure member from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A system including a seal delivery system, including a mandrel, a seal tool coupled to the mandrel, wherein the seal tool is configured to deliver and actuate a bridge seal assembly, and a gear system coupled to the mandrel and to the seal tool, wherein the gear system is configured to rotate the seal tool from a first position to a second position to align the piston assembly.

Abstract: A pressure intensifier for morphing tubulars downhole. An elongate mandrel defines an inner bore, being co-axially located within an elongate hollow outer cylindrical body to form a co-axial annular bore therebetween. Pistons are mounted upon the mandrel with each piston having an annular fluid facing face extending across the annular bore, with fluid communication between the inner bore and the annular bore to act upon each face. Stops are located on an inner surface of the outer cylindrical body to limit travel of each piston. A morph fluid is located in the annular bore between an opposing face of a first piston and a first stop, with the first stop having delivery ports to deliver the morph fluid at a greater pressure than the pressure of fluid delivered through the inner bore.

Abstract: An interchangeable elevator bail link system and method for changing elevator bail length and load carrying configurations during rig operations, wherein an upper bail section is provided comprising a connection for a link tilt system of a top drive or traveling block, and further comprising a connector for connecting to a corresponding connector located on one or more lower bail sections of differing tonnage capacities and lengths, wherein the upper bail section connector and lower bail section connector comprise male and female profiles of corresponding size, shape and location, so that when the connector of the lower bail section is aligned in nonparallel relation to the connector of the upper bail section, which is attached to a link tilt system, movement of the top drive or traveling block in an upwards direction will cause the lower bail section to rotate to a position parallel with the upper bail section.

Abstract: A heave compensator with adjustable dampening properties includes a length extension device having an inner space divided by a slide-able piston into a vacuum chamber and a liquid filled chamber, a gas accumulator divided by a slide-able piston into a gas filled chamber and a liquid filled chamber, and a gas tank having an expansion chamber. The liquid and gas chamber are fluidly connected to each other with valve controlled conduits. Further, the device includes pressure and temperature sensors that register pressure and temperature in the gas and liquid phases. The device further includes a control unit having a signal receiving unit, a writeable computer memory, a data processing unit, and a signal transmitting unit. The data processing unit contains computer software that calculates suited amounts of gas and gas pressure in the gas accumulator and/or gas tank based on the information of which lifting operation is going to be performed.

Abstract: A passive heave compensator comprising: a main hydraulic cylinder, including a moveable piston having a piston rod extendible through the main hydraulic cylinder and a piston head, a gas phase above the piston head, and at least one oil phase below the piston head separated by a boundary; an upper connection point associated with the main hydraulic cylinder and a lower connection point associated with the piston rod; and at least one accumulator, the or each accumulator having a moveable separator to divide the accumulator between a gas phase above the separator, and an oil phase below the separator, and the or each oil phase being in communication with an oil phase in the main hydraulic cylinder; characterized in that the main hydraulic cylinder further comprises a cylinder sleeve co-axial with the piston head to provide, in co-ordination with the piston head, the boundary between the gas phase and the at least one oil phase in the main hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A plug for well drilling process comprising: (a) a mandrel formed from a degradable material; (b) a pair of rings placed on an outer peripheral surface existing in the orthogonal to an axial direction of the mandrel, at least one of the rings being formed from a degradable material; and (c) at least one diameter-expandable circular rubber member placed at a position between the pair of rings on the outer peripheral surface existing in the orthogonal to the axial direction of the mandrel; the percentage of mass loss in the degradable material after immersion for 72 hours in water at a temperature of 150° C. preferably being from 5 to 100%; and a well drilling method comprising the step of plugging well hole using the plug for well drilling process, wherein part or all of the plug for well drilling process degrades after the plugging.

Abstract: A passive heave compensator having: a main hydraulic cylinder, including a moveable piston having a piston rod extendible through the main hydraulic cylinder and a piston head to divide the main hydraulic cylinder between a gas phase above the piston head, and oil phase below the piston head; an upper connection point associated with the main hydraulic cylinder and a lower connection point associated with the piston rod; and an accumulator having a moveable separator to divide the accumulator between a gas phase above the separator, and an oil phase below the separator and being in communication with the oil phase in the main hydraulic cylinder; wherein an oil phase includes a magnetorheological substance, and that the passive heave compensator includes one or more electromagnetic controllers.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting a structure fluid line on an offshore structure with a riser fluid line on a subsea riser. The system includes a connector attachable to the subsea riser and a gooseneck comprising a gooseneck connector in fluid communication with the structure fluid line. A frame is supportable on the connector and comprises a slide releasably engageable with the gooseneck and moveable within the frame. The slide is remotely controllable to move the gooseneck connector into and out of a connected position to establish or break fluid communication between the structure fluid line and the riser fluid line.

Abstract: A drilling riser configured to convey drilling materials between a drilling vessel and a subsea wellhead. The drilling riser has an upper section, and a lower section coupled via a connector to the upper section. The lower section has a buoyant material for distributed passive buoyancy of the lower section. The overall drilling riser is neutrally or negatively buoyant, whereas the lower section is positively buoyant when decoupled from the upper section and coupled to the subsea wellhead.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a centralizer for being mounted around a centralizer sub body to form a centralizer sub. The centralizer comprises first and second opposing end collars arranged, in use, to be positioned around a longitudinal axis of the centralizer. The centralizer also comprises a plurality of spring bows extending from the first end collar to the second end collar. The first end collar may comprise first and second end regions arranged, in use, to face one another. The first and second opposing end regions may comprise first and second engaging elements respectively. The first end region may be configured to be connected, in use, to the second end region via the first and second engaging elements. Also disclosed is a centralizer sub and an engaging device for use in forming a centralizer.

Abstract: This disclosure includes manifolds, subsea valve modules, and related methods. Some manifolds and/or subsea valve modules include one or more inlets, each configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a fluid source, one or more outlets, each in selective fluid communication with at least one of the inlets, and one or more subsea valve assemblies, each configured to selectively control hydraulic fluid communication from at least one of the inlets to at least one of the outlets, where at least one of the outlets is configured to be in fluid communication with an actuation port of the hydraulically actuated device.

Abstract: A device for control of return flow from a borehole, wherein drilling fluid is supplied from a drilling platform through a drill string disposed in a borehole includes an annulus formed between a pipe and the drill string. The annulus is in fluid communication with or forms part of a return path for the drill fluid. A choke is positioned in the annulus. An automatically operated annular seal element is disposed in the pipe above the drill fluid return path. The automatically operated annular seal element is configured to close the annulus to fluid communication when at least one of a predetermined fluid flow rate in the pipe and a predetermined pressure differential across the automatically operated annular seal element is reached.