Abstract: An electrical submersible pump assembly (ESP) has a centrifugal production pump with production pump stages. A gas separator upstream is from the production pump. A centrifugal charge pump is upstream from the gas separator. The charge pump has charge pump stages and a discharge that leads to an intake of the gas separator. Each of the production pump stages has a higher lifting capacity than each of the charge pump stages. The impellers of the production pump stages have vane exit angles greater than vane exit angles of the impellers of the charge pump stages.

Abstract: A technique facilitates connection of tubulars along a tubing string via a linear motion. A first tubular is provided with a first connector end having a non-circular transverse cross-section, and a second tubular is provided with a second connector end having a corresponding non-circular transverse cross-section. The non-circular cross-section and the corresponding non-circular cross-section are designed to matingly engage when the first and second tubulars are moved linearly toward each other to form a tubing string. A seal is provided to seal the first connector end with the second connector end once linearly engaged. A locking mechanism may be employed to linearly lock the first connector end with the second connector end.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fixed-cutter drill bit including a bit body defining a bit rotational axis, a plurality of blades each having an inner end that is radially closer to the bit rotational axis than a remainder of the respective blade, a central bit surface, and a plurality of cutters disposed on the blades and including an innermost cutter located closest among all of the plurality of cutters to the bit rotational axis and having a flattened cutting surface, a cutting arc, and a relief having ends which is located within and interrupts the cutting arc such that the cutting arc includes at least two portions located on opposite ends of the relief. The disclosure also provides a drilling system including the drill bit and a drill string attached to the drill bit and a surface assembly to rotate the drill string and drill bit.

Abstract: A tubular gripping apparatus includes a housing having a bore and a plurality of gripping members movable between a gripping position and a release position. The apparatus may also include a shield having a tubular inner body movable relative to an outer body. The tubular inner body is movable between a retracted position, in which the tubular inner body is positioned above the plurality of gripping members, and an extended position, in which the inner body is at least partially positioned interiorly of the plurality of gripping members.

Abstract: A self-powered sensor array (SPSA) for sensing environmental parameters along a drillstring includes an outer collar having moveable member retainers with moveable members movably located in the moveable member retainers. An inner ring is rotatably supported within the outer collar with bearing elements on an outer surface of the inner ring positioned to displace the moveable members relative to the moveable member retainers in response to relative rotation between the inner ring and the outer collar. Shape memory material elements are arranged in a respective moveable member retainer. Distance sensors are configured to sense a gap responsive to a shape change of the respective shape memory material element and a displacement of the respective moveable member. Power generation components are configured such that, in response to the relative rotation, the bearing elements displace a particular moveable member into a particular moveable member retainer, generating an electric charge.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for thermal management of subsea conduits such as jumpers that provide the ability to alternate between cooling and heat retention of production fluids within the conduit as needed depending on the phase of operation. Adjustable insulation elements are provided on the conduits so that convective heat transfer between surrounding seawater and the conduit can be allowed or reduced. A control system can activate an alarm indicating the need to adjust the insulation depending on the temperature and/or flow rate of fluids in the conduit. Conventional conduits can be retrofitted by adding adjustable insulation elements to enable thermal management.

Abstract: A detonator activated wireline release tool is provided for use in geological well operations that enables the wireline cable to be easily released from tool string equipment upon activation of a detonator housed within the release tool. The release tool has a wireline subassembly portion that is connected to a tool string subassembly portion during assembly. It is sometimes necessary to disconnect the wireline subassembly from the tool string subassembly at a time when accessing the either is not physically possible. Such release is achieved by sending an electronic signal that detonates an explosive load which actuates a latch through an expansion chamber. The latch shifts and allows the finger flanges previously connecting the subassemblies to disengage, thus releasing the subassemblies.

Abstract: A technique facilitates evaluation of a fluid flowing through a tubing and includes at least one sensor deployed along an interior of the tubing. Each sensor comprises a plurality of electrodes and insulation material disposed between the electrodes to isolate the electrodes from each other and to facilitate resistivity measurements. The plurality of electrodes comprises electrodes for emitting an electric current and for monitoring voltage so as to enable resistivity measurements with respect to fluid flowing through the tubing. The resistivity measurements may be used to determine a constituent fraction, e.g. a water fraction, of the fluid flowing through the tubing.

Abstract: An electric motor-actuated tractor (e-Tractor) apparatus and method for use in downhole operations. The apparatus includes a power subassembly, a tractor subassembly and one or more gripper subassemblies and can be: run in a single or multiple e-Tractor configuration; run in either intermittent-motion tractoring mode or continuous-motion tractoring mode with the ability to switch between the two modes; used to generate both distal and proximal longitudinal forces to move the run-in string into or out of the wellbore; repeatedly activated and deactivated without run-in string manipulation or hydraulic pressure; and combined with tensiometer and other sensor package options to provide real-time data to the surface to optimize tractoring operations. The apparatus and method are well-suited for application in an c-coil conveyed workover or completion system, and for use in extended reach laterals in horizontal wells.

Abstract: A method of assembling a borehole screen assembly includes placing a screen around a base pipe followed by an end ring having a skive cut to allow fitment with the screen by sliding along the skive cut. The assembly can be completed with welds.

Abstract: The invention discloses systems for improving performance and operational efficiency of wireline tractors. A cooling system improves power capabilities of electrical motors mounted in wheels, which are mounted on a linkage pivotably connected to an arm extended from a tractor tool body, in an in-line arm configuration. The linkage and arm mechanism significantly improve the tractor's ability to traverse wellbore obstructions. The hydraulic system of the tractor ensures adequate wellbore centralization.

Abstract: A cutter element for a drill bit includes a base portion having a central axis, a first end, and a second end. In addition, the cutter element includes a cutting layer fixably mounted to the first end of the base portion. The cutting layer includes a cutting face distal the base portion. The cutting face includes an elongate raised ridge having a first end at a radially outer surface of the cutting layer and a second end at the radially outer surface of the cutting layer. The raised ridge defines a maximum height of the cutter element measured axially from the second end of the base portion to the cutting face. The cutting face also includes a first planar lateral side surface and a second planar lateral side surface. Each planar lateral side surface extends from the raised ridge to the radially outer surface of the cutting layer.

Abstract: A method for determining a location of a proppant in a subterranean formation includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole tool. The proppant is pumped into the wellbore after the first set of data is obtained. The proppant is pumped while or after the subterranean formation is fractured. A second set of data is obtained in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the proppant is pumped into the wellbore. The first set of data and the second set of data include a gravitational field measurement. The first and second sets of data are compared, and in response to the comparison, the location of the proppant in the subterranean formation is determined.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a blade coupled to a body. The body and blade rotate about a longitudinal axis. A pre-formed faceplate is connected to the blade and partially defines a cutter pocket therein. Another portion of the cutter pocket is defined by the blade. The cutter pocket includes a sidewall and a base, with the sidewall formed by the blade and the pre-formed faceplate, and the base formed by the blade. The pre-formed faceplate includes a pre-formed hardfacing element. A downhole tool includes a blade coupled to a body. The body and blade rotate about a longitudinal axis. A pre-formed segment is connected to the blade and has a cutter pocket therein. The cutter pocket includes a sidewall and a base, and a cutting element is coupled to the pre-formed segment and within the cutter pocket. The pre-formed segment is optionally made of a different material than the blade and has increased wear and/or erosion resistance compared to the blade.

Abstract: An isolated lubrication system for a drill bit is disclosed. The system comprises a body having a cutting arm with a journal and a rotary cutter mounted on the journal. The system also comprises a reservoir in a body to contain a fluid lubricant that isolated from communication outside the body. The system also comprises multiple conduits in communication with the reservoir and with respect to each other. The multiple conduits facilitate lubrication between the journal and the rotary cutter, including the bearings, by means of a gravitational force and/or a centrifugal force acting of the fluid lubricant. Further, the system comprises a sealing system. The sealing system includes a sealing cap provided to the reservoir, a seal provided between the journal and the rotary cutter, and a stepped passageway provided in a clearance between the rotary cutter and a cutting arm of the body.

Abstract: An assembly and method of manufacturing an assembly for use as an isolation barrier to be run in and secured within a well. The assembly has a sleeve member positioned on the exterior of a tubular body, fixed at each end to create a chamber therebetween. Fluid can enter the chamber through a port in the tubular body to morph the sleeve member against a larger diameter surface in the well. The sleeve member is formed of at least two materials, welded together and machined before being arranged on the tubular body. One material is more expandable than the other so as to morph more easily. The sleeve is connected to the tubular body by screw threads and seals. Initial construction of the sleeve member allows welding, inspection and machining without affecting the tensile strength of the tubular body or complete assembly.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for measuring fluid flow. The system may include a plurality of sensors and a computing device. The plurality of sensors may be positionable at different angles in a container of an offshore drilling rig to sense data about drilling fluid flow in the container. The computing device may be communicatively couplable to the plurality of sensors for receiving the data about the drilling fluid flow in the container and using the data to determine a calculated fluid flow rate compensating for movement of the offshore drilling rig.

Abstract: An outer diameter of a mandrel with a recess to accommodate lower slips with a larger thickness, a sealing element with a concave outer diameter to control a pressure differential caused by a Bernoulli Effect across the sealing element, and a disc that is selectively secured to a housing via a removable shear pin, wherein shear pins with different pressure ratings may be inserted into the housing.

Abstract: A downhole temporary pressure isolation tool configured to withstand very high gas pressures at high temperatures may be achieved by a variety of configurations, processes, and techniques. In particular implementations, a barrier valve having one or more frangible discs configured to resist fluid flow in a particular specified duration. In some implementations, the barrier valve may achieve a V0 rating. In one embodiment, for example, a barrier valve may prevent the passage of fluid (i.e., gas and/or liquid) at 15,000 psi and a temperature of 400 degrees F. for at least 15 minutes. If the barrier valve has two frangible ceramic discs, it may prevent the passage of fluid from two directions for at least 15 minutes.

Abstract: A cutting element has a cutting face at an opposite axial end from a base, a side surface extending from the base to the cutting face, an edge formed at the intersection between the cutting face and the side surface, and an elongated protrusion formed at the cutting face and extending between opposite sides of the edge, wherein the elongated protrusion has a geometry including a border extending around a concave surface and sloped surfaces extending between the border and the edge, and wherein the concave surface has a major axis dimension measured between opposite sides of the border and a minor axis dimension measured perpendicularly to the major axis dimension and ranging from 50 percent to 99 percent of the major axis dimension.