Abstract: A mining bit includes: a shank; and cutting tips attached to the shank, each cutting tip having a plurality of layers and a plurality of abrasive particles, wherein the layers have a shape of an arch with flat surfaces in such a manner as to be laminated onto each other in a horizontal direction with respect to a cut surface of each cutting tip, and a distance (D2) between the abrasive particles on the adjacent layers is less than a distance (D1) between the abrasive particles on each layer.

Abstract: Drilling tools are frequently subject to rotation with respect to the central drilling axis caused by torque. A mechanical linkage can be configured to apply force that is proportional to the weight-on-bit on the borehole surface while transmitting axial loads used to generate weight-on-bit. The device can be used to manage drill string twist that could lead to drilling dysfunctions.

Abstract: A drilling choke is controlled in a controlled pressure system. Pressure and position of the drilling choke are monitored. An adjustment to the position of the choke is determined based on the monitored pressure to control the drilling pressures. An actuation is produced of an actuator operably coupled to the choke to implement the determined adjustment. Rather than directly transferring, the actuation of the actuator is transferred with a transfer mechanism to motion of the choke in a non-linear relationship relative to the position of the choke. Generally, motion of the choke's internal trim (e.g., gate, ball, flapper, disc, etc.) is made quicker when near a fully opened position and is made slower when near a fully closed position. This reduces the need for strict precision for the motion. In the end, the monitored pressure is altered in response to the implemented choke adjustment.

Abstract: A method for isolating and performing work on a segment of a pipe includes delivering an isolation tool to a target location. A first seal member is actuated to form an annular seal around an outer surface of the isolation tool. A second ring body is moved away from a first ring body, elongating an isolation sheet that extends between the first ring body and the second ring body. The isolation sheet defines an annular work space between the outer diameter of the isolation sheet and the inner diameter of the pipe. A second seal member is actuated to form an annular seal around the outer surface of the isolation tool. A pressure within the annular work space is reduced by removing fluids within the annular work space with an ejector device. Work is performed within the annular work space with a tool assembly.

Abstract: A downhole indicating device includes a collet body and a slidable collet comprising a protrusion and surrounding and slidable along a length of the collet body between a low snap position and a high snap position. In the low snap position, the protrusion is depressible under a low snap force, and in the high snap position, the protrusion is depressible under a high snap force with the low snap force being less than the high snap force.

Abstract: An adjustable flow line may include an outer pipe body having a first flange, an inner pipe body partially disposed within the outer pipe body and axially translatable with respect to the outer pipe body, a metal seal positioned between an outer surface of inner pipe body and an inner surface of the outer pipe body, a sleeve positioned around the inner pipe body and outside of the outer pipe body, and a second flange positioned around the inner pipe body, wherein when connected to the first flange. The sleeve may be axially translatable with respect to the inner pipe body. The second flange may axially secure the sleeve with respect to the outer pipe body and cause the sleeve to energize the metal seal.

Abstract: A method for determining geological formation characteristics involves driving a bottom hole assembly (BHA) in a borehole. At least one mechanical drilling parameter generated is detected responsive to operation of the BHA in the borehole. At least one geological formation characteristic is identified responsive to the detected at least one mechanical drilling parameter. The identified at least one geological formation characteristic is provided to a surface steerable drilling system. Operation of the surface steerable drilling system is controlled responsive to the at least one geological formation characteristic.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining in-situ, multi-temperature measurements of fluid properties, such as saturation pressure and asphaltene onset pressure include obtaining a sample of formation fluid using a downhole acquisition tool positioned in a wellbore in a geological formation. The downhole acquisition tool may be stationed at a first depth in the wellbore that has an ambient first temperature. While stationed at the first depth, the downhole acquisition tool may test a first fluid property of the sample to obtain a first measurement point at approximately the first temperature. The downhole acquisition tool may be moved to a subsequent station at a new depth with an ambient second temperature, and another measurement point obtained at approximately the second temperature. From the measurement points, a temperature-dependent relationship of the first fluid property of the first formation fluid may be determined.

Abstract: A disclosed pulsed-power drilling system may include a controller that receives and analyzes feedback from downhole components reflecting changing conditions or performance measurements associated with a pulsed drilling operation to determine that an operating parameter of the drilling operation should be modified. The controller may output a control signal to cause an adjustment of a configurable downhole component, such as mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic component that affects the operating parameter, while the drill bit remains in the wellbore. The controller may adjust a segmented transformer of a pulse-generating circuit, changing the number of primary winding switches that are fired, or the timing of the firing of the switches, to modify characteristics of the generated pulses. Adjusting a downhole component may affect the drilling rate, the drilling direction, the flow of drilling fluid, a pulse rise time, a pulse repetition rate, or a rate of penetration for the drilling operation.

Abstract: A well screen assembly residing in a well bore has a base pipe and a filtration screen carried on the base pipe. The screen is radially extended with force from fluid while maintaining the base pipe radially unextended.

Abstract: A degradable plug device for a pipe has an outer plug body and an inner plug for preventing fluid flow through the pipe until the inner plug has been removed from the outer plug body. The outer plug body and the inner plug are of a degradable material. The inner plug has a chamber with at least one port to the exterior of the inner plug. The exposed surfaces of the degradable plug have a protective layer thereon. The inner plug is disposable in at least a first position, in which the inner plug prevents the fluid flow through the pipe. The inner plug is adapted to undergo, in use, a degradation initiation operation such that fluid is able to enter the chamber via the at least one port to initiate corrosion or dissolution of the inner plug from inside the chamber.

Abstract: Systems and method for separating hydrocarbon fluids from water and solid material within a main tubular of a subterranean well include locating a transducer assembly within the subterranean well, the transducer assembly including a plurality of piezo electric transducers spaced along a length of the main tubular. Standing acoustic waves are generated with the plurality of piezo electric transducers, the standing acoustic waves passing through the main tubular transverse to the central axis. A number of loops of the standing acoustic waves decrease in a direction of flow of fluids through the main tubular.

Abstract: A downhole tool including multiple orifices defining at least a first and a second flow path, and a valve that adjusts to change a ratio of fluid flow between the first and second flow paths, the valve being offset from the multiple orifices by a gap that is adjustable to customize a sensitivity of the change to each adjustment. A method for regulating flow along a first fluid path in a downhole tool includes adjusting a valve relative to multiple orifices that define the first fluid path and a second fluid path, said adjusting changing a ratio of fluid flow between the first and second flow paths, and adjusting a gap between the valve and the multiple orifices to modify a sensitivity of the change to each adjustment.

Abstract: An example drill bit is formed by a bit head portion and a shank portion. The bit head portion includes a bit face, and the shank includes a bit portion and a bit connection. The bit connection is configured to be coupled to a drill string. The bit head and shank are configured to be secured together. When secured together, one or more blades that start near a central axis of the bit face continue to a gage portion of the bit and along at least a portion of the length of the bit portion of the shank. One or more anchoring elements are coupled to the bit head and the shank to restrict relative rotational or axial movement between the bit head and the shank.

Abstract: A method for deploying a sand screen in a borehole penetrating the earth includes: disposing the sand screen in an unexpanded form in the borehole, the sand screen at least partially surrounding a base-pipe; and activating the sand screen in the unexpanded form by applying at least one of an activation fluid and heat to the sand screen causing the sand screen to expand into an expanded form. The method further includes: conveying a downhole tool through the base-pipe, the downhole tool being configured to sense a property derived from at least one of expansion and non-expansion of the sand screen as a function of distance into the borehole to provide sensed data as a function of distance into the borehole; and identifying one of an expanded state and an unexpanded state of the sand screen using the sensed data as a function of distance into the borehole.

Abstract: A method of managing a liquid solvent inventory in a condensing solvent gravity drainage extraction chamber includes growing the extraction chamber by injecting a solvent vapour under conditions which cause at least a portion of the solvent vapour to condense on a hydrocarbon extraction interface at a condensation temperature, then accumulating within the extraction chamber condensed liquid solvent which is draining through the chamber under the influence of gravity, which liquid solvent includes a hydrocarbon rich fluid production layer which is proximal to said extraction interface, and then heating a portion of the extraction chamber from a location near, in and/or above the injector to create a heated zone having a temperature above the condensation temperature without heating the hydrocarbon rich production layer to permit the hydrocarbon rich production layer to continue to drain to a production well.

Abstract: A gas-lift well includes a casing extending down a wellbore, production tubing extending within the casing, a gas system for inserting compressed gas into an annular space between the casing and the production tubing, at least one gas-lift input, and at least one fluid flow regime modifier. The at least one gas-lift input extends from the annular space, through the production tubing, and to an interior of the production tubing. The at least one fluid flow regime modifier is disposed within the production tubing and is at least partially within a fluid column of the production tubing, the at least one fluid flow regime modifier is configured to reduce fluid fallback and impart a turbulent flow regime to at least a portion of the fluid column.

Abstract: Electrically ignitable and electrically controllable explosive material (EIECEM) may be disposed within a shaped charge for deployment downhole. An explosion of the EIECEM is controlled by limiting the duration of excitation at the EIECEM, for example, the duration that an electrical source provides an electrical charge, electrical current or electrical signal. The shaped charge may be insulated from an electrical source to prevent explosion of the EIECEM and coupled to the electrical source to create ignite or explode the EIECEM. A plurality of shaped charges may be disposed downhole and may be ignited or exploded in any suitable order. The EIECEM may be ignited multiple times such that multiple explosions are created. The explosion of the EIECEM creates or extends a perforation or fracture in a formation. The shaped charges may be excited in a predetermined sequence and for a predetermined duration of time.

Abstract: A sensor unit for a fingerboard latch assembly comprising a latch bracket and a latch rotatably mounted on the latch bracket comprises a sensor arranged to sense the orientation of the latch and a wireless, optical or other communication unit arranged to communicate the orientation of the latch sensed by the sensor. The sensor unit may be mountable on the latch and comprise an orientation sensor arranged to take measurements that are dependent on the orientation of the sensor unit, and a processor arranged to derive an orientation signal representing the orientation of the latch from the measurements, the communication unit being arranged to communicate the orientation signal. A monitoring system receives the sensed orientations from plural sensor units.

Abstract: A snubber tool can be installed in a downhole tool string to reduce vibration in the downhole tool string. The snubber tool includes two compliance components having different stiffness properties and pre-compression and a drive washer that selectively applies further compression to the compliance components in response to external forces acting on the snubber tool. The compliance components retain their initial pre-compression under external loading of the snubber tool.