Abstract: Earth formations are characterized by using an array of electrodes which can measure streaming potentials in the formation, and by interpreting the data obtained by the electrodes. The electrodes are placed on a wireline tool, a LWD tool, or in a fixed manner about a completed wellbore. The measured streaming potentials are generated by drilling with an overbearing pressure, slitting the mudcake in a borehole, acid injection, or any of various other manners which causes fluid movement. The data obtained is interpreted to locate fractures, measure formation permeability, estimate formation pressure, monitor drilling fluid loss, detect abnormal pressure, etc. Particularly, a streaming potential voltage transient having a double peak profile signifies the presence of a formation fracture.

Abstract: A process for underbalanced drilling into multiple coal and shale formations, and dewatering the drilled formations, which includes drilling a first borehole through several coal seams to a certain depth; lowering an upstock on the end of a carrier string to the depth of the upper coal seam; lowering a drill string in the carrier string, and angling off of the upstock, to drill a lateral or horizontal borehole within the coal seam; repeating the process for the second coal seam; setting a packer in place above the first coal seam in the annulus between the cased borehole and the carrier string; forming perforations in the wall of the carrier string below the packer; retrieving the upstock from the carrier string; lowering an electrical submersible pump to the bottom of the principal borehole; pumping water from the sump portion to the surface within the annulus of the second drill string.

Abstract: Rigid wound or reelable pipe (1) for transporting hydrocarbons having a single-walled or double-walled envelope comprising two coaxial pipes, internal (2) and external (3), respectively, separated by an annular space, comprising at least one electrical heating cable (10) capable of being subjected to an elongation of 0.5% without sustaining damage and produced, for example, in the form of a central conducting braided cable surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath. The materials comprising the cable are subjected to elastically deformation by remaining below 15% of their elastic limit and preferably below 5%.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to back reamers having bases including leading ends that can be connected to a drill string and trailing ends that can be connected to product desired to be pulled through a bore being backreamed. The back reamers also include reaming components that are detachably secured to the bases.

Abstract: A cutting element for a rotary drill bit that has a superabrasive member joined to a substrate at a three-dimensional interface is disclosed. The interface of the cutting element preferably incorporates a first ring pattern comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged raised sections which are separated by a plurality of radially extending grooves. Also, the interface configuration may include at least a second ring pattern comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged raised sections which are separated by a plurality of radially extending grooves. Radially adjacent ring patterns may substantially circumferentially overlap with one another. An interface of a cutting element including at least one ring pattern having an odd number of sections is also disclosed. Further, rotary drill bits including at least one such cutting element are disclosed.

Abstract: An pipe handling assembly for transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a movable magazine, a support member, a drive system, and a transfer assembly. The drive system may move the magazine laterally on the support member or may pivot the magazine. The transfer assembly transfers pipe sections between the magazine and the spindle connection area. The magazine and the support frame are disposed above the spindle connection area such that only empty columns of the magazine are outside of the footprint of the boring machine.

Abstract: An actuator module that is usable with a subterranean well includes a housing, a stimulus detector and an actuator. The stimulus detector and the actuator are mounted to the housing, and the housing is adapted to form a releasable connection with a tubular string. The string has a downhole tool, and the housing is separate from the tool when the housing is connected to the string. The stimulus detector detects communication of a command-encoded stimulus downhole, and the actuator actuates the tool in response to the stimulus.

Abstract: A method for drilling in the floor of an ocean from a floating structure using a rotatable tubular includes a seal housing having a rotatable seal connected above a portion of a marine riser fixed to the floor of the ocean. The seal rotating with the rotating tubular allows the riser and seal housing to maintain a predetermined pressure in the system that is desirable in pressurized mud cap and reverse circulation drilling. A flexible conduit or hose is used to compensate for relative movement of the seal housing and the floating structure because the floating structure moves independent of the seal housing. The drilling fluid is pumped from the floating structure into an annulus of the riser, allowing the formation of a mud cap downhole in the riser, or allowing reverse circulation of the drilling fluid down the riser, returning up the rotatable tubular to the floating structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a seal assembly that maintains a seal under various conditions by providing a source of stored energy that can be used to insure contact forces are maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a portion of a subsea structure is provided. The method includes pumping a fluid through a length of tubing such that the temperature of the fluid increases. The temperature increase of the fluid is created by friction in the tubing, and may be also be created by at least one pressure reducing device such as an orifice, pressure reducing valve, or relief valve. A subsea structure may be heated by transferring heat from fluid circulating in a closed loop configuration or by direct application of fluid to the subsea structure using a nozzle. A remotely operated vehicle may be utilized to transport some or all of the equipment necessary, including pumps, tubing, heat exchangers, nozzles and tanks. The remotely operated vehicle provides power to the pumps used for circulating fluid through the tubing.

Abstract: A system and method for determining load on a downhole tool according to which one or more sensors are embedded in one or more components of the tool or in a material on one or more of the components. The sensors are adapted to sense load on the components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure. The tubular member is anchored to the preexisting structure and an expansion member is displaced relative to the tubular member to radially expand the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a subterranean well includes a safety valve assembly and a pressure/temperature sensor. The safety valve assembly is controllable to selectively isolate a formation of a well from the surface of the well. The pressure/temperature sensor is located in the safety valve assembly to measure a pressure/temperature near the safety valve assembly.

Abstract: The system including a well tool having a housing forming a protection fluid chamber in fluid communication with a discharge port, a protection fluid disposed within the protection fluid chamber, and a moveable mechanism in functional connection with the protection fluid chamber in a manner to expel a portion of the protection fluid when the moveable mechanism moves.

Abstract: A system for drilling a substantially horizontal borehole, comprises a rotating drill string extending from a surface system to a location in the horizontal borehole, the drill string having a drill bit at a bottom end. A rotary steerable system in the drill string proximate the drill bit is adapted to direct the rotating drill string toward a desired exit point. In another aspect, a method for drilling a substantially horizontal borehole from a surface location to an offshore exit location, comprises drilling a borehole using a rotary steerable system to direct the borehole along a predetermined trajectory toward the exit location. The borehole is reamed from the surface location toward the exit location while recovering a drilling fluid at the surface location.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for stimulating a subterranean formation that is penetrated by a well bore in fluid communication with the formation. At least one length of propellant is assembled with at least one shaped explosive charge that is aimed axially along the well bore toward the propellant. Detonation of the explosive charge ignites the propellant and any successive explosive charge positioned in the well bore. Detonation of the successive explosive charge ignites the next successive length of propellant and next successive explosive charge.

Abstract: A control line can be positioned in a downhole completion. For example, the control line can be deployed in a protected position along a stinger to reduce the potential for damaging the control line during installation, removal or operation.

Abstract: A device for sealing and anchoring within a tubular member. The device comprises a top swage member disposed within the tubular member, with the top swage member having a longitudinal center of axis. Also included is a first sealing member disposed about the top swage member, with the first sealing member containing a first plurality of circumferential ribs disposed about the first sealing member. The device may also include a second sealing member that is attached to the first sealing member, with the second sealing member containing a second plurality of circumferential ribs disposed about the second sealing member. A bottom swage member is disposed within the second sealing member, with the bottom swage member having a longitudinal center of axis. The device further comprises a setting apparatus for driving the top swage longitudinally downward relative to the top swage's longitudinal center axis and for driving the bottom swage longitudinally upward relative to the bottom swage's center axis.

Abstract: A control line guide and manipulating arm can protect and guide one or more control lines which are desired to be attached and lowered into a wellbore with a tubular string. The control lines may be moved toward a tubular string, can be clamped to the tubular string, and the tubular string and control lines may be lowered into the wellbore. When the elevator reaches a predetermined position, the spider slips are preferably set. To protect the control lines, the control lines are moved in a substantially radial direction outward from the tubular string. The spider slips are closed only after the control lines are retained outward. After another tubular joint is connected to the tubular string and the elevator grips the tubular string, the spider slips are preferably released. For easier attachment, of the control lines to the tubular string, the control lines are moved in a substantially radial direction toward the tubular string.

Abstract: A well system utilizes a control line system. The control line system is implemented with a completion of the type deployed in a wellbore. The control line system facilitates transmission of monitoring, command or other types of control and telemetry. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).