Abstract: A downhole tool that includes a tractor for assisting movement of the tool through deviated portions of a wellbore. The tractor includes a working fluid that damps vibrations in the tractor by adjusting the viscosity in the fluid. In an example, the working fluid is a magnetorheological fluid that has a viscosity that changes in response to applied electrical energy. The working fluid, which may be used for powering actuators on the tractor, may contain a suspension of magnetic particles.

Abstract: A threaded tubular section includes a first tubular member made of a first material, the first tubular member including a threaded pin section. The section also includes a second tubular member made of a second material, the second tubular member including a threaded box section to mate with the threaded pin section. A pressure equalization device made of a third material is disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, the pressure equalization device including one or more openings to equalize pressure in an interior of a thread connection of the first and the second tubular members with pressure in a bore or an annulus of the first and the second tubular members.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for two-way communication with a downhole tool string are provided. In one example, a method may include placing a downhole tool string into a pressure riser of a well while at least one component of the downhole tool string is not activated. Thereafter, a wireless control signal may be issued through the pressure riser to the downhole tool to cause the downhole tool string to activate the component. The wireless control signal may involve an acoustic signal, an optical signal, and/or an electromagnetic signal such as electrical dipole coupling or magnetic dipole coupling.

Abstract: The current application discloses methods and systems for generating high pressure dual phase mixture. In some embodiments, the methods and systems involve mounting a dual phase mixture generator on a transportable platform wherein the dual phase mixture generator comprises a mixing chamber connected with at least a first inlet, a second inlet, and a first outlet. A first container and a first pump are also mounted on the transportable platform wherein the first pump is operably connected with the first container. The transportable platform and the mounted equipments are then deployed at a wellsite. A base fluid is pumped into the first inlet under high pressure, and a gas is pumped into the second inlet under high pressure. The base fluid and the gas is combined in the mixing chamber to generate a high pressure dual phase mixture, which is then discharged via the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a parameter of interest includes a conduit and a reactive media in the conduit. The reactive media interacts with a selected fluid component to control a flow parameter of the conduit. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor responsive to the flow parameter. The apparatus may be used for estimating a water content of a fluid flowing from a subterranean formation. The apparatus may include a flow path configured to convey fluid from the formation. The at least one sensor may be responsive to a pressure change in the flow path caused by interaction of the reactive media with water.

Abstract: A method of heterogeneous proppant placement in a subterranean fracture is disclosed. The method comprises injecting well treatment fluid including proppant (16) and proppant-spacing filler material (18) through a wellbore (10) into the fracture (20), heterogeneously placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters or islands (22) spaced apart by the material (24), and removing the filler material (24) to form open channels (26) around the pillars (28). The filler material can be dissolvable particles, initially acting as a consolidator during placement of the proppant in the fracture, and later dissolving to leave flow channels between the proppant pillars. The well treatment fluid can include extrametrical materials to provide reinforcement and consolidation of the proppant and, additionally or alternatively, to inhibit settling of the proppant in the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for engaging an earth strata material includes a cutting insert attached to an axial forward end of an elongate drill bit body. The cutting insert includes an elongate insert body rotatable about a central axis with a pair of symmetrical halves symmetrical about the central axis, each symmetrical half comprising: a leading face; a top surface having a primary relief surface; a web thinning gash extending between the leading face and the primary relief surface, the web thinning gash having a debris evacuation portion centrally disposed adjacent the central axis and a distal transition portion disposed adjacent the debris evacuation portion; a first leading cutting edge at the intersection of the leading face and the primary relief surface; and a second leading cutting edge at the intersection of the web thinning gash and the primary relief surface of the top surface.

Abstract: A technique is provided for extracting a substance containing hydrocarbon from a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is applied with thermal energy in order to reduce the viscosity of the substance. As per the technique, at least two conductor loops for the inductive energization are provided as electric/electromagnetic heating elements. Each of the at least two conductor loops has at least two extended conductors, which are guided horizontally inside the reservoir. At least two alternating current generators are provided for electric power, each being connected to a respective conductor loop. The technique involves operating a first of the at least two alternating current generators and at least a second of the at least two alternating current generators synchronously with respect to their frequency and with a fixed phase position in relation to one another.

Abstract: A dissolvable tool includes a body having at least a portion configured to dissolve in a fluid, and a barrier connected to the body. The barrier is configured to slidably fluidically seal to a structure that the body and the barrier are movable within to maintain a volume of the fluid between the barrier and the body while the barrier and the body are moved through the structure.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for positioning a tool at a well site. The apparatus includes a first arm rotationally connected to a guide on a column. The apparatus further includes a second arm rotationally connected to the first arm. The second arm is also connected to a tool attachment member at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is offset from the centerline of the tool. Additionally, the apparatus includes a flexible tension member having one end operatively connected to the guide and another end connected to the tool attachment member at a location closer to the centerline of the tool than the pivot point, wherein the flexible tension member is configured to maintain the tool in a specific orientation around the pivot point during the positioning operation. In a further aspect, a method of positioning a tool at a wellsite is provided.

Abstract: A disconnector drill string has an uphole section and a downhole section coupled together by a disconnection sub, an operative length and an internal fluid conduit that extends along its operative length. The disconnection sub is operable to receive wirelessly a pre-designated command signal, to selectively couple the uphole section and the downhole section together, and to selectively uncouple the uphole section and the downhole section from one another. A method for using the disconnector drill string in a well bore includes the steps of introducing the disconnector drill string into the well bore, transmitting wirelessly the pre-designated command signal to the disconnection sub such that the disconnection sub selectively operates to uncouple the uphole section of the disconnector drill string from the downhole section of the disconnector drill string, and removing the uphole section of the disconnector drill string from the well bore.

Abstract: A drilling assembly for drilling a subterranean wellbore includes an expandable reamer and an expandable stabilizer. The expandable reamer and the expandable stabilizer each have a tubular body with a longitudinal axis and a drilling fluid flow path extending therethrough. A plurality of blades is carried by the reamer and a plurality of bearing pads is carried by the stabilizer. The blades and bearing pads are outwardly movable from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to the longitudinal axes of the reamer and stabilizer, respectively. The reamer and stabilizer each include an actuation device for moving the blades and bearing pads, respectively, from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: An adjustable fracturing system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a fracturing manifold and a fracturing tree. A fluid conduit is coupled between the fracturing manifold and the fracturing tree to enable receipt of fracturing fluid by the fracturing tree from the fracturing manifold. Further, the fluid conduit is an adjustable fluid conduit that allows an operator to vary a dimension of the fluid conduit to facilitate coupling of the fluid conduit between the fracturing manifold and the fracturing tree. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved bypass valve assembly for a plunger lift apparatus comprises a bypass valve cage having improved flow characteristics and a simplified clutch assembly having enhanced durability and low cost.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program product facilitate the automation of an oil & gas process, e.g., a drilling process, through the use of a dynamic phase machine incorporating multiple autonomous agents. An agent may be used to perform automated acceptance of a survey performed by a downhole survey device, e.g., so that an oil & gas drilling process may proceed for an accepted survey.

Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.

Abstract: A landfill well control system includes a mobile hand-held device provided with a software monitoring application including a table having data related to determination of a desired methane gas output flow rate. A landfill gas (LFG) wellhead gas control valve includes: an electronically controlled, powered flow control device actuator; a flow measurement element producing differential pressures proportional to a gas flow rate; a pressure sensor/transducer; and a microprocessor having control logic capability and the ability to communicate via a local wireless signal to the mobile hand-held device. The powered flow control device actuator using data from the table of the mobile hand-held device or remotely stored data provides automatic valve positioning.

Abstract: For handling and clamping a pipe, an apparatus includes plural clamping elements movably arranged in a device body configured as an annular shell. A positioning element is vertically movably arranged in the device body, and includes an obliquely sloping actuating surface that cooperates with a sliding surface of the clamping elements, so that a vertical or axial motion of the positioning element at least partially causes a horizontal or radial motion of the clamping elements. Also, a vertical or axial motion of the clamping elements is at least partially converted into a horizontal or radial motion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously flowing drilling fluid along a drill string includes a continuous circulation device having at least a first fluid path in fluid communication with a top drive and a second fluid path in communication with a diverter. The diverter is in selective fluid communication with a pipe stand associated with the drills string. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor that estimates at least one operating parameter associated with the continuous circulation device. A related method includes using a continuous circulation device as described to manipulate the drill string and controlling the continuous circulation device using at least one sensor configured to estimate at least one operating parameter associated with the continuous circulation device.

Abstract: Frac valves used in completing oil and gas wells are provided. The valves comprise a cylindrical housing adapted for assembly into a liner for a well. The valve housing defines a conduit for the passage of fluids through the housing. Preferably the conduit has a substantially uniform diameter. The housing has a port which can allow fluids to pass from the conduit to the exterior of the valve. The port may be shut off or left open by a valve body mounted on the housing. Preferably, the valve body is mounted between inner and outer walls provided in the housing. An actuator is provided to move the valve body between its open and closed positions. It comprises a receiver that is adapted to receive an activation signal. Thus, the valve may be actuated by introducing a transmitter into the housing conduit which transmits an activation signal.