Abstract: A method of designing compressible particles for a fluid mixture. The compressible particles are intended to be used for attenuating pressure within a confined volume such as a trapped annulus. Preferably, the compressible particles reside buoyantly within an aqueous fluid, forming a fluid mixture. Each of the compressible particles is fabricated to collapse in response to fluid pressure within the confined volume, and comprises carbon. The particles may each have a porosity of between 5% and 40%, and a compressibility of between 10% and 30%, at 10,000 psi. The particles are tuned to have a buoyancy that is lower than the carrier fluid while still having resiliency.

Abstract: A method of designing compressible particles for a fluid mixture. The compressible particles are intended to be used for attenuating pressure within a confined volume such as a trapped annulus. Preferably, the compressible particles reside buoyantly within an aqueous fluid, forming a fluid mixture. Each of the compressible particles is fabricated to collapse in response to fluid pressure within the confined volume, and comprises carbon. The particles may each have a porosity of between 5% and 40%, and a compressibility of between 10% and 30%, at 10,000 psi. The particles are tuned to have a buoyancy that is lower than the carrier fluid while still having resiliency.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic system for downhole telemetry employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a string of casing within a wellbore. The nodes allow wireless communication between transceivers residing within the nodes and a receiver at the surface. The transceivers provide node-to-node communication up a wellbore at high data transmission rates for data indicative of fluid flow within the wellbore. A method of monitoring the flow of fluid within a wellbore uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along the casing string sending signals to a receiver at the surface. The signals are then analyzed.

Abstract: A system for downhole telemetry is provided herein. The system employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a tubular body in a wellbore. Each communications node is associated with a sensor that senses data indicative of a formation condition or a wellbore parameter along a subsurface formation. The data is stored in memory until a logging tool is run into the wellbore. The data is transmitted from the respective communications nodes to a receiver in the logging tool. The data is then transferred to the surface. A method of transmitting data in a wellbore is also provided herein. The method uses a logging tool to harvest data in a wellbore from a plurality of sensor communications nodes.

Abstract: A system for downhole telemetry is provided herein. The system employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a tubular body either above or below ground, such as in a wellbore. The nodes allow for wireless communication between one or more sensors residing at the level of a subsurface formation or along a pipeline, and a receiver at the surface. The communications nodes employ electro-acoustic transducers that provide for node-to-node communication along the tubular body at high data transmission rates. A method of transmitting data in a wellbore is also provided herein. The method uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along a tubular body to accomplish a wireless transmission of data along the wellbore using acoustic energy.

Abstract: A system for downhole telemetry employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a tubular body such as a pipe in a wellbore. The nodes allow hybrid wired-and-wireless communication between one or more sensors residing at the level of a subsurface formation and a receiver at the surface. The nodes employ electro-acoustic transducers providing node-to-node communication up a wellbore at high data transmission rates. A method of transmitting data in a wellbore uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along a tubular body to deliver an alternating electrical and acoustic transmission of data along the wellbore.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic system for downhole telemetry employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a string of casing within a wellbore. The nodes allow wireless communication between transceivers residing within the communications nodes and a receiver at the surface. The transceivers provide node-to-node communication of data indicating elastic waves generated as a result of the formation of subsurface fractures. The data is processed which generates a map of fracture geometry. A method of evaluating fracture geometry in a subsurface formation uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along the casing string which send signals to a receiver at the surface. The signals are analyzed which generates a subsurface map.

Abstract: A method for providing zonal communication interruption in a wellbore, comprising: positioning a plurality of cement diverters axially along an outer surface of a tubular member, each cement diverter having an axial length and an azimuthal extension of less than 360°, wherein the azimuthal position of at least one cement diverter is axially rotated from an adjacent cement diverter; positioning the tubular member within the wellbore; and flowing cement into an annulus formed between an inner surface of the wellbore and the outer surface of the tubular member, wherein the positioning of the plurality of cement diverters provides zonal communication interruption about every 10 to 20 feet (about every 3.0 to about 6.1 meters) axially along the tubular member. An apparatus for providing zonal communication interruption in a wellbore is also provided.

Abstract: A system for downhole telemetry employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a tubular body such as a pipe in a wellbore. The nodes allow for hybrid wired-and-wireless communication between one or more sensors residing at the level of a subsurface formation, and a receiver at the surface. The communications nodes employ electro-acoustic transducers that provide for node-to-node communication partially up a wellbore, and then high speed data transmission using a wire for the remaining distance up to the surface. A method of transmitting data in a wellbore uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along a tubular body to deliver wireless signals partially up the wellbore, and then wired signals the remaining distance.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic system for downhole telemetry employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a string of casing within a wellbore. The nodes allow wireless communication between transceivers residing within the communications nodes and a receiver at the surface. The transceivers provide node-to-node communication of data indicating elastic waves generated as a result of the formation of subsurface fractures. The data is processed which generates a map of fracture geometry. A method of evaluating fracture geometry in a subsurface formation uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along the casing string which send signals to a receiver at the surface. The signals are analyzed which generates a subsurface map.

Abstract: A system for downhole telemetry is provided herein. The system employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a tubular body either above or below ground, such as in a wellbore. The nodes allow for wireless communication between one or more sensors residing at the level of a subsurface formation or along a pipeline, and a receiver at the surface. The communications nodes employ electro-acoustic transducers that provide for node-to-node communication along the tubular body at high data transmission rates. A method of transmitting data in a wellbore is also provided herein. The method uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along a tubular body to accomplish a wireless transmission of data along the wellbore using acoustic energy.

Abstract: Foamed cement slurry compositions and a process or method for cementing well casings or pipes utilizing such compositions are described, the compositions being characterized by critical ratios of particular solid and liquid components. The slurry compositions formed provide unique properties such as rapid set or hydration, and are designed particularly for use with weakly consolidated formations.