Abstract: Optical fiber connections and their applications in downhole assemblies are described herein. The downhole assembly includes a well completion element with an end that couples with a corresponding well completion element. An optical fiber extends along at least a portion of the well completion element and transmits an optical signal using a first mode. The well completion element includes an optical fiber connector that is coupled to the optical fiber. The connector also includes a mode converter that receives the optical signal from the optical fiber and converts the optical signal from the first mode to a second larger mode. This second larger mode may be more robustly communicated to a corresponding optical fiber connector affixed to the corresponding well completion element.

Abstract: Optical fiber connections and their applications in downhole assemblies are described herein. The downhole assembly includes a well completion element with an end that couples with a corresponding well completion element. An optical fiber extends along at least a portion of the well completion element and transmits an optical signal using a first mode. The well completion element includes an optical fiber connector that is coupled to the optical fiber. The connector also includes a mode converter that receives the optical signal from the optical fiber and converts the optical signal from the first mode to a second larger mode. This second larger mode may be more robustly communicated to a corresponding optical fiber connector affixed to the corresponding well completion element.

Abstract: Optical fiber connections and their applications in downhole assemblies are described herein. The downhole assembly includes a well completion element with an end that couples with a corresponding well completion element. An optical fiber extends along at least a portion of the well completion element and transmits an optical signal using a first mode. The well completion element includes an optical fiber connector that is coupled to the optical fiber. The connector also includes a mode converter that receives the optical signal from the optical fiber and converts the optical signal from the first mode to a second larger mode. This second larger mode may be more robustly communicated to a corresponding optical fiber connector affixed to the corresponding well completion element.

Abstract: Embodiments may generally take the form of a degradable composite structure and a method for controlling the rate of degradation of a degradable composite structure. An example embodiment may take the form of a degradable polymer matrix composite (PMC) including a matrix having: a degradable polymer, a fiber reinforcement, and particulate fillers. The fiber loading is between approximately 10% to 70% by weight and the particulate loading is between approximately 5% to 60%.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may include injecting a multistage fracturing treatment into the wellbore comprising one or more stages of geopolymer precursor composition containing a geopolymer precursor and an activator, and one or more stages of a spacer fluid; and curing the one or more stages of geopolymer precursor composition. In another aspect, methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may include injecting a multistage fracturing treatment into the wellbore that include one or more stages of geopolymer precursor composition, wherein the geopolymer precursor composition includes an emulsion having an oleaginous external phase, and an internal phase comprising one or more surfactants, a geopolymer precursor, and an activator, and one or more stages of a spacer fluid; and curing the one or more stages of geopolymer precursor composition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of adjusting matrix acidizing procedures are disclosed. An example method includes determining parameters of a wellbore fluid during a matrix acidizing procedure using at least a first sensor and a second sensor. The parameters include velocity of the wellbore fluid and a temperature difference between the first sensor and the second sensor. The method also includes, based on the parameters, determining a characteristic relative to an invasion length of a reactive fluid within the formation, the reactive fluid used in association with the matrix acidizing procedure.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may include injecting a multistage fracturing treatment into the wellbore comprising one or more stages of geopolymer precursor composition containing a geopolymer precursor and an activator, and one or more stages of a spacer fluid; and curing the one or more stages of geopolymer precursor composition. In another aspect, methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may include injecting a multistage fracturing treatment into the wellbore that include one or more stages of geopolymer precursor composition, wherein the geopolymer precursor composition includes an emulsion having an oleaginous external phase, and an internal phase comprising one or more surfactants, a geopolymer precursor, and an activator, and one or more stages of a spacer fluid; and curing the one or more stages of geopolymer precursor composition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing the material properties and behavior of cement as it hydrates under simulated downhole conditions. A wellbore cement simulator includes a temperature and pressure controlled innermost oil-filled container; an annulus in contact with the innermost container configured to hold a cement sample; a mesh sleeve in contact with the annulus wherein the mesh sleeve is water permeable to permit hydration of the cement sample; a steel sleeve in contact with the mesh sleeve; an elastomeric bladder surrounding the steel sleeve; and a temperature and pressure controlled outermost oil-filled container.

Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: A predetermined condition in a fluid-filled wellbore system can be detected by generating at least one sound in the wellbore system in response to the condition, such that a detectable change is created in some characteristic of the emitted sound, and detecting the at least one sound and the change, the detection being indicative that the predetermined condition has occurred. Equipment for facilitating detection of the condition can include a trigger operable in response to the condition; a generator operable to emit sound in the borehole and to create a detectable change in some characteristic of the emitted sound in response to the trigger; and at least one sensor operable to monitor the sound and detect the change, the detection being indicative that the predetermined condition has occurred. It is also possible to estimate a value of a property of a fluid-filled wellbore system.

Abstract: Embodiments may generally take the form of a degradable composite structure and a method for controlling the rate of degradation of a degradable composite structure. An example embodiment may take the form of a degradable polymer matrix composite (PMC) including a matrix having: a degradable polymer, a fiber reinforcement, and particulate fillers. The fiber loading is between approximately 10% to 70% by weight and the particulate loading is between approximately 5% to 60%.

Abstract: Optical fiber connections and their applications in downhole assemblies are described herein. The downhole assembly includes a well completion element with an end that couples with a corresponding well completion element. An optical fiber extends along at least a portion of the well completion element and transmits an optical signal using a first mode. The well completion element includes an optical fiber connector that is coupled to the optical fiber. The connector also includes a mode converter that receives the optical signal from the optical fiber and converts the optical signal from the first mode to a second larger mode. This second larger mode may be more robustly communicated to a corresponding optical fiber connector affixed to the corresponding well completion element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of adjusting matrix acidizing procedures are disclosed. An example method includes determining parameters of a wellbore fluid during a matrix acidizing procedure using at least a first sensor and a second sensor. The parameters include velocity of the wellbore fluid and a temperature difference between the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing the material properties and behavior of cement as it hydrates under simulated downhole conditions are disclosed. A wellbore cement simulator includes a temperature and pressure controlled innermost oil-filled container; an annulus in contact with the innermost container configured to hold a cement sample; a mesh sleeve in contact with the annulus wherein the mesh sleeve is water permeable to permit hydration of the cement sample; a steel sleeve in contact with the mesh sleeve; an elastomeric bladder surrounding the steel sleeve; and a temperature and pressure controlled outermost oil-filled container.

Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: The current application discloses methods and systems for generating mechanical tube waves in fluid filled boreholes penetrating subterranean formations. In one embodiment, the system of the current application comprises an energy storage chamber; a fast operating valve connected to the energy storage chamber; a pipe connected to the valve and extending to the liquid-filled borehole; wherein the energy storage chamber contains a first pressure that is substantially different from a second pressure in the pipe so that a fast operation of the valve generates a tube wave in the pipe.

Abstract: A composition comprising, and methods of producing a solid state dispersion comprising particles dispersed in a water soluble polymer. Treatment fluids comprising, and methods of using the solid state dispersion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique provides a system and methodology for detecting and monitoring erosion in various environments, including downhole environments. A tracer element is located in a component such that sufficient erosion of the component due to fluid flow exposes the tracer element. A monitoring system is disposed for cooperation with the tracer element such that exposure of the tracer element is detected by the monitoring system. The monitoring system outputs appropriate data indicative of the erosion to enable adjustments to the fluid flow.

Abstract: A predetermined condition in a fluid-filled wellbore system can be detected by generating at least one sound in the wellbore system in response to the condition, such that a detectable change is created in some characteristic of the emitted sound, and detecting the at least one sound and the change, the detection being indicative that the predetermined condition has occurred. Equipment for facilitating detection of the condition can include a trigger operable in response to the condition; a generator operable to emit sound in the borehole and to create a detectable change in some characteristic of the emitted sound in response to the trigger; and at least one sensor operable to monitor the sound and detect the change, the detection being indicative that the predetermined condition has occurred. It is also possible to estimate a value of a property of a fluid-filled wellbore system.