Abstract: A method and system for determining a rock matrix dielectric permittivity. The method and system use a matching liquid with a temperature dependant permittivity. The matching liquid may be used in an automated and/or downhole system for measuring matrix dielectric permittivity of rock formations.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a rock matrix dielectric permittivity. The method and system use a matching liquid with a temperature dependant permittivity. The matching liquid may be used in an automated and/or downhole system for measuring matrix dielectric permittivity of rock formations.

Abstract: A tool for use in wellbore drilling that is suitable for use with a drill string for drilling a wellbore having an inner wall. The tool comprises a cylindrical abrasion surface for contacting the inner-wall and generating particles of solid material, and a smearing device coupled with the drill string for applying radial and circumferential force to smear the generated particles onto the inner wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: Additive for a drilling fluid to block drilling-induced or pre-existing rock fractures comprising polymeric granules with a diameter distribution peak between 1000 and 200 microns and an average resiliency of at least 10% rebound after compression by a load of 200 N and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for use in wellbore drilling, suitable for use with a drill string for drilling a wellbore having an inner wall, the tool comprising means for generating particles of solid material from the formed inner wall of a drilled wellbore, and means for directing the generated particles to the inner wall of the wellbore and a method of forming a layer of solid particles on the inner wall of a wellbore drilled by such a drill string.

Abstract: A casing position locator for detecting structural features of a borehole casing, the locator including: a plurality of field generators for generating respective dynamic magnetic fields which combine to provide a dynamic test magnetic field to interact with the casing, where the test field includes a magnetic field null point located where the respective dynamic magnetic fields substantially cancel each other out; and a sensor for detecting a change in the position of the null point, relative to the sensor, due to the interaction.

Abstract: A casing position locator for detecting structural features of a borehole casing, the locator including: a plurality of field generators for generating respective dynamic magnetic fields which combine in use to provide a dynamic test magnetic field to interact with the casing, wherein the test field includes a magnetic field null point where the respective dynamic magnetic fields substantially cancel each other out; and a sensor for detecting in use a change in the position of the null point, relative to the sensor, due to said interaction.

Abstract: Additive for a drilling fluid to block drilling-induced or pre-existing rock fractures comprising polymeric granules with a diameter distribution peak between 1000 and 200 microns and an average resiliency of at least 10% rebound after compression by a load of 200 N and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method of removing particulate solids from an oil based drilling or completion fluid (1) is disclosed. The method involves exposing the fluid to an electric field to electrically migrate particulate solids suspended therein, and collecting the migrated particulate solids to remove them from the fluid.

Abstract: Methods and tools are described to reduce sanding including the steps of fracturing the cement sheath in a localized zone around the casing and having the fractured zone act as sand filter between the formation and openings in the casing, with the openings being best pre-formed but temporarily blocked so as to allow a conventional primary cementing of the casing. The fracturing step can also be used for remedial operation to reopen blocked formation or screens.

Abstract: A method of removing particulate solids from an oil based drilling or completion fluid is disclosed. The method involves exposing the fluid to an electric field to electrically migrate particulate solids suspended therein, and collecting the migrated particulate solids to remove them from the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of drilling a hydrocarbon well using a drillstring adapted to provide a continuous or quasi-continuous contact with the wall of the well such that at least of section the well a compacting force is exerted on filter cake deposited thereon; circulating a drilling mud through the borehole during the drilling operation such that a filter cake is deposited on the borehole wall by the drilling mud, the filter cake being compacted by contact with the drillstring, including, before the drilling mud enters the borehole a conditioning additive in the drilling mud, the additive conditioning the filter cake upon the contact with the drillstring to increase the yield strength of the filter cake.