Abstract: A system for automatically monitoring and performing diagnostic procedures on a conduit of a hydrocarbon well operation is disclosed. System examples can use a combination of sensors, data acquisition devices, and computing devices to provide fully automated conduit monitoring and diagnostic procedures that can be based on a variety of different triggering conditions. At least one sensor can be located in fluid communication with the interior of a conduit. A pressure wave traveling through the conduit as a result of deliberate action or a natural occurrence is reflected by abnormal conditions in the conduit. The sensor can receive signals comprising the pressure wave reflections. Pressure data generated by the sensor in response to receiving the signals may be automatically collected and subsequently provided to a computing device that can analyze the pressure data and determine the existence and nature of one or more abnormal conditions of the conduit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a pressure pulse within a pipeline are disclosed. The method includes isolating a barrel of a pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) station from the pipeline, pressurizing the barrel up to a selected pressure, and opening an isolation valve between the barrel and the pipeline, thereby creating the pressure pulse.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a pressure pulse within a pipeline are disclosed. The method includes isolating a barrel of a pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) station from the pipeline, pressurizing the barrel up to a selected pressure, and opening an isolation valve between the barrel and the pipeline, thereby creating the pressure pulse.

Abstract: A system for automatically monitoring and performing diagnostic procedures on a conduit of a hydrocarbon well operation is disclosed. System examples can use a combination of sensors, data acquisition devices, and computing devices to provide fully automated conduit monitoring and diagnostic procedures that can be based on a variety of different triggering conditions. At least one sensor can be located in fluid communication with the interior of a conduit. A pressure wave traveling through the conduit as a result of deliberate action or a natural occurrence is reflected by abnormal conditions in the conduit. The sensor can receive signals comprising the pressure wave reflections. Pressure data generated by the sensor in response to receiving the signals may be automatically collected and subsequently provided to a computing device that can analyze the pressure data and determine the existence and nature of one or more abnormal conditions of the conduit.

Abstract: A machine learning-based system for automatically locating and tracking a transient object in a conduit of interest associated with a hydrocarbon well operation. The system may train a machine learning model using pressure data received from a conduit monitoring system that operates by introducing a pressure wave into the fluid within a conduit and using a sensor to measure the magnitude of pressure waves reflected by a transient object in the conduit. The pressure data can be filtered to remove noise and focus on a frequency range of interest prior to being used to generate a training dataset for training the machine learning model. The machine learning model may be trained to generate a predictive model that can predict the location and movement of a transient object in a conduit of interest based on new pressure measurements associated with the conduit of interest.

Abstract: A machine learning-based system for automatically identifying and locating depositions or leaks in a conduit associated with a hydrocarbon well operation. The system may train a machine learning model using a training dataset comprising a multitude of measured pressure data samples received from a conduit monitoring system that operates by introducing a pressure wave into a conduit and using a sensor to measure the magnitude of pressure waves reflected by surfaces or objects in the conduit. The pressure data samples can be filtered to remove noise and focus on a frequency range of interest prior to being used to train the machine learning model. The machine learning model may be trained, using key attributes of the pressure data samples, to generate a predictive model that can predict a deposition or leak in a conduit of interest based on new measured pressure data associated with the conduit of interest.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a pipeline can include a sampling unit, a spectroscopy system, and a waste handling system. The sampling unit can include a sampling point for capturing a representative sample of a fluid flow in the pipeline. The spectroscopy system can be configured to chemically analyze the representative sample with respect to components of the fluid flow. Additionally, the spectroscopy system can be configured to detect a corrosive component of the fluid flow. The waste handling system can remove the representative sample from the spectroscopy system.

Abstract: Process control for a pipeline can be adjusted based on spectroscopic measurements from a monitoring system. For example, a computing system can receive, from the spectroscopic monitoring system, a spectroscopic measurement with respect to fluid flow in the pipeline. The computing system can determine that an amount of a corrosive component in the fluid flow exceeds a predetermined threshold for the process control. In response to determining that the corrosive component in the fluid flow exceeds the predetermined threshold, the computing system can determine an adjustment to the process control for the fluid flow usable to maintain a compositional stability of the fluid flow. Then, the computing system can output the adjustment to a pipeline tool to maintain the compositional stability of the fluid flow.

Abstract: Methods including generating heat and/or gas in subterranean operations, pipelines, and other related applications. In some embodiments, the methods include providing treatment composition including a carrier fluid, a catalyst, a first reactant, a second reactant, a solvent, an emulsifier, and a foaming agent, wherein the first and second reactants are capable of reacting in an exothermic chemical reaction; and introducing the treatment composition into at least a portion of a conduit or container having a temperature of less than 30° C.

Abstract: Methods including generating heat and/or gas in subterranean operations, pipelines, and other related applications. In some embodiments, the methods include providing treatment composition including a carrier fluid, a catalyst, a first reactant, a second reactant, a solvent, an emulsifier, and a foaming agent, wherein the first and second reactants are capable of reacting in an exothermic chemical reaction; and introducing the treatment composition into at least a portion of a conduit or container having a temperature of less than 30° C.

Abstract: Contemplated methods and devices comprise detecting the presence of a pathogen in a biological host. In certain implementations, a sample is provided from a biological host. A biosensor is provided, the biosensor having a first probe configured to detect a control marker in the sample, the control marker being an endogenous element of the biological host. The biosensor has a second probe configured to detect the presence of a target marker in the sample, the target marker being from a pathogen in the biological host. The sample is applied to the biosensor, and the presence or absence of the control marker in the sample is identified using the first probe. The presence or absence of the target marker in the sample is identified using the second probe.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a rotatable spool mounted in a frame, a primary locking mechanism for arresting rotation of the spool and a load absorbing mechanism arranged to come into effect at a predetermined load for absorbing a portion of the spool locking load. The load absorbing mechanism may be a section of an inwardly facing peripheral edge of the frame having a serrated or roughened texture and which is positioned and adapted so that above a predetermined load it co-operates with a smooth surfaced spool bearing face to absorb some of the load. Spool rotation is prevented on engagement of the primary locking mechanism and the load on the primary mechanism rises causing the frame side walls to deform and the serrated or roughened section is pushed closer to, and eventually against the spool bearing face, roughening the smooth surface and increasing its coefficient of friction to absorb some of the load and resist rotation of the spool.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a rotatable spool mounted in a frame, a primary locking mechanism for arresting rotation of the spool and a load absorbing mechanism arranged to come into effect at a predetermined load for absorbing a portion of the spool locking load. The load absorbing mechanism may be a section of an inwardly facing peripheral edge of the frame having a serrated or roughened texture and which is positioned and adapted so that above a predetermined load it co-operates with a smooth surfaced spool bearing face to absorb some of the load. Spool rotation is prevented on engagement of the primary locking mechanism and the load on the primary mechanism rises causing the frame side walls to deform and the serrated or roughened section is pushed closer to, and eventually against the spool bearing face, roughening the smooth surface and increasing its coefficient of friction to absorb some of the load and resist rotation of the spool.