Abstract: Monitoring of a wellbore which penetrates a reservoir is carried out by providing tracer material at one or more subterranean locations within or proximate the wellbore, so that tracer may enter the flow and be present in flow from the wellbore; repeatedly taking samples from the flow from the wellbore, and analyzing the samples for the presence of tracer, in the vicinity of the wellsite. Taking samples from the flow will generally be done at the surface and may be done by automatic equipment controlled by a programmed computer. The computer may be programmed to take action, such as operating a valve within the well, in response to detection of tracer. Sampling repeatedly and analyzing on site can provide information in something close to real time and thus integrates the use of tracers into an overall process of monitoring and control.

Abstract: An electrochemical device, such as a battery or power source, provides improved performance under stringent or extreme conditions. Such an electrochemical device for use in high temperature conditions may include at least a cathode, a lithium-based anode, a separator, and an ionic liquid electrolyte. This device also may include a current collector and housing that are electrochemically inert with respect to other components of the device. This electrochemical device may operate at temperatures ranging from 0 to 180, 200, 220, 240, and 260° C.

Abstract: The invention discloses a foam composition comprising a self-assembled, force-transmitting peptide network prepared by: a) dissolving or dispersing a peptide surfactant in a liquid to form a solution; and b) mixing the solution with a gas (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide) to form a foam.

Abstract: A directional drilling system, a drilling hammer and a fluid flow telemetry modulator use a plurality of magnets arranged to convert rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion. Various types of motor can provide rotational motion to a part of the magnets and various linkages and other devices can cause steering or operation of a modulator valve. A torsional drilling hammer uses a plurality of magnets arranged to convert reciprocating linear motion into reciprocating rotational motion. A motor and linkage drives the linearly moving part of the magnets, and the rotating part provides torsional impact be striking the linearly moving part of the magnets.

Abstract: A method of constructing a borehole drilled with a drilling apparatus (16), the method comprises: connecting a flexible tubular liner sleeve (22) around the outside of the drilling apparatus and connecting the sleeve around an upper opening of the borehole so as to pass into the borehole; progressively extending the sleeve into the borehole as drilling progresses while maintaining connection to the drilling apparatus and borehole opening; at a predetermined point in the drilling, expanding the sleeve so as to contact the borehole wall; and setting the sleeve so as to be fixed to the borehole wall after expansion. Apparatus for use in such a method comprises: a flexible, expandable sleeve (22); a first connector for connecting the sleeve around the outside of a drilling assembly; and a second connector for connecting the sleeve around the opening of the borehole; wherein the sleeve is arranged to extend through the borehole between the connectors as drilling progresses.

Abstract: A subpart of a drill string is described having an outer circumferential surface which is contoured and adapted to engage the wall of the borehole with a small angle of attack while exerting during rotary drilling operations an compacting pressure on mud cake and/or cuttings present in the annulus between the drill string and the borehole.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole. The cavity is preferably formed along a U-tube borehole by coiled tubing reaming operations and/or radial drilling and explosive blasting.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for drilling a wellbore. The wellbore is formed with a drilling tool that cuts through a formation. A pumping system removes cuttings from the drilling tool and also transports the cuttings along at least a portion of the wellbore formed behind the drilling tool.

Abstract: A method of removing cuttings from a workfront of a lateral borehole hole being drilled from a main borehole by a drilling tool is provided. The drilling tool comprising a tool body including a motor, an axial drive mechanism for advancing the tool body in the well, and a drill bit powered by the motor for drilling the underground formation at the workface and producing cuttings as the tool is advanced. The drilling tool is preferably connected to the surface by means of a cable extending through the lateral borehole and main borehole. The method independently comprising transporting the drilled cuttings from the workface to the part of the lateral borehole immediately behind the drilling tool. Transporting the drilled cuttings from immediately behind the drilling tool to the junction of the lateral borehole and the main well. And transporting the cuttings from the junction to a place of disposal.

Abstract: A subpart of a drill string is described having an outer circumferential surface which is contoured and adapted to engage the wall of the borehole with a small angle of attack while exerting during rotary drilling operations an compacting pressure on mud cake and/or cuttings present in the annulus between the drill string and the borehole.

Abstract: A downhole tool is described designed to be suspended from a surface location into a wellbore (11), the tool including at least one module (20) with elements susceptible to mechanical vibrations or shocks, having the module coupled to remaining parts of the tool with one or more transducers (31) comprising electroactive polymeric material.

Abstract: A method of constructing a well comprising a borehole drilled through underground formations, comprises: positioning at least one device on the outside of the tubular string (e.g. a drill string or casing string), the device being operable to move between first and second configurations; positioning a tubular string in the borehole with the device positioned in the annular space between the tubular string and the borehole wall in its first configuration so as to interact with the tubular string and the borehole while allowing borehole fluid to flow along the annular space and around the device; and operating the device so as to move it from its first configuration to expand into its second configuration in which it substantially fills at least part of the annular space so as to inhibit flow of fluids along the borehole in the space.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running a motor into the well and actuating the motor to turn a drill bit. The motor is used to pump well fluid from the well.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole. The cavity is preferably formed along a U-tube borehole by coiled tubing reaming operations and/or radial drilling and explosive blasting.

Abstract: Fluid diversion measurement systems and methods are described. One system includes a section of tubular having a main flow passage and a fluid diversion port, the section of tubular adapted to be either moving or stationary during a fluid diversion operation, at least two sensors in the section of tubular, at least one sensor located upstream of the fluid diversion port and at least one sensor located downstream of the fluid diversion port, each sensor adapted to measure a parameter of a fluid diverted into a wellbore through the fluid diversion port; and means for using the measured parameters in realtime to monitor, control, or both monitor and control diversion of the fluid. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling an underground borehole, comprising: a tubular conveyance system (18) including an electric cable and a supply of drilling fluid, the supply of drilling fluid being arranged in use to pump fluid from the surface down the inside of the tubular conveyance so as to return to the surface via the annulus between the outside of the tubular conveyance and the borehole; a drilling system comprising an electrically powered pump and a drilling motor, the pump being arranged in use to pump fluid from the borehole outside the drilling system up through the inside of the drilling system; a connector connecting the drilling system to the tubular conveyance system (18), through which the pump and motor are connected to the electric cable, and a flow diverter at which flow down the inside of the tubular conveyance system (18) is diverted into the annulus, and flow up the inside of the drilling system is diverted into the annulus.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole. The cavity is preferably formed along a U-tube borehole by coiled tubing reaming operations and/or radial drilling and explosive blasting.

Abstract: An acoustic source for delivering acoustic energy to a ground formation, particularly a rock formation, the source including (a) a solenoid to generate an electromagnetic field, (b) a bullet positioned within the influence of the electromagnetic field, (c) a casing surrounding and enclosing the solenoid and bullet so that both the solenoid and the bullet are protected from the surrounding environment, in use the solenoid being electrically energized to cause the bullet to be propelled by electromagnetic force so that the bullet impacts an anvil portion of the casing in contact with the ground formation is provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling gas in a subsea drilling operation is disclosed in one embodiment. The system includes a subsea blow-out preventer, riser coupled to the blow-out preventer, a gas sensor, a controller, and a signal pathway. The gas sensor is configured for placement below the riser and configured to contact wellbore fluids during normal drilling operation. The controller configured to automatically cause manipulation the blow-out preventer based upon information from the gas sensor. The signal pathway couples the gas sensor with the controller.

Abstract: A method of constructing a borehole drilled with a drilling apparatus (16), the method comprises: connecting a flexible tubular liner sleeve (22) around the outside of the drilling apparatus and connecting the sleeve around an upper opening of the borehole so as to pass into the borehole; progressively extending the sleeve into the borehole as drilling progresses while maintaining connection to the drilling apparatus and borehole opening; at a predetermined point in the drilling, expanding the sleeve so as to contact the borehole wall; and setting the sleeve so as to be fixed to the borehole wall after expansion. Apparatus for use in such a method comprises: a flexible, expandable sleeve (22); a first connector for connecting the sleeve around the outside of a drilling assembly; and a second connector for connecting the sleeve around the opening of the borehole; wherein the sleeve is arranged to extend through the borehole between the connectors as drilling progresses.