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 tagged object includes a main body and a plurality of coded particles. Each coded particle may have a miniature body and be configured to provide a resolvable optical emission pattern when illuminate. The plurality of coded particles may be immobilized to the main body. A method for performing oilfield monitoring may include disposing of different types of tagged objects at different locations, wherein the different types of tagged objects each comprise a plurality of coded particles. Each of the coded particles may have a miniature body containing rare earth elements configured to produce a unique optical emission pattern when illuminated. The method may include allowing an event to trigger the release of one of the different types of tagged objects from one of the different locations. In addition, the method may include identifying the released tagged objects by unique optical emission patterns, in some cases in order to determining an occurrence location of the event.

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: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and methods for improving the stability of a wellbore during drilling operations using a rotary drill string. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for enhancing the performance of the filter or mud cake layer on the wall of the wellbore as a protective and isolating layer.

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: 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.

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 system and a method for heterogeneous proppant placement in a fracture (12) in a subterranean formation (18) are disclosed. The system includes a delivery system (10) for delivering proppant and treatment fluid to the fracture (12), a sensor (20) for measuring geometry of the fracture and a computer (24) in communication with the sensor (20). The computer (24) includes a software tool for real-time design of a model (38) for heterogeneous proppant placement in the fracture (12) based on data from the sensor (20) measurements and a software tool for developing and updating a proppant placement schedule (42) for delivering the proppant and treatment fluid to the fracture (12) corresponding to the model. A control link between the computer (24) and the delivery system (10) permits the delivery system (10) to adjust the delivery of the proppant and treatment fluid according the updated proppant placement schedule.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring a parameter within a well comprising: a first apparatus comprising a first reel of first wound optic fiber line (or fiber) able to be unwound from the first reel, at least a first sensor able to measure the parameter of the well, wherein information on said parameter can be transmitted trough the first optic fiber; a second apparatus comprising a second reel of second wound optic fiber line able to be unwound from the second reel, an extremity of the second optic fiber being fixed to a reference point; a light transmitter or receiver device linked to the reference point and able to generate or detect a light pulse through the second optic fiber line; and means to exchange said light pulse between first and second optic fiber line.

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: 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 and a method for heterogeneous proppant placement in a fracture (12) in a subterranean formation (18) are disclosed. The system includes a delivery system (10) for delivering proppant and treatment fluid to the fracture (12), a sensor (20) for measuring geometry of the fracture and a computer (24) in communication with the sensor (20). The computer (24) includes a software tool for real-time design of a model (38) for heterogeneous proppant placement in the fracture (12) based on data from the sensor (20) measurements and a software tool for developing and updating a proppant placement schedule (42) for delivering the proppant and treatment fluid to the fracture (12) corresponding to the model. A control link between the computer (24) and the delivery system (10) permits the delivery system (10) to adjust the delivery of the proppant and treatment fluid according the updated proppant placement schedule.

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 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: 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: 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 subpart (430) of a drill string (211) 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: The present invention provides methods and systems for making measurements associated with a rock formation including a main borehole, a microborehole extending from the main borehole into the rock formation, and one or more sensing devices positioned and arranged to make a measurement at measurement zones being located in the microborehole. A packer can also be installed in the microborehole dimensioned and arranged to hydraulically isolate the measurement zones from conditions present in other parts of the microborehole and/or main borehole. Methods and systems are also provided for taking fluid samples and injecting fluid tracers in a microborehole.

Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling fluid hydraulics when drilling a well bore is disclosed. The drilling fluid is supplied by a surface pump through a drill string to a drill bit. The method has the step of adjusting the flow rate of a surface pump and a fluid pressure drop across the drill bit while drilling such that the drilling fluid hydraulics are optimized for a given drilling condition. In order for the flow through all the devices in the drill string to also be optimized, the flow through the devices is adjusted, thereby setting the pressure drop and the fluid flow rate through each device. As required for the overall system, the flow from the surface pump is increased or decreased as necessary.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for making measurements associated with a rock formation including a main borehole, a microborehole extending from the main borehole into the rock formation, and one or more sensing devices positioned and arranged to make a measurement at measurement zones being located in the microborehole. A packer can also be installed in the microborehole dimensioned and arranged to hydraulically isolate the measurement zones from conditions present in other parts of the microborehole and/or main borehole. Methods and systems are also disclosed for taking fluid samples and injecting fluid tracers in a mircoborehole.