Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering detailed information about physical properties, including inflow data, in a downhole of a well to the surface without the need of providing cabling to the downhole are presented. Such information can be based on data captured by sensors placed within the downhole of the well, and subsequently stored into memory of ruggedized buoyant memory modules (RBMMs) that are physically injected into the fluid flow of the well. The RBMMs use the flow of the fluid inside of the well to deliver the data to a location where the data can be extracted. Data stored in the RBMMs can be extracted either directly from the RBMMs or remotely via, for example, a wireless interface.

Abstract: A valve that allows control of each of one or more flow paths using one actuator is presented. Rotary motion of a motor is transformed into linear motion using a roller screw mechanism. The travel of the roller screw nut is predefined between front and back hard stops that prevent the roller screw from rotating when the stops are reached. A poppet is attached to the nut using a flexible connection. The nut drives a sleeve with inclined surfaces that moves relative to a locking flexure. When the sleeve is driven, it deforms flanges of the locking flexure causing a cantilever end finger of the flexure to move radially and prevent the poppet from being pushed back. If the sleeve is moved farther, a groove on the sleeve engages notches on the fingers creating a detent that prevents the spring to push the sleeve back.

Abstract: A flow control valve for use in oil well bore holes. The flow control valve includes a plurality of flow paths connected in parallel. The flow control valve operates by successively opening different flow paths, starting with a flow path that requires a reduced force to operate its inlet valve. The flow rate through the flow control valve is controlled by opening and closing different ones of the plurality of flow paths individually or in combination. A flow path that allows fluid to flow at substantially the full flow rate of the valve is provided as one of the parallel paths. A simple mechanical design using poppet valves and at least one cam is described.

Abstract: A valve that allows control of each of one or more flow paths using one actuator is presented. Rotary motion of a motor is transformed into linear motion using a roller screw mechanism. The travel of the roller screw nut is predefined between front and back hard stops that prevent the roller screw from rotating when the stops are reached. A poppet is attached to the nut using a flexible connection where a spring is compressed. The nut also drives a sleeve with inclined surfaces that moves relative to a locking flexure. When the sleeve is driven by the nut toward closing the valve, the sleeve deforms flanges of the locking flexure causing a cantilever end finger of the flexure to move radially and prevent the poppet from being pushed back. If the sleeve is moved farther in the direction of valve closing, a groove on the sleeve engages notches on the fingers creating a detent that prevents the spring to push the sleeve back.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve controller that uses an existing pressure differential as some or all of the power source for valve operation. In a high pressure environment, such as downhole in an oil or gas well, the pressure differential between the inside of a pipe and the outside of the pipe may be adequately large to drive a linear slide valve. The valve is operated hydraulically by a piston in a bore. When a higher pressure is applied to one end of the bore and a lower pressure to the other end, the piston moves in response to the pressure differential and drives a valve attached to it. If the pressure differential is too small to drive the piston at a sufficiently high speed, a pump is provided to generate a larger pressure differential to be applied. The apparatus is conveniently constructed using multiport valves, which can be rotary valves.

Abstract: A flow control valve for use in oil well bore holes is described. The flow control valve includes a plurality of flow paths connected in parallel. The flow control valve operates by successively opening different flow paths, starting with a flow path that requires a reduced force to operate its inlet valve. The flow rate through the flow control valve is conveniently controlled by opening and closing different ones of the plurality of flow paths individually or in combination. A flow path that allows fluid to flow at substantially the full flow rate of the valve is provided as one of the parallel paths. A simple mechanical design using poppet valves and at least one cam is described. The flow control valve provides advantages including digital control of the flow rate, low operating power requirements and abrasion resistance in the presence of particulates in the fluid.

Abstract: A hydraulic vale controller that uses an existing pressure differential as some or all of the power source for valve operation. In a high pressure environment, such as downhole in an oil or gas well, the pressure differential between the inside of a pipe and the outside of the pipe may be adequately large to drive a linear slide valve. The valve is operated hydraulically by a piston in a bore. When a higher pressure is applied to one end of the bore and a lower pressure to the other end, the piston moves in response to the pressure differential and drive a valve attached to it. If the pressure differential is too small to drive the piston at a sufficiently high speed, a pump is provided to generate a larger pressure differential to be applied. The apparatus is conveniently constructed using multiport valves, which can be rotary valves.

Abstract: Undesirable particle growth of particles comprising a hydrazide oxidized developer in a photographic dispersion can be significantly reduced when the hydrazide scavenger is in the form of a dispersion of crystalline solid particles dispersed in an aqueous medium. The dispersion is prepared by milling crystalline solid particles of the scavenger in an aqueous medium in the presence of a dispersing agent and in the substantial absence of an organic solvent.

Abstract: Undesirable dye stain in a photographic element containing a disulfonamidophenol oxidized developer scavenger can be significantly reduced when the disulfonamidophenol scavenger is in the form of a crystalline solid particle dispersion prepared by milling crystalline solid particles of the scavenger in an aqueous medium in the presence of a dispersing agent and in the substantial absence of an organic solvent.