Abstract: An in situ method deploy and/or plasticize a shape-memory material in order to change the material's physical dimensions and/or mechanical properties, including a method for deploying a shape-memory polymer having a deformed or compressed shape in an environment at a first temperature, the shape memory polymer having a first glass transition temperature which is greater than the first temperature. The method also includes decreasing the glass transition temperature of shape memory polymer from the first glass transition temperature to a second glass transition temperature which is less than or equal to the first temperature; and expanding the shape memory polymer to deploy the shape memory polymer in a deployed shape.

Abstract: A system for separating fluids of a fluid mixture including a filter element operatively arranged for enabling a first component of a fluid mixture to flow therethrough while impeding flow of at least one other fluid component of the fluid mixture. An additive is configured to improve a first affinity of the filter element for the first component relative to a second affinity of the filter element for the at least one other fluid component of the fluid mixture. A method of separating fluids is also included.

Abstract: A method for deploying a shape memory polymer includes disposing a shape memory polymer having a deformed shape in an environment at a first temperature, the shape memory polymer having a first glass transition temperature which is greater than the first temperature. The method also includes decreasing the glass transition temperature of shape memory polymer from the first glass transition temperature to a second glass transition temperature which is less than or equal to the first temperature; and expanding the shape memory polymer to deploy the shape memory polymer in a deployed shape.

Abstract: A downhole sealant includes a composition that includes a polymer; an absorbent material; a primary crosslink network including primary bonds between chains of the polymer; and a secondary crosslink network which is transient. A method of regulating the swell rate of the downhole sealant includes disposing a downhole sealant comprising a polymer and an absorbent material in a borehole; maintaining a primary crosslink network of the polymer; and decomposing a secondary crosslink network of the absorbent material in response to a condition to regulate the swell rate of the downhole sealant.

Abstract: A nano-coating comprises multiple alternating layers of a first layer comprising a first nanoparticle having an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 10 and having a positive or negative charge, and a second layer comprising a second nanoparticle having an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 10 and having a positive or negative charge opposite that of the first nanoparticle, wherein the nano-coating is disposed on a surface of a substrate. An article comprising the nano-coating, and a method of forming the nano-coating, are each disclosed.

Abstract: A swell controlling arrangement includes a swellable member configured to swell upon exposure to a swell inducing fluid, and an acidic material that is configured to form an acidic environment. The swell controlling arrangement is configured to preferentially expose the swellable member to the acidic environment when the swellable member and the acidic material are exposed to the swell inducing fluid.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for downhole sampling are presented. The sampling system includes a control unit and a housing to engage a conduit. The housing at least partially encloses at least one formation sampler to collect a formation sample. The formation sampler is stored in a sampler carousel. A sampler propulsion system forces the formation sampler into the formation. The propulsion system is in communication with the control unit.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a sample carrier adapted to receive a sample and return it to the surface. An embodiment includes a formation tester adapted to load the sample carrier. An embodiment includes a retriever to remove the carrier from the drilling mud. The retriever also includes a device for removing the sample from the carrier.

Abstract: A drilling fluid having a brine base fluid, aluminum chlorohydrate as a viscosifying agent, an alkoxylated surfactant, and an amphoteric polymer encapsulant has been found to have excellent viscoelasticity and suspension characteristics. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that a synergistic effect is present between the aluminum chlorohydrate and the surfactant such that less of each component is required when both are used together to suspend the same amount of solids, than if one or the other is used separately.