Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing drilling operations in a wellbore using a drill string are provided. The methods and systems include measuring a first formation characteristic with at least one sensor, measuring a second formation characteristic by means of a hydraulic test, the at least one second formation characteristic being different from the at least one first formation characteristic, generating a model to represent a formation around the wellbore, the model incorporating the first formation characteristic and the second formation characteristic, and performing a drilling operation based on the generated model.

Abstract: A construction system having construction elements is provided, which allows for unlimited designs of producible structures to be created. If the construction system is provided as a toy, then the construction elements can be played with without suffering fatigue. Furthermore, the producible structures are sufficiently resilient and can thus be used as a ball, for example. The construction elements can be manufactured in a simple and low-cost manner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing drilling operations in a wellbore using a drill string are provided. The methods and systems include measuring a first formation characteristic with at least one sensor, measuring a second formation characteristic by means of a hydraulic test, the at least one second formation characteristic being different from the at least one first formation characteristic, generating a model to represent a formation around the wellbore, the model incorporating the first formation characteristic and the second formation characteristic, and performing a drilling operation based on the generated model.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly (BHA) coupled to a drill string includes one or more controllers, and a hole enlargement device that selectively enlarges the diameter of the wellbore formed by the drill bit. The hole enlargement device includes an actuation unit that may move extendable cutting elements of the hole enlargement device between a radially extended position and a radially retracted position. The actuation unit may be responsive to a signal that is transmitted from a downhole and/or a surface location. The hole enlargement device may also include one or more position sensors that transmit a position signal indicative of a radial position of the cutting elements. In an illustrative operating mode, one or more operating parameters of the hole enlargement device may be adjusted based on one or more measured parameters. This adjustment may be done in a closed-loop or automated fashion and/or by human personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the formation and a single probe configured to be extended from the carrier and to seal with a wall of the borehole. The apparatus further includes a fluid analysis sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to sense a property of a formation fluid sample extracted from the formation by the probe. A coring device is disposed at the carrier and configured to extend into the probe, to drill into the wall of the borehole, and to extract a core sample. A core sample analysis sensor is disposed at the carrier and configured to sense a property of the core sample. A processor is configured to receive data from the fluid analysis sensor and the core sample analysis sensor and to estimate the property using the data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for reducing a vibration of a drill string in a borehole. A sensor of the drill string obtains one or more measurements of a parameter of the vibration. A processor determines at least one force for controlling the measured vibration from the measured parameter. At least one actuator applies the determined at least one force against the borehole wall to control the vibration of the drill string.

Abstract: An apparatus to be conveyed into a wellbore. The apparatus includes a housing configured to be conveyed downhole and a drive member located in the housing. The apparatus further includes a drive unit configured to actuate movement of the drive member by selectively coupling to the drive member, wherein the coupling of the device to the drive member is controlled by applying an energy to a selected material in the device.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly (BHA) coupled to a drill string includes one or more controllers, and a hole enlargement device that selectively enlarges the diameter of the wellbore formed by the drill bit. The hole enlargement device includes an actuation unit that may move extendable cutting elements of the hole enlargement device between a radially extended position and a radially retracted position. The actuation unit may be responsive to a signal that is transmitted from a downhole and/or a surface location. The hole enlargement device may also include one or more position sensors that transmit a position signal indicative of a radial position of the cutting elements. In an illustrative operating mode, one or more operating parameters of the hole enlargement device may be adjusted based on one or more measured parameters. This adjustment may be done in a closed-loop or automated fashion and/or by human personnel.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed. The drill bit includes a center member configured to rotate at a first speed and an outer member disposed outside the center member, wherein the outer member is configured to rotate at a second speed. The drill bit also includes a first cutter disposed on the center member and a second cutter disposed on the outer member, wherein the first speed and second speeds are configured to control a resultant side force of the drill bit.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly (BHA) coupled to a drill string includes one or more controllers, and a hole enlargement device that selectively enlarges the diameter of the wellbore formed by the drill bit. The hole enlargement device includes an actuation unit that may move extendable cutting elements o the hole enlargement device between a radially extended position and a radially retracted position. The actuation unit may be responsive to a signal that is transmitted from a downhole and/or a surface location. The hole enlargement device may also include one or more position sensors that transmit a position signal indicative of a radial position of the cutting elements. In an illustrative operating mode, one or more operating parameters of the hole enlargement device may be adjusted based on one or more measured parameters. This adjustment may be done in a closed-loop or automated fashion and/or by human personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the formation and a single probe configured to be extended from the carrier and to seal with a wall of the borehole. The apparatus further includes a fluid analysis sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to sense a property of a formation fluid sample extracted from the formation by the probe. A coring device is disposed at the carrier and configured to extend into the probe, to drill into the wall of the borehole, and to extract a core sample. A core sample analysis sensor is disposed at the carrier and configured to sense a property of the core sample. A processor is configured to receive data from the fluid analysis sensor and the core sample analysis sensor and to estimate the property using the data.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of a fluid of interest downhole includes: a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating an earth formation; an emitter disposed at the carrier and configured to emit electromagnetic energy; and a sample chamber configured to contain a sample of the fluid of interest and having a window transmissive to electromagnetic energy emitted by the emitter, the electromagnetic energy interacting with the sample of the fluid of interest with a characteristic related to the property; wherein a path of the emitted electromagnetic energy from the emitter to the window of the sample chamber traverses a gas or a vacuum.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for reducing a vibration of a drill string in a borehole. A sensor of the drill string obtains one or more measurements of a parameter of the vibration. A processor determines at least one force for controlling the measured vibration from the measured parameter. At least one actuator applies the determined at least one force against the borehole wall to control the vibration of the drill string.

Abstract: A drill bit according to one embodiment includes a center member configured to rotate at a first speed and an outer member disposed outside the center member, wherein the outer member is configured to rotate at a second speed. The drill bit also includes a first cutter disposed on the center member and a second cutter disposed on the outer member, wherein the first speed and second speeds are configured to control a resultant side force of the drill bit.

Abstract: Reamer bits have cutters with different effective back rake angles. Drilling systems include a pilot bit and a reamer bit, wherein cutters in shoulder regions of the reamer bit have a greater average effective back rake angle than cutters in shoulder regions of the pilot bit. Methods of drilling wellbores include drilling a bore with a pilot bit, and reaming the bore with a reamer bit having cutters in shoulder regions of the reamer bit that have an average effective back rake angle greater than that of cutters in shoulder regions of the pilot bit. Methods of forming drilling systems include attaching pilot and reamer bits to a drill string, and positioning cutters in shoulder regions of the reamer bit to have an average effective back rake angle greater than that of cutters in shoulder regions of the pilot bit.

Abstract: A method includes calculating a correction factor that uses a tool component volume change model to estimate a system volume change resulting from a change in the tool component. An apparatus includes a carrier conveyable into a well borehole, a formation test tool coupled to the carrier, the formation test tool including a tool component. A measurement device to estimate a change in the tool component during operation, and a compensator uses an estimated system volume change resulting at least in part from the change in the tool component during a downhole operation, the compensator compensating for the system volume change and wherein the estimated system volume change is estimated at least in part using a volume change model.

Abstract: An apparatus to be conveyed into a wellbore is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a housing configured to be conveyed downhole and a drive member located in the housing. The apparatus further includes a drive unit configured to actuate movement of the drive member by selectively coupling to the drive member, wherein the coupling of the device to the drive member is controlled by applying an energy to a selected material in the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a fluid from a subterranean formation are disclosed. An elongated probe is coupled to a carrier, and the probe engages a borehole wall to form a seal therewith. The elongated probe has an inner wall defining a cavity within the elongated probe. A sleeve member extends axially through the cavity, the sleeve member having a fluid flow path within the sleeve member, the flow path being in fluid communication with the cavity. At least one fluid moving device is associated with the sleeve member and the cavity that urges fluid from the formation into the elongated probe. The fluid moving device operates on fluid entering the probe to control a first flow rate in the cavity and a second flow rate in the sleeve member flow path.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly (BHA) coupled to a drill string includes one or more controllers, and a hole enlargement device that selectively enlarges the diameter of the wellbore formed by the drill bit. The hole enlargement device includes an actuation unit that may move extendable cutting elements o the hole enlargement device between a radially extended position and a radially retracted position. The actuation unit may be responsive to a signal that is transmitted from a downhole and/or a surface location. The hole enlargement device may also include one or more position sensors that transmit a position signal indicative of a radial position of the cutting elements. In an illustrative operating mode, one or more operating parameters of the hole enlargement device may be adjusted based on one or more measured parameters. This adjustment may be done in a closed-loop or automated fashion and/or by human personnel.