Abstract: A detection system includes a pressure sensor configured to contact an annular elastomer component of an annular BOP, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to generate a first signal indicative of a contact pressure with the annular elastomer component. The detection system also includes a piston stroke sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a piston stroke distance. The detection system further includes a controller configured to receive the first signal from the pressure sensor and the second signal from the piston stroke sensor and analyze respective changes in the contact pressure and respective changes in the piston stroke distance to determine a condition of the annular BOP.

Abstract: The service life of a packer element, an annular BOP, is estimated using one pressure sensor below the elastomer seal or two pressure sensors positioned above and below the elastomer seal. The pressure variations below the elastomer are monitored versus piston position and used to detect elastomer wear with time/pressure cycles. The pressure variations above the elastomer can be used to detect potential leakage, as well as leak characteristics such as leaking rate or leak geometry.

Abstract: The service life of a packer element, an annular BOP, is estimated using one pressure sensor below the elastomer seal or two pressure sensors positioned above and below the elastomer seal. The pressure variations below the elastomer are monitored versus piston position and used to detect elastomer wear with time/pressure cycles. The pressure variations above the elastomer can be used to detect potential leakage, as well as leak characteristics such as leaking rate or leak geometry.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for optical and electrical sensing different phases of a multiphase fluid. The apparatus includes a cylindrical member formed with an optically transparent material including a first end with a shaped tip and a second end operable to receive an optical conductor. The apparatus also includes first and second electrodes disposed on the cylindrical member operable to receive first and second electrical conductors, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus having an impeller for measuring a property of a fluid in a wellbore, wherein an effective density of the impeller is substantially not greater than a density of the fluid. The apparatus is operable within a fluid flowing in a wellbore that extends into a subterranean formation, thereby measuring a property of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided to generate a stable supply of electrical power in a drill string. In one example, a downhole turbine generator includes a turbine, a speed governor, and an alternator. The turbine may transform hydraulic power of a first fluid medium into rotational power of a rotating shaft. The speed governor may reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft in a variable amount that depends on the speed of the rotating shaft. Specifically, weighted arms may shear a second fluid medium more when the speed is higher and less when the speed is lower. The shearing of the second fluid medium may generate a countervailing torque on the rotating shaft to reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft. The alternator then may produce a generally stable supply of electrical power from the rotational power of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for optical and electrical sensing different phases of a multiphase fluid. The apparatus includes a cylindrical member formed with an optically transparent material including a first end with a shaped tip and a second end operable to receive an optical conductor. The apparatus also includes first and second electrodes disposed on the cylindrical member operable to receive first and second electrical conductors, respectively.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided to generate a stable supply of electrical power in a drill string. In one example, a downhole turbine generator includes a turbine, a speed governor, and an alternator. The turbine may transform hydraulic power of a first fluid medium into rotational power of a rotating shaft. The speed governor may reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft in a variable amount that depends on the speed of the rotating shaft. Specifically, weighted arms may shear a second fluid medium more when the speed is higher and less when the speed is lower. The shearing of the second fluid medium may generate a countervailing torque on the rotating shaft to reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft. The alternator then may produce a generally stable supply of electrical power from the rotational power of the rotating shaft.