Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include BOP systems and methods for actuation of a BOP function by manipulating a component associated with a BOP. Embodiments of the disclosed BOP systems and the methods of operation of the BOP systems are further configured to monitor and/or control the actuation of a BOP function, by receiving information related to the actuation from a set of sensors associated with the component. Embodiments of the systems and/or methods include modeling actuation of the component; the actuation of the component being based on analyses derived from the modeling.

Abstract: A drilling control and information system comprising: a rig site network including a drilling equipment controller and a drilling parameter sensor; a downhole sensor communicatively coupled to the rig site network; a data center communicatively coupled to the rig site network; a remote access site communicatively coupled to the data center; and an application communicatively coupled to the rig site network, wherein the application receives data from the drilling parameter sensor and the downhole sensor and issues an operating instruction to the drilling equipment controller.

Abstract: A drilling control and information system comprising: a rig site network (102) including a drilling equipment controller (112) and a drilling parameter sensor (116); a downhole sensor (118) communicatively coupled to the rig site network; a data center (104) communicatively coupled to the rig site network; a remote access site (106) communicatively coupled to the data center; and a pressure management application (300) communicatively coupled to the rig site network, wherein the pressure management application receives pressure data from the drilling parameter sensor and the downhole sensor and issues an operating instruction to the drilling equipment controller.

Abstract: A fluid production system for downhole fluid purification includes a filtering assembly to be positioned within a wellbore. The filtering assembly has a fluid filter and a first pump closely-coupled to the filter. In addition, the system includes an extension shaft extending from the first pump to a source of rotational power positioned adjacent the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location includes a drill string with a downhole tool, a pump for flowing drilling mud through the drill string and wellbore, a valve for flow restriction of the drilling mud, a sensing module for measuring downhole conditions in first and second orientations of the downhole tool, an actuator between two static positions, and a detector for measurement values at the surface location correlative to time between changes of pressure of the drilling mud. The time between pressure changes, as the actuator moves between static positions, conveys encoded data to the detector. The encoded data is compiled from downhole conditions measured by the sensing module, in addition to orientation of the downhole tool. Complex downhole conditions dependent on knowing the multiple orientations of the sensing module can now be communicated by a pressure releasing encoding system.

Abstract: A fluid production system for downhole fluid purification includes a filtering assembly to be positioned within a wellbore. The filtering assembly has a fluid filter and a first pump closely-coupled to the filter. In addition, the system includes an extension shaft extending from the first pump to a source of rotational power positioned adjacent the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A drilling control and information system comprising: a rig site network (102) including a drilling equipment controller (112) and a drilling parameter sensor (116); a downhole sensor (118) communicatively coupled to the rig site network; a data center (104) communicatively coupled to the rig site network; a remote access site (106) communicatively coupled to the data center; and a pressure management application (300) communicatively coupled to the rig site network, wherein the pressure management application receives pressure data from the drilling parameter sensor and the downhole sensor and issues an operating instruction to the drilling equipment controller.

Abstract: A method for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation comprises (a) providing a drilling system including a drillstring having a longitudinal axis, a bottom-hole assembly coupled to a lower end of the drillstring, and a drill bit coupled to a lower end of the bottom-hole assembly. In addition, the method comprises (b) rotating the drill bit at a rotational speed. Further, the method comprises (c) applying weight-on-bit to the drill bit and advancing the drill bit through the formation to form the borehole. Still further, the method comprises (d) pumping a drilling fluid down the drillstring to the drill bit. The drilling fluid has a flow rate down the drillstring. Moreover, the method comprises (e) oscillating the rotational speed of the drill bit during (c). The method also comprises (f) generating non-steady state conditions in the borehole during (e).

Abstract: Headgear techniques are provided. The headgear has a crown configured to fit on a wearer's head, a bill extending from the crown with at least a portion of the bill being transparent, and a filtration material positioned about the transparent portion of the bill. The filtration material is reactive to radiant energy whereby radiant energy is selectively permitted to pass therethrough. The filtration material may also be capable of passing electrical signals therethrough. The headgear may be providing with sensors, and be part of a monitoring system.

Abstract: A method for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation comprises (a) providing a drilling system including a drillstring having a longitudinal axis, a bottom-hole assembly coupled to a lower end of the drillstring, and a drill bit coupled to a lower end of the bottom-hole assembly. In addition, the method comprises (b) rotating the drill bit at a rotational speed. Further, the method comprises (c) applying weight-on-bit to the drill bit and advancing the drill bit through the formation to form the borehole. Still further, the method comprises (d) pumping a drilling fluid down the drillstring to the drill bit. The drilling fluid has a flow rate down the drillstring. Moreover, the method comprises (e) oscillating the rotational speed of the drill bit during (c). The method also comprises (f) generating non-steady state conditions in the borehole during (e).

Abstract: Headgear techniques are provided. The headgear has a crown configured to fit on a wearer's head, a bill extending from the crown with at least a portion of the bill being transparent, and a filtration material positioned about the transparent portion of the bill. The filtration material is reactive to radiant energy whereby radiant energy is selectively permitted to pass therethrough. The filtration material may also be capable of passing electrical signals therethrough. The headgear may be providing with sensors, and be part of a monitoring system.