Abstract: A gap sub uses a plurality of insulating members in conjunction with at least two metallic members to effect a mechanically and electrically robust configuration. The gap sub includes an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, an insulating outer washer, an insulating inner washer, and an insulating spider. The insulating outer washer is configured to transfer a first axial load between the upper end portion and the outer sleeve. The insulating inner washer is configured to transfer a second axial load between the inner sleeve and the lower end portion. The insulating spider is configured to transfer a torsional load between outer sleeve and the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A gap sub uses a plurality of insulating members in conjunction with at least two metallic members to effect a mechanically and electrically robust configuration. The gap sub includes an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, an insulating outer washer, an insulating inner washer, and an insulating spider. The insulating outer washer is configured to transfer a first axial load between the upper end portion and the outer sleeve. The insulating inner washer is configured to transfer a second axial load between the inner sleeve and the lower end portion. The insulating spider is configured to transfer a torsional load between outer sleeve and the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A gap sub uses a plurality of insulating members in conjunction with at least two metallic members to effect a mechanically and electrically robust configuration. The gap sub includes an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, an insulating outer washer, an insulating inner washer, and an insulating spider. The insulating outer washer is configured to transfer a first axial load between the upper end portion and the outer sleeve. The insulating inner washer is configured to transfer a second axial load between the inner sleeve and the lower end portion. The insulating spider is configured to transfer a torsional load between outer sleeve and the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A data transmission system for use with a drill string in a primary wellbore is disclosed. The data transmission system includes a toroidal antenna assembly. The toroidal antenna assembly is disposed around the drill string at a primary downhole location within the primary wellbore and configured to transmit a signal from a transmitter. The signal corresponds to sensor data. The toroidal antenna assembly includes a plurality of toroidal antennas, wherein each toroidal antenna is configured to transmit the same signal from the transmitter. Because a plurality of toroidal antennas are utilized to transmit the same signal, construction of the drill string can be more mechanically robust than a conventional insulated gap collar while permitting reliable and fast transmission of sensor data to the surface.

Abstract: A gap sub uses a plurality of insulating members in conjunction with at least two metallic members to effect a mechanically and electrically robust configuration. The gap sub includes an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, an insulating outer washer, an insulating inner washer, and an insulating spider. The insulating outer washer is configured to transfer a first axial load between the upper end portion and the outer sleeve. The insulating inner washer is configured to transfer a second axial load between the inner sleeve and the lower end portion. The insulating spider is configured to transfer a torsional load between outer sleeve and the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A dynamically controllable variable displacement axial piston pump is described. In an embodiment, the pump comprises a rotating cylinder with hydraulic pistons that contact the face of a swash plate. The angle of the swash plate can be controlled to thereby control the movement of the pistons, the displacement of the pump, and the power generated by the pump. The dynamically controllable variable displacement axial piston pump may be used in combination with a rotary steerable apparatus, including such an apparatus as described herein that uses hydraulic pistons to actuate the deflection of the bit, or in combination with other downhole tools and devices. When used down hole in a drill string with a drilling mud powered turbine, the dynamically controllable variable displacement pump limits and regulates the power provided to the tool over a wide range of drilling mud weights and flow rates.

Abstract: The rotary steerable drilling tool and system described herein combines both point-the-bit and push-the-bit techniques to actively change the direction of the borehole trajectory. In this system, the deflection of the drill bit is limited to a single degree of freedom relative to a coordinate system that is fixed to and rotates with the rotary steerable drilling tool, resulting in a simplified attachment of the bit assembly and bias unit mechanics. Further, steering of the well is accomplished by dynamically controlling the spatial phase and amplitude of the coherent symmetrical bidirectional reciprocating deflections of the drill bit relative to a fixed terrestrial datum as the tool is rotating, simultaneously pointing and pushing the bit.

Abstract: The rotary steerable drilling tool and system described herein combines both point-the-bit and push-the-bit techniques to actively change the direction of the borehole trajectory. In this system, the deflection of the drill bit is limited to a single degree of freedom relative to a coordinate system that is fixed to and rotates with the rotary steerable drilling tool, resulting in a simplified attachment of the bit assembly and bias unit mechanics. Further, steering of the well is accomplished by dynamically controlling the spatial phase and amplitude of the coherent symmetrical bidirectional reciprocating deflections of the drill bit relative to a fixed terrestrial datum as the tool is rotating, simultaneously pointing and pushing the bit. The amplitude and force of the bit deflections can be variably controlled during steering operations to dynamically adjust the instantaneous build rate as needed. When steering is not active, the bit can be mechanically locked into the neutral position.

Abstract: Methods and tools are described to reduce sanding including the steps of fracturing the cement sheath in a localized zone around the casing and having the fractured zone act as sand filter between the formation and openings in the casing, with the openings being best pre-formed but temporarily blocked so as to allow a conventional primary cementing of the casing. The fracturing step can also be used for remedial operation to reopen blocked formation or screens.

Abstract: A marking system and method for a well site sample is provided. The system includes a container for collecting the well site sample, a marker applied to the container and a scanner adapted to read the marker. Data may be uploaded to and/or downloaded from the marker.

Abstract: Methods and tools are described to reduce sanding including the steps of fracturing the cement sheath in a localized zone around the casing and having the fractured zone act as sand filter between the formation and openings in the casing, with the openings being best pre-formed but temporarily blocked so as to allow a conventional primary cementing of the casing. The fracturing step can also be used for remedial operation to reopen blocked formation or screens.

Abstract: A marking system and method for a well site sample is provided. The system includes a container for collecting the well site sample, a marker applied to the container and a scanner adapted to read the marker. Data may be uploaded to and/or downloaded from the marker.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and systems for drilling wells, such as for production of petroleum products and ensuring efficient well drilling and protection of well drilling systems during drilling operations. A closed-loop drilling control system, including a digital switching control regulator (SCR) module is provided for automated actuation of selected drilling rig controls responsive to downhole and surface measurements of drilling parameters. The closed-loop drilling control system is responsive to digital data from a measuring-while-drilling (MWD) tool for refining the drilling controls by automated correction of driller inputs to the drilling controls of the well drilling system during drilling operations. The downhole data, such as surface weight on bit, downhole weight on bit, pressure and flow rate of downhole drilling fluid hydraulics, etc.