Abstract: A vehicle heating and air conditioning system basically includes an interior/exterior air introducing structure, a heating device, a driving end time acquiring section and an interior/exterior air switching control section. The interior/exterior air introducing structure switches the flow of cabin intake air between an interior air recirculation mode and an exterior air introducing mode. The heating device heats the cabin intake air being introduced by the interior/exterior air introducing structure. The driving end time acquiring section estimates a driving end time corresponding to a point in time at which driving of a vehicle is predicted to end. The interior/exterior air switching control section switches the interior/exterior air introducing structure from the exterior air introducing mode to the interior air recirculation mode during a period of time from a prescribed point in time until the driving end time to restrict windshield fogging while in the interior air recirculation mode.

Abstract: A method for removing insoluble contaminants from a heat exchange system is disclosed. The method may be a single-pass system or a system incorporating a plurality of apparatuses in parallel. The method measures the pressure drop across a filter and purges contaminants based on the measured pressure drop. The method is particularly applicable to detecting and removing bitumen from a heat exchange system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for temperature control of a fluid in an air cooled heat exchanger (ACHE). Certain embodiments may involve measuring a discharge fluid temperature of a fluid discharged from the ACHE, reducing a fan speed and at least partially closing an air intake and/or an air exhaust of the ACHE when the discharge fluid temperature meets a discharge fluid temperature criterion to reduce cooling of the fluid in a tube bundle of the ACHE, measuring a plenum chamber air temperature, and injecting heated air proximate the tube bundle when the plenum chamber air temperature meets a plenum air temperature criterion to avoid overcooling of the tube bundle fluid.

Abstract: An ultra-high pressure (UHP) cutting device for insertion into a wellbore for cutting the casing of the wellbore from within the wellbore is provided. The cutting device comprises a UHP hose connector for connection with a UHP hose in communication with a fluid source; a rotatable UHP tube with a top end in fluid communication with the UHP hose connector and a bottom end opposite the top end; a rotating means in operational communication with the UHP tube for rotating the UHP tube during operation of the cutting device; and a cutter head in fluid communication with the bottom end of the UHP tube.

Abstract: Solar energy is collected and used for various industrial processes, such as oilfield applications, e.g. generating steam that is injected downhole, enabling enhanced oil recovery. Solar energy is indirectly collected using a heat transfer fluid in a solar collector, delivering heat to a heat exchanger that in turn delivers heat into oilfield feedwater, producing hotter water or steam. Solar energy is directly collected by directly generating steam with solar collectors, and then injecting the steam downhole. Solar energy is collected to preheat water that is then fed into fuel-fired steam generators that in turn produce steam for downhole injection. Solar energy is collected to produce electricity via a Rankine cycle turbine generator, and rejected heat warms feedwater for fuel-fired steam generators. Solar energy is collected (directly or indirectly) to deliver heat to a heater-treater, with optional fuel-fired additional heat generation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wellbore operations which employ a drive subsystem for rotating tubulars releasably connected to a hoist subsystem for moving tubulars, the hoist subsystem and the drive subsystem movable as a unit or the subsystems movable independently of each other and the subsystems independently dockable at selected locations in the derrick. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A seal apparatus for closing a wellbore, the apparatus being universally deployable and capable of closing the wellbore even in the case of damage located beneath a present blowout preventer. The apparatus is based on the idea of introducing a seal into the wellbore in order to close it off to avoid damage from a rising fluid. For this purpose, the seal has at least one apron, or a capsule. An opening of the apron, or distending of the capsule, causes a non-positive and/or positive connection to be produced in respect to the wall of the wellbore such that the wellbore is closed.

Abstract: A whipstock features a spiral ramp so that, in a horizontal run, access to a milled window with other tools is not impeded because such tools can traverse onto the ramp and still be directed to the window. Angular rotation of the ramp can be at 180° or more and the pitch is selected to avoid getting the equipment being advanced into a bind. Optionally, a guide track can be configured into the whipstock ramp to help the mill follow the spiral path until the proper orientation is obtained and the track ends to allow separation of the mill from the track. A slot can be provided near the ramp upper end to aid in retrieval operations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having non-extrusion rings. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of rigid segments, a support ring and an elastic matrix.

Abstract: An erosion resistant nozzle is brazed to the surface of a tubular, such as a shunt tube of a wellscreen apparatus, for use in a wellbore. The nozzle is elongated and defines an aperture for communicating exiting flow from the tubular's port. The lead end of the nozzle disposed downstream of the exiting flow can be lengthened to prevent erosion to the tubular. The lead endwall of the nozzle's aperture can be angled relative to the nozzle's length and can be rounded. The nozzle can be composed of an erosion resistant material or can be composed of a conventional material having an erosion resistant coating or plating thereon. Being elongated with a low height, the nozzle can have a low profile on the tubular, and the aperture's elongating can be increased or decreased to increase or decrease the flow area through the nozzle.

Abstract: A wellbore screen including: an apertured base pipe; an intermediate filtering layer including a plurality of metal fibers wrapped helically around the apertured base pipe and a fluid tracing filament wrapped helically about the apertured base pipe, the fluid tracing filament including a filament structure and a tracer carried by the filament structure, the tracer being entrainable in produced fluids in a wellbore environment; and an outer apertured shell over the intermediate layer. A method for producing a wellbore screen, the method comprising: forming a filter tube by wrapping an intermediate layer, including a metal wool fiber strip and a fluid tracing filament, about an apertured base pipe in a helical arrangement under tension; positioning the filter tube within the long bore of an outer apertured sleeve; and securing the outer apertured sleeve and the filter tube together.

Abstract: Procedures and devices are described for electric energy generation from electrochemical use of substances for powering downhole devices. According to some other embodiments procedures and devices are described for electric energy generation from nuclear decay for powering downhole devices. According to some embodiments, the types of devices being powered are untethered or otherwise cannot benefit from direct power transmission from the surface. Examples of devices include small devices in downhole environments. Other examples of devices are sensors and other hardware such as flow control valves installed during completion. According to one example permanent and/or semi-permanent monitoring sensors make use of the energy generation techniques described herein.

Abstract: Methods for forming a geothermal well are provided. A method for forming a geothermal well can include drilling a first wellbore having a substantially linear segment connected to an arcuate segment. A second wellbore can be drilled to connect to a terminating end of the arcuate segment, thereby forming a wellbore loop. A thermally conductive tube can be disposed through the wellbore loop.

Abstract: A method for heating a subsurface formation using electrical resistance heating is provided. The method includes placing a first electrically conductive proppant into a fracture within an interval of organic-rich rock. The first electrically conductive proppant has a first bulk resistivity. The method further includes placing a second electrically conductive proppant into the fracture. The second electrically conductive proppant has a second bulk resistivity that is lower than the first bulk resistivity, and is in electrical communication with the first proppant at three or more terminal locations. The method then includes passing an electric current through the second electrically conductive proppant at a selected terminal and through the first electrically conductive proppant, such that heat is generated within the fracture by electrical resistivity. The operator may monitor resistance and switch terminals for the most efficient heating.

Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a well can include transmitting an instruction to change flow through an annulus formed radially between a drill string and a wellbore, and adjusting a pressure setpoint in response to the transmitting. A well drilling system can include a flow control device which varies flow through a drill string, and a control system which changes a pressure setpoint in response to an instruction for the flow control device to change the flow through the drill string. A method of controlling pressure in a well can include transmitting an instruction to divert flow from a drill string, and adjusting a pressure setpoint in response to the transmitting.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.

Abstract: A methodology for reservoir understanding that performs investigation of asphaltene instability as a function of location in a reservoir of interest. In the preferred embodiment, results derived as part of the investigation of asphaltene instability are used as a workflow decision point for selectively performing additional analysis of reservoir fluids. The additional analysis of reservoir fluids can verify the presence of asphaltene flocculation onset conditions and/or determine the presence and location of phase-separated bitumen in the reservoir of interest.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for obtaining data corresponding to a physical property of interest from a three-dimensional (3D) earth model. An exemplary method comprises defining a region of interest in the 3D earth model via at least one functional descriptor. The exemplary method also comprises extracting data corresponding to the physical property of interest where the region of interest and the 3D earth model overlap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packer that is ported to provide fluid communication through the packer between the wellbore annulus above the packer and the wellbore annulus below the packer. Such a ported packer can be used to allow for pressure testing the casing and/or for controlling a failed well.

Abstract: The invention pertains to improved proppant particles comprising an aromatic polycondensation polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 120° C. when measured according to ASTM 3418 [polymer (P)] and a method of treating a subterranean formation using said proppant particles.

Abstract: A subsurface release plug release apparatus comprising a mandrel comprising a bottom plug portion, a top plug portion, a work string attachment portion, a first release portion between the bottom plug portion and the top plug portion, wherein the first release portion comprises a controlled strength segment configured to fail structurally and thereby release the bottom plug portion at a first fluid pressure, and a second release portion between the top plug portion and the work string attachment portion, wherein the second release portion is configured to release the bottom plug portion at a second fluid pressure, wherein the first fluid pressure is less than the second fluid pressure, a bottom plug body disposed about the bottom plug portion of the mandrel, and a top plug body disposed about the top plug portion of the mandrel.

Abstract: A perforator charge includes a case, an explosive inside the case, and a liner to be collapsed by detonation of the explosive to form a perforating jet. The perforator charge also includes an energetic material to be activated in response to the detonation of the explosive.

Abstract: A settable down hole tool is of increased drillability and/or of increased expansibility. The improvement in drillability can be caused by fracturing cast iron slips into a large number of small pieces that can be circulated out of a well without further reduction in size. The improvement in expansibility can be partially caused by providing an expander cone of increased hardness thereby allowing an increased angle on the expander cone and slips. The improvement in expansibility can be partially caused by increasing the thickness of the slips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to encapsulated breakers and the use of encapsulated breakers for breaking viscosified treatment fluids. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of providing a viscosified treatment fluid having a first viscosity having a gelling agent, a crosslinking agent, a proppant, an aqueous-base fluid, and an encapsulated breaker composition having an encapsulant that has a poly(meth)acrylate blend; introducing the viscosified treatment fluid in the subterranean formation; creating or enhancing a fracture in a subterranean formation; and allowing the encapsulated breaker composition to release the breaker so as to reduce the viscosity of the viscosified treatment fluid to a second viscosity.

Abstract: A method of wellbore strengthening may include providing a wellbore strengthening fluid comprising a drilling fluid, a particulate, and a fiber; introducing the wellbore strengthening fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; and forming a plug comprising the particulate and the fiber in a void near the wellbore, the plug being capable of maintaining integrity at about 1000 psi or greater overbalance pressure.

Abstract: Guard bed compositions for protecting metal surfaces in a wellbore from corrosion may comprise a variety of constituent components. Exemplary guard bed compositions may include: one or more surfactants selected from the group comprising amine surfactants; one or more co-surfactants selected from the group comprising C3 to C15 alcohols; and one or more non-surfactant amines. Other exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid and an overbased detergent. Still other exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid; one or more surfactants; one or more co-surfactants; and one or more non-surfactant amines. The one or more surfactants may be selected from the group comprising alkyl alkoxylated surfactants. Still further, exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid and one or more associating surface active polymers selected from the group comprising amphiphilic polymers.

Abstract: Guard bed compositions for protecting metal surfaces in a wellbore from corrosion may comprise a variety of constituent components. Exemplary guard bed compositions may include: one or more surfactants selected from the group comprising amine surfactants; one or more co-surfactants selected from the group comprising C3 to C15 alcohols; and one or more non-surfactant amines. Other exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid and an overbased detergent. Still other exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid; one or more surfactants; one or more co-surfactants; and one or more non-surfactant amines. The one or more surfactants may be selected from the group comprising alkyl alkoxylated surfactants. Still further, exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid and one or more associating surface active polymers selected from the group comprising amphiphilic polymers.

Abstract: Guard bed compositions for protecting metal surfaces in a wellbore from corrosion may comprise a variety of constituent components. Exemplary guard bed compositions may include: one or more surfactants selected from the group comprising amine surfactants; one or more co-surfactants selected from the group comprising C3 to C15 alcohols; and one or more non-surfactant amines. Other exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid and an overbased detergent. Still other exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid; one or more surfactants; one or more co-surfactants; and one or more non-surfactant amines. The one or more surfactants may be selected from the group comprising alkyl alkoxylated surfactants. Still further, exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid and one or more associating surface active polymers selected from the group comprising amphiphilic polymers.

Abstract: Guard bed compositions for protecting metal surfaces in a wellbore from corrosion may comprise a variety of constituent components. Exemplary guard bed compositions may include: one or more surfactants selected from the group comprising amine surfactants; one or more co-surfactants selected from the group comprising C3 to C15 alcohols; and one or more non-surfactant amines. Other exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid and an overbased detergent. Still other exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid; one or more surfactants; one or more co-surfactants; and one or more non-surfactant amines. The one or more surfactants may be selected from the group comprising alkyl alkoxylated surfactants. Still further, exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid and one or more associating surface active polymers selected from the group comprising amphiphilic polymers.

Abstract: A process and process line is provided for preparing a friction-reduced hydraulic fracturing fluid at a central location which can be readily transported to an oil or gas well in a formation at a well site, comprising: preparing a mixture of polymer and water at the central location by shearing the polymer in the water in a high shear environment to create the friction-reduced hydraulic fracturing fluid; pumping the friction-reduced hydraulic fracturing fluid through a series of pumps and pipelines to the well site; and injecting the hydraulic fracturing fluid into the oil or gas well at a pressure sufficient to cause fracturing of the formation,

Abstract: A tool for actuating a blow out preventer includes one or more connections for receiving hydraulic power from a remotely operated vehicle (“ROV”), a first pump for increasing pressure of an operating fluid for the blowout preventer (“BOP”), a second pump for increasing flow rate of the operating fluid, and a conductor for transporting the operating fluid to the BOP. The tool rapidly increases the pressure and flow rate of the fluid flowing to the BOP, and the BOP may be rapidly closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling movements of a free-hanging tubular suspended via at least a connector element by at least one compensator member connected to a buoyant vessel, the tubular extending into a body of water below the vessel. The apparatus includes a motion sensing device configured to sense movements of the compensator member and thus that of the vessel, and a position indicator device configured to sense the position of the connector element, and thus that of an upper region of the tubular, with respect to the compensator member. The apparatus further includes a data processor configured to determine one or more parameters regarding the movement between the vessel and the upper region of the tubular; and an adjusting device configured to control at least the stiffness and dampening of the compensator member; whereby the axial loads which are transferred between the compensator and the tubular may be controlled.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a variety of tools in many types of environments. The actuation technique employs a closed conduit, such as a closed tube, arranged in a curvilinear structure. By applying a differential pressure to the closed conduit, the curvature of the curvilinear structure is changed. This change can be used to actuate a corresponding tool between desired operational positions.

Abstract: A variable flow resistance system for use with a subterranean well can include a structure which displaces in response to a flow of a fluid composition, whereby a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition changes in response to a change in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Another system can include a structure which rotates in response to flow of a fluid composition, and a fluid switch which deflects the fluid composition relative to at least two flow paths. A method of variably resisting flow in a subterranean well can include a structure displacing in response to a flow of a fluid composition, and a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition changing in response to a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition changing. Swellable materials and airfoils may be used in variable flow resistance systems.

Abstract: A fluid discrimination system can include a fluid discriminator which selects through which of multiple outlet flow paths a fluid composition flows, the selection being based on a direction of flow of the fluid composition through the discriminator, and the direction being dependent on a fluid type in the fluid composition. Another fluid discriminator can include a structure which displaces in response to a fluid composition flow, whereby an outlet flow path of the fluid composition changes in response to a change in a ratio of fluids in the fluid composition. A method of discriminating between fluids can include providing a fluid discriminator which selects through which of multiple outlet flow paths a fluid composition flows in the well, the selection being based on a direction of flow of the fluid composition through the discriminator, and the direction being dependent on a ratio of the fluids in the fluid composition.

Abstract: A fluid discrimination system can include a fluid discriminator which selects through which of multiple outlet flow paths a fluid composition flows, the selection being based on a direction of flow of the fluid composition through the discriminator, and the direction being dependent on a fluid type in the fluid composition. Another fluid discriminator can include a structure which displaces in response to a fluid composition flow, whereby an outlet flow path of the fluid composition changes in response to a change in a ratio of fluids in the fluid composition. A method of discriminating between fluids can include providing a fluid discriminator which selects through which of multiple outlet flow paths a fluid composition flows in the well, the selection being based on a direction of flow of the fluid composition through the discriminator, and the direction being dependent on a ratio of the fluids in the fluid composition.

Abstract: A method of actuating multiple valves in a well can include applying one or more pressure cycles to the valves without causing actuation of any of the valves, and then reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby resetting a pressure cycle-responsive actuator of each valve. A pressure cycle-operated valve for use in a well can include a closure member, a piston which displaces in response to pressure applied to the valve, and a ratchet mechanism which controls relative displacement between the piston and the closure member. The ratchet mechanism may permit relative displacement while one or more pressure cycles are applied to the valve, and the ratchet mechanism may prevent relative displacement in response to a pressure sequence of: a) a reduction in pressure applied to the valve, b) a predetermined number of pressure cycles applied to the valve, and c) an increase in pressure applied to the valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic pulse valve for use in downhole tools includes a split ring seal to limit the fluid flow available to shift a poppet in the valve from an open position to a closed position. The split ring seal provides relatively long and repeatable pressure pulses, which improve the effectiveness of the hydraulic pulse valve for borehole applications.

Abstract: Techniques for continuously circulating fluid into a drill string are provided. These techniques involve a circulation sub (108) including a tubular and a diverter valve (200A). The tubular has a first end connectable to the drill string, a second end connectable to a pipe segment, and a port (220) therein. The tubular has a fluid path (202) for allowing the fluid to flow from the pipe segment to the drill string and a circulation path (204) for allowing the fluid to flow from the port to the drill string. The diverter valve has a channel therethrough in selective fluid communication with the fluid path. The diverter valve is positionable between a flow through position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the fluid path and a diversion position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the circulation path whereby the fluid may continuously flow through the drill string.

Abstract: A method for degrading a downhole article includes exposing the downhole article to a composition comprising a corrosive agent selected from a reducing sugar, ester, aminocarboxylic acid, or a combination thereof. The method also includes contacting the downhole article with the corrosive agent to degrade the downhole article. Additionally, a composition for degrading a downhole article includes water, salt, and a corrosive agent selected from a reducing sugar, ester, aminocarboxylic acid, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a top drive system equipped with a mounted winch configured to draw tubular or well equipment into alignment with a quill of the top drive system. The winch comprises a spool and a flexible line that extends from the spool and through channels in the top drive system, exiting through the quill. An attachment feature at the distal end of the flexible line couples the flexible line with the tubular or drilling equipment. Once this coupling has been established, the winch may rotate such that the flexible line retracts through the quill of the top drive system, drawing the tubular or well equipment into alignment with the quill.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for a direct drive pump for use in pumping fluids and/or quasi-fluids from one location to another. In the direct drive pump, bearings or bushings are optimally spaced, taking into account various operational considerations such as load, path, pressure, and tension. Further, bearings or bushings are coupled to the drive string, thus assisting in more efficient installation and de-installation. The bearings or bushings are not fixed to the production casing or drive tube. In embodiments, the drive tube can be vented, and the production fluid can be used as a lubricant for the system bearings.

Abstract: An accelerator mixture for peroxide hardeners, in particular an accelerator mixture for an organic peroxide-curing resin mixture, a two-component mortar system containing the same for chemical fastening and use of the same for chemical fastening of anchoring elements in boreholes are disclosed. Using a mixture of bis-N-substituted p-toluidines with bis-N-substituted anilines or bis-N-substituted m-toluidines, it is possible to provide a mortar composition for chemical fastening of anchoring elements in boreholes, which will have an improved low-temperature curing and improved load ratings at high temperatures with an extended gel time.

Abstract: An injector head for feeding a tool string support member downhole is described. The injector head includes a first gripping device and a second gripping device. The first and second gripping devices are adapted to grip a tool string support member passing through an injector head passageway. The injector head further includes an actuator movable between a first position and a second position wherein, movement of the actuator between the first and second positions moves at least a portion of both of the first and second gripping devices towards or away from a passageway longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of forming a plug in a wellbore includes disposing a work string in a wellbore. The work string includes a first tool comprising a port providing fluid communication between an interior space of the first tool to an exterior space to permit placement of a plug in a wellbore. The method includes introducing a first fluid volume via the work string to form a plug in the wellbore, and includes load testing the plug at least in part by applying an axial force on the plug with the work string to determine that the plug is set.

Abstract: A technique provides for stimulating or otherwise treating multiple intervals/zones of a well by controlling flow of treatment fluid via a plurality of flow control devices. The flow control devices are provided with internal profiles and flow through passages. Mechanical darts are designed for engagement with the internal profiles of specific flow control devices, and each mechanical dart may be moved downhole for engagement with and activation of the specific flow control device associated with that mechanical dart.

Abstract: A technique provides for stimulating or otherwise treating multiple intervals/zones of a well by controlling flow of treatment fluid via a plurality of flow control devices. The flow control devices are provided with internal profiles and flow through passages. Hydraulic darts are designed for selective engagement with the internal profiles of specific flow control devices, and each hydraulic dart may be moved downhole for engagement with and activation of a specific flow control device.

Abstract: A horseshoe connected to a hoof of a horse for use on different surfaces without removing the horseshoe from the horse. The horseshoe includes an insert removably connected to the horseshoe. The insert may be positioned within a recess located on the bottom surface of the horseshoe. The insert may have a toe grab for providing traction. A related method of inserting a toe grab to a horseshoe without removing the horseshoe from a horse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray nozzle unit, in particular for spraying explosion risk areas in subsurface mining, and for use in ultra high speed fire suppression system at response times below 50 milliseconds, having a nozzle body. The nozzle body has a nozzle opening for ejecting spray liquid, allowing low water consumption, designed robustly, and allowing operation without compressed air. A closing means is disposed in the nozzle body for closing the nozzle opening in the non-pressurized state of the spray nozzle unit.

Abstract: A unique method for suppressing the spread of and extinguishing underground electrical fires in confined areas such as tunnels and conduits. A super absorbent polymer is mixed with water to form a hydrated super absorbent polymer and this admixture is applied to an electrical fire. The admixture has superior fire suppression and extinguishing properties than the fire suppression and extinguishing properties of plain water. The admixture has the ability to cling to the object(s) to which it has been applied and both cool down the object(s) and block the fire from reaching the object(s). The super absorbent polymer and water admixture also encapsulates the noxious and toxic gases produced by electrical fires and prevents the release of these toxic gases into the atmosphere. Finally, the super absorbent polymer and water mixture retains the ash, particulates, and other byproducts of the electrical fire to enable a thorough cleanup.