Abstract: An example downhole completion system includes a first sealing structure arranged within an open hole section of a wellbore and being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, a second sealing structure arranged axially adjacent the first sealing structure and also being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, and a flow control device arranged between the first and second sealing structures and configured to provide a flow path for fluids to communicate between a surrounding subterranean formation and an interior of the downhole completion system.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating fluid-flow during a primary cementing job comprises a bottom cementing plug, adapted to house a one-way valve and means to regulate fluid flow through the plug interior. The apparatus is useful for minimizing or preventing free fall or U-tubing during primary cementing. The apparatus is compatible with conventional cementing-plug launching systems.

Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbon content from a hydrocarbon contaminated matrix. The method includes controlling water content of a feed material having the hydrocarbon contaminated matrix; continuously conveying the feed material into a treatment cavity; exposing the feed material in a treatment area of the treatment cavity to microwave radiation arranged to cause rapid heating of at least a portion of the water content to form steam, wherein the rapid steam formation results in thermal desorption of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon content from the matrix; and continuously removing the treated matrix from the treatment cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coiled tubing unit. The coiled tubing unit may include coiled tubing with a cable disposed within the coiled tubing. Further, the coiled tubing unit may include a spool about which at least a portion of the coiled tubing is wound, an injector header configured to move the coiled tubing, and a cable slack monitoring feature. The cable slack monitoring feature may be configured to detect an accumulation of cable slack in a portion of the coiled tubing.

Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat input into the formation may be controlled to raise the temperature of portion at a selected rate during pyrolysis of hydrocarbons within the formation. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling an injection operation is disclosed. A plurality of distributed fiber optic sensors is located in a production well. Fluid is injected into an injection well spaced apart from the production well. A parameter of a formation between the production well and the injection well is determined from measurements from the formation obtained using the fiber optic sensors. At least one of an injection of fluid into the injection well and a flow into the production well is controlled in response to the determined parameter.

Abstract: A weight down system comprises a wellbore comprising a plurality of restrictions, and a weight down tool. The weight down tool comprises a central mandrel configured to be coupled to a wellbore tubular, an outwardly extending indicator disposed about the central mandrel, and a plurality of radially expandable weight down lugs configured to selectively transition between an expanded position and a retracted position. The indicator is configured to expand the weight down lugs into the expanded position in response to moving through one or more restrictions of the plurality of restrictions in an upwards direction, and the weight down lugs are configured to retract to the retracted position in response to the weight down lugs moving through one or more restrictions of the plurality of restrictions in an upwards direction.

Abstract: A technique facilitates control over the orientation of a bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly comprises an orienting tool having a dual-spline drive which, in turn, comprises a first lead screw portion and a second lead screw portion having threads of a first pitch and a second pitch, respectively. A motor is connected to the dual-spline drive to impart rotational motion with respect to the first threads having the first pitch. A difference in pitch between the first pitch and the second pitch enables the rotational motion imparted by the motor to be converted to a slower, higher torque, output via the second lead screw portion. As a result, the orienting tool is able to provide a selective, high torque, low-speed adjustment to the drilling orientation of the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A wellbore y-block junction comprises a first bore channel, a second bore channel, a deflector selectable to a neutral position, to a first bore channel selected position, and to a second bore channel selected position, a radio receiver, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to command the deflector position to one of the neutral position, the first bore channel selected position, or the second bore channel selected position based on an input from the radio receiver.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus to release energy into wells using combustion of monopropellants. More specifically, this invention is directed to industrial methods to enhance the extraction of well fluids from wells by using the in-situ energy released from this inventions apparatus, methods, catalyst, and fluids blends for subterranean catalytic combustion of monopropellants.

Abstract: A method includes introducing a treatment fluid including a first polymer gel into a subterranean formation to generate a production fluid having an aqueous portion and a hydrocarbon portion, treating the aqueous portion of the production fluid with chlorine dioxide to separate additional hydrocarbons from the aqueous portion, and adjusting the viscosity of the treated aqueous portion prior to introducing the treated aqueous portion back into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for the enhanced recovery of fluids from subterranean reservoirs using cryogenic fluids. Using the Earth's geothermal energy to warm cryogenic flood fluids injected into subterranean reservoirs, the pressure within the subterranean reservoir is increased.

Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation; a production facility at the topside of the well; and a water production facility connected to the production facility; wherein the water production facility produces water by removing some ions and adding an agent which increases the viscosity of the water and/or increases a hydrocarbon recovery from the formation, and injects water into the well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing the migration of unconsolidated and/or loosely consolidated material into the wellbore. Such prevention is accomplished by introducing a well treatment comprising an expandable deployable structure into an uncosolidated zone proximate the wellbore. These deployable structures are inserted into the voids of the geological formation and using stored mechanical energy convert from an unexpanded or undeployed state to an expanded or deployed state. These deployable structures can exert forces, pressure or a combination of both in multiple directions on the surrounding media.

Abstract: Multiple zones of a subterranean formation penetrated by a multi-zoned completed well may be fractured by pumping into one or more zones an acidizing solution at or above the fracturing pressure of the subterranean formation. After fractures are created or enhanced in the formation, a displacement fluid is pumped into the formation to farther advance the acidizing solution into the fractures.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling water ingress into a pipe useful in the production of hydrocarbons from underground reservoirs comprises a multi-layer tubular, the multi-layered tubular comprising an outer pipe layer, an inner pipe layer longitudinally aligned within the outer pipe layer, and a hydrophilic composite material between the outer pipe layer and the inner pipe layer. The composite comprises a material selected from the group consisting of sand, silt and clay and mixtures thereof. The composite material is non chemically reactive and has absorption properties such that the material swells in the presence of water but is non-absorptive of hydrocarbons. Upon exposure to water, composite material creates an impervious shield covering at least a portion of the inner pipe layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an adjustable jar and accelerator system and methods of use thereof. One exemplary jarring system includes a jar having a first processor configured to determine a release point of the jar, an accelerator operatively coupled to the jar and having a second processor communicably coupled to the first processor via a communication line, the second processor being configured to determine a spring rate and stroke of the accelerator, and an impact recording device operatively coupled to the jar and having a third processor communicably coupled to one or both of the first and second processors.

Abstract: A radio frequency applicator includes a radio frequency (RF) source configured to apply a differential mode signal. The RF source is connected to a coaxial conductor that includes an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is coupled to a second conductor pipe through at least one metal jumper. At least one current choke is around the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to concentrate electromagnetic radiation within a hydrocarbon formation.

Abstract: A plug counter includes a seat receptive of a plug in a first position and capable of passing the plug in a second position. A first sleeve is in operable communication with the seat and is longitudinally movable in response to movement of the seat between the first position and the second position. A second sleeve is in operable communication with at least one of the first sleeve and the seat and is configured to index upon passage of the plug. A key is in operable communication with the seat and is configured to prevent movement of the seat to the second position after a selected number of plugs have passed the seat. A third sleeve is in operable communication with the first sleeve, and a release member is in operable communication with the third sleeve and is configured to move the third sleeve after it is released.

Abstract: A system for hydraulically fracturing an underground formation in an oil or gas well to extract oil or gas from the formation, the oil or gas well having a wellbore that permits passage of fluid from the wellbore into the formation. The system includes a plurality of pumps powered by electric induction motors and fluidly connected to the well, the pumps configured to pump fluid into the wellbore at high pressure so that the fluid passes from the wellbore into the, and fractures the formation. The system can also include a plurality of natural gas powered generators electrically connected to the plurality of pumps to provide electrical power to the pumps.

Abstract: A pressurizing device includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough and a ball drop module removably disposed within the main housing, the ball drop module including a ball seat hingedly attached within the ball drop module and configured to receive a dropped ball, wherein the ball seat is configured to rotate about a hinge from a closed position to an open position when a pressure above the ball seat exceeds a preset limit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member, such as a flapper, that is disposed in a housing of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV.

Abstract: A riser tensioner has a cylindrical barrel and a piston rod that telescopingly engage each other. An external accumulator containing a hydraulic fluid and a gas is mounted outside of the barrels for communicating the hydraulic liquid to an end of the barrel. Depending on the stroke of the piston rod, the liquid level in the accumulator will fluctuate and the gas pressure vary. A composite rod within the accumulator is embedded with an array of PVDF sensors. The PVDF sensors provide an output signal to indicate the liquid level in the accumulator when the liquid comes in contact with the sensor, allowing for reliable monitoring of liquid levels.

Abstract: A riser clamp (20) comprising a first jaw portion (211) and a second jaw portion (212) that can be opened and closed relative to each other. The jaw portions (211/212) each comprise a thermoplastic body (301/302) that can be, for example, injection molded pieces of polyethylene (e.g., HDPE). The jaw portions (211/212) can be connected by a hinge (39) that is integrally formed therewith. The clamp (20) can also include cradles (701/702) and caps (711/712) for holding auxiliary lines.

Abstract: A system for controlling functions of a subsea structure, such as a blowout preventer, has a plurality of actuators respectively affixed to a plurality of controls of the subsea structure, and an acoustic signal generator positioned remotely from the plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of actuators has a transponder connected thereto. The acoustic signal generator produces an acoustic signal so as to actuate at least one of the plurality of actuators. Each of the actuators is an electrically-powered torque wrench having a battery affixed there to so as to supply power thereto. An induction generator can transmit an electromagnetic wave along the tubing associated with the blowout preventer so as to recharge the batteries of the torque wrenches.

Abstract: A BOP stack encapsulation system has dual partially hemispherical dome sections which are each supported and guided for linear movement to open and closed positions relative to base plate. The dual containment domes are moved from open positions to closed and hermetically sealed positions about a BOP stack responsive to sensing BOP leakage or a dangerous pressure condition and are controllable from a remote location. When both containment domes are closed they develop concentrically arranged dual hermetically sealed spaces that enclose the BOP stack and capture any leaked fluid and pressure. Captured well fluid constituents can be bled from the internal spaces of the concentric encapsulation domes as desired.

Abstract: The system and method for steam production for extraction of heavy bitumen includes a method of mixing fuel and oxidizing gases, combusting the mixture, mixing combustion gas with water containing solids and organics, separating solids, using heat from the separated gas to produce distilled water, recycling the distillation facility brine with the combustion gas and removing solids thereof, generating steam from the distilled water and injecting the steam through an injection well or using it above ground for oil recovery. The system includes a combustion boiler, a direct contact steam generator, a gas-solids separator, and a heat exchanger with a water treatment facility like a distillation facility. The water feed of the present invention can be water separated from produced oil and/or low quality water salvaged from industrial plants, such as refineries and tailings as make-up water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for extracting fluids from oil and gas wells. More specifically, it is directed toward methods and apparatuses to power and control down hole hydraulic devices using subterranean centrifugal pumps. This invention represents a vast improvement over current hydraulic artificial lift systems. This invention provides for safe, efficient, and increased fluid recovery of oil and gas reserves from subterranean reservoirs in all types of wells, including deviated and horizontal wells.

Abstract: Earth-boring casing shoes include a crown configured for at least one of drilling and reaming a wellbore when the crown is attached to a section of casing and the casing is advanced into a wellbore. The crown includes a body comprising a corrodible composite material, and at least one cutting structure carried on the body. The casing shoes further include a connection structure configured for attachment to a section of casing. Methods are used to form such casing shoes, and such casing shoes are used to install casing within wellbores.

Abstract: A tubular assembly comprises a wellbore tubular, at least one shunt tube, and a coupling assembly configured to rotatably couple the at least one shunt tube to the wellbore tubular. A method of coupling the tubular assemblies comprises coupling a first wellbore tubular to a second wellbore tubular, wherein a first shunt tube is coupled to the first wellbore tubular, rotating a second shunt tube about the second wellbore tubular that is coupled to the first wellbore tubular until the second shunt tube is substantially aligned with the first shunt tube, and coupling the first shunt tube to the second shunt tube.

Abstract: Zonal isolation apparatus includes at least one packer assembly and can be used in completing an open-hole portion of a wellbore, which open-hole portion extends through at least two subsurface intervals. The zonal isolation apparatus includes base pipe and filter medium, which together form a sand screen. Each packer assembly comprises at least two mechanically set packer elements. Intermediate the at least two mechanically set packer elements is at least one swellable packer element. The swellable packer element is actuated over time in the presence of a fluid such as water, oil, or a chemical. Swelling may occur should one of the mechanically set packer elements fail. The zonal isolation apparatus also includes alternate flow channel(s) that serve to divert gravel pack slurry from an upper interval to lower intervals during gravel packing operations. A method for completing a wellbore using the zonal isolation apparatus is also provided herein.

Abstract: A method of releasing a well packer can include applying a predetermined tension in a tubular string connected to the packer, and then reducing the tension, thereby retracting inward at least one slip of the packer. A well packer can include a generally tubular mandrel, at least one slip configured for gripping a well surface, the slip being extendable outward by engagement with a support surface, and a gripping device which permits displacement of the mandrel relative to the support surface in one direction, and which prevents displacement of the mandrel relative to the support surface in an opposite direction. A method of manufacturing a gripping device can include deforming a sleeve, thereby changing a diameter of the sleeve, aligning teeth on the sleeve across at least one slot in the sleeve, and heat treating the sleeve while the sleeve remains deformed and the teeth remain aligned.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a fire-fighting system including a low-pressure system and an ultra-high pressure system (UHPS). The fire-fighting system can also include a foam proportioning system, which can inject a foamant into the low-pressure system and/or the UHPS. The low-pressure system and the UHPS can be simultaneously operated. Some embodiments of the fire-fighting system can be installed on aircraft rescue fire fighting (ARFF) vehicles.

Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for inhibiting the propagation of a flame front that is ignited by a pumping mechanism which draws a waste stream from a process chamber. The apparatus comprises a foreline for conveying the waste stream which is drawn from the process chamber to the pumping mechanism. The foreline comprises an isolation valve for selectively isolating the pumping mechanism from the process chamber and a bypass positioned around the isolation valve. The apparatus further comprises a controller for actuating the isolation valve. The controller is configured to cause the isolation valve to be closed when the waste stream is initially drawn from the process chamber. During which time the waste stream is conveyed to the pumping mechanism via the bypass, the bypass comprises means for inhibiting propagation of a flame front therethrough.

Abstract: A hydraulic pick has a supporting body with a piston and a piston rod fixedly positioned in the supporting body. A working tool is driven by a short, axially rigid striking pin, guided in a bushing. A pressure transformer cylinder and an equalizing chamber are formed between the piston rod and a pressure transformer piston. The striking pin is driven by a working fluid under pressure, which is distributed by a system of channels in the piston rod.

Abstract: A storage system having a plurality of optical disc devices allows other optical disc devices inside the storage system to reproduce the optical disc recorded by a certain optical disc device but inhibits optical disc devices outside the storage system to reproduce the optical disc. A device key as a base for generating an encryption key is common to the plurality of optical disc devices. In the optical disc devices, a guest key other than the device key can be used temporarily to generate the encryption key. An authentication list containing a reproduction condition is recorded with the key information to the optical disc.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tool (5) comprising a cam track (A) and cam follower means (B), wherein a width (WA) of at least a portion of the cam track (A) is greater than a width (WB) of the cam follower means (B). The cam follower means (B) is engaged within the cam track (A), the cam follower means (B) being adapted to run in/around the cam track (A) and be thrown between opposing walls (D, E) of the cam track (A). In use, the cam follower means (B) therefore has two degrees of motion, a first defined by the cam track (A), and a second defined by ricochet between opposing walls (D, E).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of receiving and/or transmitting information in a well drilled in a geological formation between a first location and a second location, the well comprising a casing communicating with the geological formation. The method comprises placing a first transducer at a first location, placing a second transducer at a second location. Transmitting an electric signal between the first and second transducers.

Abstract: The present apparatus and method of use allows a blow out preventer to be installed as a unit with a section of casing, and does not require the blow out preventer to be removed as subsequent strings of casing are installed, thus efficiently utilizing drilling rig time. The present invention further allows a casing string to be landed and cemented in place, and then the drilling rig may move off the location, without a permanent wellhead housing attached to the well. The primary apparatus utilized in the invention is a tubular connector which suspends a string of casing during cementing, and which receives a casing plug for sealing the well when drilling operations have been completed. When completion operations commence, a permanent wellhead housing is attached to the tubular connector utilizing a unique metal to metal seal.

Abstract: A continuous microwave particulate treatment system for treating fluid from a wellbore. The system uses a material handling controller, a vibrating sieve device or filtering device to separate particulate from drilling fluid, a cuttings discharge collection device for continuously moving the slurry to a cuttings processing station, a treatment system controller controlling the continuous cuttings processing station that uses a microwave generator creating microwaves that heat the slurry and a plurality of non-deforming microwave heatable polishing and grinding media in a vibrating trough. The system continuously creates water vapor with oil droplets and cleaned cuttings, and a vapor recovery system is used for removing the oil droplets from the water vapor having a vapor recovery system controller in communication with the material handling and treatment system controllers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to greases containing metal sulfonate thickeners. In one example the thickener may be a calcium sulfonate thickener. In other examples grease may contain a combination of a metal sulfonate thickener and another thickener, such as a metal complex soap grease, detergent, or non-soap thickener. The grease may be formulated to meet specific performance criteria relevant to lubrication of a roller cone drill bit in downhole conditions. The disclosure also relates to a roller cone drill bit containing a grease of the disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cutting tool integrated in a drillstring for enlarging a borehole, where the cutting tool at least comprises: one or more side mills (12, 13, 14) arranged along the axis of said drillstring in a reamer housing (11), where the side mills (12, 13,14) are adapted to be rotated relative to the tool housing (11) by individual driving means. The self driven rotational side mills may be dome shaped cones where expand radially out of the reamer housing (11), or may be a special non-circular dome shaped cones where rotates without expanding.

Abstract: A modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit body includes a blade support piece and at least one blade piece fastened to the blade support piece. A modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit and methods of making modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit bodies and bits also are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides for an ultra hard or hard composite material comprising a primary ultra hard or hard particulate material and at least one secondary ultra hard or hard particulate material dispersed in a matrix material. The primary ultra hard or hard particulate material has a thermal expansion coefficient lower than that of the matrix material and the at least one secondary ultra hard or hard particulate material has a thermal expansion coefficient greater than that of the matrix material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a high impact/high abrasion cutter and a method for manufacture. The high impact/high abrasion cutter includes a plurality of preformed polycrystalline abrasive bodies sintered under high temperature/high pressure conditions to form an abrasive cutting table. The impact and abrasion resistance of a cutter can simultaneously be improved through forming a cutting table from larger preformed polycrystalline sintered particles formed from finer grain particles. Such a cutter can be manufactured through the steps of preforming the polycrystalline abrasive bodies, forming a mixture of said polycrystalline abrasive bodies and sintering said mixture under high temperature/high pressure conditions.

Abstract: A multi-terrain motorized wheelchair apparatus is disclosed that comprises a seating assembly for supporting a user in a seated position, a track assembly with the seating assembly being pivotable with respect to the track assembly. The track assembly includes a pair of track units positioned on opposite sides of the seating assembly. The apparatus comprises a seating orientation adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the seating assembly with respect to the track assembly. The apparatus includes at least one drive assembly mounted on the seating assembly and which has at least one drive shaft structure connected to the track units to drive the track units. The seating assembly is supported on the track units of the track assembly by the drive shaft structure.

Abstract: A terrain traversing device includes an annular rotor element with a plurality of co-planar microspine hooks arranged on the periphery of the annular rotor element. Each microspine hook has an independently flexible suspension configuration that permits the microspine hook to initially engage an irregularity in a terrain surface at a preset initial engagement angle and subsequently engage the irregularity with a continuously varying engagement angle when the annular rotor element is rotated for urging the terrain traversing device to traverse a terrain surface.

Abstract: According to one aspect, this invention provides an apparatus for varying the stiffness of a leg of a robotic system. The apparatus includes a compliant spine assembly including a compliant spine mounted for movement adjacent the leg and a rack coupled to the compliant spine. It also includes a motor assembly positioned to move the compliant spine of the compliant spine assembly with respect to the leg, the motor assembly including a gear engaging the rack of the compliant spine assembly and a motor coupled to drive the gear. The compliant spine of the compliant spine assembly is configured to vary the stiffness of the leg of the robotic system as it is moved by the motor assembly with respect to the leg.