Abstract: In one aspect, a pressure differential device including: an inlet; an outlet; and a fluid restricting member fluidly associated with the inlet and the outlet, wherein the fluid restricting member is configured to provide a first backpressure at a first setting and a second plurality of backpressures at a plurality of second settings. In another aspect, a method to control backpressure including: providing a fluid line with an inlet fluid flow; supplying the inlet fluid flow into a pressure differential device; expelling an outlet fluid flow out of the pressure differential device; pressurizing the inlet fluid flow to a first backpressure at a first setting of the pressure differential device; pressurizing the inlet fluid flow to a second plurality of backpressures at a plurality of second settings of the pressure differential device.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for cleaning a wellbore is disclosed. A workstring is conveyed in a wellbore. A jet sub provided associated with the wellbore, wherein the jet sub includes at least one nozzle, the nozzle including: a nozzle body; a bore formed in the nozzle body, the bore having an outlet; and a plurality of inlet jets disposed tangentially about the bore and opposite the outlet of the bore. A completion fluid is provided to the at least one nozzles via the work string and jet sub. The completion fluid is expelled via the at least one nozzles.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for cleaning a wellbore is disclosed. A workstring is conveyed in a wellbore. A jet sub provided associated with the wellbore, wherein the jet sub includes at least one nozzle, the nozzle including: an inlet; an outlet; at least four successive concentric stages in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, wherein each of the at least four stages has a discrete length, and the stages have progressive smaller discrete diameters, and an interface formed between each stage. A completion fluid is provided to the at least one nozzles via the work string and jet sub. The completion fluid is expelled via the at least one nozzles.

Abstract: A tool for enhancing or directing magnetic fields using ferrofluids in a downhole system is provided. The downhole system can include a tool body, a source of ferrofluid, and a positioning magnet. The positioning magnet can magnetically couple with the ferrofluid from the source for enhancing or directing a magnetic field through at least a portion of an annulus between the tool body and a wellbore formation.

Abstract: A tool for isolating objects in a wellbore using ferrofluids in a downhole system is provided. The downhole system can include a tool body, a source of ferrofluid, and a magnet. The magnet can magnetically couple with the ferrofluid from the source for arranging the ferrofluid adjacent to the tool body for isolating an object positioned in a wellbore from effects of fluids present in the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole catching apparatus (20) comprises a plurality of radially moveable seat members (26) arranged circumferentially around a longitudinal axis, wherein the seat members are moveable between a radially extended configuration which permits passage of an object (64) therethrough and a radially retracted configuration which permits an object (64) to be caught by the apparatus. A releasable lock arrangement (44) is provided for releasably retaining the seat members in the radially extended configuration.

Abstract: A downhole string having a series of downhole tools, where the tools are powered by different energy sources. The different energy sources include electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical. Connections between adjacent downhole tools provide for electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical communication between adjacent tools. Thus energy in one part of the downhole string can be converted into another form of energy and communicated for use in another part of the downhole string.

Abstract: A rotary isobaric pressure exchanger (IPX) includes a first end cover having a first surface that interfaces with a first end face of a rotor, wherein the first end cover has at least one first fluid inlet and at least one first fluid outlet. The IPX includes a second end cover having a second surface that interfaces with a second end face of the rotor, wherein the second end cover has at least one second fluid inlet and at least one second fluid outlet. The IPX includes a port disposed through the first surface of the first end cover or through the second surface of the second end cover, wherein during rotation of the cylindrical rotor about the rotational axis the port is configured to fluidly communicate with at least one channel of the plurality of channels within the rotor.

Abstract: A system includes a rotary isobaric pressure exchanger (IPX) configured to exchange pressures between a first fluid and second fluid. The rotary IPX includes a first end cover including a first fluid aperture configured to route the first fluid. The rotary IPX also includes a first piston integral with the first end cover. The first piston includes a first hydraulic path configured to route the first fluid to or from the first fluid aperture.

Abstract: A technique enables simulation of a process performed on an underground formation. The technique comprises forming a cut-out portion in a rock sample and placing a jacket around the rock sample. A sealing collar is inserted into the cut-out portion, and the rock sample is capped between the sealing collar and the jacket. Simulation testing can then be performed on the rock sample through the sealing collar while applying pressure to the rock sample. The sealing collar may be affixed in the cut-out portion.

Abstract: A method of estimating saturation conditions of reservoir brines in an underground reservoir includes: receiving data representing a temperature of the brine; determining if the temperature is greater than a preset value; and selecting either a first method or second method, different than the first method, of calculating the saturation conditions based on the determination. The first method is selected when the temperature is greater than the preset value and the second method is selected when the temperature is less than the preset value.

Abstract: A multi-physics and multi-scale system and process to simulate imaging of hydrocarbon reservoirs using electromagnetic particles and electromagnetic tomography. Embodiments are applicable towards flood-front mapping and hydraulic fracture imaging. With respect to flood-front mapping, coated nanoparticles (or their software representation) may be injected. In case of fracture imaging, the contrast agents (or their software representation) may either be injected as proppants, fibers, or nanoparticles suspended in the solution.

Abstract: A method for completing a wellbore in a subsurface formation includes providing a first base pipe and a second base pipe. Each base pipe comprises a tubular body forming a primary flow path. Each base pipe has transport conduits along an outer diameter for transporting fluids as a secondary flow path. The method also includes connecting the base pipes using a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly has a manifold, and a flow port adjacent the manifold that places the primary flow path in fluid communication with the secondary flow path. The method also includes running the base pipes into the wellbore, and then causing fluid to travel between the primary and secondary flow paths. A sand screen assembly is also provided that allows for control of fluid between primary and secondary flow paths.

Abstract: A housing assembly, comprising: an outer form arranged about a base pipe, the base pipe including at least one flow port; an inner form arranged about the base pipe and nested within the outer form, thereby defining a sealed compartment between the outer and inner forms; and a composite resinous material disposable within the sealed compartment and curable to form a rigid housing arranged at or near the at least one flow port and in fluid communication therewith.

Abstract: An electric submergible pumping system that includes a pump having a pump discharge; a motor; a power crossover assembly including a first top flange having a generally circular opening in the center, an upper tubular portion connected to the first top flange portion, an intermediate tubular portion including two generally rectangular shaped windows for intake suction for production fluids, a lower tubular portion having a hollow space in a center portion, and a first lower flange having a circular shape connected to the lower tubular portion. The system also includes a crossover base disposed at a lower part of the power crossover assembly, the crossover base including a base neck, a guide tube, a conductor terminal, a second top flange, and a second lower flange.

Abstract: In-line electrolysis of well treatment fluid in a method and system to supply a treatment fluid downhole in the well. In the method, a treatment fluid is electrolyzed in a flow path to a downhole location to form one or more electrolysis products. In the system, an electrolysis cell has at least one electrode integrated in the flow path. Also disclosed is a method to treat a subterranean formation by modulating amperage to an electrolysis cell in the flow path to form a heterogeneous concentration of one or more electrolysis products to transform a self-agglomerating solid composition in the fracture into a channelized solids pack comprising clusters having a high concentration of solids, wherein the clusters are separated by open voids having a substantially reduced concentration of solids between the clusters.

Abstract: This disclosure includes systems and methods for extracting hydrocarbons from a geologic structure. Some systems use or include a well-bore that extends at least partially through the geologic structure, a first electrode disposed within the wellbore, an ionically conductive medium in fluid communication with the first electrode, a second electrode in electrical communication with the first electrode, and a power source configured to establish an electrical current between the first and second electrodes to cause an electrochemical reaction. Some systems are configured to facilitate extraction of hydrocarbons from a geologic structure.

Abstract: A completion assembly designed to perforate a section of casing along a wellbore, comprises a perforating gun, a canister, and a locator device. The canister contains ball sealers that are dimensioned to seal perforations, while the locator device is a casing collar locator that senses the location of the assembly within the wellbore based on the spacing of casing collars. The completion assembly also includes an on-board controller configured to send an actuation signal to the perforating gun to cause one or more detonators to fire when the locator has recognized a selected location of the completion assembly, thereby perforating the casing, and to release the ball sealers from the canister. Methods for seamlessly perforating and fracturing multiple zones along a wellbore are also provided, using a select-fire perforating gun.

Abstract: A method for producing oil, comprising injecting water and a solvent into a formation; producing a mixture comprising water, solvent, oil, and gas from the formation; separating the mixture into a first stream comprising oil, water, and a first portion of the solvent, and a second stream comprising gas and a second portion of the solvent, and exposing the second stream to water to remove the second portion of the solvent from the gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting hydrocarbons. The steps involve extracting a process flow from an underground formation, separating this flow into at least one hydrocarbon-containing fraction and one aqueous fraction referred to as the produced water, and reinjcting an injection water into the underground formation. The injection water intended to be introduced into the underground formation is produced partly in a direct-osmosis unit from produced water and partly in a nanofiltration and/or reverse-osmosis unit. The invention also relates to a process for extracting hydrocarbons throughout the exploitation life of the underground hydrocarbon reservoir, and to an injection-water production device especially designed for implementing this process.

Abstract: An assembly for monitoring load on a drum during an operation in a well with a well access line deployed from the drum. The assembly may include multiple line detection mechanisms for acquiring real-time information relative to dynamic characteristics of the lone over the course of the operation. The assembly also includes a processor for computing the real-time information in light of pre-stored information relative to physical characteristics of the line and the drum. As a result, real-time monitoring of a load on the drum may be achieved. Thus, the operation may be adjusted in real-time as necessary to avoid over-loading of the drum. Additionally, a drum load history may be recorded so as to better account for the true condition of the drum following successive operations.

Abstract: A method for measuring parameters related to wellsite operations comprises mixing Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors with a wellbore servicing composition in surface wellbore operating equipment. The MEMS sensors are assigned a unique identified that may be used to track individual MEMS sensor as the MEMS sensors travel through the wellbore and may be used to correlate sensor measurements taken by the MEMS sensors with particular locations in the wellbore. The MEMS sensors may be active and transmit their respective identifiers and sensor data to the surface. Transmitting identifier and sensor data from a MEMS sensor to the surface wellbore operating equipment may be via one or more other MEMS sensors, downhole devices, and surface devices.

Abstract: A wellbore assembly is provided that can include a first motor housing assembly member and a second motor housing assembly member that can bend relative to the first motor housing assembly at a bend location. The assembly can also include a strain gauge positioned on a first side of the bend location to determine an amount of bend of the second motor housing assembly member relative to the first motor housing assembly member by determining a strain. Based on the strain, the amount of bend or bend direction of the second motor housing assembly member relative to the first motor housing assembly member can be determined.

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: An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a fiber optic cable includes selecting a cable support structure configured to support an optical fiber sensor, adhering the optical fiber sensor to the cable support structure by applying a temporary adhesive, and installing a protective layer around the cable support structure and the temporarily adhered optical fiber sensor. The method further includes removing a bond between the optical fiber sensor and the temporary adhesive, wherein removing the bond includes injecting a debonding material into a space formed between the cable support structure and the protective layer, and injecting a permanent adhesive into the space, the permanent adhesive configured to immobilize the optical fiber sensor relative to the protective layer and allow strain to be transferred from the protective layer to the optical fiber sensor.

Abstract: A tapered magnetorheological (MR) valve includes a first fixed housing that remains in a fixed position along a central axis of the tapered MR valve. The first fixed housing defines a first surface of a MR fluid channel that is at an angle with respect to the central axis of the tapered MR valve. A second housing moves linearly along the central axis of the tapered MR valve. The second housing defines a second surface of the MR fluid channel that is at the angle with respect to the central axis of the tapered MR valve. The first fixed housing and the second housing together define a first MR fluid chamber and a second MR fluid chamber interconnected by the MR fluid channel. The second housing moves linearly between a first position and a second position along the central axis of the tapered MR valve.

Abstract: A fluid pulse generator for use in a drill string comprises an elongate obstruction member mounted in a fluid passage for driven pivoting about a pivot axis transverse to the fluid passage, obstruction of the fluid passage by the obstruction member being variable in relation to pivotal position of the obstruction member. Telemetry signals can be transmitted along the drill string by driven pivoting of the obstruction member, to generate data pulses in drilling fluid in the drill string. Pressure-locking of the obstruction member in a maximally obstructive position can be counteracted by provision of a bypass arrangement to allow bypass flow at a leading end of the obstruction member.

Abstract: An example telemetry signal detection apparatus may include a optical splitter, a light source optically coupled to the optical splitter, and a light detector optically coupled to the optical splitter. The apparatus further may include a reference loop optically coupled to the optical splitter and a sensor loop optically coupled to the reference loop and the optical splitter. The reference loop may be contained within a reference loop enclosure. The sensor loop and reference loop may comprise a zero-area Sagnac loop with folded optical fiber or dual fiber cable configurations.

Abstract: A formation is characterized by generating a model of the formation that characterizes the formation in a manner consistent with all measurements, thereby permitting a computation or prediction of how the formation will respond to disturbances or stimuli such as fluid injection for production, carbon-dioxide injection for sequestration, current injection, etc. The formation is described with a fundamental set of microscopic parameters such that quantities relevant to petrophysical response at a continuum or macroscopic level can be derived from them. Values for various formation parameters are determined, as are values for various field variables.

Abstract: A method of estimating properties of a reservoir fluid in an underground reservoir includes: calculating the density ? of the mixture containing water; determining component-specific volume shift parameters ci; replacing the component specific volume shift parameter for water with a volume shift parameter cH2O; determining a total volume shift c required from the sum of the component specific volume shifts and the mole fraction of each component in the mixture; determining a corrected molar volume of the liquid and vapor by subtracting the total volume shift c from an equation of state (EOS) calculated molar volume v; and recalculating density ? and compressibility factor Z for the liquid and vapor phases with the corrected molar volume.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for characterizing a fluid including a phase transition cell to receive the fluid, a piston to control fluid pressure, a pressure gauge to measure the fluid pressure and to provide information to control the piston, and connectors to connect the cell, piston, and gauge. The exterior volume of the phase transition cell, piston, gauge, and connectors is less than about 10 liters. A method and an apparatus to characterize a fluid including observing a fluid in an phase transition cell, measuring a pressure of the fluid, and adjusting a pressure control device in response to the measuring.

Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine includes a root with a neck that extends into a fir tree with at least one tooth, the root includes a feed passage in communication with a multiple of cooling passages that extend through the neck and fir tree.

Abstract: A mid-span shroud assembly for a turbine blade airfoil includes a pressure side shroud body which is associated with a pressure side wall of the airfoil and a suction side shroud body which is associated with a suction side wall of the airfoil. At least one of the pressure side shroud body and the suction side shroud body defines a coupling spar which is formed to extend at least partially through a bore hole defined within the airfoil of the turbine blade.

Abstract: A mid-span shroud assembly comprises a suction side shroud body which defines a first spar. The first spar is formed to extend at least partially through a spar opening defined within the airfoil and includes a root portion, a tip portion, an upper face and a lower face. The upper and lower faces converge from the tip portion towards the root portion. The mid-span assembly further includes a pressure side shroud body. The pressure side shroud body defines a second spar which is formed to extend at least partially through the spar opening of the airfoil and includes a root portion, a tip portion, an upper face and a lower face. At least a portion of the upper face of the second spar is formed to be substantially parallel with the lower face of the first spar when both the first and second spars are inserted into the spar opening.

Abstract: A mid-span shroud assembly for a turbine blade includes a pressure side shroud body defining a spar pocket and a fastener hole and a suction side shroud body defining a spar pocket and a fastener hole. The mid-span shroud assembly further includes a spar having a first end portion which extends within the spar pocket of the pressure side shroud body and a second end portion which extends within the spar pocket of the suction side shroud body. The spar is formed to extend through a bore hole of the turbine blade. A fastener is formed to extend through the fastener hole of the pressure side shroud body, a fastener orifice of the turbine blade and the fastener hole of the suction side shroud body to provide a clamping force to hold the pressure side and suction side shroud bodies against the airfoil.

Abstract: A fan blade for a gas turbine engine is described. The fan blade may comprise a body portion formed from a metallic material, and it may include a suction side, a pressure side, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a tip. A coating may be applied to the tip, and the coating may have a thermal conductivity of no more than about 10 watt per meter kelvin. The coating may be a thermal barrier coating comprising yttria-stabilized zirconia.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas turbine engine component, and a method for forming the component. The component includes a first portion, a second portion formed separately from the first portion, and an intermediate layer provided between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A fan rotor for a gas turbine engine has a fan hub mounted for rotation about a central axis of the engine. A plurality of fan blades are circumferentially distributed about a radially outer surface of an outer rim section of the fan hub. The outer rim section is connected to an inner rim section through an axially facing web section. The web section extends from the outer rim section at a location axially aft of the center of gravity of the fan blades. A ridge formation extends radially inwardly from the outer rim axially forward of the web section.

Abstract: A blade for use in a gas turbine engine has an airfoil and a dovetail. The airfoil extends radially outwardly of the dovetail. An inner surface of the dovetail includes a slot extending along a length of the dovetail between a leading edge and a trailing edge.

Abstract: A cover plate according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body, a first tab near a bore of the body, and a second tab circumferentially spaced from the first tab. A slot is defined between the first tab and the second tab, the first tab, the second tab and the slot extending at an angle relative to a slot axis that extends through the bore. In another embodiment, the cover plate includes a bumper that limits deflection of the body.

Abstract: A sliding joint in a gas turbine engine between a large exit duct of a combustor and a turbine vane assembly having a leading edge lug. The sliding joint has an elongated flexible arm extending between a first end joined to the outer surface of the large entry duct, and an opposed free second end disposed radially inward of the outer surface of the large entry duct. A spacer is joined to the second end of the arm and projects radially away therefrom toward the outer surface of the large entry duct. The spacer is spaced apart from the outer surface and defines a gap therebetween. The spacer, the arm, and the sliding joint axially displace with respect to the lug upon thermal expansion of the large entry duct.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a bearing assembly in a gas turbine engine includes a first annular runner disposed around a shaft rotatable about an axis defining an axial direction. The first annular runner is rotatable with the shaft about the axis. A seal element is spaced apart from the first annular runner and cooperating therewith to provide a gap seal. An annular lip axially extends from the gap seal to an open end. The lip is disposed at least partially around the seal runner. A second annular runner is disposed coaxially with and spaced radially apart from the lip. The second annular runner extends axially opposite to the lip so as to provide a tortuous path leading to the open end of the lip. A restrictor extends between the lip and the second annular runner to impede the passage oil through the tortuous path to the open end of the lip.

Abstract: A method of producing a rotor of a charging apparatus may include the steps of providing at least one compressor wheel and a turbine wheel. The compressor wheel and the turbine wheel may each include a bearing section having a radial bearing surface at a longitudinal end for mounting a bearing housing. At least one of the radial bearing surfaces may include a radial oversizing corresponding to a rotationally asymmetric geometry between at least the bearing section of the compressor wheel and the bearing section of the turbine wheel. The method may include the step of assembling the compressor wheel, the turbine wheel and each bearing section together to form a unitary structure, and machining the at least one of the radial bearing surfaces to reduce the respective radial oversizing until each of the radial bearing surfaces are rotationally symmetrical with respect to each other.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine shroud for surrounding one of a rotor and a stator having a plurality of radially extending airfoils is provided. The shroud includes an annular body defining an axial and a radial direction. The body has a radially inner surface and a plurality of indentations is annularly defined therein. Each of the plurality of indentations has a depth of an order of magnitude of a clearance between the one of the rotor and the stator and the inner surface. The plurality of indentations is defined in a region of the inner face defined axially between projections of leading and trailing edges of the airfoils onto the inner surface of the annular body.

Abstract: A blade outer air seal (BOAS) for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a seal body having a radially inner face and a radially outer face that axially extend between a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion. A retention flange extends from one of the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion and a seal contacts the retention flange.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine article includes a substrate and a bond coating that covers at least a portion of the substrate with a step formed in at least one of the substrate and the bond coating. A thermally insulating topcoat is disposed on the bond coating. The thermally insulating topcoat includes a first topcoat portion separated by at least one fault that extends through the thermally insulating topcoat from a second topcoat portion.

Abstract: A method for flexible operation of a power plant having a recovery steam generator having heat exchanger stages for generating live steam and/or reheater steam for a steam turbine from an exhaust flow of a gas turbine, wherein auxiliary firing is arranged in a flue gas channel of the recovery steam generator in the region of the heat exchanger stages. In order to regulate the live steam and/or the reheater steam, at least one injection cooling device is brought online directly upon using the auxiliary firing.

Abstract: A method of controlling a variable vane assembly includes the steps of sensing a first angular deflection of a first array of variable vanes about a first vane axis, and a second angular deflection of a second array of variable vanes about a second vane axis, the first array of variable vanes axially spaced from the second array of variable vanes, and adjusting the angular deflection of one of the first and second arrays of variable vanes, based on the sensed angular deflections from the other of the first and second arrays of variable vanes. A compressor including the variable vane assembly and a method of operating the variable vane assembly for a compressor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of locating a surface feature for a geometrically segmented coating on a contoured surface comprising providing an article having a contoured surface; overlaying an assembly of ligaments on the contoured surface; and locating a surface feature at a predetermined location relative to each ligament.

Abstract: A flow transfer apparatus for transferring cooling flow from a primary gas flowpath to a turbine rotor. The apparatus includes a first supply plenum communicating with the primary gas flowpath and first inducers, the first inducers configured to accelerate a first fluid flow from the first supply plenum and discharge it toward the rotor with a tangential velocity; a second supply plenum communicating with the primary gas flowpath and second inducers , the second inducers configured to accelerate a second fluid flow from the second supply plenum towards the rotor with a tangential velocity; and a cooling modulation valve operable to selectively permit or block the second fluid flow from the primary gas flowpath to the second supply plenum. The valve includes a flow control structure disposed in the primary gas flowpath and an actuation structure extending to a location radially outside of a casing defining the primary gas flowpath.