Patents Issued in May 19, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160138352
    Abstract: An annular isolation device for managed pressure drilling includes a first housing portion coupled to a second housing portion; a packing element at least partially disposed in the first housing portion; a penetrator coupled to the first housing portion; and a carrier coupled to the second housing portion, wherein the carrier is configured to receive a portion of the penetrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: John Vinh LEBA, Mario M. REYNA, Gordon THOMSON, Chau NGUYEN, Jerlib J. LEAL, Walter Scott DILLARD
  • Publication number: 20160138353
    Abstract: A downhole cutting tool for cutting sections or “windows” in tubular strings in wellbores has rotating cutters and a lower stabilizer section, both actuated by a fluid operated mechanism. The stabilizer section keeps the downhole cutting tool centralized in the tubular string. The cutters may have a robust profile and structure which enhances the window cutting function and permits passage of an operating rod to operate the stabilizer section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: David J. Ruttley, Charles L. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20160138354
    Abstract: There is provided a downhole umbilical release assembly comprising a guillotine arrangement provided by a guillotine alignment sub (12) and a guillotine mandrel (16). The guillotine alignment sub has a first edge (27) over which an umbilical is positioned in a wellbore string. The guillotine mandrel is positioned radially outwardly of the guillotine alignment sub and is arranged to move longitudinally with respect thereto. The guillotine mandrel has a second edge (29) that is arranged to pass over the first edge (27) of the guillotine alignment sub during longitudinal movement of the guillotine mandrel relative to the guillotine alignment sub. This severs an umbilical positioned between the two edges (27,29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Espen SØRBØ, Tommy LOFTHUS
  • Publication number: 20160138355
    Abstract: A technique facilitates automatic shut-in of a well and disconnect of a corresponding landing string. The landing string is employed in a well application and comprises a landing string module which measures a parameter or a variety of parameters. Those parameters may be used to determine the occurrence of an event which initiates shut-in of the well and disconnect of the landing string. The subsea landing string system is constructed to enable autonomous shut-in and disconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Gary RYTLEWSKI
  • Publication number: 20160138356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a well bore control apparatus, system and method for sealing a well bore. The invention relates to a well bore control apparatus (20) comprising a housing (27) having a guide element (36) defining a path, the housing defining a throughbore (23) for receiving a tubular, a first tapered gate (64a) and a tapered second gate (64b) located within the housing, the first and second gates being adapted to engage with the guide element. In use the first and second gates are moveable along the path defined by the guide element in a direction substantially transverse to the throughbore between an open position of the throughbore and a closed position of the throughbore. The well bore control apparatus comprises a first seal seat (42) for forming a first seal with the first gate in the closed position to seal the throughbore. The well bore control apparatus may include a second seal seat (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Stuart Ellison
  • Publication number: 20160138357
    Abstract: A device (1) for adjusting a media pressure relative to an ambient pressure which is defined by a depth-dependent sea water pressure during use of the device (1), wherein the sea water pressure acts on a compensator device (35) which permits a reversible change in length or elongation, characterized in that at least two compensator elements (41) of the compensator device (35) are provided in series in the direction of the change in length or elongation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Frank BAUER, Martin GROBEN, Alexander ALBERT
  • Publication number: 20160138358
    Abstract: A subsea system including a frame including an intensifier, the intensifier providing structural support to the frame and capable of providing pressurized delivery fluid. The intensifier includes an intensifier chamber and a delivery fluid chamber separated by a piston, the intensifier chamber capable of receiving ambient pressure to provide a pressure on the delivery fluid through the piston. Also, a regulation system regulates the amount of ambient pressure communicated to the intensifier chamber to maintain the delivery fluid pressure substantially constant as the delivery fluid is depleted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Melvyn F. Whitby, Gerrit Kroesen, Roger Boisjolie, Donald S. Coonrod, Edmund A. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20160138359
    Abstract: A swellable composition comprises: a matrix material; and a condensed expandable graphite material disposed in the matrix material. A seal arrangement comprises: a swellable member and a sealing member disposed on a surface of the swellable member; wherein the swellable member comprises a condensed expandable graphite material. The condensed expandable graphite material in the swellable composition and the swellable member has a bulk density of about 1 to about 8 g/cm3 and comprises expandable graphite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Lei Zhao, Zhiyue Xu, James Edward Goodson, Wayne R. Furlan
  • Publication number: 20160138360
    Abstract: A system and method to isolate a portion of a wellbore and to detect fluid production from the wellbore. The system includes first and second isolators connected to a tubing string. The isolators include memory shape elements positioned between sealing elements and mandrels that may be actuated from a first shape to a second shape to create a seal within the wellbore with the sealing elements. The system may include a sensor configured to detect production from the wellbore. A sensor may be configured to detect a pressure of the isolated portion of the wellbore. A port between the isolators may permit fluid communication to the portion of the wellbore isolated by the sealing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Rostyslav Dolog, Carlos A. Prieto, Juan Carlos Flores, Othon R. Monteiro, Pavan M.V. Raja, Fahmi Bahrini
  • Publication number: 20160138361
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for deploying a casing patch in a wellbore. One casing patch assembly includes a setting kit arranged at an uphole end, an upper wedge portion operatively coupled to the setting kit and defining an upper ramp portion, a lower wedge portion arranged at a downhole end and defining a lower ramp portion, and a casing patch axially interposing the upper and lower wedge portions and having a proximal end configured to radially expand upon slidably engaging the upper ramp portion and a distal end configured to radially expand upon slidably engaging the lower ramp portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Gammill Clemens
  • Publication number: 20160138362
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well includes a mandrel, a sealing element disposed about the mandrel for engaging the well in a set position of the tool, a retaining shoe at one of the first and second ends of the sealing element, and a slip wedge disposed about the mandrel abutting the retaining shoe. The downhole tool includes components made by a 3-D printing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: David Allen Dockweiler
  • Publication number: 20160138363
    Abstract: The present invention is to a packer plug that can be tripped into a particular location in a well bore and set using slips or expansion rings and packer elements. The plug presents little flow resistance because of its wide inner diameter throat through the mandrel. A ball seat at an upper end allows for the sealing of the interior passage. The ball can be flowed upward or dissolved to remove the seal and allow flow through the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Sommers
  • Publication number: 20160138364
    Abstract: A method relating to perforation operations, which comprises introducing a wettability altering fluid into a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation such that the wettability altering fluid seeps into the subterranean formation. Subsequent to introducing the wettability altering fluid, a fluid loss pill is introduced into the wellbore such that seepage of fluid between the wellbore and the subterranean formation is inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Pubudu H Gamage, William Walter Shumway, Jay Paul Deville
  • Publication number: 20160138365
    Abstract: Method and systems for opening and closing a subsurface valve are disclosed. A rod piston forms a first piston chamber, a second piston chamber and a third piston chamber within a housing. The first piston chamber is fluidically coupled to a high tubing pressure and the second piston chamber is fluidically coupled to a surface control line and a first compartment of a storage chamber. The third piston chamber is coupled to a second compartment of the storage chamber. A flow tube couples the rod piston to a flapper. The rod piston is moved between a first position and a second position in response to a change in a pressure in at least one of the first piston chamber, the second piston chamber and the third piston chamber. The movement of the rod piston between the first position and the second position at least one of opens and closes the flapper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: James Dan Vick, Jr., Jimmie Robert Williamson, Jr., Jeremy Pike Brimer
  • Publication number: 20160138366
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively treating different zones in a wellbore includes running a tubular string into the wellbore, the string having at least two housings disposed therein, the housings separated along the string, each housing having a fluid path between an interior of the housing and a zone of interest and each housing having an individual profile for mating with an individual insert and running a second, smaller diameter tubular string into the wellbore, the string including an insert, the insert constructed and arranged to mate with a predetermined one of the plurality of housings and to initially seal the fluid path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: John Patrick BROUSSARD
  • Publication number: 20160138367
    Abstract: A downhole tool, multi-stage cementing tool, and method for cementing. The tool includes a body having a bore axially therethrough and an opening radially therethrough, and a first sleeve positioned in the bore of the body. The first sleeve has an opening radially therethrough that is axially aligned with the opening of the body when the downhole tool is in a first configuration. An inner surface of the first sleeve defines a first seat. The tool also includes a second sleeve positioned in the first sleeve, with the second sleeve being aligned with the opening of the first sleeve and preventing fluid flow therethrough when the tool is in the first configuration. The second sleeve is configured to move axially and engage the first seat of the first sleeve when the tool is in a second configuration, so as to resist relative rotation between the first and second sleeves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Brent James Lirette, Kyle Taylor, Tyler Tinnin, Michael Lynn Betik, Chris Lovelady
  • Publication number: 20160138368
    Abstract: A device for ensuring continuous circulation in well drilling comprises a tubular body having an axial channel therein, with a lateral opening closed by a removable plug. A flapper valve is placed in the tubular conduit, whose shut-off member is movable between a transverse position, in which it closes the axial channel, and a longitudinal position, in which it closes in a pressure-tight manner the lateral opening. Advantageously, the device comprises magnetic mechanism to operate on the shut-off member in the longitudinal position and retain it in the longitudinal position with a preset load, and as the latter is exceeded the shut-off member may be moved to the transverse position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Giorgio GIROLA
  • Publication number: 20160138369
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cultivating a surface of a wall of a subterranean well bore, conduit or cable by scraping and furrowing the surface using a string hoistable shaft carrying a flexible arrangement of a laterally extendable and retractable arcuate engagement linkage dragging a cutter and scraper member, wherein said engagement linkage arcuately engages and aligns the cutter and scraper member during one or more scraping engagements: along said surface and longitudinal to a well axis to form and use said furrow, across said surface and transverse to said well axis using a filament linkage to form and use said furrow, or along and across said surface and longitudinal and transverse to said well axis to form and use a lattice of said furrows, separating a plane of the surface into a plurality of planes that comprise separate surface regions, usable by an ancillary apparatus or a spreadable substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce A. TUNGET
  • Publication number: 20160138370
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a wellbore operation includes a retrievable tubular defining an axial flowbore and having at least one opening providing fluid communication between the flowbore and a formation, and a degradable diverter disposed at least partially in an annulus between a wellbore and the retrievable tubular, and adjacent to the at least one opening. The degradable diverter comprises a material that structurally degrades over an engineered time interval in response to an applied stimulus. The degradable diverter also directs a stimulation fluid exiting through the at least one opening towards the formation. The degradable diverter is connected to the retrievable tubular, a stimulation fluid is pumped through the flowbore. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the general subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Juan C. Flores, Jason M. Harper, James S. Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20160138371
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing existing wells and designing new wells based on the distribution of each average effective fracture length for a respective per fracturing stage with respect to different reservoir properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Jan Loaiza, Marko Maucec
  • Publication number: 20160138372
    Abstract: A slug mitigation system for subsea pipelines that includes a riser located between a low subsea level and an upper topside level of a pipeline. There is also a separator located at the top of the riser; and a surface jet pump located at a gas outlet of the separator. In another embodiment of a slug mitigation system, the surface jet pump is located downstream of an in-line separator on a gas outlet using high pressure gas from a downstream process or compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Mirza Najam Ali Beg
  • Publication number: 20160138373
    Abstract: A method of hanging a liner in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes: conveying a liner having a liner hanger and a liner hanger actuator into the wellbore by a service string that includes controller that determines a downhole parameter of interest relating to setting of the liner hanger; determining by the controller the parameter of interest relating to setting of the liner hanger in the wellbore; and sending a wireless liner hanger command signal from the controller in response to the determined parameter of interest to cause the liner hanger actuator to set the liner hanger in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward T. Wood, Aubrey Clifton Mills
  • Publication number: 20160138374
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fissured substrata water pumping apparatus and methods thereof. The fissured substrata water pumping apparatus includes a water pumping pipe inserted into a drilled hole under a roadway floor; one or more unidirectional water-blocking plates configured inside the water pumping pipe; a servo pump; and an annular drainage siphon having a first end connected to an upper end of the water pumping pipe, and a second end connected to an inlet end of the servo pump through a valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: ZHANGUO MA, GUOZHEN ZHAO, FAN ZHANG, PENG GONG, ZHONGXI JIANG, JIANLI YANG, XINLI ZHANG, ZHANLIN MA, YUNJING MA
  • Publication number: 20160138375
    Abstract: A well pump assembly has a pump driven by an electrical motor. A seal section reduces a pressure difference between a dielectric lubricant in the motor and a hydrostatic well fluid Pressure. The seal section has a housing containing a guide tube concentric with the axis. Contractible and extensible inner and outer bellows surround the guide tube. An inner bellows guide ring is secured to the inner bellows between ends and has an inner surface with an inner diameter smaller than a minimum inner diameter of the inner bellows for sliding engagement with an outer surface of the guide tube as the inner bellows lengthens and contracts. The outer bellows has a guide ring secured between ends and having an outer surface with an outer diameter larger than a maximum outer diameter of the outer bellows for sliding engagement with an inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: David Tanner, Ryan P. Semple
  • Publication number: 20160138376
    Abstract: Implementations provide flowing of fracturing fluids to subterranean zones. Actions can include In some examples, a method includes actions of flowing a mixture of a first quantity of acid and a second quantity of a polymer diverting agent (PDA) having a viscosity that changes with acid concentration to a first portion of a subterranean zone, wherein the first quantity decreases as the acid reacts with metal in the first portion, and wherein the viscosity of the PDA increases as the first quantity decreases to form a PDA gel and flowing a third quantity of acid through the subterranean zone, wherein the PDA gel diverts the acid from the first portion to a second portion of the subterranean zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Ayman Raja Al-Nakhli, Abeer Mohammad Saleh Al-Olayan
  • Publication number: 20160138377
    Abstract: This method includes providing an cased borehole located within a salt bed, injecting an aqueous liquid into the cased borehole at a first pressure, in order to expose the salt bed to the aqueous liquid, thereby dissolving at least a portion of the salt bed and forming a brine solution within an underground storage volume, withdrawing at least a portion of the brine solution from the underground storage volume, and injecting an inert gas into the cased borehole at a second pressure, in order to provide an inert blanket within the underground storage volume, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure but less than the maximum allowable pressure of the cavern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald STRYBOS
  • Publication number: 20160138378
    Abstract: A shockwave generator pre-treats one or more production zones within a well to facilitate recovery of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons from the well. The well may be heated to a particular temperature, w here after a cooling agent is introduced through the shockwave generator which effects a cooling action in the walls of the well and induces cracking which is propagated by the tremors or shocks of the cooling agent as it exits the generator. The initiated cracks may be further propagated using one or more additional stimulation methods, including a freeze-thaw method which is implemented through a subsystem having overlapping components with the shockwave generator subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Triple D Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell S. KOSAKEWICH
  • Publication number: 20160138379
    Abstract: This method includes providing an cased borehole located within a salt bed, injecting an aqueous liquid into the cased borehole at a first pressure, in order to expose the salt bed to the aqueous liquid, thereby dissolving at least a portion of the salt bed and forming a brine solution within an underground storage volume, withdrawing at least a portion of the brine solution from the underground storage volume, and injecting an inert gas into the cased borehole at a second pressure, in order to provide an inert blanket within the underground storage volume, wherein the second pressure that is greater than the first pressure but less than the maximum allowable pressure of the cavern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald STRYBOS
  • Publication number: 20160138380
    Abstract: An oil and gas well gas separator that operates in conjunction with an isolation means and a tail pipe to reduce the pressure gradient of the well fluids flowing up the tailpipe, to thereby reduce the well's producing bottom hole pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: James N. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20160138381
    Abstract: Apparatus for directional drilling allows an uphole section of drill string to be rotated while maintaining a desired orientation of a bent section of the drill string. In some embodiments, clutches above and below the bent section are selectively operated to rotate the bent section to a desired orientation. Reducing transmissions may reduce the rotation rate of the bent section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Aaron W. LOGAN, Justin C. LOGAN
  • Publication number: 20160138382
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for rotating a drill string to mitigate stick-slip oscillations. An embodiment includes a method of rotating a drill string driven by a drive system using a control system. The method includes measuring torque values of the drive system with a torque sensor. The method also includes determining a frequency of stick-slip oscillations at the drive system based on the torque values using the control system. The method also includes determining an estimated instantaneous rotational speed of the drive system with the control system based on at least the frequency of stick-slip oscillations and a characteristic impedance of the drill string. The method also includes adjusting the estimated instantaneous rotational speed based on changes in the torque values to define an adjusted estimated instantaneous rotation speed with the control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Amir Badkoubeh, Alex Strand, Douglas Greening
  • Publication number: 20160138383
    Abstract: A method of forming a scintillator includes processing soluble precursor ceramic lanthanide materials to form a calcined powder. This powder is spark plasma sintered to density the calinced powder into a lanthanide scintillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Irina MOLODETSKY
  • Publication number: 20160138384
    Abstract: A temperature sensor for measuring a temperature within a subsea installation includes a fixture portion coupled to the subsea installation and a retrievable portion that is selectively operable to couple to the fixture portion. The fixture portion includes a constant volume of a fluid disposed at a measurement point within the subsea installation. The retrievable portion includes a pressure sensing element operable to measure a pressure associated with the constant volume of fluid such that a temperature at the measurement point is determinable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Bjørn Erik Seeberg, Christopher Grinde
  • Publication number: 20160138385
    Abstract: A sensing system provides real time information as to the location of a stand in a tubular string at a predetermined elevation such as where the rams are located. This allows a determination of whether the upsets are aligned with the ramps or whether the stand is aligned with the rams in a manner that the rams will close on the tubular between the end upsets. The surrounding pipe has circumferentially spaced transmitters and receivers to allow a determination of the outer dimension of the pipe and to transmit such information to the surface by conductors or other means. The position of a tubular in an open hole can also be determined by sending a signal from the tubular to the open hole and back to the tubular. Different signal regimes are contemplated as well as power supply options.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Steve M. Cortez
  • Publication number: 20160138386
    Abstract: Fluid densities can be monitored in real-time in a wellbore, such as during downhole stimulation operations, using an acoustic pressure-sensing system. The measured acoustic signal can be used to determine pressure fluctuations of a fluid in non-laminar flow. An estimated density of the fluid can be calculated based on the pressure fluctuations of the fluid and a known flow rate of the fluid. The flow rate of the fluid can be known, such as when being held constant by surface equipment or when measured at the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Lee Stokely, Neal Gregory Skinner
  • Publication number: 20160138387
    Abstract: A fluid flow location identification positioning system includes, at least one component that is attachable within a tubular at any user selectable location within the tubular, and an identifier in operable communication with the at least one component configured to be eroded by fluid that flows therepast, at least trace amounts of the identifier are releasable into fluid that erodes the identifier
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, William Aaron Burton
  • Publication number: 20160138388
    Abstract: A drill string communication system is described. An uphole transceiver can couple a signal onto the drill string at a power that is always greater that a selectable power for a downhole signal. Communication from a drill rig to an inground tool can be re-initiated using a maximum uphole transmit power of an uphole transceiver. A procedure can establish a new set of transmission parameters for a drill string signal to establish communication between the drill rig and the inground tool. The system can include a walkover locator that receives an active/inactive status-controlled electromagnetic locating signal. Responsive to a locating signal degradation, a reconfiguration command can modify the locating signal. The uphole transceiver and a downhole transceiver can automatically modify at least one parameter of a downhole signal. An uphole receiver can apply a compensation response to a transferred signal to compensate for a drill string channel transfer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Loc Viet Lam
  • Publication number: 20160138389
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a fiber optic cable and a fiber optic interrogator. The fiber optic cable contains acoustical sensors that can be positioned in stimulation fluid in a wellbore. The fiber optic interrogator can determine flow rate of the stimulation fluid based on signals from the fiber optic cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher Lee Stokely
  • Publication number: 20160138390
    Abstract: A method of locating a drilling apparatus and/or a borehole in a subterranean region. The method may include the steps of transmitting seismic waves into the subterranean region during a subterranean drilling operation, the seismic waves being transmitted from a location remote from the drilling apparatus, detecting a seismic response from the drilling apparatus or borehole, and comparing the detected response with predetermined seismic survey data of the subterranean region to determine the location of the apparatus or borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Børge ARNTSEN, Sigbjørn SANGESLAND, Ståle Emil JOHANSEN
  • Publication number: 20160138391
    Abstract: A mud hammer is driven by the flow of drilling fluid to generate pressure pulses. Timing and/or amplitude of the pulses are altered to encode data by applying electromagnetic forces to a movable member of the mud hammer. In an example embodiment the movable member carries one or more magnets and electromagnetic forces are applied to the movable member by one or more electromagnets. The mud hammer may also generate electrical power that may be applied to charge batteries and/or drive downhole electrical apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Aaron W. LOGAN, Justin C. LOGAN
  • Publication number: 20160138392
    Abstract: Levels of kerogen and bitumen are computed in a sample of rock from DRIFTS measurements on the sample. the DRIFTS spectrum of a rock sample is measured, resulting in an estimate of bitumen and kerogen. Bitumen is then washed from the rock and DRIFTS is re-measured, resulting in an estimate of kerogen. Bitumen quantity is calculated by subtracting the washed sampled results from first DRIFTS measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Emil Pomerantz, Robert Leonard Kleinberg, Ravinath Kausik Kadayam Viswanathan, Paul Ryan Craddock
  • Publication number: 20160138393
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the compressibility (K) of a fluid circulated by a positive displacement pump that comprises: a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure P of a fluid confined in a fluid module of the pump ; a position sensor for sensing the position X, of a piston in the fluid module and a control unit communicating with the pressure sensor and the position sensor adapted to: log the pressure (P) and piston position (X) substantially synchronously; using (X), calculate the volume (V) of the confined fluid in the fluid module ; and using (P) and (V), calculate the compressibility (K) .
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Age KYLLINGSTAD, Arne AUSTEFJORD
  • Publication number: 20160138394
    Abstract: A perforation test target is provided. The perforation test target includes a metal plate and a core sample adhered to the metal plate at one end. The perforation test target further including a first sleeve adhered to the core sample, where a flow impedance of each of a plurality of portions of the first sleeve is based on a predetermined impedance map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Brooks, Dennis Haggerty
  • Publication number: 20160138395
    Abstract: Methods for analyzing sag in a section of a wellbore may utilize computational methods that produce sag profiles, which may be useful in performing further wellbore operations. The computational method may include inputs of at least one wellbore fluid property, at least one wellbore condition relating to a section of a wellbore, at least one operational parameter into a computational method, and any combination thereof. Further, the computational methods may include a mass balance analysis for individual elements of the meshed section of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandeep D. Kulkarni, Dale E. Jamison
  • Publication number: 20160138396
    Abstract: A tool insertable into a wellbore for sampling formation fluids includes a body, and sample probe assemblies that project radially outward from the body and into sampling contact with the wellbore wall. Packers are provided on the outer terminal ends of the sample probe assemblies and which are urged against the wellbore wall. Actuator driven linkage assemblies selectively deploy and retract the packers from and back into the body. The sample probe assemblies are disposed at substantially the same axial location on the body, and are angularly spaced about an axis of the body. Each sample probe assembly is independently actuated, so that a discrete azimuthal portion can be sampled, and each has a dedicated sample container for storing sampled formation fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher John Morgan, Hermanus J. Nieuwoudt, James T. Cernosek
  • Publication number: 20160138397
    Abstract: An anchoring and anti-clogging drill rod for a coal mine floor and methods thereof are provided. The anchoring and anti-clogging drill rod includes a hollow drill pipe and a hollow sleeve configured inside the hollow drill pipe. A front joint is configured at a front end of the hollow drill pipe. A back joint is configured at a back end of the hollow drill pipe. The hollow sleeve is wound with a spiral connection line in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the anchoring and anti-clogging drill rod during drilling. A spiral-shaped space is formed between the spiral connection line and an inner chamber of the hollow drill pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Zhanguo Ma, Peng Gong, Fan Zhang, Guozhen Zhao, Chunchun He, Yunjing Ma
  • Publication number: 20160138398
    Abstract: The invention specifies a hydraulic vane-type machine (1) having a stator (2) and having a rotor (3) which has multiple vanes (4), each of which vanes is radially displaceable in a guide (5) in the rotor (3), bears against an inner circumference (6) of the stator (2), and, together with the rotor (3), the stator (2) and in each case one side wall (7) at each axial end of the rotor (3), delimits working chambers whose volumes vary in the event of a rotation of the rotor (3) relative to the stator (2). It is sought to obtain a certain degree of freedom for the design of the inner circumference. For this purpose, it is provided that each vane (4) has, on its radially inner side, an abutment surface (17) which bears radially at the outside against a cam disk (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Erik Haugaard, Hans Christian Petersen
  • Publication number: 20160138399
    Abstract: A structurally-reinforced rotor disk for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The rotor disk may comprise a body including a rim configured to support airfoils (which may be separate or integral with the airfoils), an axially-extending bore disposed radially inward of the rim, and a radially-extending web connecting the rim and the bore. The bore may include an axial outer edge and at least one circumferentially-extending annular recess formed axially between the outer edge and the web. The rotor disk may further comprise an annular ring retained in the annular recess, and the annular ring may be formed from a different material than the body of the rotor disk so as to increase a self-sustaining radius of the rotor disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Anthony R. Bifulco, Damon K. Brown, Nicholas Aiello
  • Publication number: 20160138400
    Abstract: New aluminum alloys having iron, vanadium, silicon and copper are disclosed. The new alloys may include from 3 to 12 wt. % Fe, from 0.1 to 3 wt. % V, from 0.1 to 3 wt. % Si, and from 1.0 to 6 wt. % Cu, the balance being aluminum and impurities. The new aluminum alloys may be produced via additive manufacturing techniques, which may facilitate rapid solidification of a molten pool of the aluminum alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Lynette M. Karabin, Cagatay Yanar, David W. Heard, Wei Wang
  • Publication number: 20160138401
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blade or vane arrangement for a turbomachine having a turbomachine blade or vane (10) and at least one tuning element guide housing (21, 22) with at least one cavity (11), in which at least one tuning element (3), which is provided for impact contact with the tuning element guide housing is taken up, the tuning element guide housing being arranged in a recess (12) of the turbomachine blade or vane, wherein the cavity (11) of the tuning element guide housing (21, 22) in which the tuning element (3) is taken up, is closed in a gas-tight manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Andreas Hartung, Manfred Schill, Gerhard-Heinz Roesele