Abstract: A retrievable Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) and electrical motor for driving the ESP are positioned in a tubing string in the well-bore and, when desired, retrieved back to the surface. The ESP and motor are on an insertion string and can be lowered using wireline, coiled tubing, and standard running and setting tools. The method eliminates the need to retrieve the tubing string to repair, replace, or service the ESP and motor.

Abstract: A tool equalizes a packer or bridge plug before it can release the slips and sealing element of the packer or bridge plug with a reconfigurable grip tool. In one configuration the grip tool is latched only into the equalizing mechanism for the packer or bridge plug. Having equalized the pressure and while still latched to the equalization mechanism the tool is reconfigured with a force and locked into a second configuration. From that position the grip tool can latch and move the release mechanism for total release and retrieval to the surface. Release force undermines a ratchet lock for the slips to allow extension as the sealing element extends axially and radially retracts. If the slips fail to release with undermining of the ratchet lock then a set down force can be applied to re-engage the lower slip cone to push it from the lower slips for a release.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient and effective collection of debris from a wellbore, while permitting simultaneous visual verification of such debris collection. A debris collection assembly comprises a combination of one or more of the following: a reverse circulation assembly, a video assembly and at least one filter assembly. Fluids are circulated into a wellbore annular space via the reverse circulation assembly, into the video assembly where fluid and any associated debris are visually sensed and recorded, into the filter assembly where debris is separated from the fluids and collected, before cleaned fluids are circulated out of the wellbore. The components of the debris collection assembly are substantially modular, and can be run in combination with conventional wellbore cleaning tools (such as, for example, workstring-conveyed brushes, scrapers and/or magnets).

Abstract: An emergency wellbore intervention assembly connected to a BOP having a first generally L-shaped gate valve with a first and second port on each end of the L, each side operably connected to an actuator connectable to a hydraulic control line for selectable fluid communication with a pipe, the first port connected to a choke line, and the second port connected above a lower shear ram of a BOP, the first gate valve in selectable fluid communication with the pipe to a second similar two valve assembly operably connected to a kill line and below the lower shear ram and a manually operated valve operably connected to the second gate valve for fluid engagement to a high pressure fluid source. A method for controlling a well using the two valve assemblies by selectively plugging the well and circulating fluid from the kill side to the choke side of the system.

Abstract: A system for high pressure proppant blending includes at least one high pressure pump coupled to a high pressure flow path, the high pressure flow path entering a wellhead. The system further includes a chamber storing a mixture of proppant and compressed gas. The system also includes a high pressure nozzle. An output of the high pressure nozzle is coupled to the high pressure flow path between the at least one high pressure pump and the wellhead. The chamber is coupled to an input of the high pressure nozzle.

Abstract: A deployable baffle apparatus installed in a casing to isolate sections of a wellbore during stimulation treatments. The deployable baffle is inserted and positioned within a wellbore by a setting tool. To deploy the deployable baffle, the setting tool expands an expandable section of the deployable baffle such that the outer wall of the expandable section contacts an inner surface of the casing. Once the deployable baffle is deployed, the deployable baffle is detached from the setting tool and the tool sting may be repositioned for other downhole operations or removed from the wellbore. The deployable baffle includes an inner baffle for receiving an untethered object such that a seal is formed between the inner baffle and the untethered object, permitting isolation of adjacent wellbore sections. Any or all of the deployable baffle and the untethered object may be made of a dissolvable material.

Abstract: A downhole seal assembly for establishing a seal against a bore wall includes a mandrel, a seal element mounted on the mandrel, a setting support member mounted on the mandrel, and at least one setting element mounted on the mandrel axially between the seal element and the setting support member. Relative axial movement between the seal element and the setting support member over a first actuation distance causes the seal element to be deflected radially outwardly by an axially adjacent setting element. Relative axial movement of the seal element and the setting support member over a subsequent actuation distance causes radial expansion of at least one setting element to further expand the seal element.

Abstract: A packer has a tubular body and a setting sleeve disposed around the tubular body, where the setting sleeve has an upper end, a lower end, and a slot formed through a wall of the setting sleeve. The slot has a perimeter defining a shape of the slot, the perimeter having a top wall with a positively sloping portion extending to a top peak. The slot shape also includes a first axial extension extending axially along the sleeve from a first upper portion to a first lower portion, a second axial extension circumferentially spaced apart from the first extension and extending axially along the sleeve from a second upper portion to a second lower portion, and a lateral extension extending from the first upper portion to the second upper portion. A load pin is directly or indirectly connected to the tubular body and extends through the slot.

Abstract: A releasable production packer employs lock ring segments that are biased radially inwardly for engaging a mating pattern external to the packer mandrel. The mandrel has openings aligned with the segments and a release tool that latches to the mandrel for support and then moves the segments radially outwardly away from engagement with the mandrel so that the slips and sealing elements can extend axially and retract radially. After those movements the packer is retrieved. The release tools moves the locking segments only radially for the maximum mechanical advantage without risk of bending or deforming small parts.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel and useful fluid-tight, metal-to-metal, annular seal which can be repeatedly cycled in a high temperature, high pressure environment. More specifically, the invention provides a metal-to-metal, annular, seal on a radially expandable sliding sleeve which moves longitudinally from a reduced ID section of a bore to an enlarged section of the bore. The seal is disengaged at the enlarged bore section resulting in rapid fluid flow and pressure equalization which would destroy many traditional elastomer seals.

Abstract: A packer plug includes a retractable latch having at least one radially compressible finger having threads on an exterior surface, and a housing operatively arranged to move the at least one radially compressible finger inwardly during longitudinal movement of the housing in an uphole direction.

Abstract: A downhole tool actuating arrangement includes, a control system configured to communicate pressurized fluid to at least one downhole tool actuatable by pressure changes in the control system, a check valve in operable communication with the control system configured to prevent fluid flow through the check valve in a direction opposite to flow that causes increases in pressure in the control system, and a bleed device. The bleed device is in operable communication with the control system downstream of the check valve, wherein downstream is defined by a direction of flow that causes the check valve to open. The bleed device is configured to allow fluid flow therethrough when pressure on the control system side of the bleed device is greater than on a side opposite the control system.

Abstract: A downhole tool including a body having one or more openings. A main sleeve is disposed in the body. The main sleeve is configured to move between a first position in which the main sleeve blocks fluid flow through the one or more openings and a second position in which the main sleeve allows fluid flow through the one or more openings. An actuator is disposed in the body. The actuator is configured to actuate from a first state to a second state in response to application of a first level of pressure, and to a third state in response to application of a second level of pressure. Actuating the actuator to the third state causes the main sleeve to move from the first position to the second position, and the second level of pressure is less than or equal to the first level or pressure.

Abstract: A bypass valve and method of utilizing a bypass valve located inside of a tubular or mill that allows one set of equipment to operate, operating a second tool on demand, and then providing a fluid pathway for at least a third device to operate. The bypass valve has a through bore with the restriction. Fluid flows through the restriction at a first rate that is sufficient to operate a measuring while drilling tool. The fluid flow is then increased to a second rate where the restriction causes an increase in pressure within the bypass valve. The increase in pressure allows a packer typically below the bypass valve to be set. Fluid flow is then increased to a third rate causing a further increase in pressure within the bypass valve due to the restriction.

Abstract: An epoxy-based insulation material and a method of thermally insulating a subsea production apparatus are disclosed. The epoxy-based insulation material has an amine-cured epoxy elastomer matrix and a plurality of non-metallic beads suspended in the matrix. The epoxy-based insulation material is located on the subsea production apparatus to thermally insulate a hydrocarbon fluid from sea water.

Abstract: Improved compositions, treatment fluids, and methods for providing paraffin inhibition in subterranean operations, pipelines, and other related operations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a tagged inhibitor that comprises a base compound capable of inhibiting precipitation of paraffins or asphaltenes bonded with a detectable moiety; and introducing the tagged inhibitor into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A prognosis and diagnosis system for a pump includes a reference dataset, a historical dataset, a data acquisition engine (DAE), and a comparison engine. The reference dataset includes theoretical values obtained for at least one performance parameter pertaining to the pump. The historical dataset includes data values for the at least one performance parameter based on historical performance of the pump when the frac rig pump was operating under healthy and normal operating conditions. The DAE is configured to obtain real-time values for the at least one performance parameter that are measured during a current operating condition of the pump. The comparison engine is configured to selectively output a mode of failure based upon a comparison between the real-time values and at least one of the theoretical values from the reference dataset and the data values from the historical dataset.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for the injection of an aqueous polymer solution into an oil well, the device consisting of a series of straight tubes each with a pressure gauge, each tube being separated by a valve, where the valves are gate valves and/or needle valves. A method to reduce the injection pressure of an aqueous polymer solution according to the pressure of the well using the device.

Abstract: An installation for the dosing of a powder polymer having a particle size in the range from 100 to 500 micrometers intended to feed a blender in hydraulic fracturing operations, successively including: a powder polymer supply, from a pressurized tilting truck or from big bags emptied by pneumatic conveying, a mechanism for transporting the powder polymer fed by a compressor, and provided with a polymer transportation check valve, a hopper for receiving the powder polymer having a high level and a low level, the hopper being equipped with a pulse jet cleaning dust filter, as well as with a mechanism for controlling the check valve and the compressor according to the high and low levels, a screw feeder for dosing the powder polymer, positioned at the lower end of the hopper, the screw being equipped with a variable-speed motor capable of being remotely controlled.

Abstract: Actuation mechanisms for downhole assemblies in earth-boring applications may comprise a housing comprising an internal bore defining a flow path through the housing. An actuation member may be supported within the housing. A movable sleeve may be located within the internal bore and may be movable between a first position and a second position responsive to changes in flow rate of fluid flowing through the flow path. The movable sleeve may be biased toward the first position. The actuation member may be in an initial, pre-actuation position when the movable sleeve is initially located in the first position. The actuation member may be movable to a subsequent, pre-actuation position when the movable sleeve is located in the second position. The actuation member may be released from the actuation mechanism when the movable sleeve is returned to the first position.

Abstract: The system invention is based on the use of electromagnetics that convert flow and mechanical motion into electrical power. The system is housed in a side pocket mandrel. Flow is diverted from the main bore through the side pocket, which houses a pressure vessel. At least one magnet is housed in the pressure vessel, and at least one coil is wound around the pressure vessel. As the diverted flow from the well passes through the side pocket, the pressure vessel may rotate or vibrate, creating a disturbance to the magnetic field, thereby creating current. An electronics harvesting module is connected to the ends of the coil which can harvest, regulate, and store power.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a housing. A magnet, an inductor, and a piston are positioned within the housing. The piston moves from a first position to a second position in response to a pressure of a fluid in the housing increasing. A distance between the magnet and the inductor varies when the piston moves, thereby causing the inductor to generate power.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for performing gridless simulation of a fluvio-deltaic environment. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes a system that includes at least one processor, and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor performs operations that include generating a set of channel centerlines corresponding to a set of channels that are indicative of flow units in a fluvio-deltaic environment; and generating channel widths for each of the channel centerlines. In one embodiment, the operations for generating the set of channel centerlines of the reservoir include selecting a seed point for each channel, assigning each seed point a direction of propagation, and iteratively generating each channel.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe, a mesh layer, and a sand screen layer. The base pipe includes a tubular surface and a plurality of perforations formed in the surface. The mesh layer is disposed around the base pipe. Additionally, the mesh layer comprises a plurality of functionalized fibers, wherein one or more of the plurality of functionalized fibers break off from the mesh layer when impacted by one or more particulates. In some embodiments, a sand control screen assembly includes a screen layer with a functionalized coating.

Abstract: A perforation gun system is provided including combinations of components including a top connector, a self-centralizing charge holder system and a bottom connector that can double as a spacer. Any number of spacers can be used with any number of holders for any desired specific metric or imperial shot density, phase and length gun system. A perforation gun system kit and a method of assembling a perforation gun system are also provided.

Abstract: Autonomous units and methods for downhole, multi-zone perforation and fracture stimulation for hydrocarbon production. The autonomous unit may be a perforating gun assembly, a bridge plug assembly, or fracturing plug assembly. The autonomous units are dimensioned and arranged to be deployed within a wellbore without an electric wireline. The autonomous units may be fabricated from a friable material so as to self-destruct upon receiving a signal. The autonomous units include a position locator for sensing the presence of objects along the wellbore and generating depth signals in response. The autonomous units also include an on-board controller for processing the depth signals and for activating an actuatable tool at a zone of interest.

Abstract: A plunger assembly for down-hole use in a well. In one embodiment, the plunger assembly comprises a plunger having a first and second end, a cage attached to the second end of the plunger, and a dart disposed within the cage having a body with at least two surfaces, where one surface is a raised surface relative to the other, lower surface.

Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly includes a rotary pump and a motor. An inner rotor is coupled to the motor shaft. The inner rotor has steel discs stacked together with end caps at each end. The discs have apertures that align to define axially extending slots. Each of the slots has a closed outer wall spaced radially inward from an outer diameter surface of the inner rotor. Inner rotor magnets are located within the slots. Continuous open and thin gaps between rotating components act as hydrodynamic bearings. Damper bars extend axially at points between the outer walls of the slots and the outer diameter surface of the inner rotor. An outer rotor has a bore that receives the inner rotor, the outer rotor being operatively coupled to the pump shaft for rotation therewith. Outer rotor magnets are mounted to the bore of outer rotor.

Abstract: A degradable composition including magnesium-based materials doped with metals, metalloids, and/or compounds, where the composition has a hardness in excess of 80 BHN, and methods of using the same (for example, as a constituent of a treatment fluid of a subterranean formation) are described. The degradable composition may be a shaped composition that degrades in environments typically encountered downhole, such as oilfield environments/conditions and/or fluids. Compositions including magnesium-based materials and various manufacturing processes to produce a composition including the magnesium-based materials in a desired shape are also described.

Abstract: A method for wellbore treatment includes running a liner into a wellbore, the liner including a wall, an inner bore defined by the wall, a first port through the wall, a second port though the wall spaced axially from the first port, a first removable closure for the first port and a second removable closure for the second port; positioning the liner in an open hole section of the wellbore to create an annulus between the liner and a portion of the wellbore wall and with the second port downhole of the first port; inserting a treatment string assembly into the liner, the treatment string assembly including a tubing string and an annular seal about the tubing string and being insertable into the inner bore of the liner; setting the annular seal to create a seal between the tubing string and the liner downhole of the second port; and while the first port is closed to fluid flow therethrough, pumping wellbore treatment fluid into an annular area between the tubing string and the liner such that the fluid passes

Abstract: Methods and systems monitor conditions in a hydrocarbon reservoir with a multilateral observation well. The observation well may detect vertical development of a steam chamber that forms in the reservoir during thermal hydrocarbon recovery operations. Further, the observation well may include branches that extend to form vertical bores with temperature sensors for the monitoring, which may occur during the recovery operations performed in other wells since the observation well may be dedicated to only the monitoring.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation utilizing a composition having a plurality of shrinkable materials. The method of treatment may include providing a hydraulic fracture into the subterranean formation, and injecting a slurry having a plurality of shrinkable materials into a far field. The shrinkable materials may shrink once a threshold is reached.

Abstract: A method for increasing productivity of oil and gas wells includes carrying out a secondary opening in formations which were opened before, by first using a hydro-sandblasting operation and thereafter using a hydro-fracturing operation.

Abstract: A well fracturing component has a steel body with at least one passage and a connector for connecting the body to a source of pressurized frac fluid containing particulates for injecting into a well. An epoxy-based primer layer bonds to a side wall of the passage. A siloxane topcoat layer bonds to the primer layer. The topcoat layer has a greater thickness than the primer layer. The topcoat layer has less hardness than the primer layer and loss hardness than the body.

Abstract: A zonal isolation device in the form of an active external casing packer is provided which includes a tubular section such as a casing or liner and at least one sleeve member positioned on the exterior of the casing or liner and sealed thereto. The method detailed herein provides zonal isolation by use of a pair of spaced apart sleeve members during a frac operation where frac fluid is supplied to a zone (in between the pair of sleeve members) requiring to be frac'd, where the frac pressure acts not only on the outside of the zonal isolation device but also on the interior of the sleeve member to enhance the seal provided thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for avoiding hydrate formation during a shutdown of a deep-water floating production, storage and offloading unit with a long distance tie back. In one embodiment the system is configured such that during a shutdown at least a portion of fluids in the production flow loop are delivered to the one or more wash tanks in the hull. Advantageously, this may allow one to avoid having to oversize the expensive top-side equipment.

Abstract: An example method for optimized rotation of a drill string coupled to a drill bit and disposed within a borehole may comprise determining an angular velocity of at least part of the drill string. An angular velocity threshold to avoid static friction may also be determined. Additionally, a minimum input torque to apply to the drill string to maintain the angular velocity at or above the angular velocity threshold may be determined. The method may further include generating a control signal to a top drive motor based, at least in part, on the minimum input torque.

Abstract: A pipe inspection tool includes a body having a central axis, and one or more azimuthal antenna arrays operatively coupled to the body. Each azimuthal antenna array includes a plurality of antenna coils arranged circumferentially about the central axis and comprising an azimuthal array of z-coils or an azimuthal array of separated x-coils and separated y-coils. The separated x-coils are oriented in a first direction with respect to the central axis, the separated y-coils are oriented in a second direction with respect to the central axis, and the z-coils are oriented in a third direction with respect to the central axis. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction, and the third direction is orthogonal to both the first and second directions.

Abstract: A method includes introducing a pipe inspection tool into a first pipe positioned within a wellbore and further positioned within at least a second pipe. The pipe inspection tool includes an electromagnetic sensor having a coil antenna that includes a coil winding extending axially along at least a portion of the electromagnetic sensor. An excitation signal is transmitted between a first terminal and a second terminal of the coil antenna. A first response signal is measured between a third terminal and a fourth terminal of the coil antenna, wherein at least one of the third and fourth terminals is different from the first and second terminals. The first response signal is then processed to determine a characteristic of the first pipe.

Abstract: A system for detecting leakage in a pump includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, multiple third pressure sensors, and a controller. The first pressure sensor is configured to output a pressure value associated with a suction manifold of the pump. The second pressure sensor is configured to output a pressure value associated with a discharge manifold of the pump. The third pressure sensors are configured to output a pressure value associated with the cylinders of the pump. The controller is disposed in communication with the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensors. The controller is configured to determine amplitude of a leak, and a location of the leak in the pump on the basis of pressure values received from the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensors.

Abstract: A system for optimizing placement of a second wellbore relative to a first wellbore utilizing i) steam injected into the first wellbore in combination with a temperature sensor located in the second wellbore and ii) electromagnetic (EM) fields emanating from the first wellbore in combination with an EM sensor in the second wellbore. The magnetic measurements made with the EM sensor are utilized to determine azimuthal placement of a wellbore, while temperature measurements made with the temperature sensor are utilized to determine distance for placement of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of determining true vertical depth within a well penetrating a ground surface, the method including: positioning a pressure sensor at a downhole position within the well at the base of a fluid column extended from a ground surface to the pressure sensor; measuring, with the pressure sensor, a pressure exerted by the fluid column; and determining the true vertical depth (TVD) of the downhole position using the pressure measured by the pressure sensor. An apparatus for determining true vertical depth within a well, the apparatus including: a tubing string; a housing connected to the tubing string, the housing defining a chamber and having a port to the tubing string; a pressure sensor mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: A method for identifying a mode of failure in a pump includes receiving and recording a first set of flow rate pressure values over a specified time period to determine an existing hydraulic signature of the pump. The method then includes receiving and recording real-time flow rate pressure values over a subsequent period of time to determine a current hydraulic signature of the pump. The method further includes comparing the real-time flow rate pressure values to the first set of flow rate pressure values to detect variances in the hydraulic signature and output a mode of failure for the pump.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for distributed temperature sensing along an optical waveguide disposed axially with respect to a conduit using a distributed temperature sensor and an array of temperature sensors. An exemplary method includes performing distributed temperature sensing (DTS) using two ends of a first optical fiber disposed within the conduit and having a return path coupling the two ends, performing discrete temperature sensing based on measured reflections of light from reflective elements having characteristic wavelengths disposed at discrete locations, and determining temperatures at a plurality of locations based on the DTS and the discrete temperature sensing.

Abstract: An example system for transmitting signals may include a signal source, a signal target, and a transmission cable coupled to the signal source and the signal target. The transmission cable may include a first conductor and a second conductor surrounding the first conductor. A resistive layer may be between the first conductor and the second conductor and allow current flow between the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a lower drill string and an upper drill string. The lower drill string includes a drill bit, a drive system coupled to the drill bit, at least one lower drill pipe coupled to the drive system, and a sensor system disposed in the at least one lower drill pipe. The sensor system includes one or more sensors and a first connector coupled to the one or more sensors. The upper drill string is coupled to the lower drill string and includes one or more upper drill pipes. The upper drill string also includes a MWD/LWD electronics system coupled to the one or more upper drill pipes. The MWD/LWD electronics system includes an electronics component communicatively coupled to the first connector via a fiber optic cable. The electronics component is in communication with the one or more sensors via the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A method that is usable with a well includes deploying microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based seismic receivers in the well and using the MEMS-based receivers to acquire data indicative of seismic energy.

Abstract: A communication system comprises: (A) a first transmitter that is acoustically coupled to a column of fluid located within a wellbore of an oil, gas, or water well, wherein the first transmitter transmits sound waves wirelessly through the column of fluid located within the wellbore, and wherein the sound waves are encoded with data; and (B) a first receiver that is acoustically coupled to the column of fluid located within the wellbore, wherein the first receiver receives the data-encoded sound waves, wherein the data-encoded sound waves communicate information about the well or a component of the wellbore. A method of communicating information wirelessly in a wellbore of an oil, gas, or water well comprises: providing the communication system; and causing or allowing the first transmitter to communicate information about the well or a component of the wellbore to the first receiver via the data-encoded sound waves.

Abstract: Various implementations directed to analyzing a reservoir using fluid analysis are provided. In one implementation, a method may include determining mud gas logging (MGL) data based on drilling mud associated with a wellbore traversing a reservoir of interest. The method may also include determining first downhole fluid analysis (DFA) data based on a first reservoir fluid sample obtained at a first measurement station in the wellbore. The method may further include determining predicted DFA data for the wellbore based on the first DFA data. The method may additionally include determining second DFA data based on a second reservoir fluid sample obtained at a second measurement station in the wellbore. The method may further include analyzing the reservoir based on a comparison of the MGL data and a comparison of the second DFA data to the predicted DFA data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and corresponding system for determining the concentration of one or more scale inhibiting polymers in a fluid received from one or more porous and permeable hydrocarbon-bearing rock formations is provided. Each polymer comprises a different chemical marker and the fluid comprises a plurality of commingled said scale inhibiting polymers.