Patents Issued in July 21, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160208562
    Abstract: A connecting element for a tubular component, the connecting element being overlaid with a coating including a principal layer constituted by a nickel-phosphorus alloy, a tubular component including one or more such connecting elements, and a method for producing such a connecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicants: VALLOUREC OIL AND GAS FRANCE, NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Cecile MILLET
  • Publication number: 20160208563
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to riser joint connection are described. For example, some embodiments may contain a central coupler, a plurality of reaction collars, collar stoppers, collar caps, and C-rings, for connecting riser joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: DMAR ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: ZHIMING HUANG, DAGANG ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20160208564
    Abstract: An on-off tool for latching a sucker rod to a plunger rod has a housing, a pawl, guide pines, and a key. One end of the housing is connected to the sucker rod, and an interior of the housing defines a key slot terminating at a seat inside the interior. The pawl is disposed in the interior of the housing and is biased longitudinally preferably by disc springs. Bearings in the form of elongate pins are engaged between the pawl and the housing and dispose longitudinally in slots to guiding longitudinal movement of the pawl in the interior and preventing rotation of the pawl. The key has a head at its distal end that is passable through the key slot, interlockable with the pawl, and seatable on the seat. The key's head preferably defines a waist thereabout to provide the head with greater load bearing surface to engage the housing's seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: John E. Stachowiak, Brandon M. Page
  • Publication number: 20160208565
    Abstract: A polished rod alignment system for correcting the misalignment of a polished rod to the stuffing box. The present invention generally includes a first member, a second member, a first alignment member, and a second alignment member. The second member is secured over an oil well, such as to a blowout preventer. The first and second alignment members are secured over the second member, with the alignment members being adapted to rock with respect to each other due to each having inverted sloped portions. The first member is secured over the alignment members and is adapted to receive a stuffing box. A polished rod may extend through the entirety of the present invention. By adjusting bolts securing the first and second members together, and by action of the alignment members, the polished rod and stuffing box may be brought back into alignment if misalignment occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: Clarence Alvin Bolstad, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160208566
    Abstract: A system includes a cage having a pipe rack configured to store a tubular in a vertical orientation, such that a longitudinal axis of the tubular is substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane. The system also includes a first robotic pipe handler configured to transition the tubular from a horizontal orientation, in which the longitudinal axis of the tubular is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, to the vertical orientation. The first robotic pipe handler transitions between a raised position and a lowered position about a first handler axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Ryan Thomas Bowley, Brent James William Coombe
  • Publication number: 20160208567
    Abstract: Methods for curing lost circulation in a subterranean well comprise the use of a first and a second lost circulation material. The first lost circulation material is added during the initial preparation of a process fluid. The second process fluid is added to the process fluid at a later time as the process fluid is being pumped into the subterranean well. The first lost circulation may comprise granular or lamellar particles or both. The second lost circulation material may comprise fibers, ribbons or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Juan Carrasquilla, Ramata Diarra, Arnoud Willem Meyer, Jesse C. Lee
  • Publication number: 20160208568
    Abstract: A press comprising a body, the body containing a chamber interposed between a ram and an end wall, the ram connected to a piston to compact material against the end wall to generate a pressed object, the chamber comprising an opening for loading the material into the chamber, and a series of perforations to enable liquid contained in the material to be expelled from the chamber during advancement of the piston towards the end wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: Ian BARNETT
  • Publication number: 20160208569
    Abstract: A method for sealing a side pocket of a downhole mandrel in a tubing string comprises retrieving a cartridge component from the side pocket of the downhole mandrel and then deploying a sealing insert into the side pocket of the downhole mandrel, wherein the sealing insert comprises a swellable sealing element on an outer surface thereof. The swellable sealing element swells to provide a seal within the side pocket. A sealing insert for use in sealing a side pocket of a downhole mandrel, includes a base member and a swellable sealing element mounted on the outer surface of the base member and configured to swell when exposed to an activator. The sealing insert is geometrically configured to permit insertion within a side pocket of a downhole mandrel such that when the sealing element is swollen the sealing element provides a seal within said side pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Neil ANDERSON, Colin MACKIE
  • Publication number: 20160208570
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing assembly includes a frac tree that mounts to a wellhead. An injection tee mounts to the tree, the injection tee having an axial injection tee bore that registers with an axial flow bore of the frac tree. A single inlet passage in the injection tee extends from a flowline mounting face on an exterior portion of the injection tee downward and inward into a junction with the axial flow bore. A wear resistant inlet passage sleeve extends from the mounting face of the injection tee a selected distance into the inlet passage. The inlet passage sleeve is of a harder material than the injection tee. A flowline connects to the mounting face to deliver fluid into the inlet passage. The flowline has an upward curved section and an inclined section that joins the curved section and extends downward and outward away from the injection tee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Ana Ayres, Kwong-Onn Chan, Jason Williams, Gajanan Hegde
  • Publication number: 20160208571
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for wellbore control include a downhole facing ball stop and sealing area that can stop and seal with an actuator ball migrating toward surface with wellbore returns or production. The downhole facing ball stop operates with the returning actuator ball to create a seal against any returns or production migrating toward surface such that well control is provided until the ball is removed from the sealing area or a bypass is opened around the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: DANIEL JON THEMIG, MICHAEL KENYON
  • Publication number: 20160208572
    Abstract: The inflatable sleeve (13) comprises: a mandrel (15) extending in a longitudinal direction; an inflatable casing (17) placed around the mandrel (15); a tubular sheath (19) slid around the casing (17), the tubular sheath (19) having a central segment (27) and first and second longitudinal ends (23, 25) situated on either side of the central segment (27), the first and/or second ends (23, 25) of the tubular sheath (19) being fixed to the mandrel (15), the tubular sheath (19) being extensible from a rest state to an expanded state. The tubular sheath (19) has a predetermined circumferential elongation capacity from the rest state of the tubular sheath (19); and the first and/or second ends (23, 25) of the tubular sheath (19) have a longitudinal elongation capacity from the rest state of the tubular sheath (19) comprised between 1.05 and 2.5, chosen to limit the diametric expansion of the first and/or second ends (23, 25) of the tubular sheath and give the first and/or second ends their shape (23, 25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: CALYF
    Inventor: Francis Cour
  • Publication number: 20160208573
    Abstract: The invention concerns a radially expandable metal tubular element having on its outer surface a series of spaced apart annular sealing modules. This element is noteworthy in that each sealing module comprises two annular metal abutments between which there are inserted an annular seal and two anti-extrusion rings, the seal being positioned between the two anti-extrusion rings and the two metal abutments being secured against the outer surface of the said tubular element, in that the two anti-extrusion rings are made in elastically and plastically deformable material and are in one or two parts, and in that the two anti-extrusion rings and/or the seal comprise at least two opposite facing bevelled surfaces capable of sliding relative to one another under the effect of axial movement of the said seal so as to cause outward radial displacement of one of the anti-extrusion rings or at least one of the two parts thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Saltel Industries
    Inventors: Samuel Roselier, Jean-Louis Saltel, Robin Laupie, Samuel Mouget
  • Publication number: 20160208574
    Abstract: An in situ method to deploy and/or plasticize a shape-memory material in order to change the material's physical dimensions and/or mechanical properties, includes a method for deploying a shape memory polymer having a deformed or compressed shape in an environment at a first temperature, the shape memory polymer having a first glass transition temperature which is greater than the first temperature. The method also includes contacting the shape memory polymer with an activation fluid in an amount effective to decrease the glass transition temperature of the shape memory polymer from the first glass transition temperature to a second glass transition temperature which is less than or equal to the first temperature, where the activation fluid comprises a sugar present in an amount effective to raise a flash point of the activation fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: BAIRU LIU, ANIL SADANA, JAMES B. CREWS
  • Publication number: 20160208575
    Abstract: The present invention relates to burst port subs (BPS) 120 allowing for a tubing 100 or a liner 200 or a casing 200 in a borehole 300 to be opened at a predetermined pressure and further providing a delayed opening sequence due to a dissolvable barrier 400, 500 arranged in a port 440, 540 of the sub 120. The present invention relates further to a downhole system comprising a predetermined number of such burst port subs (BPS) 120.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Mike BELLAVANCE, Todd ATKINSON, Tore SØRHEIM
  • Publication number: 20160208576
    Abstract: A device for limiting the flow of drilling fluid through a section of drill string includes a body with a hole in the periphery. Flow enters the device through one axial end, at least a portion of the flow exits through the other axial end. Some of the fluid flow can be diverted through the peripheral hole. A spring-biased axial piston may have an approximately constant force throughout its range of travel. The piston moves axially in response to the changing fluid flow rate to enable a constant amount of flow exiting the axial end of the tool to be achieved while diverting away excess flow through the side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: David S. Cramer, Michael J. Harvey
  • Publication number: 20160208577
    Abstract: A method for forming a flange collar constituting a cement foundation in a casing annulus, includes the steps of installing a casing section comprising an internal sleeve axially displaceable by a conveyed tool for opening a casing cementing outlet; the internal sleeve connected through radial bolts through axial-parallel slots through the casing wall to a casing-external sleeve, the casing-external sleeve abutting against a first edge of a deformable metal sleeve having its opposite, second end abutting axially against a radial shoulder on the casing section; using the drill pipe conveyed tool for axially displacing the internal sleeve thus forcing the external sleeve to deforming the metal sleeve to a radially extending flange collar radially extending across the casing annulus, and ejecting cement via the casing cementing outlet to the annulus, allowing the cement to distribute above the formed radially extending flange collar, and allowing the cement to settle in the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: ARCHER OILTOOLS AS
    Inventors: Arve BYBERG, Arve BÅDSVIK
  • Publication number: 20160208578
    Abstract: A balanced piston toe sleeve allows a pressure test cycle to be carried out before opening the bore of the toe sleeve to the wellbore. The balanced piston toe sleeve includes a valve assembly in which a valve piston separates a valve cylinder into a balancing cylinder and an actuation cylinder. The actuation cylinder is coupled to the bore through a check valve which allows unidirectional flow into the actuation cylinder. The balancing cylinder is in fluid communication with the bore. After a pressure test cycle, the pressure in the balancing cylinder reduces, while the pressure in the actuation cylinder is retained by the check valve. The valve piston shifts into the open position, allowing fluid flow from the bore to the toe sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Jessica GUZMAN, Ray FRISBY, Caleb KELLEY
  • Publication number: 20160208579
    Abstract: A method of actuating a downhole component comprises positioning a magnetic positioning tool adjacent an actuable component within a wellbore, where the magnetic positioning tool comprises a plurality of magnets arranged in a first position, transitioning the plurality of magnets from the first position to a second position, detecting the plurality of magnets using a sensor associated with the actuable component, generating a signal indicative of the plurality of magnets being in the second position, and actuating the actuable component within the wellbore in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher R Delzell, William Mark Richards
  • Publication number: 20160208580
    Abstract: An actuation device comprises a housing, and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed about the housing. The plurality of permanent magnets is configured to selectively transition between a first position and a second position. The plurality of permanent magnets is configured to provide a stronger magnetic field strength outside the housing than inside the housing in the first position, and wherein the plurality of permanent magnets is configured to provide a stronger magnetic field strength inside the housing than outside the housing in the second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher R Delzell, William Mark Richards
  • Publication number: 20160208581
    Abstract: A sleeve shifting tool for shifting a slidable sleeve positioned inside of another downhole tool is described herein. The tool has a housing and a collet apparatus for engaging a slidable sleeve disposed within a downhole tool positioned in a wellbore. The collet apparatus includes at least one collet arm and at least one collet key disposed thereon for engaging the slidable sleeve. The tool also includes a collet activation apparatus for initiating the collet apparatus and force the at least one collet key of the collet apparatus to engage the slidable sleeve. A method of shifting a sleeve positioned in a downhole tool with the sleeve shifting tool described herein is also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Brett Fears, Brock Watson
  • Publication number: 20160208582
    Abstract: A method for identifying a resource in a field using historic well data including vertical well logs for the resource and historic horizontal well production data for the resource, the method including extracting a plurality of features from the vertical well logs, performing a spatial interpolation of the plurality of features extracted from the vertical well logs onto coordinates of the horizontal well production data to determine a plurality of interpolated features, and building a model predicting production of the resource in the field by regressing the horizontal well production data onto the interpolated features, wherein the model is displayed as a visualization of the resource production predicted in the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: MATTHIAS KORMAKSSON, MARCOS RODRIGUES VIEIRA, BIANCA ZADROZNY
  • Publication number: 20160208583
    Abstract: A method can include receiving information associated with an oilfield service; analyzing at least a portion of the information based at least in part on an oilfield services database that includes individual data structures that characterize individual oilfield services; and, based at least in part on the analyzing, outputting at least one additional oilfield service as a recommended oilfield service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Lucian Johnston, Mark Passolt
  • Publication number: 20160208584
    Abstract: A subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir with wells is simulated by sequential solution of reservoir and well equations to simulate fluid flow inside the reservoir and well production rates. Sequential solution of reservoir and well equations treats wells as specified bottom hole pressure wells. This avoids solving large matrices resulting from the simultaneous solution of the reservoir and well equations which can be computationally very expensive for large number of unknowns and require special sparse matrix solvers. Such sequential solution involves regular reservoir system solvers complemented by a small matrix for the numerical solution of the well bottom hole pressures. The solution is on a steady state volume balance relationship of the layer completion rates, formation pressures and transmissibilities to determine completion rates for the layers of the well for the full reservoir model, and determine total rate for the well from the determined completion rates for the layers of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: Ali H. Dogru
  • Publication number: 20160208585
    Abstract: A subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir with wells is simulated by sequential solution of reservoir and well equations to simulate fluid flow inside the reservoir and well production rates. Sequential solution of reservoir and well equations treats wells as specified bottom hole pressure wells. This avoids solving large matrices resulting from the simultaneous solution of the reservoir and well equations which can be computationally very expensive for large number of unknowns and require special sparse matrix solvers. Such sequential solution involves regular reservoir system solvers complemented by a small matrix for the numerical solution of the well bottom hole pressures. The solution is performed on a matrix of the transmissibilities of the adjacent reservoir cells to the well cells at the perforated well intervals; and a vector of unknown reservoir potentials for the adjacent reservoir cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: Ali H. Dogru
  • Publication number: 20160208586
    Abstract: A technique facilitates miming of casing strings in a multilateral well. A conductor tube may be placed into a hole formed in a seabed. A plurality of oriented casings is deployed in the conductor tube and the oriented casings have a specific exit angle and azimuthal orientation. The orientation of each oriented casing is used to direct a corresponding drilling of a borehole and placement of a casing in the borehole in a manner which does not interfere with other boreholes and casings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Malcolm PERSCHKE, Benny POEDJONO, Stephen BILLEAUD
  • Publication number: 20160208587
    Abstract: An externally-oriented internally-corrected perforating gun system and method for accurate perforation in a deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a gun string assembly (GSA) deployed in a wellbore with an external protuberance member (EPM) and an internal pivot support (IPS). With the EPM oriented to the high side of the wellbore, the center of mass of the GSA positions the GSA at the lower side of the wellbore surface. The IPS is attached to internal gun components such end plate, charge holder tube, detonating cord or charge case. The charges inside the charge holder tube move with the gravitational vector about the IPS and point more accurately in the desired direction for perforating. The external orientation of the EPM along with limited internal swing about the IPS provide for an accurate orientation of the charges that results in efficient and effective perforating through a hydrocarbon formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: John T. HARDESTY, Nathan G. CLARK, James A. ROLLINS
  • Publication number: 20160208588
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulating hydrocarbon production from subterranean formations by heating. A dual-walled coiled tubing radio frequency heating arrangement is described that can be disposed into a wellbore and energized to heat the surrounding formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Richard Snow, Silviu Livescu, Geoffrey Presley, Thomas J. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20160208589
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the recovery of hydrocarbon deposit includes the step of sensing a material property of an underground volume. A three-dimensional map identifying the spatial variation in the sensed material property of the underground volume is generated. Propagating electromagnetic radiation is transmitted in the volume based on the map. The propagating electromagnetic radiation transmission is varied in at least one of frequency, polarization, wavelength, frequency, amplitude, mode, and phase in response to the variation in the material property of a region within the volume to which the propagating electromagnetic radiation is directed. Accordingly, the volume is heated in a spatially varying manner to heat material in the volume and thereby induce the flow of hydrocarbon deposits from the volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160208590
    Abstract: A plurality of heaters is provided where each of the plurality of heaters includes a fuel cell stack assembly having a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. Each of the plurality of fuel cells also includes a conductor electrically connecting the fuel cell stack assembly to an electronic controller which monitors and controls electric current produced by the fuel cell stack assembly. The conductor of one of the plurality of heaters allows electric current produced by the fuel cell stack assembly of the one of the plurality of heaters to be monitored and controlled by the electronic controller independently of the fuel cell stack assembly of at least another one of the plurality of heaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: KARL J. HALTINER, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160208591
    Abstract: Fracturing methods include introducing a relatively high concentration of a surfactant in an initial portion of one or more fluids used in a fracturing treatment and then cutting or ramping back to a relatively low concentration of the surfactant in the remaining fluid used in the treatment. By using such a method, the volume of surfactant to provide superior treatment can be reduced significantly from the normal recommendations, leading to a high cost savings while still obtaining the desired effect upon cleanup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Jim D. Weaver, Michael A. McCabe
  • Publication number: 20160208592
    Abstract: Noise generated by a hydraulic fracturing system is abated by locating noise reduction equipment at strategic locations, and also by routing inlet and exit air along designated paths. Noise insulation panels are disposed around trailer mounted machinery to attenuate and redirect the noise generated by the machinery. The panels extend a distance above the machinery so that the noise is directed upward and away from operations personnel proximate the machinery. Air handling equipment having air inlets and exits that are formed to reduce turbulence, and thus noise, as well as redirect the flow of air to attenuate noise generated by its flow within the inlets and exits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: Jared Oehring
  • Publication number: 20160208593
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
  • Publication number: 20160208594
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
  • Publication number: 20160208595
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method of performing an energy industry operation includes: collecting historical data relating to one or more previously performed operations having a characteristic common to both the one or more previously performed operations and a proposed operation; planning the proposed operation based on the historical data, the proposed operation associated with one or more operational parameters; performing the proposed operation; measuring a condition during performance of the proposed operation and comparing the measured condition to the historical data; and automatically adjusting the one or more operational parameters based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Weiting Tang, Blake C. Burnette, William D. Holcomb, Scott G. Nelson, Yong N. Kang
  • Publication number: 20160208596
    Abstract: Logging tool communication apparatus (10), for carrying out a downhole communication method, comprises rotatable and/or longitudinally reciprocable drill pipe (12) including fixed or capable of being fixed in a co-rotative and/or co-reciprocable relationship at an in-use downhole end an in-use downhole logging tool (27). The logging tool (27) includes a movement sensor (33); and the apparatus (10) includes a motor, at a location remote from the logging tool (27), for causing rotation and/or reciprocation of the drill pipe (12) in a borehole or wellbore (18). The apparatus (10) includes one or more control elements for selectively controlling operation of the motor so as to cause selective rotation and/or reciprocation of the drill pipe (12) which causes movement of the logging tool (27), when fixed to the drill pipe (12), in a manner that is detectable by the movement sensor (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Simon Christopher Ash, Edward Sheriff
  • Publication number: 20160208597
    Abstract: A method can include receiving data acquired via a sensor of a component of a plurality of components arranged in an order at respective axial positions of a toolstring; analyzing at least a portion of the data with respect to a model of the toolstring to generate results; and controlling the toolstring based at least in part on the results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Yaou Wang, Yuelin Shen, Fei Li, Eric Wilshusen
  • Publication number: 20160208598
    Abstract: An artificial toolface reference system includes a power supply providing current to a ground lead and a reference lead. A ground point is coupled to the ground lead and in electrical connection with the ground. A reference wellbore includes a reference conductor in electrical connection with the ground. The reference conductor is in electrical connection with the reference lead. The reference conductor includes an uninsulated portion and an insulated portion having an insulating layer positioned thereabout. A guidance sensor positioned outside the reference wellbore includes at least one magnetometer. The power supply may be used to provide a current through the reference conductor, into the ground through the uninsulated portion, and the ground point such that a reference magnetic field is generated along the reference conductor. The guidance sensor may measure the reference magnetic field with a magnetometer. An artificial magnetic toolface may be calculated therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Clinton MOSS, Douglas RIDGWAY, Troy MARTIN
  • Publication number: 20160208599
    Abstract: Crossflow between two adjacent reservoir layers through leaky cement sheaths in offset wells during transient-pressure tests in one of the two reservoir layers is diagnosed and quantified. The obtained measures are determined based on individual well and layer properties. The pressure drawdown in the reservoir layer in which pressure transient testing is being performed is measured as a function of time. The longitudinal conductivity of a leaky cement sheath in an offset well and the pressure drawdown in the tested reservoir layer simultaneously control the crossflow rate to the tested reservoir layer from the adjacent reservoir layer at a given time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Noor M. Anisur Rahman, Hasan A. Nooruddin
  • Publication number: 20160208600
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for determining the compressibility of downhole fluids using measurements obtained during over-pressurization of a formation fluid sample. In certain embodiments, the density of the fluid may be measured as the fluid is directed through a flowline into a sample chamber. The density measurements can be employed in conjunction with pressure spikes that occur during over pressuring of a sample chamber to determine the compressibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Adriaan GISOLF, Kai HSU, Youxiang ZUO, Chee Kin KHONG
  • Publication number: 20160208601
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting the wax appearance temperature (WAT) of a hydrocarbon fluid sample. The hydrocarbon fluid sample is run through a microfluidic channel at controlled temperatures while sensing the pressure drop across the channel. The WAT is determined by finding a temperature at which the pressure (drop) across the microfluidic channel caused by a temperature reduction of the hydrocarbon fluid sample does not stabilize over a given time interval, thereby establishing the WAT as being at that temperature or between that temperature and a previous higher temperature where the pressure (drop) stabilized over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Shahnawaz Molla, Abdel Kharrat, Farshid Mostowfi
  • Publication number: 20160208602
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described, such as for obtaining information indicative of a formation resistivity near a casing, such as using an array laterolog apparatus. For example, raw measurements received from a well tool in a borehole near a casing may indicate a resistivity of a geologic formation through which the borehole extends. Any errors or interference in the raw measurements caused by the proximity of the well tool to the casing may be removed to eliminate the casing effect on the raw measurements. In some examples, a signal and formation libraries that include casing specific parameters may be used in conjunction with non-casing optimized signal and formation libraries to perform correction mapping of raw measurements. The corrections and their application to the raw measurements may be based on the position of a well logging tool with respect to a casing termination point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Luis Emilio San Martin, Junsheng Hou
  • Publication number: 20160208603
    Abstract: A method of optical communication in a well can include launching light having substantially coherent phase into an optical waveguide extending in a wellbore, modulating light having substantially coherent phase in the wellbore, and receiving the modulated light transmitted via the same optical waveguide. A well system can include at least one optical waveguide extending in a wellbore, and a downhole optical modulator which modulates light transmitted via the optical waveguide, the optical modulator comprising a potassium titanyl phosphate crystal. Another method of optical communication in a well can include launching light into an optical waveguide extending in a wellbore, the light launched into the optical waveguide having information modulated thereon using a carrier, modulating light in the wellbore, the modulating comprising modulating information using a subcarrier of the carrier, and transmitting the light modulated in the wellbore via the same optical waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David A Barfoot, John L. Maida, Jr., Etienne M. Samson
  • Publication number: 20160208604
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a concentrator and a plurality of signal acquisition devices. Each signal acquisition device is coupled to a respective sensor. Each sensor measures an environmental parameter outside the housing. Each signal acquisition device includes an acoustic transducer. Each signal acquisition device includes a controller to accept measurements from the respective sensor, process the measurements and format them into a transmittable form, and transmit the formatted measurements via the acoustic transducer. A concentrator includes an acoustic transducer to receive acoustic transmissions from the plurality of signal acquisition devices, a processor to process the received acoustic transmissions, and a telemetry device through which the processor can transmit the processed transmissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, inc.
    Inventors: Qi Cao, Alberto Quintero, Jing Jin
  • Publication number: 20160208605
    Abstract: An electro-acoustic system for downhole telemetry is provided herein. The system employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a string of production tubing within a wellbore. The nodes allow for wireless communication between transceivers residing within the communications nodes and a receiver at the surface. More specifically, the transceivers provide for node-to-node communication up a wellbore at high data transmission rates for data indicative of fluid flow within the production tubing adjacent gas lift valves. A method of monitoring the flow of fluid gas lift valves is also provided herein. The method uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along the production tubing which send signals to a receiver at the surface. The signals are then analyzed to determine gas lift valve operation and fluid flow data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy I. Morrow, Michael C. Romer, Mark M. Disko
  • Publication number: 20160208606
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bit holder for an earth working machine, in particular a road milling machine, that comprises a bit receptacle in the region of a working side of a support member and that indirectly or directly carries an insertion projection on an insertion projection side of the support member, the support member comprising two stripping surfaces [first or second stripping surfaces] that form a stripping surface pair and are at an angle to one another. In order to achieve a stable and long-lived configuration with such a bit holder, provision is made according to the present invention that the support member comprises at least one further stripping surface that is at an angle to the two stripping surfaces of the stripping surface pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Lehnert, Karsten Buhr, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn, Karl Kammerer, Markus Roth, Bernhard Diessner
  • Publication number: 20160208607
    Abstract: A conveyance system for moving a conveyance along a mine shaft during shaft construction, comprising: a first guide section; a second guide section located along the mineshaft in series with the first guide section, the conveyance being movable along the first guide section; and a head section for receiving the conveyance, the head section cooperating with the first guide section to enable the conveyance to travel from the second guide section along the first guide section when received by the head section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Rocky Lynn Webb, Fredric Christopher Delabbio
  • Publication number: 20160208608
    Abstract: A barrier forming apparatus for forming a barrier between an exposed tunnel face (107) and a tunnel boring machine (100), the barrier being formed by the application to the tunnel face of a barrier mixture comprising two highly reactive first and second components. The barrier forming apparatus (10) includes a first reservoir (11) for storing the first component, a second reservoir (12) for storing the second component, and a plurality of applicators (13, 14 and 15). The barrier forming apparatus (10) also includes a third reservoir (56) that is used to store a clearing fluid and a piston flow divider (58) having an inlet (59) and three chambers having respective outlets, (61, 62 and 63) that are in fluid communication with a respective applicator (13, 14 and 15). The applicators are maintained in a state of readiness by a regular supply of clearing fluid passing there through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: Glen Roy MAYNARD
  • Publication number: 20160208609
    Abstract: A support comprising an outer casing having a main axis, the outer casing comprising a first casing part and a second casing part, the first casing part being at least partially receivable within the second casing part to enable relative movement therebetween in the axial direction, the casing parts having a cavity therein at least one of which has a core which includes a compressible medium, the support further including a pressure responsive system configured so that under the influence of pressure it can cause the relative displacement or movement between the first and second casing parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: Ian Edward HEALY
  • Publication number: 20160208610
    Abstract: A hydraulic radial piston device is provided with a mechanism for reducing pressure pulsations and providing a smooth pressure transition throughout different displacement operations. In certain examples, the hydraulic radial piston device is configured to maintain an amount of precompression and an amount of decompression of hydraulic fluid trapped in a cylinder chamber to be consistent, respectively, throughout different displacement operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Skinner, Kendrick Michael Gibson, Lawrence David Blackman
  • Publication number: 20160208611
    Abstract: A bearing carrier has a bearing body including a first material. The bearing body has an exterior surface defining a bridge land with a finger cut and rotatably supports a first and second gear. The first and second gears intermesh with one another for pressurizing fluid traversing the gears between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet defined in a housing enveloping the bearing carrier. The bridge land is defined in a second material integral with the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Leo J. Veilleux, JR., Lubomir A. Ribarov