Abstract: Magnetic means for managing and stopping leaks in metal pipes such as well bores and pipe risers is provided. A magnetic leak arrestor comprises a spool with magnetic collar disposed thereabout. The spool has a tapered end for inserting into a pipe riser. The magnetic collar creates a seal with the pipe riser, which may be welded in place, if desired. Additionally, a magnet may be positioned proximate a leak in a side wall of a pipe riser to seal the leak. The magnet may be shaped to conform to the shape of the pipe riser, and a seal gasket provided around an edge portion of the magnet. A slurry of magnetically active material may be provide inside the pipe to seal the leak in the side wall or to provide a blockage in the pipe riser so that killing fluids may be pumped into the well bore, if desired.

Abstract: An impact apparatus conveyable in a tool string via conveyance means within a wellbore. The impact apparatus comprises a first portion, including a first interface coupled with a first tool string component, a first engagement feature, and a first impact feature. The impact apparatus also comprises a second portion, including a second interface coupled with a second tool string apparatus, a second engagement feature in selectable engagement with the first engagement feature, and a second impact feature positioned to impact the first impact feature in response to disengagement of the first and second engagement features and a tensile force applied across the tool string by the conveyance means. A release member positionable between first and second positions in response to a signal carried by the conveyance means prevents disengagement of the first and second engaging features when in the first position but not the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus including a bell nipple assembly defining a first internal passage that includes two sections forming first and second internal passages that may be aligned by a flexible connector disposed between first and second flanges in one of the sections to at least partially adjust for an offset amount caused by longitudinal axis misalignment of the other section. Methods of adjusting for longitudinal axis offset between two misaligned components, such as of a bell nipple zone, are also encompassed.

Abstract: A device and method allow a longer sealing element to be used on a packer or other downhole tool while providing an increase in the total amount of setting force that can be used and providing for more uniform or balanced setting of the sealing element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to radially expand one end of the sealing element with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to continue the radial expansion of the sealing element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism.

Abstract: A well tool for sealing an annular gap between a tubing string and a wellbore wall is described. In one implementation, the well tool includes an annular inner seal, an annular sleeve disposed over the inner seal, an annular outer seal residing over the sleeve and comprising a swellable elastomer adapted to swell when contacted by a specified fluid, the annular outer seal being axially shorter than the sleeve, and an end ring adapted to be disposed at an end of the sleeve, the sleeve configured to buckle against the end ring in response to a deformation of the outer seal due to directional pressure.

Abstract: A smooth bore toe valve includes a first sub defining a through bore and a fluid flow path through a wall thereof; a second sub; a housing mechanically engaged with the first and second subs to define a valve cavity axially between the first and second subs and to define a chamber radially between the first and second subs and the housing, the housing further defining a plurality of openings in a wall thereof; and a sleeve disposed within the chamber between the housing and the first and second subs to close the openings and, upon application of fluid pressure horn the through bore through the fluid this path, open the openings to fluid flow from the valve cavity to the exterior of the housing. A method for using such a valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A geothermic heater system for heating a geological formation includes a fuel cell stack assembly disposed at the surface of the geological formation and includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent, thereby producing an anode exhaust and a cathode exhaust. The geothermic fuel cell system also includes a combustor disposed within a bore hole of the geological formation. The combustor combusts a mixture at least one of the anode exhaust and the cathode exhaust to produce a heated combustor exhaust. The combustor discharges the heated combustor exhaust to heat the geological formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous removal of fill in a sand screen in a down hole environment is provided, as well as methods of using the apparatus in a continuous fashion such that accumulation of fill is prevented in a sand screen in a down hole environment.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a multilateral wellbore includes a guide member on one end that selectively projects into a designated wellbore, where the designated wellbore can be a motherbore or a lateral wellbore. Pistons are set radially in a body of the tool that selectively push against an end of the guide member to pivot it into a designated orientation to guide the tool into the designated wellbore. The pistons are hydraulically actuated when probes that are on sides of the tool body extend outward into contact with a lateral wellbore. The probes block hydraulic flow when retracted, but when deployed outward they allow fluid communication to push the pistons against the guide member.

Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a tubular string with a fluid discharge apparatus, the fluid discharge apparatus including a curved flow path which directs a fluid to flow less toward a structure external to the tubular string. A fluid discharge apparatus can include a generally tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, and at least one curved flow path which directs fluid to flow more parallel to the longitudinal axis from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. A method of mitigating erosion of a structure external to a discharge port in a well can include directing a fluid to flow through a curved flow path, thereby reducing impingement of the fluid on the structure in the well.

Abstract: Oilfield treatment compositions contain water, hydrochloric acid at a concentration between 15 wt % and 45.7 wt % and a first and second fixing agent. The first fixing agent comprises urea, a urea derivative or both. The second fixing agent may be a mixture or amines and alcohols. These compositions provide corrosion inhibition when exposed to steel. The compositions may also contain an inhibitor aid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubular expansion tool which includes a plurality of stackable piston/slip/spring assemblies that are used to radially expand a liner against well casing along a longitudinal distance “L.” The pistons are repeatedly stroked a short distance “S” with the application of hydraulic pressure. As the pistons are stroked, they move a mandrel-expansion die sub assembly in successive steps a distance “S” to perform the tubular expansion over a longer distance “L.

Abstract: A plug and shoot assembly including a perforating gun to perforate a subterranean wellbore, a setting tool to install a plug within the wellbore, and an adapter configured to connect to each of the perforating gun and the setting tool. The adapter includes a single outer housing, the outer housing further including a first end to directly connect to the perforating gun, a second end to directly connect to the setting tool, and an internal passage extending between the first and second ends of the outer housing. In addition, the adapter includes a diode housing disposed within the internal passage and configured to receive a diode member, and an internal contact assembly also disposed within the internal passage. The internal contact assembly is configured to route an electrical signal to cause the setting tool to install a plug within the wellbore.

Abstract: Detonation of a perforating gun is initiated by engagement of the lower distal end of the gun assembly against a bottom hole bore plug. A fluid pressure actuated firing head is initiated by well fluid that is pressurized by a free piston having an integral rod projecting from the distal end of the gun assembly. The piston is displaced against a closed fluid volume when the projecting rod engages the bore plug.

Abstract: This invention is a solvent based gravity drainage process whereby the vertical growth rate of the chamber is restricted by placing, monitoring and managing a buoyant gas blanket at the top of the vapor chamber. This invention reduces the heat loss to the overburden as well as providing a means to preserve a barrier layer of bitumen saturated reservoir sand at the top of the pay zone in reservoirs where there is limited or no confining layer present.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a deepwater drilling condition based marine riser mechanical behavior test simulation system. An upper three-component dynamometer, an upper connecting structure, a marine riser, a lower connecting structure and a lower three-component dynamometer are connected between an upper trailer connecting plate and a lower trailer connecting plate in sequence. The invention further discloses a test method. The present invention has the advantages that the mechanical behavior of the marine riser under deepwater drilling condition and marine environment coupling effect can be simulated comprehensively and accurately, and the apparatus can simulate ocean current environment, apply top tension to the marine riser, simulate circulation of internal drilling fluids at different current rates, simulate rotation of the drill stem at different rotational speeds and apply different drill pressures.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described relating to a sealed acoustic transducer assembly for use in a wellbore is provided. A tool body is deployed in the wellbore, having a groove and a sealed acoustic transducer assembly removeably mounted therein. The transducer assembly includes an acoustic transducer element, and an elongated fluid filled sealed container housing the transducer element. The container includes flexible portions along the length of the container which allows for volume changes when exposed to changes in external pressure and/or temperature. Acoustic measurements downhole are made using the transducer element.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one parameter includes: a deformable member configured to deform in response to the at least one parameter; a housing surrounding at least a portion of an external surface of the deformable member to define an isolated region around the portion and an isolated surface of the deformable member; and at least one optical fiber sensor disposed on the isolated surface and held in an operable relationship with the isolated surface, the at least one optical fiber sensor configured to generate a signal in response to a deformation of the deformable member.

Abstract: A method for determining when a plunger reaches the bottom of an oil or gas well equipped with a plunger lift system. More particularly, the method identifies a surface pressure associated with the plunger reaching the bottom.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein generally relate to a fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus with a primary seal assembly, back up seal assembly and pressure compensation device. The pressure compensation device comprises a membrane support and a longitudinally extending membrane system. The membrane support has a longitudinally extending bore therethrough for receiving a drive-shaft of the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus. The longitudinally extending membrane system comprising a longitudinally extending outer membrane sleeve and a longitudinally extending inner membrane sleeve with the inner membrane sleeve positioned inside the outer membrane sleeve.

Abstract: This invention comprises systems, methods and apparatus for mud pulse telemetry involving sending benchmark pulses with known characteristics (such as amplitude or duration) from the surface to the BHA, measuring those characteristics at the BHA, using those measurements to predict the likely attenuation of downhole-to-surface mud pulse transmissions, and adjusting those transmissions to compensate for high attenuation or to obtain energy savings (or transmission rate increases) during low-attenuation conditions. Further refinements on these systems and methods, particularly concerning the use of signal-to-noise ratio measurements at the surface to more efficiently predict attenuation, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A core cutting assembly is disclosed for use with a continuous mining machine having a milling drum. The core cutting assembly may have a drive mechanism configured to rotate about a first axis of the milling drum. The core cutting assembly may also have at least one rotary cutting bit powered by the drive mechanism to rotate about a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a mining and demolition tool are described herein. In an embodiment, a mining bit tool includes a mining and demolition bit tool base and a mining bit tool tip coupled to the mining bit tool base. The base includes a tapered portion and a stem. The tapered portion includes a first end and a second end, with a surface tapering from the first end to the second end. There are at least two flutes positioned along the tapered surface, where a first flute is positioned at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis passing through the center of the mining bit tool and a second flute is positioned to cross a path of the first flute. The stem extends from the first end of the tapered portion, and the tip is coupled to the second end of the tapered portion.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method of monitoring a longwall shearing mining machine in a longwall mining system, where the shearing mining machine includes a shearer having a cutter drum, the method includes obtaining, by a processor, desired pitch angle information, and receiving, by the processor, a pitch angle indicative of a current pitch position of the shearer. The method also includes determining, by the processor, whether the pitch angle is within a desired pitch angle range, and controlling, by the processor, a position of the cutter drum based on whether the pitch angle is within the desired pitch angle range. The desired pitch angle range is based on the desired pitch angle information.

Abstract: A personnel access door assembly of an opposing wing of a mine ventilation door. The personnel access door includes a frame including a top portion, a bottom portion, a first post portion and a second post portion, the top frame portion and the bottom frame portion coupled to respective top and bottom ends of the first post and second post portions. The personnel access door further includes sets of trolley wheels affixed to the top or bottom of the frame to engage a top rail or bottom rail affixed on the opposing wing.

Abstract: A device for the conveying of material excavated in underground workings in a mine road stretch including a belt conveyor system which has an endless conveyor belt having a conveyor section which is continually extendible along a conveyor stretch in step with the rate of advance. The belt conveyor has at least one first support device and a plurality of inter-coupled conveyor belt vehicles movable in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor stretch, each carrying support elements. Arranged between the first support device and the plurality of conveyor belt vehicles is a second movable support device for coupled to the first support device and including guide means for the introduction of conveyor belt vehicles into the conveyor stretch. At least one part of the conveyor belt vehicles arranged in the conveyor stretch are guided in movable guide frame elements in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor stretch.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for effecting autonomous operations within a defined geographical region (1110). A plurality of localized zones (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108) having operation-defined geographical boundaries are specified within the region. A plurality of control modules are established associated with respective ones of the localized zones and autonomous operations are effected under the supervisory control of the control module associated with the localized zone in which the autonomous operation occurs. The geographical disposition of the boundary of at least one of the localized zones is varied within the defined geographical region.

Abstract: A method for repairing a rotor wheel including an airfoil using a blade repair assembly is disclosed. The blade repair assembly includes a first block and a second block, each including a contact surface with a shape of at least a portion of the airfoil and a cavity surface adjacent the contact surface. The method includes pre-machining an airfoil edge to a uniform height. The method also includes clamping the first block and the second block to the airfoil forming a cavity with the cavity surfaces and the airfoil edge. The method also includes filling the cavity with a metal including metallurgically bonding the metal to the airfoil.

Abstract: An integral turbine includes a forward hub section and an aft hub section. The forward hub section and the aft hub section are metallurgically coupled to one another along an annular interface that resides within a plane generally orthogonal to a rotational axis of the axially-split turbine. The turbine further includes an airfoil blade ring metallurgically coupled to a radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections and an impingement cavity formed within an interior portion of the coupled forward and aft hub sections. The impingement cavity includes an interior surface that is positioned proximate to the radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections. Further, an impingement cooling air flow impinges against the interior surface of the impingement cavity to provide convective and conductive cooling to the radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes providing a substrate having one or more grooves formed therein. One or more coatings having one or more grooves formed therein are disposed on the substrate and in fluid communication with the one or more grooves in the substrate. A cover coating is disposed on a portion of an outermost surface of the one or more coatings, having one or more cooling outlets formed therein and in fluid communication with the one or more grooves in the one or more coatings. The substrate, the one or more coatings and the cover coating define therein a cooling network for cooling a component. A component having a cooling network defined therein a substrate, one or more coatings disposed on at least a portion of the substrate, and a cover coating disposed over at least a portion of an outermost coating of the one or more coatings.

Abstract: The pattern has a pattern material and a casting core combination. The pattern material has an airfoil. The casting core combination is at least partially embedded in the pattern material. The casting core combination comprises a metallic casting core and at least one additional casting core. The metallic casting core has opposite first and second faces. The metallic core and at least one additional casting core extend spanwise into the airfoil of the pattern material. In at least a portion of the pattern material outside the airfoil of the pattern material, the metallic casting core is bent transverse to the spanwise direction so as to at least partially surround an adjacent portion of the at least one additional casting core.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a structure having a cooling passage providing upstream and downstream portions separated from one another by an inner wall and fluidly connected by a bend. First and second trip strips are respectively arranged in the upstream and downstream portions. The first trip strips are arranged at a first spacing from one another. The second trip strips are arranged at a second spacing from one another. A turbulence promoter is arranged in the bend and at a third spacing from the first trip strips that is different than the first spacing. The turbulence promoter is arranged at a fourth spacing from the second trip strips that is different than the second spacing.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a part, for example a reinforcing edge for a turbomachine blade, the method including: making at least one fiber structure by three-dimensionally weaving metal yarns; and subjecting the fiber structure to hot isostatic pressing to cause the metal yarns to agglomerate so as to obtain a solid part. A composite solid part, for example a reinforcing edge for a turbomachine blade, includes a reinforcing structure of three-dimensionally woven ceramic fibers and a metal or metal alloy matrix.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a gas turbine engine system. The system may include a rotor wheel having a number of blades mounted about a periphery of the rotor wheel. Further, the system may include a retention device. The retention device may include a number of projections extending from a radial surface of the rotor wheel to form a number of circumferential slots about the rotor wheel. The retention device may also include a number of elongated members positioned within the circumferential slots to impede axial movement of the blades.

Abstract: In the case of a variable-pitch propeller or repeller according to the invention, the pitch-adjusting device is arranged in the hub and formed in such a way that it allows only a numerically limited number of different blade pitches, preferably just two blade pitches, for which purpose the pitch-adjusting device comprises an electrical drive device, for moving the blades from a first blade pitch to a second of the numerically limited number of blade pitches, and an electrically actuable locking device, for locking the blades in the numerically limited number of different blade pitches.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a hub configured to couple to a mast, a grip configured to couple to the hub and a rotor blade, a pitch actuator coupled to the grip and configured to change a pitch of the rotor blade relative to the mast, and a delta-3 restraint coupled to the pitch actuator, wherein the delta-3 restraint is fixed relative to the mast. An apparatus comprising a hub configured to couple to a mast, a grip configured to couple to the hub and a rotor blade, a pitch actuator coupled to the grip and configured to change a pitch of the rotor blade relative to the mast, and a delta-3 restraint coupled to the pitch actuator, wherein the delta-3 restraint is configured to control the pitch of the blade relative to the mast when the pitch actuator fails, and wherein the delta-3 restraint provides an instantaneous blade pitch-flap coupling response.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a gas turbine engine assembly includes, among other things, a compressor. A strut near the compressor includes a flow passage through a portion of the strut. The flow passage is configured to direct air from the compressor to another portion of the gas turbine engine. The flow passage has at least one surface feature that at least partially hinders some airflow through the flow passage.

Abstract: A dry seal apparatus (30) for a machine (10) includes a seal having a stationary portion (40) and a rotating portion (38); a space (44) disposed between the stationary and rotating portions; a biasing member (42) disposed proximate the stationary portion (40) and in contact therewith for applying a force to the stationary portion; and a labyrinth (37) proximate the rotating portion (38) and constructed and arranged for receiving a liquid for being vaporized before entering the space between the stationary and rotating portions of the seal. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An axial flow turbine that can enhance an effect of reducing a mixing loss is disclosed. The axial flow turbine includes a plurality of stator blades provided on the inner circumferential side of a diaphragm outer ring; a plurality of rotor blades provided on the outer circumferential side of a rotor; a shroud provided on the outer circumferential side of the plurality of rotor blades; an annular groove portion formed in the diaphragm outer ring and housing the shroud therein; a clearance passage defined between the groove portion and the shroud, into which a portion of working fluid flows from the downstream side of the stator blades in a main passage; seal fins provided in the clearance passage; a circulation flow generating chamber defined on the downstream side of the clearance passage; and a plurality of shielding plates secured to the diaphragm outer ring.

Abstract: A component of a gas turbine engine is formed from a continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (CMC). The component has a sealing portion which, in use, makes sealing contact with an adjacent component of the engine. The sealing portion comprises a recess formed in the CMC and filled with a finer grade ceramic relative to the surrounding CMC, a metal or an intermetallic.

Abstract: The present application provides a stage of a gas turbine engine. The stage may include a bucket extending radially about a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine, a shroud facing the bucket, the shroud including a fore end portion including a radially inner surface spaced a first distance from the longitudinal axis, and a forward step honeycomb seal positioned on the shroud downstream of the fore end portion and facing the bucket. The forward step honeycomb seal may include a first linear portion including a radially inner surface spaced a second distance from the longitudinal axis, and a forward step portion positioned adjacent to and downstream of the first linear portion, the forward step portion including a radially inner surface spaced a third distance from the longitudinal axis, wherein the second distance is greater than the third distance, and wherein the third distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A method is presented. The method includes selecting a first window of signals and a second window of signals from clearance signals representative of clearances between a rotating component and a stationary casing surrounding the rotating component, determining a first signed average power value corresponding to the first window of signals, and a second signed average power value corresponding to the second window of signals, determining a resultant value based upon the first signed average power value and the second signed average power value, and determining one or more defects or potential defects in the rotating component based upon the resultant value.

Abstract: A turbocharger has a turbine housing formed with a coolant inlet channel and a coolant outlet channel. The turbine housing contains a coolant separating region in which delivered coolant is separated and a coolant combining region in which coolant is combined again. Each of the coolant separating region and the coolant combining region is equipped with a conical conducting body.

Abstract: An example gas turbine engine includes a turbine and first and second spools coaxial with one another. The first spool is arranged within the second spool and extends between forward and aft ends. The aft end extends axially beyond the second spool and supports the turbine. A housing is arranged downstream from the turbine. First and second bearings are mounted to the aft end of the first spool and supported by the housing portion.

Abstract: An example turbomachine fluid delivery manifold provides a journal fluid path and a gear mesh fluid path that is separate from the journal fluid path. An example turbomachine lubrication system includes a geared architecture having a journal bearing and a gear. In this example, a manifold provides a portion of a first fluid path and a portion of a second fluid path separate from the first fluid path. The first fluid path is operative to communicate a first fluid from a fluid supply to the journal bearing. The second fluid path is operative to communicate a second fluid from the fluid supply to a gear mesh.

Abstract: A transition duct assembly for a turbine engine includes a transition duct with an inner liner removably received therein. The duct is hollow with an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The duct can have an inlet end and an outlet end. The inner peripheral surface of the duct can be convergent along a majority of the length of the duct when moving from the inlet end to the outlet end thereof. The liner is hollow body with an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the liner can be correspondingly convergent to the inner peripheral surface of the duct. The inner peripheral surface of the liner can define an internal flow passage through the assembly. Such a construction permits the use of different materials for the liner and the duct and can allow the liner to be readily removed and replaced.

Abstract: An exemplary gear assembly support for use in a gas turbine engine includes a support member having a portion that is configured to be coupled to a gear assembly. Another portion of the support member is configured to be coupled to a housing in a gas turbine engine. The support member includes a plurality of removal features that each have a plurality of engaging surfaces to facilitate a pulling force on the support member in a direction parallel to an axis through a center of the support member. The engaging surfaces on each of the removal features are oriented relative to each other to resist any bending moment on the support member during application of the pulling force.

Abstract: An exhaust collector for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The exhaust collector includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a side panel. The side panel includes a circumferential portion, a first contoured portion, and a second contoured portion. The circumferential portion extends about the exhaust collector axis with a constant radius. The first contoured portion and the second contoured portion are each between the circumferential portion and the exhaust outlet and include a plurality of curved sections with alternating concavity. Each of the plurality of curved sections extends from the front panel to the rear panel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a combined heat and power system with greater flexibility, reliability, control and stability, for providing operational flexibility and energy efficiency in operating a combined heat and power plant which includes a backpressure steam engine that expands a high temperature heat source of a thermodynamic fluid to generate mechanical power and discharge its spent heat for a beneficial use comprises a vessel subsystem for the spent heat, said vessel subsystem including: at least one main indirect heat exchange device or vessel (7) in heat exchange communication between its primary space (10) and its secondary space (11). The present invention also discloses the use of a method and apparatus to operate a combined heat and power system.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power, including a frame defining a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, and having a support base generally extending along the longitudinal axis. The support base has an input end and an output end. At least a first shear station includes a first shearing blade adapted to reciprocate in a vertical direction between a first displaced position displaced from the support base and a second approximated position proximate the support base to shear the tree waste supported by the support base. An index blade is adapted for at least general horizontal movement along the support base. The index blade is dimensioned and adapted to direct the sheared tree waste toward the output end of the support base. A pulverizing station receives the sheared tree waste directed through the output end of the support base. The pulverizing station includes a pulverizing member actuable to pulverize the sheared tree waste. A furnace receives and converts the pulverized tree waste into steam energy.