Patents Issued in November 17, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160333649
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus (2), so-called injector head, to enable feeding of e.g. continuous tubing (7) or coiled tubing through the conveyor apparatus (2) to or from a wellhead and a well below and related to use of well tools. There is provided an apparatus frame (21) within an apparatus cage (5), and a pair of oppositely located, cooperatively movable, segmented continuous belts (28; 29) installed in the frame, each belt (28; 29) comprising a plurality of interconnected) gripper shoe carriers (30) carried and movable by means of a pair of continuous belt drive chains (31; 32), and a gripper shoe (38; 52) cooperative with each carrier (30) to positively engage the tubing. The frame (21) at its lower end (21?) is tiltably connected to the cage (5) so as to cause said cage (5) and frame (21) to be mutually tillable in a tilting plane about a single tilting axis (58) which passes through a stuffing box (22?) located at a lower region of the cage (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Stimline AS
    Inventor: Mads BJØRNENAK
  • Publication number: 20160333650
    Abstract: A test stand, for testing several parameters of power tongs used to make and break drill and casing pipe segments, comprises a base having a vertical, rotating shaft bearing along its length one or more disk brakes for stopping rotation of the shaft induced by tongs. In a particular embodiment, a vertical mast on the base supports a rotatable gantry which can lift and move power tongs into place above the test stand. Sensors detect several parameters which determine tong performance. Measurements of torque, RPM, temperature, pressure and speed are contrasted to standards for power tongs of like size and capacity and feedback as to the tongs' ability to make and break drill and pipe joints is provided. In another embodiment, a derrick sits atop the base and supports a second, inverted test stand for testing integrated power tongs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: RUSSELL LEE BERRIER, DEARL LYNN BERRIER
  • Publication number: 20160333651
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus (2), so-called injector head, to enable feeding of e.g. continuous tubing (7) or coiled tubing through the conveyor apparatus (2) to or from a wellhead and a well below and related to use of well tools. A pair of oppositely located, co-operatively movable, segmented continuous belts (28; 29) are installed in an apparatus frame (21), each belt comprising a plurality of interconnected gripper shoe carriers (30) carried and movable by means of a pair of continuous belt drive chains (31; 32), wherein the carrier (30) has roller means (35) configured roll against an elongate counter-force member (37), a so-called skate, associated with the frame (21), wherein a gripper shoe (38; 52) is co-operative with each carrier (30) to positively engage the tubing (7), and wherein a pair of said counter-force members (37) being adapted to interact with a respective belt (28; 29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Stimline AS
    Inventor: Mads BJØRNENAK
  • Publication number: 20160333652
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for eliminating or reducing greatly the occurrence of bacteria and other microorganisms in commercial drilling fluids without the use of biocides or other chemicals. The method includes heating the fluid to obtain an initial microbe kill and passing the heated drilling fluid through a controlled cavitation reactor to expose the fluid to highly energetic shock waves and pressure variations within a cavitation zone of the reactor. The reactor includes a cylindrical rotor rotatably mounted within a cylindrical housing. The rotor has bores formed through its peripheral surface and the cavitation zone is defined between the peripheral surface of the rotor and the inner surface of the housing. As the rotor is rotated at a rapid rate with drilling fluid being urged through the cavitation zone, continuous cavitation events are induced in the fluid within the bores and these cause shockwaves and pressure variations to propagate through drilling fluid within the cavitation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventor: Douglas G. Mancosky
  • Publication number: 20160333653
    Abstract: The invention is a downhole petroleum well tractor having a main body (0) connectable to an electrical conductor logging cable (5) from a surface high voltage DC power supply (50), characterized by said main body (0) comprising a common HV DC power line (4) provided with high-voltage DC power supplied from said electrical cable (5); two or more HV DC branch power lines (40) from said common HV DC power line (4), each said HV DC branch power line (40) feeding power to a HV motor drive electronic unit (21) for a drive motor (2); each said drive motors (2) driving one or more drive devices (6) for running on and along a wall in a well for moving said tractor; separate HV DC circuit breaker units (8) on each said HV DC branch power line (40), each said HVDC circuit breaker (8) unit comprising control means (82, 86, 88) arranged for monitoring a current (I) on said HV DC branch power line (40) and controlling a HV DC power switch (84) on said HV DC branch power line (40) to break said current (I) if said current (
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Eitan BONDEROVER, Sam SCHROIT
  • Publication number: 20160333654
    Abstract: A debris catcher can include an anchor connected to the wellbore tubular and a filter fixed to the anchor. The filter is formed at least partially of a degradable material and positioned in a bore of the wellbore tubular. A subterranean fluid flowing through the wellbore tubular is filtered using the debris catcher. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the general subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jason M. Harper, James S. Sanchez, James G. King, Edward O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20160333655
    Abstract: A downhole assembly is disclosed. The downhole assembly includes a tube disposed in a wellbore, and a shroud coupled to and disposed around the circumference of the tube to form an annulus between an inner surface of the shroud and an outer surface of the tube. The downhole assembly further includes a flow control device disposed in the annulus, and a degradable plug disposed in the annulus and positioned to prevent fluid flow between the annulus and the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, John Charles Gano, Jean Marc Lopez
  • Publication number: 20160333656
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Publication number: 20160333657
    Abstract: A packoff assembly comprises: a tubing connectable mandrel; and at least one packoff element disposed on the mandrel; the packoff element comprising an annular seal comprising a carbon composite and having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface; the inner surface being in contact with a surface of the mandrel; a wear-resistant member at least partially encapsulating the seal; an annular guide member disposed on the mandrel; and a retainer member disposed between the guide member and the mandrel for securing the guide member to a predetermined position on the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lei Zhao, Zhiyue Xu, Guijun Deng
  • Publication number: 20160333658
    Abstract: A system includes a casing string and a buoyancy assist tool that is disposed in the casing string. The buoyancy assist tool includes a tubular body, a wiper plug assembly, and a degradable member. The wiper plug assembly is disposed inside the central passageway of the tubular body, and the degradable member retains the wiper plug assembly to the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Afou Keshishian, Isaac Aviles Cadena
  • Publication number: 20160333659
    Abstract: A method of providing cement isolators in an annular space about a tubular string in open hole uses a straddle tool that sequentially engages profiles in the tubular string so that prepositioned communication valves to the surrounding annulus can be straddled to force cement out through the straddle tool and into the annular space. The cement is formulated to stay in position and set up. Each valved opening in the string comes with an associated locating profile and another profile for a locking dog to secure the straddle tool in position for forced delivery from the tool and into the valve assembly for delivery into the open hole annulus where a sealing ring of cement will set up for isolation. The operation sequentially put in place as many barriers as there are valve assemblies to straddle and in a single trip generally working in an uphole direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Troy A. Miller, Jeffery L. Knippa
  • Publication number: 20160333660
    Abstract: Wellbore isolation is used for a tubing string in a well. A first plug is held by a first temporary retention in a bore of a housing disposed on the tubing string and is sealed in the bore with a first seal. A second plug is also held in the bore by a second temporary retention and is sealed in the bore with a second seal. The first and second seals seal a space in the bore between the plugs. Both plugs can be of a dissolvable material. An uphole end of the first plug facing away from the space can have a non-dissolvable coating, while a downhole end of the second plug facing away from the space can have a non-dissolvable coating. The first plug releases in the bore when an uphole pressure is applied in the tubing string, and the second plug then releases after the first plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Dedman, Cornelis C. Valkenburg
  • Publication number: 20160333661
    Abstract: A technique includes deploying an untethered object through a passageway of a string in a well to cause the untethered object to travel along the passageway. The technique includes operating the untethered object as the object travels in the passageway to expand a metal sealing device of the untethered object to cause the object to become caught at a downhole location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventor: Alan Sallwasser
  • Publication number: 20160333662
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically preventing cross flow in a subterranean well during a shutdown event includes a plurality of downhole control valves located within the subterranean well. An energy storage device releases a stored energy during a shutdown event. A primary fail device is a normally close, fail open device that moves to a primary open position during a shutdown event, providing a portion of the stored energy to each of the plurality of downhole control valves during a shutdown event. The portion of the stored energy delivered to each of the plurality of downhole control valves is sufficient to move each of the plurality of downhole control valves to a valve closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Suresh Jacob
  • Publication number: 20160333663
    Abstract: Fluid flow control valve, the valve comprising a valve housing (10) provided with a flow channel (12), which in direction from the inlet section to the outlet section, comprises a substantially conical inlet (13), a valve seat (14), and a diffuser (15) at the outlet section, which transfers into a flow channel (16). A needle-shaped spindle (11) is arranged axially movable within the flow channel (12) and exhibits a largest diameter DN. The inlet (13) exhibits a first conical inlet section (13?) having an angle ?1 of 15° with the longitudinal axis of the flow channel (12), and a second inlet section (13?) with a radius of curvature R2 equal to 5.7 times the diameter DN of the spindle (11). The diffuser (15) is conical having an increasing cross-section in the flow direction by an angle ?2 of 30° with the longitudinal axis in the flow channel (12). The design of the valve produces minimum erosion at the inlet section, and minimum cavitation and erosion in the diffuser section (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventor: Eirik VOLENT
  • Publication number: 20160333664
    Abstract: A downhole flow control device includes a body to be secured within a wall of a tubular, wherein the body defines a flow path therethrough, with a nozzle mounted within the flow path. A dissipation structure is positioned on a first side of the nozzle, such that fluid flowing through the body in a first direction will exit the nozzle and impinge on the dissipation structure prior to exit from the flow control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Ismarullizam Mohd ISMAIL, Benn VOLL, Steven FIPKE, Stephen Lee CROW
  • Publication number: 20160333665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multistage high pressure fracturing system and tubular hydraulic valve (THV) system for connection to a completion string to enable isolation of a zone of interest within a well. In particular, the system enables access to a downhole formation for fracturing the zone of interest and for hydrocarbon production. The system generally includes a plug counting system, a plug capture system and a valve system wherein dropping a series of plugs down the completion string enables successive capture of individual plugs within individual THVs for subsequent fracturing operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Completions Research AG
    Inventors: Robert James Graf, Rober Steve Smoka
  • Publication number: 20160333666
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system includes a valve housing with a port formed in a wall of the housing, a rotation sleeve disposed in the valve housing, an orienting sleeve with an orienting feature disposed in and fixed to the valve housing, and a shifter. The rotation sleeve is rotatable relative to the valve housing and includes a port formed therethrough. The shifter includes engagement features disposed a distance from each other along a length of the shifter and a rotational distance from each other about a circumference of the shifter. The engagement features are receivable into corresponding features of the orienting sleeve and the rotation sleeve to rotate the rotation sleeve relative to the valve housing as the shifter travels through the valve housing. The disclosed system may be used to selectively manipulate any number of valves in downhole equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jody Ray McGlothen
  • Publication number: 20160333667
    Abstract: A downhole paraffin melting tool is provided, comprising a heating element housing having a cutting head and a heating element disposed within the heating element housing. A battery pack is disposed within a battery pack housing, wherein the battery pack is operatively connected to the heating element. A control board is disposed between the heating element and the battery pack, wherein the control board is adapted to control power delivered from the battery pack to the heating element. A top sub is connected to the battery pack housing, wherein the top sub includes a retrievable member. The battery pack, delivering power to the heating element through the control board, is adapted to maintain a predetermined temperature of the heating element during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Capital Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarryd Landry, Russell Landry
  • Publication number: 20160333668
    Abstract: A debris catcher can include an anchor connected to the wellbore tubular and a filter fixed to the anchor. The filter is positioned in a bore of the wellbore tubular and has an disintegrable accelerator material located in a carrier body. The debris catcher formed at least partially of a disintegrable accelerator material located in a carrier body is conveyed in a wellbore tubular. The disintegrable accelerator material is exposed to a downhole material in a subterranean fluid flowing through the wellbore tubular. The debris catcher filters the downhole material. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the general subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Zhiyue Xu, Jason M. Harper, James S. Sanchez, James G. King, Edward O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20160333669
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation comprising: introducing a first treatment fluid into a well, wherein the first treatment fluid comprises a base fluid and a scale inhibitor; and introducing a second treatment fluid into the well, wherein the second treatment fluid comprises a base fluid and a surface modification agent, wherein the surface modification agent is a hydrophobically modified polyamide. A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising: introducing a fracturing fluid into a well, wherein the introduction of the fracturing fluid creates or enhances a fracture in the subterranean formation, wherein the fracturing fluid comprises: a base fluid; proppant; a scale inhibitor; and the surface modification agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Jesse V. MELLO, Corneliu Stanciu, Loan K. VO
  • Publication number: 20160333670
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating direct current (DC) electrical energy downhole at a selected voltage includes a drill tubular, a turbine to convert drilling fluid flow energy into rotational energy, an alternator coupled to the turbine to provide AC electrical energy, and an active rectifier configured to rectify the AC electrical energy into DC electrical energy at a controllable voltage. The active rectifier includes (a) a bridge circuit having a circuit branch having first and second rectifier sets including a semiconductor switch in parallel with a diode for each phase of the AC electrical energy and (b) a feedback control loop having a micro-processor and configured to receive an output voltage measurement and a voltage measurement and/or a current measurement in at least one circuit branch as an input and to provide a control signal to each semiconductor switch in order to provide the DC electrical energy at the selected voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sebastian Tegeler, Steffen Toscher, Matthias Gatzen
  • Publication number: 20160333671
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for collecting energy in a well. An energy collecting arrangement located in a well may be used to collect energy from variations in fluid pressure in the well. The energy may be used to control downhole apparatus, and/or may be stored for later use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventor: Garth NALDRETT
  • Publication number: 20160333672
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for determining real-time drilling operations dysfunctions by measuring the power-loss of signal propagation associated with a drill string in a wellbore. The invention comprises acquiring a first time series from a mid-string drilling sub sensor associated with a drill string in a wellbore and acquiring a second time series from a sensor associated with the drill string wherein the sensor is on or near a drill rig on the surface of the earth. The process further comprises determining the geometry of the wellbore and determining model parameters alpha and beta for characterizing a wellbore using the first time series, the second time series and the geometry of the wellbore by deriving a power loss of signal propagation. The model parameters may then be used for drilling a subsequent well using surface sensor acquired data to detect drilling dysfunctions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Hector M. KLIE, Phil D. ANNO
  • Publication number: 20160333673
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems, processes and apparatuses for determining a rig-state of a drilling rig during a wellbore drilling operation and detecting and mitigating drilling dysfunctions. These systems, processes and apparatuses provide a computer with a memory and a processor, a plurality of sensors associated with a wellbore drilling operation for acquiring time series data wherein the data are formatted for sample and bandwidth regularization and time-corrected to provide substantially time-synchronized data, a processing graph of data-stream networked mathematical operators that applies continuous analytics to the data at least as rapidly as the data are acquired to determine dynamic conditions of a plurality of rig conditions associated with the wellbore drilling operation and determining a rig-state from the plurality of rig conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Phil D. ANNO, Son PHAM, Stacey C. RAMSAY
  • Publication number: 20160333674
    Abstract: An open water capture device comprising a structure, wherein the structure comprises an open bottom, a top, and one or more injection primary ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Karl Gregory ANDERSON, Gaurav BHATNAGAR, Sujatha DEGALEESAN, Gregory John HATTON
  • Publication number: 20160333675
    Abstract: A perforating gun assembly includes a perforating gun body, a casing collar locator, and a direct connect sub coupled to the CCL and the perforating gun body. In an embodiment, the direct connect sub includes a single body including a central axis, a first end, and a second end. The first end is engaged with the CCL, and the second end is engaged with the perforating gun body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: G&H Diversified Manufacturing LP
    Inventors: Joe Noel Wells, Benjamin Vascal Knight
  • Publication number: 20160333676
    Abstract: A select fire system and method for controlling operations in a gun string assembly comprising perforating guns and switch subs mechanically connected in the gun string assembly is disclosed. Each of the switch subs further comprises a switching element, input links and output links. The switch subs and perforating guns communicate with each other through the input and output links. The switching elements keeps track of the state of the sub and switches states based on trigger conditions such as environment conditions, perforating gun conditions, or input conditions from surface. A self-detecting method for detecting failures in a perforating gun and acting on the failure without the need for pulling the gun string assembly out of the wellbore is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Hardesty
  • Publication number: 20160333677
    Abstract: A unique low cost and efficient submersible, hermetically sealed, variable speed system intended to drive submersible boosting units. The system includes a unique combination of a liquid filled electrical motor connected to a hydraulic coupling and a magnetic coupling driver section, in a hermetically sealed container, with a magnetic coupling follower driving a booster unit. The system further includes integrated cooling, lubrication and control functionality. The drive unit has an actuating system connected to internal guide vanes which controls the liquid flow between the pump impeller and turbine wheel of the hydrodynamic coupling and hence the torque and speed. The combined system is a sealed seal-less and topside-less submersible drive unit that can operate in harsh subsea environments. The drive unit opens up for use of thin walled pressure casings and low pressure electrical penetrators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: FUGLESANGS SUBSEA AS
    Inventors: Tommy Westberg, Alexander Fuglesang
  • Publication number: 20160333678
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting and producing heavy crude oil from subterranean oil fields is provided. The method utilizes a specially designed mixing mandrel to facilitate the combination and mixing of a high API gravity diluent with heavy crude oil from a subterranean oil reservoir, such that the resulting heavy oil mixture can be efficiently pumped to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventor: O. Duane Gaither, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160333679
    Abstract: There is provided a downhole flow control apparatus comprising: a housing; a port extending through the housing; a passage disposed within the housing for conducting material to and from the port; a flow control member displaceable relative to the port; and a flow control member actuator configured for producing a pressurized fluid for urging the displacement of the flow control member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Don GETZLAF, John Edward RAVENSBERGEN, Brock GILLIS, Michael WERRIES
  • Publication number: 20160333680
    Abstract: A method of re-treating a well with pre-existing fractures which includes: displacing a tool in a well, leaking off motive fluid to an open fracture zone passed by the tool to diminish the rate of displacement, and locating the open fracture zone above the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Peter John Richter, Alejandro Andres Pena Gonzalez, Bruno Lecerf, Dmitriy Usoltsev
  • Publication number: 20160333681
    Abstract: A gas and solids separation system is disclosed to separate gas and solids in a subterranean wellbore thereby preventing the gas and solids from interfering with down-hole equipment. The system includes shrouds and diverters that directs the gas away from the intake of the down-hole artificial lift equipment and also utilizes solids collection chambers and shields which separate and trap solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: NGSIP, LLC
    Inventor: Daryl V. Mazzanti
  • Publication number: 20160333682
    Abstract: A drilling system, comprising a drill string; and a ranging tool mounted on the drill string, the ranging tool comprising a magnetic sensor pair comprising a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor mounted radially opposite one another on the ranging tool, wherein each of the magnetic sensors is structured and configured to detect at least a radial component and a tangential component of a magnetic field; a rotatable assembly, comprising a motor structured and arranged to actuate rotation of the magnetic sensor pair around the drill string; and an electronics package connected to at least one of the magnetic sensor pair, and the motor, wherein the electronics package comprises a controller and a wireless telemetry device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Chase Griffing, Wenquan Li, Jesse Kevin Hensarling, John Harrison Farrah
  • Publication number: 20160333683
    Abstract: A technique facilitates measurement of forces resulting from a variety of loads, stresses, temperatures, or other sources. In an embodiment, the system comprises a load cell constructed with channels extending into a component which may be subjected to forces. Sensors cooperate with the channels to detect changes in volume of the channels as an indicator of the forces acting on the component. In some applications, the channels enclose a liquid, and the sensors comprise pressure sensors which detect changes in pressure within the liquid due to the volumentric changes in the channels. The system also may comprise a compensation system which compensates for external influences, such as temperatures and hydrostatic pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Miguel Marcel Jose Delgado
  • Publication number: 20160333684
    Abstract: A method for determining a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir quality prior to a hydraulic fracture treatment based on completions index is disclosed. The method comprises a step performing a test determining a hydraulic pressure at which a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir will begin to fracture by pumping a fluid in a wellbore, wherein the wellbore extends from a surface to the reservoir and the wellbore has one or more perforations in communication with reservoir; a step generating a pressure transient in the wellbore, the pressure transient travels from the surface to the reservoir through the perforations and reflects back the surface after contacting the reservoir; a step measuring response of the pressure transient at sufficiently high sampling frequency; a step determining fracture hydraulic parameters of the perforations and the reservoir using the measured response; and optimizing a stimulation treatment to the reservoir based on the determined fracture hydraulic parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: EOG RESOURCES, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael James, Oscar A. Bustos, Evan Daniel Gilmore, Eric Robert Matus
  • Publication number: 20160333685
    Abstract: An apparatus for validating the operation of a pipeline infrastructure. The apparatus comprises: i) a plurality of test headers coupled to a plurality of wells via a field testing infrastructure; and ii) a test separator configured to select a first well for testing and to receive a multiphase fluid flow from a first one of the plurality of test headers, the first test header associated with the first well. The test separator compares at least one parameter from a current test data of the multiphase fluid flow received from the first test header with at least one parameter from a previous test data of a previous multiphase fluid flow received from the first test header and, in response to the comparison, determines whether the field testing infrastructure is operating properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: PHASE DYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventor: Bentley N. SCOTT
  • Publication number: 20160333686
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the output of a plurality of oil wells. The apparatus comprises: i) a plurality of test headers coupled to the plurality of wells via a field testing infrastructure; and ii) a test separator configured to select a first well for testing and to receive a multiphase fluid flow from a first one of the plurality of test headers, the first test header associated with the first well. The test separator is further configured to: iii) separate the multiphase fluid flow into a gas phase stream and a liquid phase stream; iv) measure a plurality of parameters of the gas phase stream and the liquid phase stream over a current period; v) for each of the plurality of parameters, determine a mean value, a standard deviation, a maximum value, and a minimum value in the current period; and vi) determine if a standard deviation associated with a first parameter exceeds a first threshold of a mean value associated with the first parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Phase Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bentley N. SCOTT
  • Publication number: 20160333687
    Abstract: An in-situ and on-line acoustic measuring system for natural gas flux at the hydrocarbon seeps at a seafloor includes a seepage tent and a flow measuring channel. The flow measuring channel includes a lower bubble breaking channel, an ultrasonic transducer measuring channel and an upper bubble breaking channel. The lower bubble breaking channel communicates with the seepage tent provided with bubble breaking grids. Lower and upper bubble breaking devices, arranged in a bubble rising direction, are respectively mounted in the lower and upper bubble breaking channels. One side of the ultrasonic transducer measuring channel is fixedly connected with an acoustic wave demultiplexer, and the other side is fixedly connected with flat receiving transducers receiving transmitting acoustic waves generated by an acoustic wave branching unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicants: SOUTH CHINA SEA INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, GUANGDONG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Pengfei Di, Jianjun Long, Daxin Long, Linying Chen, Dong Feng, Duofu Chen
  • Publication number: 20160333688
    Abstract: An acoustic well telemetry system has an acoustic telemetry transducer affixed to an in-well type component and a damper between the transducer and the in-well type component. The damper damps transmission from the in-well type component to the transducer of a specified frequency range. A method includes damping a specified frequency range from transmission from an in-well type component to an acoustic telemetry transducer in a well, and receiving another frequency range outside of the specified frequency range with the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Donald KYLE, Michael Linley FRIPP, Neal Gregory SKINNER
  • Publication number: 20160333689
    Abstract: Novel proppants, proppant mixes and proppant slurries comprising a diamagnetic polymeric proppant that exhibits induced paramagnetism in an AC field is used to prop hydraulic fractures, and the paramagnetism used to assess fracture width, depth, connectivity, branching and the like. Fracturing methods are also provided, together with fracture assessment and imaging methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Peter M. EICK, Joel D. BREWER
  • Publication number: 20160333690
    Abstract: A mine control system for monitoring mine operations includes a plurality of mine vehicles provided with on-board monitoring means. Monitoring data is transmitted from the mine vehicle to the mine control system, which is provided with a mine plan. The mine control unit is configured to compare the received monitoring data with the mine plan and to determine the current state of the mine relative to the mine plan on the basis of the monitoring data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Jussi PUURA, Tomi VON ESSEN
  • Publication number: 20160333691
    Abstract: A method and mine vehicle includes at least one scanning device for scanning surroundings of the mine vehicle and producing operational point cloud data. The mine vehicle has a control unit provided with reference point cloud data of the mine. The control unit is configured to match the operational point cloud data to the reference point cloud data in order to determine position of the mine vehicle. The control unit further includes a mine work plan, which is connected to the detected position of the mine vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Jussi PUURA, Tomi VON ESSEN
  • Publication number: 20160333692
    Abstract: In one preferred form of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, there is provided an airflow restriction device for mining ventilation. The airflow restriction device comprises a body having an inflatable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventor: Darren Gilbertson
  • Publication number: 20160333693
    Abstract: A piston arrangement including a track and a piston moveable within a cylinder; wherein the track is adapted to rotate relative to the cylinder about an axis of rotation and has a cam surface and an edge surface extending away from the cam surface; wherein the piston is coupled to the track by a follower running on the cam surface; wherein the cam surface is shaped such that, as the track moves relative to the cylinder, the piston head moves in reciprocating motion within the cylinder in accordance with the path of the cam surface; wherein a stabilising element is connected to the piston, the stabilising element extending below the piston head and comprising a contact surface which engages the edge surface of the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: NEWLENOIR LIMITED
    Inventor: Ryan BOWEN
  • Publication number: 20160333694
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing precision parts through hot isostatic pressing using a metal core manufactured through metal rapid prototyping to manufacture a turbine blisk for driving a turbo pump of a liquid rocket. The method includes: manufacturing a metal core that has an internal vacant space having the same shape as the precision parts, using rapid prototyping; putting the metal core in a housing; filling an inside of the housing with heat resistant steel powder and creating a vacuum state in the housing; treating the housing under high temperature and pressure to produce heat resistant steel; removing the housing and a portion of the heat resistant steel to expose a portion of the metal core; performing etching to remove the exposed metal core; and removing only a portion of the heat resistant steel through mechanical machining, wherein the remaining portion corresponds to the shape of the precision part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Suk-Hwan YOON, Jin Han KIM
  • Publication number: 20160333695
    Abstract: A method of identifying the balancing configuration installed on a turbine engine rotor using a plurality of screws forming balance weights that are mounted on the rotor at different angular positions of the rotor is provided. Each screw possesses a predetermined weight and each screw is associated with an element for identifying its weight and for identifying its angular position on the rotor. The method includes contactless scanning of all of the screws mounted on the rotor by an identification appliance capable of recognizing the elements for identifying the weight and the angular position associated with each screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Valerio GEREZ, Francois PROST
  • Publication number: 20160333696
    Abstract: A rotor of an aircraft turbomachine having a main axis A, which includes modifying the critical speed of the rotor, depending on whether the rotational speed of the rotor is lower or higher than a predefined rotational speed, including a component that is capable of occupying a first state or a second state depending on whether the rotational speed of the rotor is lower or higher than the predefined rotational speed, each state of the component corresponding to a critical speed of the rotor, and driving the component to one or the other of the two states thereof, depending on the rotational speed of the rotor, wherein modifying the critical speed of the rotor further includes a component that engages with the drive means and is capable of being deformed elastically between one or the other of two stable forms, each of which corresponds to a state of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventor: Julien Michel Patrick C. Austruy
  • Publication number: 20160333697
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing blade channels of turbomachine rotors, in particular gas turbine rotors, with integrated blades. The method comprises producing a multiplicity of arrangements, offset with respect to one another in a circumferential direction, of bores proceeding from a radially outer shell surface of the rotor, at least two bores of at least one arrangement being offset with respect to one another in an axial and/or circumferential direction such that said bores engage into one another and form a slot; and producing pressure and suction sides of blades by material removal in the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Wolfgang STEINERT, Adolf SEIDL
  • Publication number: 20160333698
    Abstract: A method of forming a ceramic matrix composite turbine blade with squealer tip and with tip flare is provided. The tip flare may be located at either or both of the pressure side and the suction side. The method provides a mandrel which is placed in the pre-form tooling to create the cavity and aid in formation of the pressure side flare.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew Mark WEAVER, Paul IZON, Kathleen Elizabeth ALBERS