Abstract: A system for connecting a gullwing to a catwalk comprising a gullwing pin movable in an indexer groove that enables a foot pad of the gullwing to remain stationary relative to the catwalk when the gullwing is raised or lowered.

Abstract: A trailer mounted system for delivering a section of pipe or other tubular from a rack or staging area to a rig floor, or vice versa. A central beam is pivotally mounted to a trailer assembly and can be selectively raised or lowered relative the underlying trailer assembly. An extender beam, telescopically mounted to the central beam, can be selectively extended or retracted, while a trough member attached to the beams can be selectively partially rotated. Lateral pipe support rails can provide a base for selectively directing a pipe section towards or away from the trough. A safety system prevents inadvertent rotation of the trough when loaded with a section of pipe or other tubular, as well as inadvertent extension of the trough when rotated.

Abstract: A rotational driver for driving a connector through adjacent tubulars is provided. The adjacent tubulars are positionable in a wellbore of a wellsite for passing fluid therethrough. The rotational driver includes a gearbox housing positionable about the connector, a socket carried by the gearbox housing to receivingly engage the connector, and a plurality of gears driven by at least one motor. The gears are operatively connectable to the socket to transfer torque from the motor thereto, and have interlocking teeth defining a plurality of contacts therebetween whereby load on the gears is distributable therebetween.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean wellbore using a drill string including the steps of estimating or determining a reduced static density of a drilling fluid based on the equivalent circulating density of the drilling fluid in a section of the wellbore, providing a drilling fluid having substantially that reduced static density, introducing the drilling fluid having said reduced static density into the wellbore, and removing the drilling fluid from the wellbore via a return line.

Abstract: A system includes a tubular filling tool. In certain embodiments, the tubular filling tool includes a conductor pipe configured to receive a filling fluid flow from a top drive and a diffuser block communicatively coupled to the conductor pipe and configured to receive the filling fluid flow from the conductor pipe, wherein the diffuser block includes a plurality of fluid passages extending to external passages formed in an outer diameter of the diffuser block and configured to facilitate passage of the filling fluid flow to the external passages from within the diffuser block, wherein the external passages are configured to generate a swirl flow pattern in the filling fluid flow during a tubular filling process.

Abstract: A wireline or drill pipe retrievable coring tool with an inner barrel to receive a core, a bottom coring tool valve operable to seal off a bottom of the inner barrel and at least one pressure canister operable to receive fluid from the core in the inner barrel. The pressure canister is operable to significantly reduce the pressure inside the inner barrel utilizing an expandable chamber to receive fluid from the core as the tool is removed from the wellbore. In one embodiment, a bottom valve mechanism moves the cored formation materials out of the way of the bottom valve before the bottom valve is closed.

Abstract: An example whipstock assembly includes a whipstock providing a ramped surface and a longitudinal groove defined in the ramped surface. A lead mill is coupled to the whipstock with a shear bolt and having a slot defined therein, and a torque key is movable between an extended position, where the torque key is partially positioned within both the slot and the longitudinal groove, and a retracted position, where the torque key retracts into the slot. When the torque key is in the extended position, the torque key prevents the lead mill from rotating with respect to the whipstock.

Abstract: Downhole tools for use in oil and gas production which degrade into non-toxic materials, a method of making them and methods of using them. A frac ball and a bridge plug comprised of polyglycolic acid which can be used in fracking a well and then left in the well bore to predictably, quickly, and safely disintegrate into environmentally friendly products without needing to be milled out or retrieved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flow block for use as a T-Block, tree block, manifold block or valve block, the method including: machining a main bore in a body; forming an opening in the body in a side wall of the main bore; providing an insert including a first bore intersecting with a second bore and being in fluid communication with each other; forming a substantially curved surface on at least part of the intersection between the first bore and the second bore; and inserting the insert into the opening, such that the first bore is substantially aligned with the main bore in order to provide a fluid flow path between the main bore and the second bore.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved coupling for cement heads. One exemplary cement head includes a first module comprising a first end, a first outer surface, and a plurality of first protrusions extending radially outward from the first outer surface, each of the plurality of first protrusions comprising a first profile in which (i) a first engagement surface faces axially away from the first end and (ii) a first support surface forms a first oblique angle relative to an axis; and a bridge configured to engage the plurality of first protrusions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a test joint assembly for testing subsea BOP stack valves and annulars in one trip. The test joint assembly has an outer mandrel and a telescopically extendable inner mandrel. The inner mandrel seals against a bottom sub member using a bullnose sealing member.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a Type U blowout preventer (BOP) that includes a body generally coupled with a set of bonnets. The bore of the body differs from conventional Type U BOPs. The bore of the body is formed with a contour that allows differential engagement with a ram having ram seals at different places along the bore. Further, the coupling between the bonnet and body can optionally be different from conventional Type U BOPs. In at least one embodiment, the bonnet is coupled to the body in conjunction with a tube holding an extraction shaft with a head held to the bonnet with a retainer. The tube and extraction shaft allows the bonnet to be removed from the body without hydraulic external force.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolation of part of a well, which comprises pipe provided, along its external face, with a first external sleeve, wherein the opposite ends are connected directly or indirectly to said external face of the pipe. The pipe, first external sleeve and its ends together delimit an annular space, the wall of said pipe exhibiting at least one opening which allows it to communicate with said space, this sleeve being likely to expand and to be applied tightly against the well over an intermediate part of its length. The device also comprises on the one hand, a second internal sleeve, which extends between said pipe and the first sleeve, its ends being also connected directly or indirectly to the external face of said pipe and, on the other hand, at least one communication passage between the exterior of the first sleeve and said space.

Abstract: A downhole tool, packer, and method for manufacturing a downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a first sealing element, and a second sealing element spaced axially apart from the first sealing element. The downhole tool also includes a back-up member disposed at least partially around the first sealing element and the second sealing element, and positioned axially therebetween. The back-up member includes one or more anti-swab features that are configured to prevent migration of fluid at least between the first sealing element and the back-up member.

Abstract: A composite frac plug (12) is formed of composite polymer materials, except for shear pins (52) and anchor cleats (96, 112) which are formed of metal. The frac plug (12) has an elastomeric ball seat (44) which sealing engages with a frac ball (18). A ratchet lock assembly (26) has a split ratchet ring (82) which moves over the mandrel (22) in a downward direction only, and prevents movement of the mandrel (22) downward within the ratchet ring (92). An anchor assembly (28) has slip bodies (92, 108) which are segmented and separately urge anchor cleats (96, 112) into the interior surface of a well casing (136).

Abstract: A barrier onto the surface of a subterranean formation may be formed by pumping into a wellbore within a well hydrophobically modified polysaccharides. A pressure differential is created between the reservoir pressure and formation pressure within the well. The micellular hydrophobically modified polysaccharides self-align onto the face of the formation to form the barrier. Flow of fluids into the subterranean formation is thereby prohibited.

Abstract: A method and system of cementing a well bore with vibration of a casing string as a fluid cement mixture is forced into the annulus between the casing string and the well bore as a curable fluid cement mixture is pumped through the casing string. A casing shoe and/or a casing collar have a vibration-inducing mechanism for vibrating the shoe casing radially in response to the flow of fluid through the casing.

Abstract: A composite wellbore ball valve has a spherical, fiber reinforced composite ball valve closure. The closure has an interior, central through-bore and an annular metallic sealing surface. A ball carrying assembly has an annular, metallic sealing seat surface adapted to contact and form a metal-to-metal seal with the metallic sealing surface of the ball valve closure when the ball valve closure is closed.

Abstract: A variable flow resistance system for use with a subterranean well can include a structure which displaces in response to a flow of a fluid composition, whereby a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition changes in response to a change in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Another system can include a structure which rotates in response to flow of a fluid composition, and a fluid switch which deflects the fluid composition relative to at least two flow paths. A method of variably resisting flow in a subterranean well can include a structure displacing in response to a flow of a fluid composition, and a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition changing in response to a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition changing. Swellable materials and airfoils may be used in variable flow resistance systems.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port.

Abstract: A tubular downhole tool, representatively a sliding sleeve valve, coaxially supports within its interior an annular plug ball seat formed from a series of rigid, arcuate segments that circumferentially overlap one another in various representatively disclosed manners. The seat is expandable from a diametrically compressed orientation, toward which it is resiliently biased, to a diametrically expanded orientation by a plug ball pumped through the seat. Due to the circumferential segment-to-segment overlap, each segment is blocked by its two circumferentially adjacent segments from being axially separated from the overall seat assembly by operational pressure forces.

Abstract: A downhole system having a chemical injection valve assembly configured to inject at least one chemical from a chemical injection line into a downhole tubing. The chemical injection valve assembly includes a passive access control mechanism configured to reveal a first port to the tubing in a first condition and block the first port in a second condition. The passive access control mechanism including a movable piston, wherein in the first condition the piston is exposed to a first pressure source on a first side of the piston and to a second pressure source on a second side of the piston. The first pressure source is from within the tubing and the second pressure source is from outside of the chemical injection line and the tubing. Also included is a method of chemical injection in a downhole system.

Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a magnetic sensor, a magnetic device which propagates a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor, and a barrier positioned between the magnetic sensor and the magnetic device. The barrier can comprise a relatively low magnetic permeability material. A method of isolating a magnetic sensor from a magnetic device in a subterranean well can include separating the magnetic sensor from the magnetic device with a barrier interposed between the magnetic sensor and the magnetic device, the barrier comprising a relatively low magnetic permeability material. A well tool can include a housing having a flow passage formed through the housing, a magnetic sensor in the housing, and a barrier which separates the magnetic sensor from the flow passage, the barrier having a lower magnetic permeability as compared to the housing.

Abstract: A method for constructing a multilateral well includes drilling a main well, drilling a first lateral well from the main well, installing a production reentry deflection tool in the main well, proximate the first lateral, the first production reentry deflection tool having a first inner diameter, drilling a second lateral well from the main well and above the first lateral well, and installing a second production reentry deflection tool in the main well, proximate the second lateral, the second production reentry deflection tool having a second inner diameter. The first inner diameter is smaller than the second inner diameter.

Abstract: A rotationally independent wellbore ranging system includes a housing which is attached to a rotary component positioned in a first wellbore and remains substantially stationary relative to the first wellbore when the rotary component rotates in the first wellbore. Multiple sensors affixed to the housing are operable to receive multiple ranging signals from a second wellbore while the rotary component rotates in the first wellbore, and provide the multiple ranging signals to a processor to determine a position of the first wellbore relative to the second wellbore.

Abstract: A containment system for recovering hydrocarbon fluid from a leaking device comprising a dome sealed to the seafloor around the leaking device and forming a cavity for accumulating hydrocarbon fluid. The dome comprises an upper output opening for extracting the hydrocarbon fluid. The containment system comprises a sensor for measuring an interface level of a fluid interface between hydrocarbon fluid and any other fluid inside the dome, and an output valve connected to the upper output opening for outputting hydrocarbon fluid, and controlled on the basis of the interface level measured by the sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering a production stream downhole that involves creating a basepipe annulus and a casing annulus and forcing the production stream through a filter between the casing annulus and the basepipe annulus before combining the production stream with a previously filtered production stream. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A casing hanger assembly is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a casing hanger and a landing shoulder for receiving the casing hanger and supporting the casing hanger within a wellhead. The casing hanger and the landing shoulder have complementary features that cooperate to inhibit rotation of the casing hanger with respect to the landing shoulder. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for conducting multiple successive same-location firings of a number of shaped charges carried by a perforating gun that is lowered into the wellbore and precisely positioned to align its charges with the penetration created by the first fired-charges in order to produce deeper and larger diameter penetrations that result in enhanced hydraulic fracturing of the reservoir and increased gas production from the completed well.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump jack employs a crank arrangement to drive a polish rod carrier up and down, and employs guide slots in side walls of a frame structure at both ends of the carrier in order to maintain tight control over the orientation of the polish rod.

Abstract: A method for enhanced subsurface hydrocarbon recovery, comprising the use of at least one in-situ broadband antenna to radiate radio frequency energy into the reservoir to heat a target zone. The use of a broadband antenna allows for compensation of growing impedance mismatch between the antenna and the reservoir that occurs during recovery operations.

Abstract: A one trip system for perforating and fracking multiple intervals uses a releasable barrier. The barrier can be an inflatable. A pressure booster system is associated with the BHA so that the existing hydrostatic pressure is boosted when the gun or portions thereof are fired. After firing in one interval, the BHA is raised and the barrier is redeployed and the pattern repeats. Instruments allow sensing the conditions in the interval for optimal placement of the gun therein and for monitoring flow, pressure and formation conditions during the fracturing. Circulation between gun firings cleans up the hole. If run in on wireline a water saving tool can be associated with the BHA to rapidly position it where desired. A multitude of perforation charges mounted in the BHA can be selectively fired by selected corresponding detonator based on a predetermined sequence or surface telemetry command.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a ceramic membrane used in an oil recovery process. The cleaning method includes online and offline modes. In the online mode, the method includes periodically backflushing the ceramic membrane with an aqueous media. In the offline mode, the method includes backpulsing or statically cleaning the ceramic membrane by utilizing an aqueous alkaline media, an aqueous acidic media, and a liquid hydrocarbon solution.

Abstract: Embodiments of a downhole drilling assembly generally include a rotatable lower drilling assembly, a rotatable upper drilling assembly, and a drill bit, wherein the upper drilling assembly contains a mud motor adapted for clockwise rotation of its stator and counter-clockwise rotation of its rotor, whereby the lower drilling assembly is rotatable in the opposite direction of the upper drilling assembly or maintainable in a non-rotating state. The apparatus further includes sensors adapted to continuously measure physical properties and/or drilling parameters and a mechanism for continuously transmitting information relating thereto to the surface.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean bore hole comprising a) pumping a drilling fluid down a drill string, the drill string having a drill bit at an end thereof, b) rotating the drill string about its longitudinal axis to that the bit forms bore hole in the ground, the method further comprising the steps of: c) changing the rate of pumping of the drilling fluid into the drill string in response to a change in the speed of rotation of the drill string, and/or changing the speed of rotation of the drill string in response to a change in the rate of pumping of the drilling fluid into the drill string.

Abstract: A method and system for improving cuttings measurements in drilling operations includes rotating a helical screw in a trough at a first speed, measuring a first weight of a cuttings mixture within the trough, measuring a first torque required to maintain rotation of the helical screw at the first speed through the cuttings mixture, and calculating a difference between the first torque and a second torque required to maintain rotation of the helical screw at the first speed through a second weight of natural cuttings equal to the first weight.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products for taking a downhole measurement are presented. The method may include cooling a sensor in a borehole intersecting an earth formation using an electrocaloric material associated with the sensor, wherein the sensor is responsive to a downhole parameter. The method may further include applying an electric field to the electrocaloric material to generate a giant electrocaloric effect. The method may include selecting dimensions, composition, and Curie temperature of the electrocaloric material and characteristics of the electric field sufficient to reduce the nominal temperature of the sensor by at least 20 degrees Celsius, which may result in the sensor being proximate to a target temperature within the nominal operational temperature range of the sensor.

Abstract: A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning one or more sources and one or more receivers near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir; performing a survey with the sources and the receivers during the fracturing operation; comparing the baseline survey to the survey performed during the fracturing operation; analyzing one or more differences between the baseline survey and the survey performed during the fracturing operation; and modifying the fracturing operation based on the differences.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a pressure, temperature, and/or vibration of a hostile environment without requiring the use of active electronics or an oscillator circuit in that environment. The system and method interrogate a resonant pressure sensor and a resonant or passive temperature sensor connected to a transmission line and located at least 100 feet (30.48 m) away from a network analyzer. The system and method use the reflected frequencies from the sensors to determine the pressure, temperature, and/or vibration. If the sensors are networked by the transmission line or a network filter, the reflected portion can include the reflected transmission energy. The applied signal and reflected portion travel along the transmission line, which is preferably impedance matched to that of the system. If a multi-conductor cable is used, the effects of the cable's length and temperature are compensated for via a system calibration when in field use.

Abstract: An impressed current cathodic protection arrangement includes an elongate metallic structure to be protected and cathodic protection apparatus which comprises a DC power supply and an anode. One terminal of the power supply is connected to the structure at a connection point and another terminal of the power supply is connected to the anode. The arrangement includes monitoring apparatus for monitoring effectiveness of cathodic protection provided by the cathodic protection apparatus by determining the electrical potential of the structure relative to surroundings at at least one location which is spaced from the connection point.

Abstract: A downhole communications arrangement including one or more electromagnetic (EM) devices; and a shield disposed relative to the one or more devices. The shield preventing or reducing passage of one or more EM frequencies and being alterable by one or more selected conditions to allow passage of the one or more frequencies. A method for communicating in a downhole environment.

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 tunneling apparatus includes a drill head and a steering shell. The drill head includes a main body having a distal end and an oppositely disposed proximal end. The steering shell is disposed at the distal end of the drill head and is movable relative to the main body of the drill head. The drill head includes structure that assists in maintaining a precise line.

Abstract: A method of installing a rock bolt is provided. A bolt hole can be formed by applying an insertion force to a drill rod and while the insertion force is being applied, applying a rotational force on the drill rod to rotate the drill rod and bore the bolt hole. A rock bolt can then be installed in the bolt hole by applying an insertion force to the rock bolt to insert the rock bolt into a bolt hole and while the insertion force is applied to the rock bolt, applying a rotational force on the rock bolt to rotate the rock bolt in the bolt hole. As the rotational force being applied to the rock bolt increases, the insertion force applied to the rock bolt can be decreased until no insertion force is being applied and the rock bolt has been torqued to a desired torque amount.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device cia the tangential outlet.

Abstract: A compressor blade for a gas turbine engine includes a root configured to engage a hub of the gas turbine engine, and an airfoil radially extending a distance from the root to a tip. The airfoil includes a suction side, a pressure side, a leading edge connecting the suction and pressure sides, and a trailing edge connecting the suction and pressure sides opposite the leading edge. The distance that the airfoil extends from the root to the tip may be divided into a plurality of radially adjacent regions. At least one, but not all, of the plurality of radially adjacent regions may have a substantially constant thickness.

Abstract: According to the method, a turbine aerofoil is made starting from a reference aerofoil, locally reducing the metallic exit angle at the trailing edge in two areas which substantially correspond, in use, to the position of the peaks of the secondary flows in the boundary layer.

Abstract: A method of making a wind turbine component of composite construction with enhanced radar absorbing properties is described. The method comprises making the component and then modifying the component by applying circuit analog elements to a surface of the component.

Abstract: A turbine rotor blade of the spar and shell construction, where a one piece shell is secured to a hollow spar using a plurality of chordwise extending shear ties that are cast into a space formed between the shell interior and the spar exterior. A fill pipe is inserted into the hollow spar and is used to deliver the liquid retainer material to the hard to reach slots formed in which the shear ties solidify.

Abstract: A durable nozzle vane includes a leading edge where hot combustion gas impinges on the vane, a pressure side extending from the leading edge to a trailing edge and a suction side extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge, a blunt region along the suction side between the leading edge and a high curvature region, the blunt region having small curvature in the length between the leading edge and the high curvature region allowing for at least two rows of cooling apertures.