Abstract: An anti-friction device is associated with a drilling element, the drilling element having a substantially cylindrical shape, with a first outside diameter (d1) and a longitudinal extension along a first axis (X). The drilling element includes at least one housing for receiving the anti-friction device. The anti-friction device has a hollow cylindrical shape having an inside diameter (d) which is smaller than the first diameter (d1) of the drilling element and an outside diameter (D) which is greater than the first diameter (d1) of the drilling element. The anti-friction device is adapted to rotate about the first axis (X) in the housing, independently of the drilling element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a drill pipe guide system having a support structure configured to be positioned on a rig floor or drillship floor, an articulating arm coupled to the support structure, wherein the articulating arm is configured to pivot relative to the support structure, and a clamp coupled to the articulating arm, wherein the clamp is configured to encircle a drill string and limit radial movement of the drill string as the drill string is lowered beneath the rig floor or drillship floor.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered trough extension attached to a pipe handling, pipe pickup and pipe laydown tool can be extended hydraulically to facilitate transport of pipe to/from a drill rig. The hydraulically powered trough extension is semipermanently attached to the trough of the pipe handling, pipe pickup and pipe laydown machine to eliminate the need for special equipment to attach a trough extension to the trough. A specially designed hinge enables the hydraulically powered trough extension to be folded so as to lay flat on the trough of the pipe handling, pipe laydown and pipe pickup machine. When the hydraulically powered trough extension is fully extended the hinge mechanism does not obstruct the movement of pipe on or off the pipe pickup and pipe laydown machine. This feature enables the hydraulically powered trough extension to be easily and safely extended for moving pipe to/from the drill platform and when folded for easy transport to another work site without the need for extra equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus to support a tubular member such as pipes, in particular in deep drilling, in particular in the field of oil and gas production, for instance in deep drilling A plurality of linear actuators for moving clamp elements are orientated with their actuator axis in a cone angle of a sliding surface for the clamp elements. The linear actuators are positioned in the clamp elements.

Abstract: A tubular handling apparatus for a drilling system, a method for handling tubulars, and a drilling system. The apparatus includes a first trough configured to receive at least a first tubular and a second tubular, a first skate movable along the first trough and configured to engage a first end of the first tubular, and a second skate movable along the first trough and configured to engage a second end of the second tubular. The first and second skates are configured to push a third end of the first tubular into engagement with a fourth end of the second tubular in the first trough. The apparatus also includes a tongs configured to engage the first and second tubulars in the first trough and apply torque thereto.

Abstract: Drill rod alignment devices, systems, and methods for aligning a drill rod with a drill string in a hand-free manner. A drill rod alignment device can have an arm assembly, rod engagement assembly, and a receiving channel secured to the rod engagement assembly. The arm assembly is moveable from a parked position to a deployed position, and the rod engagement assembly is moveable from an open position to a closed position. With the arm assembly in the deployed position, the drill rod alignment device contacts a drill rod and receives a portion of the drill rod within the receiving channel. The arm assembly is moveable to a closed position in which the drill rod is secured within the receiving channel.

Abstract: A formulation for use as a lost circulation preventive material is a cement-forming aqueous fluid comprising water, at least one viscoelastic surfactant (VES), at least one monovalent or multivalent salt, at least one magnesium powder, and at least one retarder. The formulation is used in a method of drilling into a subterranean formation that includes introducing into a wellbore passing at least partially through the subterranean formation the cement-forming aqueous fluid, and further increasing the viscosity of the aqueous fluid by the action of the VES forming elongated micelles; where the at least one monovalent salt is present in an amount effective to pseudo-crosslink the elongated VES micelles to further increase the viscosity of the aqueous fluid. The formulation further forms a cement by reacting the at least one magnesium powder and the water which reaction is retarded by the retarder. The water may be saline water.

Abstract: A dual deck vibratory separator is provided having an improved mud flow path that provides for higher flow capacities overall is provided. The shaker has a lighter basket possessing a full-size upper deck extending across the width and length of the basket. Operational efficiency and operability is improved with flow deflecting and energy absorbing plates disposed intermediate along the mud flow path. The screen assemblies are secured with improved wedges, improved wedge guides, screen cushions, and cushion stops on transverse structure members for longer screen and slide life. An optional vacuum tray on the finishing trays further enhances recovery of drilling fluid. Maintenance, when required, is improved through ease of upper screen removal for inspection and access. Inclined side windows on each side of the basket may provide cleaning and viewing access.

Abstract: A technique facilitates placement and operation of a pumping system in a borehole. The pumping system is deployed downhole into the borehole via a conveyance and landed on a completion system disposed in the borehole. The pumping system is combined with a tubular member and a shoulder mechanism slidably mounted along the tubular member. The shoulder mechanism may be selectively set and locked to the tubular member. When the pumping system is deployed downhole, the shoulder mechanism is allowed to move along the tubular member after engaging a corresponding shoulder contact region of the completion system. Once the pumping system is properly deployed, the shoulder mechanism may be set against the tubular member to support the submersible pumping system and to counter axial loading during testing and/or operation of the submersible pumping system.

Abstract: A sacrificial liner linkage that can be used to automatically shorten a liner for an underground coal gasification process is provided. The sacrificial liner linkage may be one or more sacrificial liner linkage portions that are spaced between one or more liner portions in which the sacrificial liner linkage portions disintegrate before the one or more liner portions to automatically shorten the liner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for alleviating a stuck condition of a tool string, including using a jarring assembly to collide a plurality of impact surfaces together. The collision results in at least a shock wave inducing i) translational motion along the longitudinal axis of the tool string, and ii) motion in at least one other degree of freedom sufficient to alleviate the stuck condition of the tool string, which may be at least one of: i) translational motion along an axis substantially normal to the longitudinal axis, and ii) rotational motion. Methods may include generating at least one test impact load using a jarring assembly; generating movement information from a sensor responsive to the at least one test impact load; and generating further impact loads using the jarring assembly in dependence upon the movement information.

Abstract: An improved ball drop apparatus including an atmosphere-to-pressure frac ball injection chamber. A ball is first inserted into the atmosphere-to-pressure ball injection chamber from a ball feeding apparatus. The ball is then pushed into a pressure equalization section through a first seal pack. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure equalization section is connected to a pressure equalization apparatus and also to the wellbore through a second seal pack. Once the ball is injected into the pressure equalization section, the pressure equalization apparatus applies pressure, thereby causing the pressure of the pressure equalization section to increase until it reaches close to wellbore pressure. Once the pressures of the pressure equalization section and the wellbore are close, the atmosphere-to-pressure frac ball injection chamber and the frac ball are pushed through the second seal pack and into the wellbore, where the frac ball can be pumped downhole.

Abstract: A hydraulic cable injector includes a first stripper assembly positioned at a first end of the hydraulic cable injector to receive a cable and provide a lower seal. A first wye joint is coupled to the first stripper assembly, and a flow tube assembly is operatively coupled to the first wye joint. A second wye joint is coupled to the flow tube assembly, and a second stripper assembly is coupled to the second wye joint and proves an upper seal. A third stripper assembly is positioned at a second end of the hydraulic cable injector for injecting the cable into a tubing and providing a tubing seal. A separator interposes the second and third stripper assemblies and defines a central pathway to feed the cable into the third stripper assembly from the second stripper assembly.

Abstract: A plug releaser includes, a first tubular with at least one first port through a wall thereof, at least two plugs sealingly engaged with the first tubular defining a first chamber between the first tubular and the at least two plugs. The at least two plugs are rupturable or releasable from the first tubular at selected pressure differentials thereacross, and a second tubular is in operable communication with the first tubular at locations beyond the at least two plugs. The at least one first port provides fluidic communication between the first chamber and an outside of both the first tubular and the second tubular and the at least one first port is sized to prevent pressure differential across the at least two plugs from building to a selected pressure differential needed to rupture or release the plugs in either direction for at least a period of time.

Abstract: A backup assembly is provided for backing up a seal assembly that seals a gap between two components of a joint assembly. The backup assembly may include an elastomer, a spring element embedded within the elastomer, and first and second rings located adjacent to the elastomer on opposite sides of the spring element. The spring element may be a garter spring, and the elastomer may be over-molded around the spring. The elastomer may have opposing wing extensions that extend respectively along the first and second rings, and the rings may be steel rings. The elastomer, spring element, and rings form an annular backup ring. The backup assembly may be employed in a seal assembly for sealing a gap between two components of a joint assembly. The seal assembly may include a diaphragm seal component, and the backup assembly operates to provide backup and extrusion resistance for the seal component.

Abstract: A disintegrating plug uses a setting tool to push a swage into the plug body that has external ribs that contact the wall of the surrounding tubular. The ribs retain the body to the surrounding tubular wall with frictional contact. Some leakage may ensue but in fracturing some leakage does not matter if enough volume under the right pressure reaches the formation. The sheared member during the setting comes out with the mandrel that is part of the setting tool. In an alternative embodiment one or more o-rings are used to seal while anchoring is assisted by the hardened insert(s) that can be snap fitted in using rib flexing or that can be a c-ring that is expanded and snapped in. The o-ring(s) are axially spaced from the insert(s).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for an anti-preset and anti-reset mechanism for a retrievable packer are disclosed herein. These features may be used to prevent the packer from being actuated prematurely during deployment downhole and to prevent the packer from re-actuating during retrieval. An apparatus may include a mandrel, a slip assembly disposed about the mandrel, a collet member disposed about the mandrel and adjacent to the slip assembly, and a cover sleeve disposed about the mandrel and coupled to the collet member. A method for releasing a packer may include cutting a mandrel, sliding a cover sleeve and a collet member having a collet lug downhole with respect to the mandrel, applying force from the collet member to the slip assembly, disengaging the slip assembly from a well casing, and engaging an inner surface of the collet lug to a protrusion on the mandrel.

Abstract: A method for in situ solution mining of trona in which an aqueous solvent dissolves trona and forms a brine, which comprises: applying a hydraulic pressure greater than the overburden pressure at an interface between trona roof and overburden to lithologically displace the overburden from the trona roof and form a gap; flowing a liquid settable and/or sealing composition into such interface gap and allowing such composition to solidify inside such gap to form a water-impermeable and optionally gas-impermeable barrier inside. This technique should limit contamination from the overburden; should seal or plug fractures transversing the trona roof; should prevent water infiltration from overburden; and/or should minimize gas migration into the overburden from the cavity. The lithological displacement whereby the interface gap is formed may be carried out at the same time as the composition is flowed inside the gap being formed.

Abstract: A system for cementing a wellbore penetrating an earth formation into which a pipe extends. A cement material is positioned in the space between the wellbore and the pipe by circulated capsules containing the cement material through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The capsules contain the cementing material encapsulated in a shell. The capsules are added to a fluid and the fluid with capsules is circulated through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The shell is breached once the capsules contain the cementing material are in position in the space between the wellbore and the pipe.

Abstract: A well choke, and an actuation mechanism for the well choke are described. The actuation mechanism includes a linearly translating drive mechanism which is coupled to a valve member drive assembly through a fluid coupling which facilitates a change in the overall length of the actuation mechanism. Fluid in the fluid coupling can be released in response to fluid pressure exerted on the valve member when it is proximate a valve seat of the choke, to achieve this change in length. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling will provide a retained fluid column and the valve member drive assembly will include a piston with in the fluid coupling which is movable from a fully extended to a compressed, by the release of fluid from the coupling in response to pressure in the chamber reaching a threshold level.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is operable to close a fluid flow path by virtue of an axially movable flow sleeve. The valve includes a recockable actuator and a latch mechanism so that the valve can be moved to a closed position without overcoming the pressure head and frictional forces currently encountered in conventional safety valves. The latch mechanism includes one or more micro pistons.

Abstract: Microbial growth of at least one microorganism may be decreased, prevented, and/or inhibited in a fluid by providing ultrasonic waves to the fluid. In an optional non-limiting embodiment, an amount of at least one gas may be provided to the fluid for further decreasing the microbial population, preventing microbial growth, and/or inhibiting microbial growth. In another non-limiting embodiment, the fluid may be a downhole fluid, such as but not limited to, drilling fluids, completion fluids, production fluids, injection fluids, stimulation fluids, refinery fluids, servicing fluids, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the fluid or downhole fluid may have a temperature ranging from about 25 C to about 100 C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including a fluid pressure actuator that includes a diaphragm that has a top and a bottom surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid pressure actuator also has plunger coupled to the diaphragm and that extends from the bottom surface of the diaphragm in a first direction. The fluid pressure actuator also includes a bellow sensor that is coupled to the bottom surface of the diaphragm and that has an interior surface. In an exemplary embodiment, a height of the interior surface of the bellow sensor prevents the movement of the plunger in the first direction.

Abstract: Improved containment mats and systems of containment mats may include multiple adjoining mats with a top surface and a bottom surface, and a liner material placed between the top and bottom surfaces. The multiple mats may provide a modular structural mat system that may be installed at a drill site, with multiple mats placed adjacent to each other with a lap joint connecting adjacent mats. A geotextile may be used to cover the lap joints and a coating applied to the geotextile. Such a system may provide containment of potential spills, a reliable working surface for drilling operations, and relatively fast and less expensive installation. The liner and geotextile may be a 100 mil well pad liner.

Abstract: A method of online real-time estimation of production performance properties includes receiving real-time field data taken by downhole sensors, and estimating formation properties and production performance properties by applying the field data to a two or three-dimensional numerical transient thermal multiphase reservoir flow model, and automatically calibrating the model.

Abstract: Injection fluid tuning is provided. In one possible implementation, injection fluid can be tuned by accessing both surface properties of rock found in a hydrocarbon reservoir of interest and a chemical composition of oil found in the reservoir of interest. An ion effect on wettability of a contact surface of the rock can be acquired and then used to formulate a tuned ion solution based on the ion effect on wettability of the contact surface of the rock. In another possible implementation, an electrolyte solution has an ionic composition and an ionic concentration configured to enhance recovery of oil from a reservoir. The electrolyte solution includes a content of direct contact ions including monovalent ions with a static polarizability larger than a preset limit sufficient to influence a contact surface of a rock in the reservoir to reach a desired wettability.

Abstract: A system for optimizing a stimulation operation includes an interface to equipment and sensors for performing the stimulation operation. The interface supplies control signals to the equipment and obtains measurement signals from the sensors. The system further includes a short-term optimizer that derives a current job state based at least in part on the measurement signals, and that further adjusts the control signals to optimize a short-term cost function. The short-term cost function includes a difference between the current job state and a desired job state derived from optimized values of a set of decision variables. The system further includes a long-term optimizer module that determines the optimized values based on a long-term cost function, the long-term cost function accounting for at least a long-term reward and a final state cost.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for restoring, maintaining, or increasing well productivity or reducing a water cut. The method comprises positioning an acoustic device in a well located within the geological formation and performing an acoustic treatment impacting a muddled zone in cycles comprising one or more manipulated waves of ultrasonic pressure on the muddled zone. The cycles comprising treatment comprise a Fourier transformation of a periodic function, wherein the transformation determines a rate at which an acoustic treatment pressure of each cycle rises from a value of zero to a maximum value. This rate is directly proportional to a force of an impact on the formation, and the greater the rate, the greater the impact. A cycle frequency is determined and designed based on particular formation parameters and particular treatment parameters obtained by sensors positioned on the acoustic device. The treatment is repeated until well productivity is restored.

Abstract: A device and method allows a bore valve in the washpipe and in certain instances a port valve or sliding sleeve to open or close upon command from the surface so that gravel slurry may be placed in a wellbore.

Abstract: There is provided a method for effecting at least partial interference of a fluid passage extending between a casing, disposed within a wellbore that is penetrating a subterranean formation, and the subterranean formation. The method includes detecting the fluid passage, and effecting an operative displacement of a casing section of the casing such that at least partial interference of the fluid passage is effected.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an extrusion prevention ring for a liner hanger system is disclosed. The liner hanger includes an elongate body, a first groove in the elongate body, a first extrusion prevention ring disposed about the elongate body and selectively deformable between a first configuration, where the first extrusion prevention ring is moveable along the length of the elongate body, and a second configuration, where the first extrusion prevention ring is deformed to be received within the first groove, and a seal member disposed about the elongate body and adjacent to the first extrusion prevention ring when the first extrusion prevention ring is in the second configuration, the first extrusion prevention ring configured to prevent movement of the seal member along the length of the elongate body.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a detonator positioning device is provided for use with a wireless detonator in a perforating gun assembly. The detonator positioning device includes a single mechanism for physical electrical connection, while the remaining electrical connections are made via electrically contactable components. A method of assembling the perforating gun assembly is also provided, including a detonator positioning device configured to receive and hold the wireless detonator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that includes an elongated base pipe having an external surface at least partially defining an external region and an internal surface at least partially defining an internal region; and a pressure maintenance device disposed in the base pipe and includes a first flow path that extends between an opening in the external surface and an opening in the internal surface; a first valve that controls the flow of a first fluid through the first flow path; a first pressure differential sensor that controls the actuation of the first valve and is in fluid communication with the external region; and a pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with the first pressure differential sensor; wherein a first pressure differential threshold associated with the first pressure differential sensor is the difference between a pressure within the external region and the pressurized fluid source.

Abstract: A liquid level control pump especially well adapted for use in land-fill wells is disclosed. The pump makes use of a pump casing, a discharge tube, a control rod, first and second check valves, a float and a pivoting lever assembly for controlling the application of a pressurized fluid from an external pressurized fluid source. In one aspect the float may include a through slot which allows the control rod to pass therethrough and which helps to reduce the chance of the float hanging due to an accumulation of solids between the control rod and the float. In another aspect a removable and replaceable discharge tube sleeve may be included.

Abstract: A pump system and a method for pumping viscous or partially viscous media out of a borehole. The pump system includes a well pipe which is installed in the borehole and a motor which is coupled to an eccentric screw pump, the eccentric screw pump including one or more stators and one or more rotors which are received in the stator(s) so as to rotate eccentrically. One or more connection mechanisms are also provided, by means of which the eccentric screw pump is fixed in the well pipe in a force-fitting and/or formfitting manner. For the purpose of removing the eccentric screw pump from the borehole, the eccentric screw pump is held by means of the one or more connection mechanisms with an axial freedom of movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation includes a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna to be positioned within the subterranean formation to deliver RF power to the hydrocarbon resource within the subterranean formation, and an RF transmission line extending between the RF source and the RF antenna. The RF transmission line may include RF transmission line sections coupled together in end-to-end relation. Each section may include an inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer load-carrying tubular member surrounding the outer conductor. A respective coupling assembly joins ends of adjacent sections together. Each coupling assembly may include an electrical coupler being fixedly connected to first ends of corresponding inner and outer conductors and being slidably connected to opposing second ends of adjacent inner and outer conductors, and a mechanical coupler connecting ends of adjacent load-bearing tubular members together.

Abstract: A restriction plug element and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The restriction plug element includes a partial hollow passage with an interior end. The partial passage enables the plug element to seat in a restriction sleeve member during treatment and subsequently degrade to form a complete hollow passage. The complete flow channel dissolves or degrades not only the outside but also the inside of the wall of the restriction plug element. Initially the flow is restricted by the closed end in the partial hollow passage and over time the flow channel opens up by degradation and allows fluid to pass through in either direction. During back flow in the well new fluid is circulated into the well and the restriction plug element continues to degrade.

Abstract: Methods for sealing undesirable transverse fractures enlarged and/or created during lithological displacement of an underground water-soluble evaporite stratum by hydraulic pressure greater than overburden pressure at an evaporite/non-evaporite strata interface, comprising injecting and maintaining a sealing agent into these undesirable fractures to form a solidified matter in situ and ultimately seal them, while forming a main free surface at the interface suitable for initiating solution mining of the evaporite stratum. The solidified matter may be crystallized, precipitated, compacted, agglomerated, cross-linked, coagulated, water-swollen, and/or cemented matter, or may include a wall-building matter with the mineral on fracture faces. The sealing agent may comprise at least one component of the mineral and/or the non-evaporite. The evaporite stratum is preferably a trona stratum overlying an oil shale stratum.

Abstract: Batch initiation and/or exploitation phases of in situ solution mining of a mineral from an underground evaporite mineral stratum. The initiation phase may comprise a lifting step which employs a lithological displacement (lifting) of this stratum from an underlying non-evaporite stratum with application at the strata interface of a lifting hydraulic pressure greater than overburden pressure by a solvent suitable to dissolve the mineral; a soaking step for dissolution of mineral upon contact with stationary solvent, and a brine extraction step. The method may further comprise one or more exploitation phases carried out after the initiation phase. The exploitation phase may comprise a partial filing or filling step with the same solvent or different solvent than during lifting, another soaking step, and another brine extraction step. The lifting, cavity partial filing/filling, and brine extraction steps are being discontinuous. The evaporite mineral stratum preferably comprises trona.

Abstract: A lithological displacement of an underground evaporite mineral stratum from an underlying non-evaporite stratum comprising the application of a lifting hydraulic pressure of a fluid at a weak interface between the strata, resulting in lifting the overburden above the interface, separating the evaporite stratum from the underlying non-evaporite stratum and thus forming a mineral free-surface. The lifting hydraulic pressure is greater than the overburden pressure. The formed mineral free-surface is accessible for dissolution by a solvent. The fluid used for lifting may comprise a solvent suitable to dissolve the mineral. The evaporite mineral stratum preferably comprises trona, nahcolite, wegscheiderite, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for automatically shortening an injection well liner for underground coal gasification is provided.

Abstract: Systems comprising a main tubular coupled to a pump and extending from a surface into a subterranean formation, wherein produced bulk fluid is pumped to the surface, and wherein the bulk fluid comprises at least water and a hydrocarbon, and has certain constituent parameters; a storage container for retaining the bulk fluid; a sampling tubular in fluid communication with the main tubular for sampling the bulk fluid, thereby forming at least one sampled fluid; and a dosing system coupled to the sampling tubular and configured to receive the sampled fluid, the dosing system configured to determine a constituent parameter of the sampled fluid, identify a type and concentration of separating surfactant to include in the bulk fluid to obtain a hydrophilic-lipophilic deviation (HLD) substantially equal to 0, and introduce the identified type and concentration of the separating surfactant into the storage container retaining the bulk fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for oil production in remote deep-water areas, especially in areas where weather or ice conditions may require closing and removal of surface facilities and equipment. Processing of the produced oil from subsea oil wells is partly performed subsea on a subsea oil and gas production unit (10) called Deepwater Production System (DPS), whereas the remaining processing takes part on a vessel (1) that may be disconnected from the DPS if the conditions make it necessary. The method and system take advantage of combining and integrating subsea processing with processing at atmospheric pressure onboard the vessel.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving a data set containing combinations of drilling parameter values and operating condition values for a drilling system corresponding to each combination of drilling parameter values. At least one of a frequency and a duration of use may be determined for each of the combinations of drilling parameter values in the data set. For at least some of the combinations of drilling parameter values, a contour map identifying the combinations of drilling parameter values, the operating condition values corresponding to the combinations of drilling parameter values, and at least one of the frequency and the duration of use may be displayed for at least some of the combinations of drilling parameter values.

Abstract: Fracture imaging modules having one or more 3-component sensors, are incorporated into a tool comprising two or more of the modules for detecting microseismic events in a formation from the same wellbore as is being stimulated. The modules are locked together in a compact mode to permit injection into the wellbore through a conventional lubricator which has a fixed length. Once injected into the wellbore, the modules are spaced from one another in an extended mode to form an axially spaced sensor array which increases the measurement window in the wellbore compared to sensor arrays conventionally injected through a fixed length lubricator. Following the operation, the modules are actuated to return to the compact mode for pulling out of the hole through the lubricator.

Abstract: A beacon assembly located at a downhole end of a drill string proximate a boring tool. The beacon assembly transmits data to an above-ground receiver. The beacon has a housing with a housing wall located between its sensors, such as gradiometers, accelerometers, and other orientation sensors, and an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly has a protective covering made of electromagnetically transparent material.

Abstract: A downhole temperature logging method includes deploying a temperature logging device into a borehole, the temperature logging device having a mechanical drive and at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) unit. The method also includes deforming the SMA unit in response to a temperature or temperature range, wherein the deforming causes marks to a medium. The method also includes retrieving the medium and analyzing the marks.

Abstract: A flow restriction tool can include a closure device having positions in which flow is permitted through the tool, in one position a flow passage is open to the flow and the closure device blocks flow through another flow passage, and in another position both passages are open to the flow, and a biasing device which displaces the closure device to the former position in response to a flow rate being less than a predetermined level. A well tool string can include an orientation tool that intermittently permits flow through a wall of the tool string to transmit orientation data via pressure pulses in a flow passage through the string, and a flow restriction tool that permits flow through one flow area when a flow rate of the flow is less than a predetermined level, and permits flow through a larger flow area when the flow rate is increased.

Abstract: A tracker used to analyze a desired borepath prior to horizontal directional drilling operations. The tracker analyzes an amount of interference present at a plurality of different frequencies at multiple locations along the borepath and maps a plot of the interference at the different frequencies. The lower the point on the plot, the less interference present at that frequency at the location analyzed. The tracker summarizes the overall interference along the desired borepath for the different frequencies analyzed and will recommend a preferred frequency. An operator may program the beacon prior to boring operations to emit a beacon signal at the preferred frequency. The operator may also tune the tracker to receive the preferred frequency. The tracker and beacon may then communicate during boring operations at the preferred frequency in order to detect the position of the beacon underground relative to the tracker.

Abstract: This system invention relates to the use of short hop communications to transfer data between 2 modules inside a well. A system deployed in a well permanently or semi-permanently collects data from downhole parameters such as pressure, temperature, vibration, flow and fluid identification and stores the information in the system memory. The receiver module is deployed in the well via slick line, electric line or coil tubing with the purpose of retrieving the data from the system memory by interfacing with the downhole module via wireless short hop communications. The receiver module can also send commands into the downhole module to change its data collection parameters. Upon completion of the data transfer, the collector is returned to the surface where the data is again wirelessly transferred to a processing system such as a Personal Computer.