Abstract: The present invention is related to a downhole tool having a flapper valve assembly for controlling the backflow of fluid into a tubing string. The downhole tool includes a first sleeve slidably disposable within at least a portion of the flapper valve assembly and the downhole tool. The downhole tool can also include a second sleeve slidably disposed within the downhole tool. The present invention is also related to a method of using the downhole tool. The method includes the step of positioning the downhole tool in a wellbore. Once the downhole tool is positioned in the wellbore, the first sleeve is shifted to interact with the flapper valve assembly.

Abstract: A controller for operating a downhole tool includes a tubular body; a seat disposed in the body for receiving first and second pump-down plugs, at least a portion of one of the seat and the plugs being radially displaceable to pass through or allow passage of the other at a first threshold pressure differential; a catcher located below the seat for receiving the plugs after passing through the seat; a toggle linked to the seat to alternate between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to seating of the plugs; and a control mandrel for engaging a piston of the downhole tool and linked to the toggle: to be longitudinally movable between a first position and a second position when the toggle is unlocked, and to be prevented from movement from the first position to the second position when the toggle is locked.

Abstract: Opposed cones for slips on a packer have an annular undercut in general alignment with the end of the cone that has the slip ramp. The undercut faces the mandrel on which the cones can be driven together to radially extend the slips. A high modulus insert sleeve is interference fitted to the undercut. This results in the cone exterior surface being in hoop stress tension before the slips are set. Once the slips are set and a reaction load comes radially back from the surrounding tubular into which the slips have extended there is a tendency for the reaction force to put the exterior surface of the cones into compressive hoop stress. The initial tensile hoop stress from the sleeve placement acts to at least in part offset the reaction force tending to create compressive hoop stress. The net loading and deflection of the mandrel is minimized.

Abstract: A pump down tool includes a resilient cup on the tool exterior to minimize leakage of pumped fluid around the outside of the tool when the tool is pumped into a well. The resilient cup is concave toward an upper end of the tool so it expands upon application of pressure to pump the tool into the well. The resilient cup is capable of expanding to a diameter sealing against the inside of the casing string. A fluid bypass around the resilient cup allows a fraction of the pumped fluid to stir up any proppant lying in the path of the tool thereby allowing the tool to move through a horizontal well without having to plow through the proppant.

Abstract: A soil sampler assembly includes a utility vehicle and a soil sampler module coupled to the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle includes a cab, and the soil sampler module is configured to deposit a soil sample in the cab. For example, the soil sampler assembly includes a conveyor system configured to convey the soil sample to the cab. The conveyor system includes a central conveyor and a lateral conveyor that feeds the central conveyor. The central conveyor is on a travel track. The soil sampler assembly further includes a sampler arm assembly. The sampler arm assembly includes a power cylinder, a guide cylinder, a transfer block, and a probe. The probe has a tip, and the tip of the probe includes an outer surface defining an outer taper bore and an inner surface defining an inner taper bore.

Abstract: A method of completing a well includes lowering a wellhead onto a base at an upper end of the well. A hub with internal threads and an external circumferential stepped recess is secured to external threads of the wellhead. A blowout preventer assembly with an annular locking member having a plurality of locking elements is landed on the hub, and the locking elements are engaged with the recess of the hub. The well is drilled through the blowout preventer assembly to a greater depth then the blowout preventer assembly and the hub are removed. A threaded flange with a plurality of bolt holes spaced around the flange is secured to the external threads of the wellhead and a wellhead member is bolted to the bolt holes of the threaded flange.

Abstract: A cap system for subsea equipment that can be employed on various subsea equipment including but not limited to a vertical monobore tree, a horizontal tree, a wellhead and a tubing head spool. The cap system includes a cap assembly that has the flexibility of installation and retrieval for open water as well as a through a riser with a running tool. The cap assembly also does not require any orientation during installation. The cap system includes a debris cap assembly installable in engagement with the cap assembly. The debris cap assembly interfacing with the cap assembly provides the ability to inject and bleed fluids through a main bore and an annulus bore of the subsea tree independently and without removal of the debris cap assembly and cap assembly.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed towards a system comprising a tension hanger having a parent bowl configured to mount in a mineral extraction system, wherein the parent bowl comprises a first retaining slot formed in an inner diameter of the parent bowl, wherein the first retaining slot is at least partially defined by an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface, wherein the upper surface, lower surface, first side surface, and second side surface form a J-shaped configuration and a mandrel hanger configured to be disposed within the parent bowl, wherein the mandrel hanger comprises a first load shoulder configured to be positioned within the first retaining slot.

Abstract: A ball dropper has a stack of trays that have solid portions for supporting a ball and open portions to allow a ball to pass through a tray. Fixed barriers limit the travel of the ball with the rotating tray to allow the ball to become unsupported so that it can be caught on the tray below. A stepper motor precisely makes the required incremental rotation to allow the addition of the next ball at the top. Once the trays are filled or the balls loaded are advanced such that the lead ball is on the last tray any further rotation will start to discharge the balls with each increment of rotation. The device is easy and cheap to fabricate and presents a reliable way to get jam free operation while having a housing that will tolerate the operating pressures in the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for of controlling the flow of a fluid. The fluid comprises a liquid phase and a dissolved gas phase. The fluid passes through a valve, the valve comprising a fluid inlet and a movable body located in a flow path through the valve, the movable body being arranged to move freely relative to the opening of the inlet to vary the flow-through area through which the fluid flows by means of the Bernoulli effect. The dimensions of the valve are such that flow of the fluid past the movable body causes a drop in pressure to below the bubble point of the gas phase in the liquid phase, thereby increasing flow of the fluid through the valve.

Abstract: A technique provides a system and methodology for treating a plurality of zones, e.g. well zones. A plurality of flow control devices is located along a tubular structure, such as a well string in a wellbore. Each flow control device comprises a seat member with an annularly located recess having a unique profile relative to the annularly located recesses of the other flow control devices. Darts are designed with engagement features sized to correspond with selected annularly located recesses. Each dart may have an engagement feature of a specific length designed to engage the corresponding recess of a specific flow control device to enable actuation of that flow control device once the dart is dropped through the tubular structure.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable within a well includes a string and an object. The object is adapted to be communicated into the well through a passageway of the string to form an obstruction downhole in the well. The object includes an inner core; a layer to surround the inner core; and a structure to extend from the layer to support the inner core while the layer is being formed to position the inner core with respect to the layer.

Abstract: Providing mobile electric power comprising a power generation transport configured to convert hydrocarbon fuel to electricity and an inlet and exhaust transport configured to: couple to at least one side of the power generation transport such that the inlet and exhaust transport is not connected to a top side of the power generation transport, provide ventilation air and combustion air to the power generation transport, collect exhaust air from the power generation transport, and filter the exhaust air. In another embodiment, a fracturing pump transport comprising a first pump configured to pressurize and pump fracturing fluid, a second pump configured to pressurize and pump the fracturing fluid, and a dual shaft electric motor comprises a shaft and configured to receive electric power from a power source and drive in parallel, both the first pump and the second pump with the shaft.

Abstract: A system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea tree or manifold is disclosed. The system relates to an apparatus adapted to inject fluids into a well having a flow bore. The system includes a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit on a subsea tree or manifold and to connect the conduit of the connection apparatus to an access port or choke body of the tree or manifold.

Abstract: Graphical User Interface (GUI) facilitated centralization methods and system, including a method that includes displaying a graphical representation of a tubular string within a borehole, accepting an interactive graphical selection of a starting location for a range along the borehole, and accepting an interactive graphical selection of an ending location for the range along the borehole. The method further includes determining string stand-off device positions that provide centralization within the range, and providing said positions to field personnel assembling and placing the tubular string in the borehole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coating for inhibiting the formation of scales on one or more surfaces of a component used in the production of subsurface fluids. The coating comprises a diamond-like carbon structure doped with a dopant, such as silicon, titanium, fluorine, oxygen, or chromium. The dopant comprises between about 10% and about 40% of the coating by atom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating eversion of a flexible liner down a borehole when an artesian head condition is producing a rate of water flow out of the top of the borehole. A bypass pipe channels artesian flow, moving upward in the borehole and/or well casing, past an everting flexible liner to a wellhead fixture. Artesian flow arriving at the wellhead fixture is pumped away to ameliorate resistance to liner eversion otherwise presented by the water flow. A heavy mud may be disposed inside the everting liner further to promote its downward eversion past the artesian flow.

Abstract: Packers may be inflated within the wellbore to engage and isolate a portion of the wellbore casing. Charges included within the packers may then be fired to perforate the casing. According to certain embodiments, the charges may be located within drains in the packers that can be subsequently employed to induce and measure pressure changes within the casing and surrounding formation. The pressure measurements in turn can be used to determine the integrity and/or permeability of the casing.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for displacing fluid from a pipe. The method includes engaging a fluid-displacement system with the pipe. A displacement agent is pumped into the pipe via the fluid-displacement system. Fluid present within the pipe is displaced by the displacement agent. The pipe is manipulated in a desired manner.

Abstract: Primary and secondary pump assemblies are mounted to and supported by a supporting device in a well. The supporting device has a valve that has a first position allowing flow from the primary pump assembly while the secondary pump assembly is in a storage mode, and a second position allowing flow from the secondary pump assembly. A barrier in the intake of the secondary pump assembly blocks entry of well fluid into the secondary pump assembly while the valve is in the first position. The secondary pump is filled with a buffer fluid. A pressure compensator mounted to the secondary pump assembly has a movable element that moves in response to a difference between well fluid pressure on an exterior of the secondary pump assembly and the pressure of the buffer fluid contained in the secondary pump to reduce a pressure differential.

Abstract: Measuring a parameter characteristic of a formation in an oil well with a device configured to generate a sensing field within a volume of the formation and cause a flow through the volume in the presence of the sensing field. The device also comprises sensors responsive to changes in the volume, which indicate existent amounts of fluid, such as hydrocarbon and water saturations and irreducible hydrocarbon and water saturations. Measurements may be made before the flow affects the measuring volume and after onset of the flow through the measuring volume.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a thermal process to a lower zone underlying an overlying hydrocarbon zone with thermal energy from the thermal process mobilizing oil in the overlying zone. The lower zone itself could be a hydrocarbon zone undergoing thermal EOR. Further, one can economically apply a thermal EOR process to an oil formation of low mobility and having an underlying zone such as a basal water zone. Introduction gas and steam, the gas having a higher density than the steam, into the underlying zone displaces the basal water and creates an insulating layer of gas between the steam and the basal water maximizing heat transfer upwardly and mobilizing viscous oil greatly reducing the heat loss to the basal water, economically enhancing production from thin oil bearing zones with underlying basal water which are not otherwise economic by other known EOR processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering heavy oil from subterranean reservoirs. A steam-utilizing heavy oil recovery process may be used to recover the heavy oil while employing a steam-solvent mixture. The solvent may be a tailored hydrocarbon solvent obtained from a precursor mixture of hydrocarbon compounds from which light end hydrocarbon compounds have been removed.

Abstract: The method allows a pressure test of a string with external packers without having the packer setting apparatus exposed to tubing pressure so that at a later time and at a lower pressure than the pressure test pressure, the external packers can be set with annulus pressure opened to a piston that references a low pressure chamber. The packers can be set in any desired order. Thereafter, a circulation sub can be triggered to open to allow the fracking to start. Fracking each interval beyond the first in an uphole direction can be accomplished with pumping ever increasing balls to seats associated with sliding sleeves to open the sleeves in order. In cemented completions, after a pressure test, a ported sub can open on a timer or other signal to allow pumping a combination of a bridge plug and a perforating gun to the desired location.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to acquire input data to determine properties of a formation, using a combination of down hole transmitters and receivers, to select a portion of the input data using a formation model chosen from a plurality of down hole tool response models in a formation model database, based on a valid sensitive range for the bed boundary distance and a greatest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and to solve for at least resistivity formation parameters in the properties using the chosen formation model and the selected portion of the input data. The database may be updated with boundary distance and the resistivity formation parameters. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Time is tracked in a downhole tool to indicate whether timestamps associated with data samples or events in a log indicate either real time or a duration of time since a certain reset, and to indicate whether the timestamps have been synchronized with a master clock in the tool. The log also records the time and offset of each synchronization event. A computer processes the log to convert all of the timestamps to real-time values and to indicate timestamps that have been estimated and timestamps that were never synchronized to a master clock in the tool. The computer determines an associated uncertainty for each of the estimated timestamps.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for characterizing the physical state of a barrier installed in a borehole traversing a formation including locating an ultrasonic tool with a plurality of spaced receivers and a transmitter at a location in the borehole, activating the ultrasonic tool to form ultrasonic waveforms, wherein the spaced receivers record the ultrasonic waveforms, aligning the transmitter and the spaced receivers, wherein the ultrasonic waveforms comprise propagated Lamb modes, processing the ultrasonic waveforms to obtain a first amplitude dispersion plot of attenuation as a function of frequency and first phase dispersion plot of phase velocity as a function of frequency, processing attenuation dispersions to identify discontinuities, and relating the discontinuities to barrier wavespeeds.

Abstract: An electromagnetic ranging source includes: a tubular body having a circumference; a ferromagnetic core conforming to the tubular body and extending at least halfway around the circumference to define a gap with circumferentially-spaced poles; one or more current-carrying windings around the core to induce a magnetic field between the poles; and a downhole power source that drives the one or more current-carrying windings. A related method includes: equipping a first drill string with such an electromagnetic ranging source; extending a first borehole with the first drill string; assembling a second drill string with sensors; and drilling a second borehole while using said sensors to guide the second drill string relative to the first borehole.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a stimulation operation includes: receiving parameter information for the stimulation operation, the stimulation operation including injecting an acid stimulation fluid into an earth formation along a selected length of a borehole from a tubular disposed in the borehole; and generating, by a processor, a thermal model based on one or more energy balance equations that account for at least a first heat source and a second heat source, the first heat source expected to produce heat during the stimulation by a chemical reaction between an acid in the stimulation fluid and the formation, and the second heat source including expected geothermal heat from the formation.

Abstract: A system for detecting an underground cross-bore includes a mechanical sensing device attached to an underground travel element to form a combination adapted for underground travel. The mechanical sensing device senses at least a first underground condition wherein the combination is ensconced in an underground bore and a second underground condition wherein the sensing device senses entry into a pipe cavity. The mechanical sensing device desirably can provide a signal identifying entry into a pipe cavity.

Abstract: A system for detecting when a plunger reaches a bottom of a well includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the well and provide a measured pressure output. Derivative calculation circuitry calculates a derivative of the measured pressure output. Detection circuitry detects when the plunger reaches the bottom of the well based upon the calculated derivative.

Abstract: An apparatus for interrogating a subsurface material includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the earth, an array of acoustic transducers disposed on the carrier and configured to be compensated for ambient pressure in the borehole, and electronics coupled to the array and configured to operate the array to interrogate the subsurface material. Each acoustic transducer in the array includes a substrate, a bottom electrode disposed on the substrate, a top electrode disposed above the bottom electrode, an insulation layer disposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode and defining a cavity into which the top electrode may deflect, and a pressure compensating fluid disposed in the cavity and in pressure communication with ambient pressure of the array.

Abstract: A pressure measurement cell for use in an infusion or injection system for the injection of a fluid, with a housing in which at least one filter unit, through which the fluid under pressure is conducted, and at least one pressure transducer for the detection of the pressure of the fluid flowing from the filter unit are located. Such a pressure measurement cell is pressure-stable, causes only a slight pressure decline in the hose system of the infusion or injection system, can be produced at low cost, and makes possible a simple installation and handling when the hose system is inserted into a hose pump.

Abstract: Optical window assemblies are provided. An example apparatus includes a first fixture defining a fluid flow passageway. The example apparatus also includes a second fixture defining an aperture. The second fixture is coupled to the first fixture. A first optical window is disposed in the aperture. The first optical window has a first end and a second end. The first end is to be in contact with fluid in the fluid flow passageway, and a cross-sectional size of the first optical window decreases from the first end toward the second end along a portion of the first optical window.

Abstract: This invention discloses an underground rock anchoring system comprising a rock bolt having a bolt shaft operatively locatable in an elongate rectilinear hole drilled into a hanging wall such that an end portion of the bolt shaft protrudes from the hole, the bolt shaft having a side wall defining a hollow internal chamber extending along at least part of the length of the bolt shaft, a bearing plate adapted to be fitted over the protruding end portion of the bolt shaft for bearing against a rock surface of the hanging wall; and fastening means for pulling the bearing plate taut against the rock surface of the hanging wall. The invention also extends to a rock anchoring method in which such system is used.

Abstract: In one example, we describe a method and system for Tunnel Air Ventilation, which is very practical, economical, and easy to install or implement. The repair and maintenance is safer and less expensive. The overall cost of installation and repair is lower. The system is more stable, and thus, safer for the vehicles and people. It is not damaged by sand, and it does not cause damage to vehicles by sand. So, the risk is minimized. The overall value for the government and society is very high. The efficiency and low down time translates to a cleaner air in the tunnel, which is a major health issue for people, which causes sickness and even death for pollution and toxicity, or by fatal accidents in the tunnel, due to intoxication of the drivers or dizziness. Different variations are also discussed and shown.

Abstract: A turbine section of a gas turbine engine is annular about a longitudinal axis. The turbine section includes a first turbine with a first inlet and a first outlet; a second turbine with a second inlet and a second outlet; and an inter-turbine duct extending from the first outlet to the second inlet and configured to direct an air flow from the first turbine to the second turbine. The inter-turbine duct has a first station with a first meridional area, a second station with a second meridional area, and a third station with a third meridional area. The first station is upstream of the second station and the second station is upstream of the third station, and the second meridional area is less than or equal to the first meridional area.

Abstract: A vane includes a platform with a fixture overmolded by a sheath.

Abstract: A method is provided for extending the service life of a used metallic compressor wheel having a damaged surface. The method generally comprises the steps of inspecting the used compressor wheel for material discontinuities such as fatigue cracks and, if fatigue cracks exceeding a predetermined length are not present, renewing the used compressor wheel such as by peening. The inspection process comprises conducting a non-destructive examination of the used compressor wheel to detect cracks larger than those which would fall generally within the compressive stress zone that is generated by peening.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for segmented turbine components comprises a sealing strip and a resilient cord element compressed against the strip to provide positive loading of the strip against the segment sealing faces. The sealing strip and the resilient cord element are engaged in confronting cavities defined in the end faces of adjacent segments. The resilient cord element is commonly held by both segments in a compressed state against the sealing strip.

Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly is disclosed, which comprises: a housing, configured with a first penetration part and a plurality of first grooves; at least one fixing ring, each configured with a second penetration part and a plurality of second grooves; at least one rotary ring, each configured with a third penetration part and a plurality of sliding chutes, wherein the first, the second and the third penetration parts are arranged in communication with one another; a plurality of vane units, each vane unit is composed of a vane, a linkage and a sliding block; and at least one driving unit, for driving one vane of the plural vanes to swing, thus driving the rotary ring to rotate simultaneously, bringing along the other vanes to swing, enabling the sliding blocks to slide inside corresponding sliding chutes, and consequently flipping the vane from a first state to a second state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a face seal including a stator ring configured to be disposed about a rotor of a turbine, wherein stator ring comprises a first ring segment and a second ring segment configured to cooperatively form the stator ring, wherein the first and second ring segments are circumferentially split and have at least one bearing element disposed between the first and second ring segments, and wherein the at least one bearing element is configured to enable relative axial motion between the first and second ring segments at interfaces between the first and second ring segments.

Abstract: In a compressor (11) of a turbocharger (1), a compressor wheel (14) is provided in a housing (12) to be capable of rotating. When the wheel (14) rotates, air suctioned through an inlet of the housing (12) is compressed and then discharged through an outlet of the housing (12). Further, an abradable seal layer (16) formed on an inner surface of the housing (12) is abraded by a vane (13) of the rotating wheel (14) such that a tip clearance between the vane (13) and a part of the inner surface of the housing (12) that opposes the vane (13) is adjusted. A corner portion (13a) of the vane (13) on the outlet side of the housing (12) is shaped to move gradually further away from a shroud curve (Lc) of the seal layer (16) toward an end portion of the vane (13) on the outlet side of the housing (12).

Abstract: A fixed housing that is configured to be coupled to a balloon envelope and an impeller housing disposed within the fixed housing, wherein the impeller housing and the fixed housing form a seal in a closed position, wherein the impeller housing is moveable into the balloon envelope relative to the fixed housing in an open position, and wherein the impeller housing defines an unobstructed airflow passageway between an internal chamber in a balloon envelope and the atmosphere in the open position.

Abstract: A fan nacelle includes a metallic fan containment case. A nacelle inlet is secured to the metallic fan containment case by permanent fastening elements. A gas turbine engine includes a metallic fan containment case. A core engine has a static engine structure housing a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. The core engine is configured to receive core airflow. A fan is arranged within the metallic fan containment case. The fan is coupled to the core engine and is arranged in a bypass flowpath provided between the core engine and the metallic fan containment case. A nacelle inlet is secured to the metallic fan containment case by permanent fastening elements.

Abstract: A vacuum pump including a pump main unit and a control unit is disclosed. The control unit includes a substrate having electronic elements mounted thereon and terminal pins soldered to the substrate at a first end edge of the substrate. The substrate is mounted to a plate via an attachment near a second end edge opposing the first end edge and the plate is mounted to the pump main unit. The terminal pins extend through the plate. Upon linear thermal expansion of the terminal pins, by reason of the location of the terminal pins near the first end edge and the attachment near the second end edge, stresses in the soldered pin connections are reduced. A molding material having a Shore hardness of less than 50, is molded around the electronic elements on the substrate in one embodiment.

Abstract: A disclosed harness assembly includes a base including a mounting surface and an opening that receives a mount end of a harness clip. A lockable clip is moveable between open and closed positions to secure one or more supply conduits or wire harnesses. The opening of the base includes a securement feature that corresponds with the mount end to hold the harness in a desired orientation relative to the base, to provide a fixed topographical routing.

Abstract: An energy storage power plant for harvesting electric energy, and suitable for converting electric energy into thermal energy is provided. The thermal energy can be temporarily stored in at least two thermal stores until demanded and retrieved to increase the energy content of water in a water circuit upon demand. The power plant has the at least two thermal stores, each has at least one converting device that allows electric energy to be directly or indirectly converted into thermal energy, the thermal stores being thermally chargeable by temporarily storing thermal energy, wherein one thermal store is for storing sensible heat and one thermal store is for storing latent heat; and at least one energy generating unit operated using the water in the water circuit, the energy content of the water having been increased by the temporary storage of thermal energy, in order to generate electric energy when operated.

Abstract: Device for improving the production of heat by cogeneration comprising a hot source producing steam which is expanded in a turbine the exhaust of which is connected to an air condenser (4) which removes heat, and comprising at least one second auxiliary condenser (5) in the form of a water condenser, the cooling liquid of this water condenser (5) being directed to a plant or equipment (B) in which its heat is extracted and used, then the liquid is returned to the water condenser; the water condenser (5) is incorporated into the air condenser (4).