Abstract: A method of managing bottom hole assembly vibrations while drilling a wellbore including obtaining data regarding drilling parameters related to one or more drilling operations, determining if the bottom hole assembly has vibration levels outside of the range of normal operation parameters, modifying the drilling mud formulation to alter at least one of its physical properties and rheological properties to keep or maintain the vibration levels of the bottom hole assembly within the range of normal operation parameters, and mitigating the vibrations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mud logging wherein the effectiveness of a primary gas trap is measured during operation.

Abstract: An embodiment of a gripping arrangement includes a mandrel having an axially extending groove therein, a first slip ring about the mandrel, a first cone about the mandrel spaced from the first slip ring, and a key engaged with the groove such that the key is axially movable and rotationally fixed relative to the mandrel. The key is disposed to maintain the spacing between the first slip ring and the first cone. The gripping arrangement also includes a release feature releasably interconnected with the key and method.

Abstract: The invention provides an actuator assembly for a downhole tool and a method of use. The actuator assembly comprises an actuator device, which includes a housing and a piston element movable with respect to the housing. First and second fluid paths are configured to couple first and second sides of the piston element to at least one source of fluid pressure in a drive module, and an actuator member is configured to be coupled to a downhole device. The actuator member is movable between a first position and a second position to operate the downhole device in response to a force acting on the piston element. The actuator assembly comprises a pressure release mechanism which is operable to equalise pressure between the first and second fluid paths of the actuator device.

Abstract: A plug reception assembly having one longitudinal end and another longitudinal end includes a mandrel providing a flowpath configured to receive a plug to block flow therethrough; an elastic member forming a portion of a radially exterior surface of the assembly and having one longitudinal end and another longitudinal end; only a single set of slips arranged to maintain the assembly in anchored relation to a borehole, the slips disposed between the one longitudinal end of the assembly and the one longitudinal end of the elastic member, and the assembly being free of slips between the other longitudinal end of the assembly and the other longitudinal end of the elastic member; and at least one component of the assembly being disintegratable or dissolvable by a wave, a target fluid and/or a target temperature to facilitate removal of the assembly as a restriction in the borehole.

Abstract: A system and method for the application of differential pressure indicating transmitters in conjunction with pressure sensors, pressure transmitters and position switches to monitor and control the flowline protection systems at remote wellheads. The system communicates with a local control panel in proximity to the wellhead, as well as to a central control room at the processing plant supplied by the wells. The system provides a black box data recorder function that documents every system test, valve closure, and the ability of the independent protection layers to contain the wellhead topside pressure. In addition, the system provides a means to limit release of hydrocarbons via a conventional pressure relief and flare system, and documents high pressure events when pressure relief valve setpoints are reached.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (“BOP”) for sealing against an object includes a housing comprising a bore extending through the housing with the object being extendable through the bore. The BOP further includes a packer assembly movably positioned within the housing and configured to form a seal within the housing. The packer assembly includes a body comprising an elastomeric material and an insert at least partially positioned within the body. The insert comprises a harder material section and a softer material section with respect to the harder material section and configured to deform against the object.

Abstract: A downhole plug and method of activating multiple downhole tools in a subterranean formation are disclosed. The plug includes a detachable ring that enables the plug to land in and engage at least two different seats, each seat having a different profile. This in turn enables the plug to activate at least two separate downhole devices, one in an upper downhole tool and one in a lower downhole tool. The ring separates from the plug once a certain pressure is reached in the wellbore enabling the plug to travel downhole from the upper tool to the lower tool to activate the device in the lower downhole tool.

Abstract: A borehole plug or packer for treating is designed to be flowed back to a surface location after use. When the treatment is concluded pressure from above is relieved or lowered, and well fluid is flowed back, so that the plug or plugs disengages at slips designed to resist differential pressure from above. The application of differential pressure from below causes the lower slips to release one or more of such plugs in the hole into specialized sub surface or surface capture equipment so that well pressure is relieved before removal of the plugs from specialized subsurface or surface capture equipment. At least one apparatus is used to bridge transitions in wellbore dimension on the way to the surface and close the gaps to allow produced formation fluid to continue taking a packer or plug past the well diameter transition.

Abstract: A borehole plug or packer for treating is designed to be flowed back to a surface location after use. When the treatment is concluded pressure from above is relieved or lowered, and well fluid is flowed back, so that the plug or plugs disengages at slips designed to resist differential pressure from above. The application of differential pressure from below causes the lower slips to release one or more of such plugs in the hole into specialized sub surface or surface capture equipment so that well pressure is relieved before removal of the plugs from specialized subsurface or surface capture equipment. Packers or plugs are captured above, below or at a wellhead in a receptacle. Production ensues without milling with the captured plugs or packers in place or removed.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a portion of a wellbore that includes a bottom hole assembly (BHA) connected to a work string. The BHA includes a packing element movable between an unset position and a set position and a locator device movable between retracted position and expanded positions. The locator device may be a locator collet. The locator collet may be expanded by a cone movable with respect to the collet. The expanded locator device is configured to engage a profile in a ported tubular within the wellbore. The engagement between the locator device and the profile selectively prevents further movement of the BHA and provides an indication of the location the BHA. The packing element may then be actuated and the wellbore treated through a port in the ported tubular. The BHA may then be moved to a different ported housing to treat another portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: A unique backup ring against ends of a sealing element features axial slots extending part way along a cylindrical segment of the backup ring. The slots end in rounded openings to relieve stress and a part of the cylindrical shape of the backup ring is solid. The slotted end of the cylindrical portion is tapered in section toward the end overlapping the sealing element. The face of the backup ring away from the sealing element is tapered and rides on an adjacent tapered surface away from the mandrel during the setting. The tapered seal end of the backup ring bends to reach the surrounding tubular before the balance of the cylindrical portion reaches the surrounding tubular. Extrusion along the mandrel is stopped by a mandrel seal on an adjacent wedge ring. The mandrel end of the backup ring has a peripheral stiffener to lend rigidity.

Abstract: A packer assembly includes an elongate body, at least one sealing element disposed about the elongate body, and a shoulder disposed about the elongate body and positioned axially adjacent the at least one sealing element. A cover sleeve is coupled to an outer surface of the shoulder. An annular support shoe has a jogged leg, a lever arm, and a fulcrum section that extends between and connects the jogged leg to the lever arm. The jogged leg is received within a gap defined between the cover sleeve and the shoulder, and the lever arm extends axially over a portion of the sealing element.

Abstract: A T-shaped slip is retained in an opening of a slip ring to drive the slip in opposed directions to and away from the surrounding borehole wall along a cone. The slip ring and cone do not come together when the slip is engaged. The opening allows release of a lock ring first with the slip engaged followed by release of the slip from the borehole wall. The slip ring and cone come together during removal from the borehole. A travel stop on the axial slip movement is provided to prevent guides on the slip from exiting a track or dovetail on the cone when the slip ring and cone are in contact during removal of the plug or packer. Extension of the guide from the cone track can happen if the slip moves through an enlarged portion of the borehole. The travel stop prevents this.

Abstract: A system includes a valve and a packer for controlling a location of a fluid in a low pressure well. The valve includes a valve housing and a pressure activated valve body that is axially movable in the valve housing between a closed position and at least a partly open position. The valve body has a surface facing a pressurized liquid. Movement of the valve body is opposed by a resilient element, and the valve is designed to open at a specific pressure. The valve housing has at least one valve opening that is exposed for pressurized fluid when the valve body is moved to its at least partly open position. The packer is peripherally positioned at the outside of the valve housing. The system is adapted to be releasable connected to a coiled tubing or a wireline.

Abstract: A multi-function tool is connected to an inner string to selectively align a port or ports in the inner string with ports in the outer string at various locations. The tool is locked from functioning at some locations where a locating collet will not selectively engage with an unlocking profile. In this more the tool will pass through the location unhindered. If an unlock profile is engaged the tool is enabled to be unlocked so that manipulation allows a support mandrel to align with collets that have an external V-shaped profile. Setting down weight allows the supported V-shaped profile on the collets engage a similar profile on the outer tubular to rotate, if needed , and to find support on a V-shaped profile on the surrounding tubular for performance of the borehole operation. Thereafter the locating collet engages a locking profile to disable the tool again.

Abstract: A computer supported method, computer system and computer program product for exploring and producing a subsurface heterogeneous hydrocarbon source and generating a predictive production map of an area under investigation, based on microbial prospecting. Microbial data representative of microbial activity attributable to hydrocarbon microseepage and hydrocarbon productivity data of a plurality of geographic locations are retrieved and correlated by the computer in a data correlation algorithm, providing a threshold hydrocarbon productivity quantity and a truncated set of the retrieved microbial data. The set identifies individual types of the microorganisms and corresponding individual weighting factors computed by the data correlation algorithm, for distinguishing prospective hydrocarbon productivity quantities from non-prospective hydrocarbon productivity quantities.

Abstract: Methods of designing an earth-boring tool are described, including calculating one or more performance parameters of the tool based on drilling conditions, a plurality of depth of cut values, and a set of values of other design variables. Methods of enhancing a performance parameter in the design of an earth-boring tool are also described, including calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on a plurality of depth of cut values and a first set of values of other design variables, calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on a second set of values of the other design variables different than the first set, and comparing the calculated performance parameters to determine which of the first and the second set is closer to a target range or value across a range of the plurality of depths of cut. Related methods of forming an earth-boring tool are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention identify a plurality of operating points for oil and/or gas producing systems, each operating point being characterised by a set of operating parameters which can be used to control components of the actual oil and/or gas producing system. These generated operating points may be collectively presented in a graphical manner to an operator of the oil and/or gas producing system, who can systematically configure the components of the oil and/or gas producing system to move, in an informed manner, through a path of operating points in order to reach what appears from the generated operating point data to be an optimal operating region. The oil and/or gas producing system may also be referred to as a hydrocarbon production system.

Abstract: An apparent viscosity of an aqueous polymer composition used in a polymer flood may be determined by generating a relative permeability interpolation computer simulation model that is associated with a capillary desaturation function and that interpolates relative permeability curves for a coreflood experiment, validating the relative permeability interpolation computer simulation model using experimental data generated from the coreflood experiment using a water flood performed at a plurality of incremental flow rates on a core plug, determining an interpolated relative permeability to water for the aqueous polymer composition using experimental data generated from the coreflood experiment using a multi-phase flood with the aqueous polymer composition, and determining an apparent viscosity of the aqueous polymer composition from the interpolated relative permeability to water. The determined apparent viscosity may then be used to run a simulation to model the flow of the aqueous polymer composition.

Abstract: A method for drilling and fracturing a subterranean formation includes drilling a substantially horizontal pilot well from a previously drilled vertical pilot well. A plurality of substantially vertical sidetracks is drilled from the horizontal pilot well. Fracturing fluid is pumped into the plurality of vertical sidetracks to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of removing a soluble metal ion from a contaminated brine fluid comprising: adding lime to the contaminated brine fluid, wherein the lime causes the soluble metal ion to become insoluble in the contaminated brine fluid; and passing the contaminated brine fluid through a filter media, wherein the step of passing is performed after the step of adding, and wherein after the brine fluid is passed through the filter media, a brine fluid having a reduced concentration of the metal ion is produced. Another method of removing a soluble metal ion from a contaminated brine fluid comprises: passing the contaminated brine fluid through a filter media, wherein the filter media comprises the lime.

Abstract: An acid-generating fluid comprising a thermally activated strong acid precursor.

Abstract: A downhole system for oil production wells is provided. The system includes a tubular cover having a specific length to diameter configuration, the tubular cover including: a first section including 3 groups of 4 perforations equally spaced around the tubular cover; a second section including 3 groups of 4 perforations equally spaced around the tubular cover, wherein the second section is located below the first section, and a third section including 4 groups of 4 perforations equally spaced around the tubular cover, wherein the third section is located below the second section. The system further includes a suction rod having a specific length to diameter configuration based on the tubular cover length to diameter configuration, the suction rod located within the tubular cover, wherein the tubular cover and suction rod are configured for coupling to a suction of a positive displacement pumping device located within production tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for gas and solids separation from down-hole fluids having an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about the inner tube. The annular region between the tubes contain a plurality of chambers, separated by fluid barriers. The chambers include an intake chamber to receive fluids from outside of the outer tube through an orifice, and processing chambers. Fluid communication between the intake and processing chambers is restricted to fluid flow through sets of tubes. Fluid communication between a lowermost processing chamber below the intake chamber and a lower processing chamber above the intake chamber is restricted to fluid flow through the inner tube. A block restricts fluid communication within the inner tube to other chambers above the intake chamber. Orifices in the inner tube of the processing chambers on either side of the block provide fluid communication across the block.

Abstract: A steering tool is movable by a drill string to form an underground bore along an intended path. A sensing arrangement of the steering tool detects its pitch and yaw orientations at a series of spaced apart positions along the bore, each position is characterized by a measured extension of the drill string. The steering tool further includes a receiver. At least one marker is positioned proximate to the intended path, for transmitting a rotating dipole field to expose a portion of the intended path to the field for reception by the receiver. The detected pitch orientation, the detected yaw orientation and the measured extension of the drill string are used in conjunction with magnetic information from the receiver to locate the steering tool. The steering tool may automatically use the magnetic information when it is available. A customized overall position determination accuracy can be provided along the intended path.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure includes systems and methods for optimizing one or more of a number of sensors on a drillstring or the locations of the sensors on the drillstring, or the types of the sensors. The method includes determining a number of sensors to place on a drillstring, a location for each of the sensors based, and types of sensors based, at least in part, on one or more of a state reduction technique and an optimization framework. The method includes disposing the selected number of sensors along the drilling and performing a drilling operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for estimating and/or using drilling efficiency parameters of a drilling operation. A method for estimating drilling efficiency parameters may include using a borehole assembly that includes a drill bit to drill into a geological formation. A number of measurements of weight-on-bit and torque-on-bit may be obtained during a period in which weight-on-bit and torque-on-bit are non-steady-state. The measurements of weight-on-bit and torque-on-bit may be used to estimate one or more drilling efficiency parameters relating to the drilling of the geological formation during the period.

Abstract: A method of model-based acoustic measurements for a wellbore is disclosed. The method comprises creating an interpretation chart of acoustic measurements by a downhole tool in a wellbore using a numerical modeling and performing an evaluation with respect to the wellbore based on the interpretation chart.

Abstract: A stress mapping system and method is operable to determine and map stresses along a conduit. The system includes a tool movable along a conduit and having at least one sensing device for sensing characteristics of the conduit, and a processor operable to process an output of the at least one sensing device. Responsive to processing of the output by the processor, the processor is operable to determine stresses at a surface of the conduit. Responsive to the processing of the output of the at least one sensing device, and responsive to a determination of a location or position of the tool along the conduit, the system generates a map of determined stresses along the conduit. The map of determined stresses provides a visual representation of the stresses determined at and along the surface of the conduit.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information regarding the tortuosity of a wellbore path is provided. The method includes receiving data from a plurality of survey stations of a wellbore survey. The method further includes determining a plurality of tortuosity parameter values for the wellbore path within a corresponding plurality of analysis windows, wherein each analysis window has at least one tortuosity parameter value.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for locating and positioning oilwell tool joints. This invention is particularly useful when the apparatus is placed near a Blowout Preventer (BOP) because it can be used to make sure that a tool joint is not present between the BOP rams. In some embodiments, the invention makes use of magnetic flux creation and detection by electromagnetic coils while a portion of the riser is magnetically saturated by powerful permanent magnets. Different configurations of the driving and sensing coils are possible so that it is possible to locate the tool joints longitudinally and radially within the apparatus. The apparatus is easily retrofitted to existing risers without altering ongoing operations because it can be opened before installation and closed once installed.

Abstract: A method of hanging an inner tubular string from an outer tubular string cemented in a wellbore includes running the inner tubular string and a deployment assembly into the wellbore using a deployment string, wherein a running tool of the deployment assembly longitudinally and torsionally fastens the liner string to the deployment string; plugging a bore of the deployment assembly; hanging the inner tubular string from the outer tubular string by pressurizing the plugged bore; and after hanging the inner tubular string, sending a command signal to the running tool, thereby unlocking or releasing the running tool.

Abstract: A communication assembly is described that when placed around a string casing in a wellbore transmits data along a pipe string from the wellbore to, for example, the surface of the well. The assembly includes a high magnetic permeability substrate to eliminate signal loss to the casing string thereby enhancing the signal and improving data transmission.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program product for determining a formation pressure for a reservoir. Measurement data for a pretest of a formation of the reservoir is received. The measurement data is analyzed to determine a last-read event and a corresponding last-read pressure. Derivative data for flow regime identification is determined based at least in part on the measurement data. The derivative data is analyzed to determine a pressure derivative response, and a formation pressure is determined based at least in part on the last-read event, the last-read pressure, and the pressure derivative response.

Abstract: A milling depth compensation system for milling rock determines a target position of a machine, an initial position of the work surface, and a target pose of the machine based on the target position of the machine and the initial position of the work surface. An actual pose of the machine is determined and differences between the actual pose and the target pose are used to determine a dynamic milling path of a milling tool. The dynamic milling path includes movement of the milling tool along a first path, a second path, and a third path. Command signals are generated to move the milling tool along the dynamic milling path.

Abstract: A mine bolt includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, and an anchor comprising a tube defining a central opening and a slot extending at least a portion of the length of the tube. The anchor is secured to the elongated body. The anchor is configured to compress upon installation of the mine bolt to anchor the elongated body within a bore hole.

Abstract: Various embodiments describe modifications to X-engines, which would utilize a dedicated chamber to implement bottoming Rankine cycle as well as additional improvements in sealing, combustion efficiency—all contributing to high efficiency.

Abstract: An Oldham coupling includes an annular ring having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, a first and a second engaging groove that are diametrically opposed and located on the first side, and a third and a fourth engaging groove that are diametrically opposed and located on the second side. The first and second engaging grooves are configured to be engaged with a first and a second engaging projection provided on a fixed element. The third and fourth engaging grooves are configured to be engaged with a third and a fourth engaging projection provided on an orbiting scroll. The first and third engaging grooves are located in a first angular sector, and the second and fourth engaging grooves are located in a second diametrically opposed angular sector of the annular ring, the first and second angular sectors have an opening angle less than 40°.

Abstract: A rotor, in particular a gas turbine rotor, having multiple rotor discs, each of which has an axial through-opening, and the rotor discs are axially clamped by at least one tie rod extending through the through-openings and are combined so as to form at least one rotor disc unit. At least one support ring which surrounds the tie rod and is in engagement with a paired rotor disc rests against the outer diameter of the tie rod, and the tie rod is supported against the rotor disc by the support ring. In order to axially secure the at least one support ring, at least one securing ring is provided which is secured to the paired rotor disc by a rotational lock and which holds the support ring against the rotor disc. The securing ring is prevented from unscrewing by a securing plate.

Abstract: A turbine rotor blade includes an airfoil body having a leading edge, a trailing edge and a smooth outer surface. A cutout is included within at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge, the cutout removing a predetermined area of the airfoil body. A coupon is coupled in the cutout to replace the predetermined area of the airfoil body. The coupon includes a first corrugated surface on at least a portion of an outer surface thereof. The coupon allows for the addition of advantageous wake mixing and cooling efficiencies to preexisting blades.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a gas turbine engine includes a blade extending from a root and a contoured tip portion at a first end of the blade. The first end is opposite the root. The contoured tip portion includes a first sloped region and a second sloped region. The second sloped region is steeper than the first sloped region, relative to a platform.

Abstract: A blade includes an airfoil body defined by a concave pressure side outer wall and a convex suction side outer wall that connect along a leading edge and a trailing edge. The blade also includes a first corrugated surface extending from the trailing edge to the leading edge on an outer surface of the concave pressure side outer wall, and/or a second corrugated surface extending from the trailing edge to the leading edge on an outer surface of the convex suction side outer wall. The blade acts to reduce flow velocity losses associated with wake mixing by accelerating the mixing process from the source of the wake to minimize inflated unsteady mixing that occurs within a downstream blade row.

Abstract: A blade includes an airfoil body defined by a concave pressure side outer wall and a convex suction side outer wall that connect along leading and trailing edges and, therebetween, form a radially extending chamber for receiving the flow of a coolant. The airfoil body has an inner surface facing the radially extending chamber and an outer surface, a first corrugated surface on a portion of the outer surface, and a second corrugated surface on the inner surface paralleling the first corrugated surface. The corrugated surface on the outer surface of the airfoil provides wake mixing. The blade may also include an integrally formed impingement cooling structure having a third corrugated surface parallel to the second corrugated surface, which is made possible through additive manufacturing. The impingement cooling structure so formed provides improved cooling of the blade.

Abstract: Delamination of thermal barrier coatings (“TBC's”) (276) from superalloy substrates (262) of components (260) for turbine engines (80), such as engine blades (92), vanes (104, 106), or castings in transitions (85), is inhibited during subsequent cooling passage (270) formation. Partially completed cooling passages (264), which have skewed passage paths that end at a terminus (268), which is laterally offset from the passage entrance (266), are formed in the superalloy component (260) prior to application of the TBC layer(s) (276). The skewed, laterally offset path of each partially completed cooling passage (264) establishes an overhanging shield layer (269) of superalloy material that protects the TBC layer (276) during completion of the cooling passage (270).

Abstract: A blade includes an airfoil body defined by a concave pressure side outer wall and a convex suction side outer wall that connect along leading and trailing edges and, therebetween, form a radially extending chamber for receiving the flow of a coolant, the airfoil body having an outer surface and an inner surface facing the radially extending chamber. A first corrugated surface is on at least a portion of the outer surface of the airfoil body; and a first rib partitions the radially extending chamber, the first rib including a first side and an opposing second side. A second corrugated surface is on at least a portion of at least one of the first and second sides of the first rib.

Abstract: A wheel disk assembly, having a wheel disk, a plurality of blade devices, which are fastened along the outer circumference of the wheel disk, and a plurality of sealing plates, which are retained in two annular grooves radially spaced apart from each other. A first annular groove is in the wheel disk and a second annular groove is formed by the blade devices in a segmented manner. Simplified mounting of the sealing plates is achieved in that the first annular groove is expanded by an axially extending recess.

Abstract: A closing assembly for closing a blade ring inserted into a circumferential T-groove of a blade support of a turbomachine, having two insertion elements, each has a C-shaped basic form having a resting leg, retention leg, and connection leg connecting the resting leg and the retention leg and is designed to reach around a ridge of the T-groove. The resting leg reaches over the ridge and the retention leg reaches under the ridge, and an intermediate element, is positioned between the insertion elements to prevent the insertion elements from moving to the center of the T-groove. The intermediate element reaches below the retention legs of the insertion elements in the assembled state, and a positioning element is associated with the intermediate element, which is supported between the groove base of the T-groove and the intermediate element and to position the intermediate element at a desired distance from the groove base.

Abstract: A turbine vane includes an airfoil body having a leading edge, a trailing edge and a smooth outer surface. A cutout is included within at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge, the cutout removing a predetermined area of the airfoil body. A coupon is coupled in the cutout to replace the predetermined area of the airfoil body. The coupon includes a first corrugated surface on at least a portion of an outer surface thereof. The coupon allows for the addition of advantageous wake mixing and cooling efficiencies to preexisting vanes.

Abstract: A ring segment system (100) for a gas turbine engine (10) is disclosed. The ring segment system (100) may be formed from ring segments (50) that circumferentially surround a rotor assembly (40). The ring segments (50) may each include a carrier portion (34) that is coupled to a vane carrier (28), and a heat shielding portion (38) that is detachably coupled to the carrier portion (34). The detachable coupling may allow the heat shielding portion (38) to be uncoupled from the carrier portion (34) and removed from the gas turbine engine (10) axially. The ring segments (50) may further include cooling fluid supply channels (72) that allow cooling fluid to flow from a radially outward facing backside (42) of the ring segments (50) to a radially inward facing front side (46). Additionally, the ring segments (50) may also include ingestion prevention channels (76) that allow cooling fluid to create a barrier over the gap (80) between the ring segments (50) and the adjacent vane (18).