Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: Well systems for plugging and unplugging a flow path in a subterranean formation are provided. An example well system comprises a flow path comprising a two-part dissolvable flow-plug. The two-part dissolvable flow-plug comprises a retaining component and a plugging component adjacent to the retaining component. The retaining component comprises a dissolvable material. The flow path is in fluid communication with a tubing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve-type (200) fully electric tool for downhole flow control using a hollow-shaft motor. Said valve (200) comprises: a housing (105) provided with an infinitely variable choke (109) wherein seals (106, 107) work as gaskets for both the outside and inside of the valve (200); a hollow-shaft servomotor (101) inside said housing (105) attached to a nut (102), and, additionally, when said motor (101) is activated, the motor directly moves a sliding sleeve (103) provided with an infinitely variable choke (108) axis-wise said valve; and in which the movement of said motor (101) is generated by means of a spindle (I04), created on the very same said sliding sleeve (103), and in which said valve (200) is operated from the surface by a single electric cable (112).

Abstract: An array of sliding sleeve valves are uniquely addressable without control lines or wires to open for a treatment and then close and then selectively open for production. The discrete movements employ an available pressure source such as tubing pressure and change the piston areas on opposed sides of a sliding sleeve valve to get the desired movements. Access valves to tubing pressure can be actuated in a desired sequence with signals such as acoustic or electromagnetic, for example. Access to one piston area that communicates opposed and offsetting piston areas to the tubing hydrostatic can be achieved with a straddle tool breaking a rupture disc. The piston is then in pressure balanced and can be moved in a desired direction with the straddle tool straddling access locations to the piston from above or below.

Abstract: A system for selectively actuating sliding valves includes a segmented sleeve exhibiting a rocking (or pivoting) function. The rocking allows the bottom end of the sleeve to open wider when the front of a dart is pressed against it, provided the length of the dart is shorter than a “target length” determined by the sleeve geometry. When the dart is at least as long as the “target length” of the sleeve, the back of the dart prevents the sleeve from rocking as the front of the dart is pressed against the bottom seat. The dart remains pressed against the sleeve, effectively isolating the wellbore section above the dart from the one below it. Multiple zones can thus be independently isolated by using a set of sleeves with similar diameters, but different “target lengths.

Abstract: A method is described for the operation of a valve system for a production pipe (104) in a well (101) through a hydrocarbon containing formation with one or more valves (1a, 1b, 1c) that comprise one or more seats that are activated selectively by the use of a ball (5) of the same size, where the ball is set up to land on one or more ball seats (4a, b, c, . . . ) internally in the valve, where the seat (4a,b,c.) can be activated for landing of a ball (5a) either before driving into a well or by the passing of a previously released ball or other suitable object (5) of an adjusted diameter or shape.

Abstract: A downhole pressure operated apparatus comprises a piston member mounted within a piston bore and being reconfigurable from a lock configuration to an unlock configuration in response to a pressure sequence applied within the piston bore, wherein the piston member comprises a lock profile. A lock member is arranged in a cavity which opens into the piston bore, wherein when the piston member is in its lock configuration the lock member is supported by the piston member such that the lock member partially extends into the piston bore and engages the lock profile of the piston member to restrict movement of the piston member in a first direction towards its unlock configuration.

Abstract: A drill pipe mountable wellbore cleaning tool apparatus is of an improved configuration that enables attachment to a drill pipe joint having first and second connector end portions and a cylindrically shaped portion in between the connector end portions. The drill pipe joint with attached debris cleaning tool or tools is made part of a drill string. The apparatus includes a support sleeve that is mounted to the drill pipe joint in between the connector end portions. The support sleeve abuts but does not invade the integrity of the cylindrical portion. Centralizers are attached to the opposing ends of the support sleeve, with each centralizer overlapping a portion of the support sleeve. The support sleeve carries one or more debris cleaning tools in between the centralizers. These tools enable debris to be removed from a wellbore. At least one locking clamp is attached to the cylindrical portion next to a said centralizer.

Abstract: A completion apparatus is coupled to a first lateral well extending from a borehole. The first lateral well is completed. The completed first lateral well is isolated from the borehole with a first barrier that prevents fluids from flowing from the first lateral well into the borehole. The completion apparatus is decoupled from the first lateral well. The completion apparatus is coupled to a second lateral well extending from the borehole. The second lateral well is completed. The first barrier is opened to allow fluids to flow from the first lateral well into the borehole.

Abstract: An example downhole power generation apparatus may include a turbine and a drive shaft coupled to the turbine. A plurality of alternators may be coupled to the drive shaft and electrically connected in parallel. When the drive shaft rotates, the plurality of alternators may generate phase-offset alternating current (AC) power signals. AC-to-direct current (DC) conversion circuitry may be coupled to the plurality of alternators.

Abstract: A set of reservoir production results are obtained by simulation of hydrocarbons flow in a heterogeneous reservoir based on the values of heterogeneity blocks transport matrices. The transport matrices of the heterogeneity blocks are calculated from a reservoir block hierarchy. The simulation is initiated by a set of foundation blocks transport matrices calculated by evaluating a fluid transport law in the blocks being in the lowest rank of the hierarchy.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selectively fracturing a formation in order to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons from unconventional reservoirs. The method includes generating a pressure wave having a frequency substantially in a resonant frequency range of a geological formation. The pressure wave is transmitted at a targeted location of the formation. A fluid may then be injected into the wellbore at a pressure that causes the fluid to enter any fractures resulting from the pressure wave.

Abstract: A subsea well production system includes a subsea boost pump coupled with a subsea tree conduit having a valve in the subsea tree conduit. A boost pump outlet conduit connects between a discharge of the boost pump and an outlet flow line. A recirculation line extends from the boost pump outlet conduit to the subsea tree conduit. A chemical injection line having a chemical source valve extends from a chemical injection source and is connected to the subsea tree conduit at a point between the valve in the subsea tree conduit and the intake of the boost pump. During production flow boosting, the boost pump pumps well fluid. During chemical injection, the boost pump pumps chemicals into the subsea tree.

Abstract: A screen filter assembly has an upper screen housing and a lower screen housing, both of which contain screens to filter solids from dirty production fluid. The lower screen housing has a plurality of circular grooves that trap solids therein, thereby helping to prevent the solids from falling downward toward the plunger. In an embodiment, the lower screen housing may include a plurality of rings that seal off the area between the upper screen housing and the lower screen housing, thereby preventing any cleaned fluid produced by the lower screen housing from mixing with any contaminated fluid above it. In another embodiment, a screen filter assembly is incorporated into a full-length plunger, which contains a screen to filter solids from dirty production fluid. By filtering dirty production fluid, the screen filter assembly keeps the solids off of the plunger and away from the pump barrel.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for extracting gas from a reservoir including a well bore having a large cross sectional area which may be determined by dividing a target flow rate of the reservoir by an actual sustained flow rate and multiplying a result by a flow path area for the actual sustained flow rate. A method of converting a well of a low pressure gas reservoir is further provided.

Abstract: A method for developing a hydrocarbon reservoir by injecting a gas in the form of foam, comprising a step of determining a foam displacement model, which is a function of an optimal gas mobility reduction factor and of at least one water saturation-dependent interpolation function. The optimal gas mobility reduction factor is determined and constants of the water saturation-related interpolation function are calibrated from a plurality of apparent viscosity measurements for various foam quality values, and by use of a lamella model allowing which relates the lamella density as a function of the water saturation. The invention has an application to petroleum exploration and development.

Abstract: An RF antenna assembly may include first and second tubular conductors, a dielectric isolator, and first and second electrical contact sleeves respectively coupled between the first and second tubular conductors and the dielectric isolator. The RF antenna assembly may include an RF transmission line having an inner conductor and an outer conductor extending within the first tubular conductor, and a feed structure coupled to a distal end of the RF transmission line. The feed structure may include a first radially compressible connector coupled to the outer conductor of the RF transmission line to slidably engage adjacent portions of the first electrical contact sleeve, a second radially compressible connector coupled to the inner conductor of the RF transmission line to slidably engage adjacent portions of the second electrical contact sleeve, and a dielectric tube coupled between the first and second radially compressible connectors.

Abstract: An illustrative modular manifold disclosed herein includes, among other things, a low-pressure manifold comprising a frac fluid outlet valve, wherein a fracturing fluid is adapted to be supplied from the low-pressure manifold via the frac fluid outlet valve to a suction side of a frac pump, and a high-pressure manifold comprising at least one frac fluid inlet valve, wherein the high-pressure manifold is adapted to receive, via the frac fluid inlet valve, a fracturing fluid discharged from the frac pump. In this example, the modular manifold also includes a support structure for mechanically supporting the low- and high-pressure manifolds and a plurality of height-adjustable support legs operatively coupled to the support structure.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and quantifying proppant for optimized fracture treatment design in in-fill and new wells. Proppant is isolated from drilling fluids and then analyzed to determine whether a formation within the well has been properly stimulated based on the analysis. Placement of an in-fill well may be based upon the determination of whether the well has been properly stimulated.

Abstract: An inverted Y-tool is positioned in multiphase wellbore fluid flowing through a wellbore. The inverted Y-tool separates at least a portion of gas from the multiphase wellbore fluid and, after separating at least the portion of the gas from the multiphase wellbore fluid, directs the multiphase wellbore fluid to a downhole pump that pumps the wellbore fluid in an uphole direction.

Abstract: There is provided a system for producing formation fluids. The system includes an apparatus for effecting production, from a subterranean formation, of a produced formation fluid including a liquid component and a gas component. The system may also include an apparatus configured for energizing produced formation fluid using a Venturi effect to produce an energized formation fluid. The system may also be configured to control flow of gaseous material being re-injected into the wellbore.

Abstract: A monitoring system may include at least a strain gauge and a computing device for determining a bulk modulus of a fluid system of a pressure pump using strain measurements. The strain gauge may determine strain in a chamber of the pressure pump. The computing device may receive a strain signal generated by the strain gauge and may correlate the strain signal to pressure to determine a change in pressure during a period in which fluid is isolated in the chamber. The computing device may use the change in pressure during this period to determine a bulk modulus of the fluid system.

Abstract: A metal cylinder defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality slots. Each slot has the same dimensions along two perpendicular axes through a centroid of the slot. The plurality of slots is azimuthally periodic relative to the longitudinal axis of the metal cylinder and axially periodic relative to the longitudinal axis of the metal cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring gravity acceleration of a drilling tool comprises sensors and a measurement circuit. The sensor comprises a three-axis gravity accelerometer, a reference measurement sensor and a temperature sensor. The three-axis gravity accelerometer measures acceleration component signals in three mutually orthogonal directions, and the reference measurement sensor generates a signal that varies with rotation and is not affected by vibration or shock to serve as a reference signal. The temperature sensor measures the temperature in the apparatus to compensate the temperature effect of the gravity accelerometers. The measurement circuit acquires output signals of the sensors and performs cross-correlation processing on the accelerometer components using the reference signal to extract gravity acceleration signals so as to eliminate centrifugal acceleration, vibration, shock and other interferences generated by rotation.

Abstract: A method of measuring temperatures, includes disposing a carrier in a borehole in an earth formation, the carrier having an optical fiber connected thereto, interrogating the optical fiber with a pulsed optical signal generated by a distributed temperature sensing (DTS) assembly, the pulsed optical signal having a first frequency, and receiving first reflected signals from the optical fiber, estimating an absolute temperature from the reflected signals, interrogating the optical fiber with an at least partially coherent optical signal from a phase sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (?-OTDR) assembly, the at least partially coherent optical signal having a second frequency, and receiving second reflected signals from multiple scattering locations in the optical fiber; estimating a phase difference between the reflected signals, and estimating a temperature change based on the phase difference, and combining the absolute temperature and the temperature change to generate a temperature profile at a loca

Abstract: A disclosed formation monitoring system includes a casing that defines an annular space within a borehole. A distributed magnetomotive force sensor is positioned in the annular space and configured to communicate with the surface via a fiber-optic cable. A computer coupled to the fiber-optic cable receives said measurements and responsively derives the location of any fluid fronts in the vicinity such as a an approaching flood front to enable corrective action before breakthrough. A disclosed formation monitoring method includes: injecting a first fluid into a reservoir formation; producing a second fluid from the reservoir formation via a casing in a borehole; collecting magnetic field measurements with a distributed magnetomotive force sensor in an annular space between said casing and said borehole, communicating measurements to a surface interface via one or more fiber-optic cables; and operating on said measurements to locate a front between the first and second fluids.

Abstract: A microfluidic optical computing device having a microfluidic layer including a microfluidic channel that receives a portion of a sample, and a method for using it are provided. The device includes one light source to interact with the portion of the sample in the microfluidic channel to generate a sample interacted light. The device may also include an integrated computational element (ICE) layer including an ICE core, to generate a modified light from the sample interacted light, and a detector layer configured to measure an intensity of the modified light and to generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the sample.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented in this disclosure for determining information (e.g., visual information) about locations of different fluids flowing along a casing in a wellbore. A plurality of radio frequency (RF) micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) tags is placed in a plurality of fluids flowing through an annulus region between a casing string in the wellbore and a reservoir formation. At a plurality of sensing nodes located along the casing string, information about the fluids is gathered by communicating with the RF MEMS tags placed in the fluids. The information about fluid locations along the casing gathered by the sensing nodes is communicated to a receiving device, and appropriate operation in relation to the wellbore is performed based on the communicated information.

Abstract: An isolation valve for use with a tubular string includes a tubular housing for connection with the tubular string; a first closure member disposed in the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position; a second closure member disposed in the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position; a chamber formed between the first closure member and the second closure member when the first and second closure members are in the closed position; and a leak detection device configured to measure a fluid flow into the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented in this disclosure for performing multi-frequency communications during wellbore operations. Communication of data related to a state of a wellbore (e.g., characteristics and/or locations of one or more fluids flowing along a casing in the wellbore during a cementing operation) can be performed simultaneously or sequentially involving a plurality of nodes located along the casing in the wellbore, wherein each of the nodes is configured to use a different frequency for communication. In this way, a higher information throughput and more reliable communication can be achieved during wellbore operations.

Abstract: A downhole telemetry system comprises an optical fiber, a downhole signal generator, a downhole amplifier, and a first downhole laser. The downhole signal generator can be in optical communication with the optical fiber to generate a signal to be transmitted along the optical fiber. The downhole amplifier can be in optical communication with the optical fiber to receive the signal from the downhole signal generator. The first downhole laser can be in optical communication with the downhole amplifier to generate a first laser light output to power the downhole amplifier. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods using multi-electrode configurations for characterizing fluids in subterranean formations during various treatment operations are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise: placing a tubular base structure having a multi-electrode configuration disposed thereon in at least a portion of a well bore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, the multi-electrode configuration comprising at least first and second electrodes with a dielectric layer between the tubular base structure and the electrodes; collecting electromagnetic measurements using the multi-electrode configuration; and processing the electromagnetic measurements to obtain a characterization of at least one fluid in an annulus between the tubular base structure and an inner wall of the well bore. The first and second electrodes of the multi-electrode configuration may be oriented along non-parallel planes and/or positioned at different heights from an outer surface of the tubular base structure.

Abstract: A first magnetic cavity transmitter is in the conductive tool body. A first magnetic cavity receiver is in the conductive tool body. A first transmit module is coupled to the first magnetic cavity transmitter. A first receiver module is coupled to the first magnetic cavity receiver.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tool has a deep-reading logging tool, a near-bit resistivity tool, and a gamma ray detector. Formation information logged using the deep-reading logging tool is used to build a preliminary stratigraphic model with a relatively low resolution. The preliminary stratigraphic model is further refined using data logged using the near-bit resistivity tool and/or the gamma ray detector to obtain a refined stratigraphic model with a higher resolution. The model is used to guide geosteering to achieve better well placement and trajectory control.

Abstract: A method includes placing a downhole acquisition tool in a wellbore in a geological formation within a hydrocarbon reservoir. The wellbore or the geological formation, or both, contain a reservoir fluid. The method also includes performing downhole fluid analysis using the downhole acquisition tool in the wellbore to determine at least one measurement associated with the reservoir fluid and using a processor to: estimate at least one fluid component property by using an equation of state based at least in part on at least one measurement associated with the reservoir fluid and simulate a diffusion process using a diffusive model that takes into account the at least one estimated fluid property. The diffusive model accounts for gravitational diffusion of at least one or more components in the reservoir fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods in which measurements are obtained from a plurality of sensors secured in spaced relation to one another across at least a portion of the depth of reservoir of some form in order to identify one or more characteristics of the fluids within the reservoir. The sensors are used to monitor ambient forces exerted by fluids within the tank proximate each sensor. An example mechanism for obtaining the measurements includes a plurality of sensors, such as strain gauges, supported on a structure that supports the sensors in fixed relation to one another, and can, in some examples, support the sensors in a known relation relative to boundaries of the reservoir.

Abstract: A mining machine including a frame, a cutting head moveably coupled to the frame and pivotable about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a first mine surface, and a first actuator for stabilizing the frame relative to the first mine surface. The first actuator is coupled to the frame and includes a first end extendable in a first direction to engage the first mine surface. The extension of the first actuator is automatically controlled based on measurements of at least one indicator of the force between the first actuator and the first mine surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device for an earth working machine, having improved wear protection.

Abstract: A cutting bit assembly for a mining machine includes a holder having a first surface, a second surface, and a bore extending therebetween, and a bit having a first end and a second end. The bit further includes a tip, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the tip and the shank. The shank is positioned in the bore of the holder and defines a shank axis. The shoulder engages the first surface of the holder. The shank includes a projection adjacent the second end. The cutting bit assembly also includes a retainer having a groove and a resilient member. The groove engages a portion of the projection. The resilient portion engages the second surface of the holder and biases the retainer along the shank axis and away from the holder.

Abstract: A cutting unit for use with a cutting apparatus suitable for creating tunnels or subterranean roadways and the like, includes a cutting arm configured for pivotal movement around at least one pivot axis and a cutting head mounted to the cutting arm. The cutting head includes at least one rotatable cutting element for detaching material from a rock face, and a clearing arrangement mounted to the cutting arm. The clearing arrangement has a clearing blade for pushing detached rock material onto a loading table of the cutting apparatus, the clearing blade being guided by a first guiding mechanism to allow a free movement of the clearing blade in a first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-pouring mold system which ensures uniformity of a material by laterally pouring concrete into a mold installed on a side of a wall structure and minimizing a fall head generated when the concrete is poured to prevent bleeding, thereby ensuring uniformity of a fire-proofing material and adjusting a required fire-proofing coating thickness, and a method of fire-proofing, repairing, and reinforcing using the same.

Abstract: An anchoring device and method of securing an anchoring device to strata are disclosed. The anchoring device (1) includes a drilling rod (2) and an anchoring sleeve (3) at least partially surrounding the drilling rod (2), the drilling rod (2) comprising a driving end (31) for coupling to a drilling apparatus and a drilling end (32) with a drilling head (26) for drilling a hole in strata, wherein the device is configured to be coupled with and driven by a drilling apparatus to cause the drilling head (26) to drill a hole into strata and to force, as the hole is drilled, the anchoring sleeve (3) into the hole to an inserted position in which the anchoring sleeve (3) engages the surrounding strata.

Abstract: A method for evaluating load performance of a rotor/stator test coupon, advantageously within a sealable test chamber comprising test fluid. In some embodiments, the test coupon comprises at least a partial length of a PDM stage, and in others the test coupon comprises a splined rotor/stator. The method includes rotating either the rotor section or the stator section, wherein such rotation actuates corresponding rotation of the other of the rotor section and the stator section. A braking torque is applied to the actuated one of the rotor section and the stator section such that load performance of the test coupon may be evaluated. Embodiments include selectively applying non-linear torque to load the test coupon, and evaluating load performance of the test coupon with reference to relative angular positions of the rotor section and the stator section over time.

Abstract: In order to improve an expansion system for a working medium that is used in particular in a circulating process of a system that utilises waste heat, in particular in a system operating in a Rankine cycle, comprising an expansion device coupled to an electricity generator, for the working medium, an inlet for supplying the pressurised working medium, and an outlet for the working medium that has been expanded by the expansion device, it is proposed that an aerosol generator unit that generates a lubricant aerosol should be associated with the inlet, wherein the working medium guided to the expansion device flows through this aerosol generator unit, which has a flow guide for the working medium having a concentration section that concentrates lubricant entrained in the total mass flow of working medium supplied to the expansion device to give aerosol particles, and these aerosol particles leave the concentration section together with a partial mass flow of the working medium, branching off from the total mass

Abstract: A reconfigurable maintenance apparatus includes a body configured to operate within a cavity. The body has a first shape in a first configuration and a second shape in a second configuration. The first configuration facilitates the body entering the cavity. The reconfigurable apparatus also includes at least one maintenance device operably coupled to the body. The second configuration facilitates the at least one maintenance device of the reconfigurable apparatus performing a maintenance operation.

Abstract: A rotor for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of blades which extend from a rotor disk at an interface, where the interface is defined along a spoke. A spool for a gas turbine engine includes the rotor disk, the plurality of blades with the interface defined along the spoke radially inboard of a blade platform, a rotor ring axially adjacent to the rotor disk, and a plurality of core gas path seals which extend from the rotor ring. Each of the plurality of core gas path seals extends from the rotor ring at a seal interface, with the seal interface defined along a spoke and the plurality of core gas path seals being axially adjacent to the blade platform.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disk assembly for a gas turbine compressor, which comprises a partition wall formed to partition a space between disks for a gas turbine compressor to optimize a cooling fluid path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blade/vane cascade segment of a blade/vane cascade of a turbomachine, which comprises at least two blade/vane elements defining an axial cascade width, and a stage with a stage surface, as well as a stage edge on the inflow side. The stage surface has an elevation extending up to the pressure side of a first blade/vane element and a depression extending up to the suction side of the other blade/vane. At least one highest point of the elevation and at least one lowest point of the depression each lie at least 30% and at most 60% of the axial cascade width downstream of the inflow edges of the blade/vane elements. In this case, the elevation and the depression each come close to the stage edge on the inflow side. Also disclosed are a blade/vane cascade, a stage for a blade/vane cascade segment, a blade/vane channel, and a turbomachine.

Abstract: A turbine airfoil (10) includes an impingement structure (26A, 26B) comprising a hollow elongated main body (28) positioned in an interior portion (11) of an airfoil body (12). The main body (28) extends lengthwise along a radial direction and defines coolant cavity (64) therewithin that receives a cooling fluid (60). The main body (28) is spaced from a pressure side wall (16) and a suction side wall (18) of the airfoil body (12) and may be spaced from an airfoil tip (52), to define respective passages (72, 74, 77) therebetween. A plurality of impingement openings (25) are formed through the main body (28) that connect the coolant cavity (64) with one or more of the respective passages (72, 74, 77). The impingement openings (25) direct the cooling fluid (60) flowing in the coolant cavity (64) to impinge on the pressure and/or suction side walls (16, 18) and/or the airfoil tip (52).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an investment casting core for forming a cast airfoil extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge to define a chord-wise direction and extending between a root and a tip to define a span-wise direction, with an internal passage including at least one leach hole formed from the investment casting core.