Abstract: Alternating l-shaped side slots are cut into opposed sides of a backup ring and are circumferentially offset and alternately extend from the inside and outside dimension. An oval shaped opening connects adjacent circumferentially offset slots so that on ring expansion the inside and outside diameters increase as the openings are sheared at one end to place a barrier in opened side slot to prevent extrusion of the adjacent sealing element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sealing a wellbore are described. The system includes a packing element configured to at least partially seal an uphole portion of a wellbore from a downhole portion of the wellbore. A first annular pressure sensor is positioned uphole of the packing element. The first annular pressure sensor is configured to measure a first pressure within the wellbore uphole of the packing element. A second annular pressure sensor is positioned downhole of the packing element. The second annular pressure sensor is configured to measure a second pressure within the wellbore downhole of the packing element. A control sub-assembly is configured to be positioned within the wellbore. The control sub-assembly is configured to monitor a sealing efficiency of the system by comparing the first pressure and the second pressure.

Abstract: An extrusion ring has a base from which multiple segmented rows of rings integrally extend. Gaps in one row are offset from the adjacent row to cover any gaps. The rows gain strength from a common base that also presents relative rotation among the rows.

Abstract: A chemical packer composition having a polyurethane foam with nanoparticles or micron-sized particles for use as an annular chemical packer in openhole horizontal wells is provided. The chemical packer composition may be used in a horizontal well having a screen (for example, a gravel pack screen) and completed using an openhole completion. The chemical packer composition may include, for example, silica nanoparticles or sand micron-sized particles. The chemical packer composition may be placed in an annulus section defined by the wellbore and the screen that traverses one or more fluid producing zones. In some instances, a portion of the chemical packer composition may be selectively removed to open a fluid producing zone to the wellbore and form plugs blocking other fluid producing zones.

Abstract: A method for remediating a microannulus in a cased wellbore may include conveying a downhole tool into the cased wellbore to a location of interest. The location of interest may include one or more perforations in a casing and a microannulus. The downhole tool may include a heat generation device. The method may also include activating the heat generation device to melt a fill material at the location of interest such that the fill material flows through the perforations into one or more voids, including the microannulus, in or around cement disposed between the casing and the cased wellbore. Additionally, the method may include deactivating the heat generation device to facilitate solidification of the fill material in the one or more voids and sealing of the microannulus.

Abstract: Scale remediation at or around a downhole safety valve (DSV), including the volume of a wellbore in a subterranean formation above the DSV. Wellbore fluid is displaced using a gas, the DSV is closed, the gas is released, and a treatment fluid comprises a base fluid and a scale-removal agent is allowed to react with scale in the volume of the wellbore above the DSV.

Abstract: A frac pump valve seat assembly includes a seat body and a wiper seal. The seat assembly is configured to mitigate the risk of fluid end erosion in the valve seating area by automatically clearing or wiping the mating surface of the fluid end at the time of installation. The wiper seal is located at a lower portion of the seat body and is designed to interface therewith the mating surface of the fluid end. Upon installation, the wiper seal scrapes or cleans the mating surface of propellants, sand, and other contaminants that may remain after initial cleaning. The contact surface of the seat body is optionally further reinforced with material implants with greater hardness than the material of the seat body.

Abstract: An isolation valve system, method, and apparatus are provided that can isolate a wellbore and prevent fluids from exiting the well and prevent seawater from entering the well. The system can be a two-part design in some embodiments where a shear sub is selectively interconnected to a body via shearing screws. A sufficient force on the shear sub destroys the shearing screws and the shear sub is removed from the body. This movement rotates an actuator on the body, which in turn rotates a valve in the body to provide the isolating function during routine operation of a wellbore or during an emergency.

Abstract: A valve for a plug passage features opposed perforated magnetic discs that repel each other to stay apart allowing flow through the openings of the spaced discs. When a predetermined flow rate is exceeded, the magnetic repelling force is overcome and one disc moves toward the other to shut off flow as contact between the discs closed the openings between them. One way is to offset the openings and guide the moving disc axially while rotationally locking the moving disc. Another way is to spirally guide the moving disc so that openings initially aligned rotate out of alignment. One or more edge slots can be provided in each disc to sweep out debris that can settle between the discs that would otherwise impede the moving disc from contacting the stationary disc for passage closure.

Abstract: An auto-shut-in valve in a chemical injection valve is described for operation at a downhole location in a wellbore. The chemical injection valve includes a closure member that is maintained in an open position by fluid pressure in a chemical supply line such that diminishment of the fluid pressure in the chemical supply line automatically causes the closure member to move to a closed position. A first mating surface on the closure member is exposed to the fluid pressure in the chemical supply line when the closure member is in the open position, and defines a portion of an equivalent differential surface to which the fluid pressure is exposed to maintain the closure member in the open position. The first mating surface is isolated from the fluid pressure in the chemical supply line when the closure member is in the closed position.

Abstract: An injection sleeve and apparatus for injecting fluid into a well includes a flow tube having a piston which upon fluid flow opens one or more outlet ports. The injection sleeve is adapted to include a variable orifice insert which prevents flow through the tool at a first selected pressure level until the outlet ports are in an open position, thereby protecting packing seals on either side of the outlet ports from undue wear and tear, and prolonging the life of the tool. At a second pressure level, the variable orifice insert permits flow through injection sleeve to the formation injection zones. A plurality of the sleeves may be used for sequentially injecting fluid into a plurality of injection formation zones surrounding a well. When injection fluid flow is terminated, the injection sleeves act as a dual barrier valve for preventing flow from the injection formation zones back to the well head.

Abstract: A downhole valve (18) comprises a housing and first and second sleeve assemblies (70 and 76) mounted within the housing (24) and defining an axial pocket (80) therebetween, wherein the first and second sleeve assemblies are arranged to be moved axially relative to each other. A valve member (32) is mounted within the axial pocket and is rotatable about a rotation axis in response to relative axial movement of the first and second sleeve assemblies from a closed position in which fluid flow through the downhole valve is restricted towards an open position in which fluid flow through the downhole valve is increased or permitted. An interface arrangement (94) axially extends from the second sleeve assembly and engages the valve member via an interface mechanism for converting relative axial movement of the first and second sleeve assemblies to rotation of the valve member.

Abstract: Systems and methods describe to a frac sleeve with an expandable ball seat.

Abstract: A system for controlling a downhole component within a borehole, the system including a transfer assembly coupled between a rotatable component and the downhole component, the transfer assembly including a swash plate assembly configured to control the downhole component and a member configured to engage the swash plate assembly. The member is configured to move radially based upon a rotational speed of the rotatable component to selectively engage the swash plate assembly.

Abstract: A shroud assembly having two semi-cylindrical covers having a connector at each end; a plurality of receiver rings for supporting the covers and engaging the connector; and an extender ring configured to move a first receiver ring toward a second receiver ring.

Abstract: The application is directed to a power system that may be provided in a portable form and operationally configured for use at a work site as a single source of electric power, hydraulic power and pneumatic power for work site operations. In regard to hydraulic fracturing stimulation of a wellbore, the power system is operationally configured as the source of hydraulic power for transportable pumping units of a fracturing operation and for hydraulic power tools, as the source of pneumatic power for pneumatic power tools and as the source of electric power for electric power tools and electronic equipment at a well site.

Abstract: To optimize the efficiency of a perforating tool system, downhole conditions may be simulated to determine the optimal configuration for the perforating tool system. A simulated wellbore is disposed in a simulated wellbore case and coupled to a formation sample. The simulated wellbore comprises the perforating tool system and one or more filler discs that consume a volume of the simulated wellbore. The filler discs are used to control the dynamic underbalance for a given simulation of a perforating tool system. One or more measurements associated with the perforating tool system along with one or more images may be generated after explosive charges of the perforating tool system are detonated. The perforating tool system may be modified based, at least in part, on the one or more measurements and the one or more images for the specific dynamic underbalance of the simulation.

Abstract: Method of stopping and restarting production in an undersea bottom-to-surface connection production pipe having a first pipe portion on the sea bottom from a well head to the bottom end of a second pipe portion extending to a ship or floating. When production is stopped, at least the first pipe portion is filled with a depressurized production fluid. Thereafter the following steps are performed: e1) forming a gel from two reagents in a first gel-forming chamber on the sea bottom; e2) sending a quantity of separator gel into the first pipe portion that pushes the cold fluid contained in the first pipe portion to the second pipe portion, prior to closing the first chamber; and then; e3) starting production, the gel forming physical separation and thermal and chemical isolation between firstly the production fluid and secondly a production fluid within the first production pipe portion.

Abstract: A wire cross-sectional shape for a wire wrap screen provides a primary and secondary gap with a contained circumferential volume in between. The secondary gap extends screen life by taking the place of the primary gap if erosion opens the primary gap and lets the larger solids get past. The closed space between the primary and secondary gaps also has the effect of reducing velocity due to the enlarged volume before the secondary gap is reached while also creating turbulence between the gaps to slow the fluid velocity to protect the secondary gap. All or parts of the wire outer surface can optionally be coated to extend service life.

Abstract: A fracturing system can include a fracturing manifold coupled to a plurality of fracturing trees. The fracturing manifold may include adjustment joints that enable adjustment of the length of the fracturing manifold. The fracturing manifold can also include pivot joints that allow angular displacement of portions of the fracturing manifold with respect to other portions. The adjustment and pivot joints can accommodate spacing and elevation differences between the fracturing trees.

Abstract: An artificial lift system for a well has a surface unit and a subsurface pump. The surface unit reciprocates a rod in the well, and the pump disposed in a tubular in the well is actuated by the rod. A barrel of the pump has a standing valve restricting fluid passage out of the barrel. The plunger is reciprocally disposed in the barrel and has seals with the barrel. A traveling valve of the plunger uses a sleeve and a bob. The sleeve is movable relative to the bob to restrict fluid out of the plunger's interior through a variable gap relative to the bob and the sleeve. The filter is disposed on the plunger between the seals and separates the plunger's interior from an annulus between the plunger and the barrel. The filter permitting fluid passage between the interior and the annulus and restricts particulate in the interior from passing into the annulus.

Abstract: A method and a system for pressure regulation of well fluid produced from a hydrocarbon well in a hydrocarbon production field. The system comprises a pump arranged on a well head in fluid communication with a process fluid passage from the well, the pump arranged for receiving well fluid produced from the well and to deliver the fluid to downstream piping or equipment. The pump comprises a motor/generator unit operable as a generator as the pump is driven by well fluid in power generation mode, and wherein the pump is driven in power consumption mode by operation of the motor/generator unit as a motor.

Abstract: Techniques for managing a hydraulic fluid pipeline pressure include measuring a fluid pressure of a hydrocarbon fluid circulating, from a wellbore by a pump positioned in the wellbore, through an above-ground hydrocarbon fluid pipeline network at a plurality of particular locations in the hydrocarbon fluid pipeline network to determine a plurality of measured process pressures; determining that at least half of the plurality of measured process pressures exceed a specified threshold value; and based on the determination, actuating at least one flow control device operable to control the flow of the hydrocarbon fluid in the wellbore to reduce a fluid pressure of the hydrocarbon fluid in the hydrocarbon fluid pipeline network.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydraulic double-acting fracturing pump skid, comprising a skid chassis, power motors, oil pumps, a hydraulic power end and fluid ends; the power motors and the oil pumps are arranged at two ends of the skid chassis, the hydraulic power end is arranged in the middle of the skid chassis, and the fluid ends are arranged on two sides of the hydraulic power end; the power motors are connected to the oil pumps via a transmission mechanism, the oil pumps are communicated with the hydraulic power end via a three-position four-way directional valve and can drive the hydraulic power end to operate, the hydraulic power end is connected to the hydraulic power in a transmission way, and a lower end of the fluid ends is communicated with a low-pressure manifold and two sides of the fluid ends are respectively communicated with a high-pressure manifold.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method includes fracturing the formation by increasing an annulus pressure in the wellbore above a fracture initiation pressure. The method also includes decreasing the annulus pressure below a fracture closure pressure, and re-fracturing the formation by increasing the annulus pressure in the wellbore above the fracture initiation pressure.

Abstract: A method for enhanced depth penetration of energy into a formation may include mechanically stimulating proppant in proppant-containing fractures in the formation at a first frequency to induce mechanical stress in the proppant and directing electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency into the proppant-containing fractures of the formation while mechanically stimulating the proppant, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are the same or different and wherein the proppant includes silica.

Abstract: Injection fluids formed of reverse emulsions and related methods of forming and using reverse emulsions for cavity control in solution mining. The reverse emulsion can reduce the volume of oil required to create an oil pad at the roof of a solution mining cavern in order to prevent vertical leaching and cavern collapse. The reverse emulsion can be formed from an emulsifier, a brine solution and oil. The emulsifier concentration can range from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the reverse emulsion. The emulsifier and the oil can be combined to form an oil/emulsifier mixture, wherein the oil/emulsifier mixture is combined with the brine solution to form the reverse emulsion. The oil/emulsifier mixture can be from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the reverse emulsion.

Abstract: An apparatus is directed relative to geomagnetic and gravitational fields of reference while advancing with rotation in a borehole by determining angular position of the apparatus during the rotation and correcting the angular position of the apparatus relative to an offset of a toolface of the apparatus. To do the correction, a magnetic toolface of the apparatus during the rotation is determined based on geomagnetic readings of the apparatus in each of a plurality of divisions of the rotation relative to the geomagnetic field, and a gravitational toolface of the apparatus during the rotation is determined based on gravitational readings of the apparatus in each of the divisions of the rotation relative to the gravitational field. The offset of the toolface is then calculated as a difference between the magnetic toolface and the gravitational toolface. The corrected angular position can then be used in directing the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a rod pumping unit for a wellbore are provided. One example method includes measuring vibration data in the time domain using at least one sensor coupled to a housing for a moving component of the rod pumping unit; converting the vibration data in the time domain to vibration data in the frequency domain; determining that: (1) at least one frequency component of the frequency-domain vibration data in a first frequency band has a power above a first threshold; or (2) a number of frequency components of the frequency-domain vibration data in a second frequency band having power above a second threshold is above a third threshold; and outputting an indication based on the determination.

Abstract: A wellbore wall contact measuring instrument includes an instrument housing configured to move along an interior of a wellbore. A wall contact sensor arm is connected to the housing through a first biasing device to urge the wall contact sensor arm outwardly from the instrument housing. A second biasing device is coupled between the instrument housing and the sensor arm. A wall contact well logging sensor is disposed at an end of the wall contact sensor arm.

Abstract: A system includes a data interface that receives data associated with a plurality of wells; an inference engine that receives and analyzes at least a portion of the data to generate results; and a communication engine that outputs information based at least in part on the results.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a position of a pipe joint as the pipe joint moves through a production system along a longitudinal axis of a wellbore of the production system includes an ultrasonic sensor configured to detect the pipe joint. The system also includes a controller configured to receive a signal from the ultrasonic sensor. The controller includes a processor configured to determine a first position of the pipe joint along the longitudinal axis at a first time based on the signal. The processor is further configured to determine a displacement from the first position of the pipe joint, and to determine a second position of the pipe joint along the longitudinal axis at a second time based on the displacement. The controller also includes a memory configured to store the first position and the second position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining the flow rate of formation water and/or the total rate of produced water in a gas well. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and system to determine the flow rates of gas, condensate, and water in gas production using a flowmeter such as a radiation-free flowmeter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering pump interference in mud pulse telemetry are provided. A method includes receiving a monitor output, selecting an adaptive factor in an adaptive filter module, and adjusting the adaptive factor when the adaptive filter module has reached convergence. The method may further include receiving a sensor input, providing a filtered signal output, and modifying a drill configuration based on the signal output. A system configured to perform the method above is provided. A method as above further including modifying a drill configuration based on the signal output is provided.

Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and non-transitory computer-readable medium having a stored computer program provide characterization of multiphase fluid flow (MPF) using approximate entropy calculation techniques to enhance measuring and monitoring of a flow regime in a segment of pipe for hydrocarbon-production operations. The systems and methods can be optimized using principal component analysis.

Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and non-transitory computer-readable medium having a stored computer program provide characterization of multiphase fluid flow (MPF) using approximate entropy calculation techniques to enhance measuring and monitoring of a flow regime in a segment of pipe for hydrocarbon-production operations. The systems and methods can be optimized using principal component analysis.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling hydrocarbon production includes (i) identifying a plurality of reservoir measurements of a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir located between at least one injection wellbore and at least one production wellbore; (ii) processing the identified plurality of reservoir measurements to generate a petrophysical model of the subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir; (iii) determining, based on the petrophysical model, a flow of an injectant from the injection wellbore toward the production wellbore; and (iv) adjusting an inflow control device (ICD) positioned about the production wellbore based on the determined flow of the injectant.

Abstract: A control system for controlling operation of a cutter motor and a cutter boom movement mechanism of a machine includes a sensor that measures an amount of load associated with the cutter motor. A controller determines whether the load on the cutter motor is different from a cutter motor load limit. If so, the controller is configured to adjust a velocity of the cutter boom movement mechanism relative to a tip velocity of a rotary cutting tool associated with the machine based on the difference between the measured cutter motor load and the cutter motor load limit until a torque error of the cutter motor reaches a particular value, for instance, zero. Moreover, the controller may also adjust a current speed of the cutter motor in driving the rotary cutting tool based on the adjusted velocity of the cutter boom movement mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for collecting, lifting, and recovering seabed mineral resources, specifically, a device wherein hydrogen gas is evolved on the seabed, resources are lifted by the buoyancy of the gas to the sea surface, and the hydrogen gas which has become an excess buoyancy source during the lifting and recovering is absorbed into an organic substance including toluene, thereby yielding hydrogenated compounds including cyclomethylhexane to recover the energy required for hydrogen gas production.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tunnel boring machine cutter assemblies, such as ripping and scraping cutter or tool assemblies, (collectively “cutter assemblies”), and related methods of use and manufacturing. The various embodiments of the cutter assemblies described herein may be used in tunnel boring machines (“TBMs”), earth pressure balance machines (“EPBs”), raise drilling systems, large diameter blind drilling systems, and other types of mechanical drilling and excavation systems.

Abstract: A industrial machine including a chassis, a first sensor configured to sense a roof bolt, a second sensor configured to sense the roof bolt, and a controller. The controller configured to receive sensor information from the first and second sensors, and determine a location of the roof bolt based on the sensor information from the first and second sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of internal combustion engines and compressors in general and to linear compressors, in particular these used as in U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,527, by accurately controlling the pressure being delivered into the combustion chambers of said engine while returning unused energy of the compression phase into the motor for complete expansion. Another improvement relates to a pressure compensated vane to be used inside grooves of the motor assembly rotor. This invention enables the vane to seal against the cavity of the housing tightly with minimal force.

Abstract: A method of controlling a clearance gap in a rotatable machine and a cooling fluid distribution system are provided. The cooling fluid distribution system includes a component to be cooled having a body extending along a longitudinal centerline of the component and including a radially outer surface at least partially circumscribing the longitudinal centerline. A cooling fluid distribution duct assembly includes a cooling fluid distribution duct extending along and spaced from the radially outer surface for a predetermined length. An outlet hole extends through the cooling fluid distribution duct along a length of the cooling fluid distribution duct. A cooling runner channel is coupled in flow communication with the cooling fluid outlet hole and extends a distance away from the cooling fluid distribution duct toward the radially outer surface. A distal end of the cooling runner channel includes a plurality of cooling holes directed toward the radially outer surface.

Abstract: A compressor, which is mounted to a gas turbine and is provided with a plurality of rotating members on an outer circumferential surface of a rotation shaft along a circumferential direction so as to generate high temperature and high pressure compressed air and supply the compressed air to a combustor, the compressor including: a plurality of main disks provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft along the circumferential direction, and spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals such that a portion of the compressed air flows toward the rotation shaft; and a reinforcing disk mounted to each space defined by the plurality of main disks spaced apart from each other, the reinforcing disk having a rotation shaft in common with the main disks, and being provided with a passage formed in a direction from an outer circumferential surface thereof toward the rotation shaft.

Abstract: Stator vanes including curved trailing edges are disclosed. The stator vanes may include a body including a central section, a tip section positioned radially above the central section, and a root section positioned radially below the central section. The body of the stator vanes may also include a leading edge extending radially adjacent the root section, central section, and tip section, respectively, and a trailing edge positioned opposite and aft to the leading edge. The trailing edge may include a concave contour including a first portion radially aligned with the central section of the body. The first portion may be axially offset and forward of a reference line that may be perpendicular to an axial direction and intersects the concave contour at the tip section and the root section. A concavity of the first portion of the concave contour may be formed radially aft of the central section.

Abstract: A blade/vane cascade segment of a blade/vane cascade for a turbomachine is disclosed, which comprises a stage with a stage surface as well as a first blade/vane element and a second blade/vane element. The stage surface comprises a first elevation reaching as far as the pressure side of the first blade/vane element and a second elevation reaching as far as the suction side of the second blade/vane element. A furthest downstream point of a boundary of the second elevation has an axial position which differs from the axial position of at least one highest point of the first elevation by a maximum of 10% of an axial cascade span. Furthermore, a blade/vane cascade, a blade/vane channel, a stage, a turbomachine and an aircraft engine are disclosed.

Abstract: Airfoil and hydrofoils systems with structures having a surface texture defined by fractal geometries are described. Raised portions or fractal bumps can be included on the surfaces, forming a surface texture. The surface textures can be defined by two-dimensional fractal shapes, partial two-dimensional fractal shapes, non-contiguous fractal shapes, three-dimensional fractal objects, and partial three-dimensional fractal objects. The surfaces can include indents having fractal geometries. The indents can have varying depths and can be bordered by other indents, or bumps, or smooth portions of the airfoil or hydrofoil structure. The fractal surface textures can reduce vortices inherent from airfoil and hydrofoil structures. The roughness and distribution of the fractal surface textures reduce the vortices, improving laminar flow characteristics and at the same time reducing drag. The systems are passive and do not require applied power.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a turbine blade (12) comprising a leading edge cooling circuit (30), a trailing edge cooling circuit (34), a mid-section cooling circuit (32) comprising a first channel (32a), an intermediate channel (32b), and a final channel (32c), and an axial tip cooling circuit (56). The leading edge, mid-section, and trailing edge cooling circuits (30, 32, 34) each receive a cooling airflow (CF) from a cooling air supply. A radially outer portion of each of the leading edge and mid-section cooling circuits (30, 32) further comprises at least one outlet (62, 64) in fluid communication with the axial tip cooling circuit (56) such that substantially all of a leading edge cooling airflow (LEF) exiting the leading edge cooling circuit (30) and substantially all of a mid-section cooling airflow (MSF) exiting the mid-section cooling circuit (32) is directed to the axial tip cooling circuit (56).

Abstract: A turbine blade for a gas turbine, has a blade, with a blade wall and a crown base arranged at the free end of the blade. The blade wall surrounds at least a first and a second flow chamber, between which a first separating wall is arranged, wherein a free through-hole for connecting the first and the second flow chambers is present between the first separating wall and the crown base. Furthermore, at least one cooling air opening is present in the crown base. The cooling air opening is designed as a relief groove, which extends to a point over the through-hole at least in some sections.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a replaceable tip element of an airfoil in a turbine engine. The airfoil has an outer wall defining an interior and including a pressure side and a suction side extending axially between a leading edge and a trailing edge defining a chord-wise direction and extending radially between a root and a tip defining a span-wise direction, with the tip having a replaceable tip element.