Abstract: A flexible sunscreen is provided intended for use in a sunshade assembly of the type comprising a flexible sunscreen having a central part and two opposed inwardly folded longitudinal edges connected to the central part by means of folding lines, and two opposed longitudinal guides for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges of the flexible sunscreen, which guides are provided with locking members for engaging an outer end of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges for preventing these edges from moving out of the longitudinal guides. The central part of the flexible sunscreen mainly is manufactured from a first material with a first stiffness wherein of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges and of the parts of the central part adjacent the edges at least part is made of a second material with a second higher stiffness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a drive unit of a top drive system including a first, second, and third drive gears that are operationally coupled; a motor engagable with the first drive gear; a drive stem having a load coupling and engagable with the second drive gear; and a torque shaft having a torque coupling and engagable with the third drive gear. The drive stem cannot engage with the second drive gear when the torque shaft is engaged with the third drive gear. A method of coupling a drive unit to a tool adapter includes engaging a first drive gear with a motor of the drive unit while engaging a second drive gear with a drive stem of the drive unit; coupling a load between the drive stem and a tool stem of the tool adapter; and coupling a torque between a torque shaft of the drive unit and the tool stem.

Abstract: A method for predicting a path of a borehole that will be drilled in a rock formation by a bottomhole assembly (BHA) having a drill bit includes: constructing a model of the BHA; calculating confined compressive strength of the rock formation using an axial motion drill bit model that receives drilling parameter, drill bit design and lithology information; calculating lateral motion of the drill bit using a lateral motion drill bit model; calculating a ratio of lateral motion to axial motion using the lateral motion drill bit model; calculating an inclination angle and an azimuthal direction of the BHA using a BHA steering model that receives the ratio; and iterating the above steps by updating the BHA model to include extending the borehole an incremental distance in the direction of the inclination angle and the azimuthal direction and displacing the BHA the incremental distance in the extended borehole.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to elastomer-thermally conductive carbon fiber compositions for use in seals for roller-cone drill bits. The present disclosure further relates to seals formed from such compositions and to roller-cone drill bits containing such seals.

Abstract: A method for making a polycrystalline diamond construction is disclosed, which includes the steps of treating a polycrystalline diamond body having a plurality of bonded together diamond crystals and a solvent catalyst material to remove the solvent catalyst material therefrom, wherein the solvent catalyst material is disposed within interstitial regions between the bonded together diamond crystals, replacing the removed solvent catalyst material with a replacement material, and treating the body having the replacement material to remove substantially all of the replacement material from a first region of the body extending a depth from a body surface, and allowing the remaining amount of the replacement material to reside in a second region of the body that is remote from the surface.

Abstract: An earth-boring rotary tool includes a tool body, at least one fixed blade associated with the tool body and configured to carry a fixed cutting element, and at least one leg configured to carry a rolling cutter. The tool body has a slot extending longitudinally generally parallel to a longitudinal axis defining an axial center of the tool body. The slot is at least partially defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, a third sidewall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and an axial end wall of the tool body. A portion of the leg is disposed within the slot of the tool body and abuts the first sidewall of the tool body. A wedge is disposed within the slot and pins the leg to the tool body within the slot.

Abstract: A drill-pipe communication assembly includes a first drill pipe segment. A conductor extends at least partially along a length of the first drill pipe segment. An antenna is electrically coupled to the first drill pipe segment. The antenna facilitates wireless transmission of signals from the first drill pipe segment to an adjacent second drill pipe segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubular pipe string element having a pin connector and a box connector complementary to the pin connector. The pin and box connectors are rotationally engageable with the respective box and pin connectors of another pipe string element and have complementary anti-rotation devices that cooperate to prevent unintentional relative rotation between the connectors. The anti-rotation devices may include saw-tooth profiled, radially extending teeth and a steep trailing tooth flank angle for the pin member, and at least one detent member formed on the pipe string element for the box connector. When securing the pin and box connectors, the leading flanks of the teeth engage with the detent members while allowing the connectors to rotate into a fully connected position. The steep trailing tooth flank is trapped by the detent member when in the fully connected position to prevent unintentional release of the connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torque limiter having driver mandrel and driven axially aligned mandrels, a piston movable into and out of an engaged position wherein the driver and driven mandrels are coupled together to transmit torque there between. Hydraulically locking the movable piston in an engaged position. Disengaging the hydraulic lock when during rotation when a specified torque magnitude is exceeded to allow relative rotation between the mandrels. Resetting the torque limiter by hydraulically locking the piston in the engaging position when relative rotation ceases or is reduced.

Abstract: A modular top drive for construction of a wellbore includes a rail for connection to at least one of: a floor and a derrick of a drilling rig; and a motor unit. The motor unit includes: a first body; a drive motor having a stator connected to the first body; a trolley connecting the first body to the rail; and a first latch for selectively connecting either a drilling unit or a casing unit to the motor unit. The top drive further includes a bracket for holding any one of the drilling, casing, and cementing units and movable relative to the rail between a standby position and a connection position. The unit held by the bracket is aligned with the motor unit in the connection position and clear of the motor unit in the standby position.

Abstract: The laterally rotating height of a fill up and circulating tool that is mounted on one of the bails supporting an elevator is made shorter with integration of design components. A power cylinder features a hollow piston which incorporates the positioning system for the fill up and circulation tool. An interior slot with a longitudinal and spiral component receives a pin extending that is supported by the cylinder. The mud line is connected below the positioning system. As the mud line descends the fill up tool moves initially axially and rotationally and then axially to align with a sting for connection thereto. Raising the mud line reverses the movement pattern. The tool is cantilevered from the mud line for sole support. Height savings allows tool use with bails of varying lengths without interference. A selectable clutch and valve allow this tool to provide additional features beneficial to operators.

Abstract: Methods, computing systems, and computer-readable media for removing fluid from a structure. The system may include sensors disposed within the structure (such as a multi-lateral well) that measure properties of the fluid at the location of the sensors and generate data representing the properties. A computing system receives the data and, using the data, monitors the composition of the fluid at the locations of the sensors. The computing system also displays information about the composition of the fluid at the locations of the sensors. The computing system may, in response to a change in the composition, indicate that the removal process is complete for a particular section and stop the flow for that section.

Abstract: A method for maintaining pressure in a wellbore drilled from a drilling platform floating on a body of water includes the steps of pumping fluid at a determined flow rate into a drill string disposed in a wellbore and measuring fluid pressure within a fluid discharge line of fluid returning from the wellbore. The fluid discharge line has a variable length corresponding to an elevation of the floating platform above the bottom of the body of water. The wellbore pressure is determined at a selected depth in the wellbore or at a selected position along a drilling riser or variable length portion of the fluid discharge line using known parameters/methods. The determined wellbore pressure is adjusted for changes in length of the fluid discharge line corresponding to changes in the elevation of the floating platform relative to the bottom of the body of water.

Abstract: A blasthole drill rig includes a base, a drill tower extending from the base, a drill pipe coupled to the drill tower, a drill bit coupled to a lower end of the drill pipe, an air compressor that directs compressed air through the drill pipe, and a heating element that heats the compressed air.

Abstract: A drilling well pulling tool comprising a longitudinal body having an inner cavity. A sleeve is slideably disposed about a portion of the longitudinal body, the sleeve moveable from a first position to a second position. A dog member is retractable from an extended position to a retracted position relative the body when the sleeve is moved from the first position to the second position. A release lug abuts and resists movement of the sleeve from the first position, the lug releasable to the inner cavity thereby permitting slideable movement of the sleeve. An electromechanical actuator releases the release lug upon actuation.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a housing running tool including an inner sleeve having a first mating surface configured to engage a second mating surface of a housing to rigidly couple the inner sleeve to the housing. The housing running tool also includes an outer sleeve disposed about the inner sleeve and configured to support the inner sleeve in an axial direction. The outer sleeve includes a first mounting feature configured to engage a second mounting feature of the housing such that substantially all torque applied to the housing running tool in a circumferential direction is transferred to the housing via the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A method of sealing a wellbore with a blowout preventer (BOP) is disclosed. The method involves providing the BOP with a BOP seal. The BOP has BOP parameters and a fluid flowing through the BOP has fluid parameters. The method also involves simulating erosion of a BOP seal using a BOP model based on the BOP parameters and the fluid parameters, measuring erosion of the blowout preventer seal by performing a lab test of the blowout preventer seal in a tester according to the blowout preventer model, validating the simulating by comparing the simulated erosion with the measured erosion, determining an erosion rate of the blowout preventer seal based on the validated simulating, defining closing parameters based on the determined erosion rate, and operating the blowout preventer rams according to the defined closing parameters.

Abstract: An annular seat structure, for use in subterranean well stimulation operations, is operative in conjunction with associated expansion control structure to permit a predetermined number of fracture plug members to axially pass therethrough. In an illustrated embodiment thereof, the annular seat structure is movable between a retracted position having a first interior diameter, and a resiliently expanded position having a second, larger interior diameter. The seat structure has an annular array of rigid ring segments interdigitated with annular gaps that receive radially outwardly projecting portions of an annular resilient liner secured to radially inner surfaces of the rigid ring segments, the outwardly projecting liner portions being secured to circumferentially facing surfaces of the rigid ring segments. An annular spring member coaxially circumscribes the rigid ring segment array, is received in notches formed in the rigid segments, and resiliently biases the seat structure toward its retracted position.

Abstract: A subsea drilling system that includes a blowout preventer (BOP) stack with accumulators. The drilling system also includes an intensifier that is cyclable to communicate an increased pressure to the accumulators than that provided by surface equipment so as to charge the accumulators with the increased pressure. The subsea drilling system also includes a control system locatable subsea that operates the intensifier to pump fluid into the accumulators.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system includes a flow control assembly having a fluid flow path for a flowing fluid. First and second flow control components are disposed in parallel in the fluid flow path, the first having a positive flowrate response to decreasing fluid viscosity and the second having a negative flowrate response to decreasing fluid viscosity. A valve is disposed in the fluid flow path in downstream series with the first and second flow control components. The valve has first and second inlet paths for fluid from the first and second flow control components, respectively, such that decreasing the fluid viscosity of the flowing fluid increases a ratio of the flowrate through the first control component to the flowrate through the second flow control component and such that when the ratio reaches a predetermined level, the valve autonomously shifts from an open position to a closed position.

Abstract: An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular housing; an upper flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; an upper piston operable to open or close the upper flapper; a lower flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; a lower piston operable to open the lower flapper; an opener passage in fluid communication with the pistons and an opener hydraulic coupling; and a closer passage in fluid communication with the pistons and a closer hydraulic coupling.

Abstract: A downhole actuator (30) comprises a tubular housing (34) which includes an indexing profile (42) on an inner surface thereof, and an indexing sleeve (46) mounted within the housing (34). The indexing sleeve (46) comprises an engaging arrangement including first and second axially spaced engagement members (52, 54) which cooperate with the indexing profile (42) of the housing (34) to be sequentially engaged by an actuation object (48) passing through a central bore (50) of the indexing sleeve (46) to drive the indexing sleeve (46) one discrete step of movement through the housing (34) towards an actuation site.

Abstract: A wiper plug that includes an elongated body member having a forward end, a rearward end, and an open central bore; spaced radially outwardly projecting wiping flanges made of flexible material and configured to extend beyond the inner diameter of the pipe to be cleaned but that deform to apply contact wiping pressure to the inner diameter of the pipe as the wiper plug travels through the pipe; and shearing elements that extend from the rearward end of the elongated body member by a distance that is greater than the inner diameter of the pipe to be cleaned. The shearing elements hold the wiper plug in position in between two connected pipe sections while the open central bore allows cement to flow therethrough. Also, a carrier pipe for the wiper plug and method of use thereof for cleaning cement from the wellbore annulus of long casing strings.

Abstract: A method for injecting a portion of a drilling fluid waste into a well includes separating solids from the drilling fluid waste to produce a filtered drilling fluid waste. A cross-sectional dimension of at least a portion of the solids is reduced. The filtered drilling fluid waste is combined with the at least a portion of the solids that were reduced in dimension to produce a slurry. A property of the slurry is measured. The property is adjusted in response to measuring the property. The slurry is injected into the well.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for repairing wellbore casing. In one embodiment, an expandable casing patch system for a wellbore includes a casing patch deployment apparatus. The casing patch deployment apparatus includes a shaft having a frontward end and a rearward end as well as a thruster and a main expansion swage disposed on the shaft. The casing patch deployment apparatus also includes an anchor disposed on the shaft. The anchor is disposed frontward of the main expansion swage. In addition, the casing patch deployment apparatus includes a front expansion swage disposed frontward of the anchor and attached to the shaft. The front expansion swage has a diameter less than a diameter of the main expansion swage. The expandable casing patch system also includes an expandable casing patch.

Abstract: A subsea pump is used in applications such as deep-water boosting of fluid produced from a wellbore. The process pressure variation is mostly related to the pump suction side in such applications. The barrier fluid system for the pump regulates its pressure according to the pump discharge pressure. A balance piston is positioned in a location close to the pump inlet such that both mechanical seals are exposed to the pump discharge pressure on the process side.

Abstract: A system for deploying and powering an electric submersible pump within a subterranean well. The system includes a tubing string having a wall forming a hollow interior, one end of the tubing string connected to the electric submersible pump; a flowable conductive material at least partially filling the hollow interior of the tubing string, the flowable conductive material forming a first conductive path; and a second conductive path, wherein the first conductive path and the second conductive path form a circuit for supplying power to the electric submersible pump. A method for deploying and powering an electric submersible pump within a subterranean well is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and techniques that utilize molecular geochemistry and isotopic signatures to monitor microbial enhanced gas and oil recovery operations. The methods and techniques utilize multiply substituted isotopologue signatures, clumped isotope signatures, and/or position-specific isotope signatures of one or more byproducts of the microbial stimulation techniques to determine the effectiveness of a microbial stimulation technique.

Abstract: Produced water, for example from a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) or cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) heavy oil recovery operation, is treated to recover water that is re-used to create steam. The produced water is treated in one or more thermal treatment devices such as an evaporator and a crystallizer. The thermal treatment produces a slurry comprising dispersed or dissolved salts and organic compounds. A water-miscible solvent for one or more of the organic compounds, for example methanol, is added to the slurry. The solids precipitate and are separated from the slurry. The solvent may be recovered for re-use in treating more slurry.

Abstract: An adjustable fracturing system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a fracturing manifold coupled to a fracturing tree having a fracturing head. The fracturing head includes an adjustable body that enables variation of a dimension of the body and facilitates connection of the fracturing manifold to the fracturing tree. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing and designing a customized pulse fracturing operation for fracturing a wellbore in a reservoir formation are disclosed. Pulsed fracturing can create multiple fractures that radiate away from the wellbore while minimizing near wellbore damage. This network can further be extended into the reservoir by utilizing an optimized pumping rate over a predetermined amount of time. The optimized pulse rate and duration can be determined by using a geomechanical and a reservoir simulator which can help in quantifying the production efficiency of the induced fracture network.

Abstract: Downhole stimulation tools include a housing and at least one propellant structure within the housing comprising at least one propellant grain of a formulation, at least another propellant grain of a formulation different from the formulation of the at least one propellant grain longitudinally adjacent the at least one propellant grain, and at least one initiation element proximate at least one of the propellant grains. At least one pressure containment structure is secured to the housing and comprises a seal element expandable in response to gas pressure generated by combustion of a propellant grain of the at least one propellant structure. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Remotely actuated screenout relief valves, systems and methods are disclosed herein. The methods include providing a proppant slurry stream that includes proppant to a casing conduit that is defined by a casing string that extends within a subterranean formation. The methods further include detecting an operational parameter that is indicative of a screenout event within the casing conduit. Responsive to the detecting, the methods include providing a flush fluid stream to the casing conduit, opening the remotely actuated screenout relief valve, and displacing the proppant from the casing conduit into the subterranean formation with the flush fluid stream via the remotely actuated screenout relief valve. The methods may further include closing the remotely actuated screenout relief valve. The systems include hydrocarbon wells that include the remotely actuated screenout relief valve and/or hydrocarbon wells that include controllers that are configured to perform at least a portion of the methods.

Abstract: A well tool includes a body defining an enclosed fluid passage. A bipolar electrode is provided in the well tool, changeable between a first, energized state, and a second, different state. The bipolar electrode in the first state produces an ion depletion zone that presents a flow restriction to saline fluids in the fluid passage.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus comprising a body configured to be coupled to a production tubular and an upper opening and a lower opening. First and second flow paths are provided between the upper opening and the lower opening in the body, and a flow diverter is arranged to direct downward flow through the body towards the second flow path and away from the first flow path. A filter device in the second flow path filters or collects solid particles in the second flow path from passing out of the lower opening of the apparatus. The apparatus has particular application to artificial lift hydrocarbon production systems, and may be installed above a downhole pump in a production tubing to prevent solids from settling on the pump during pump shutdown. Embodiments for use with ESPs and PCPs are described.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus comprising a body configured to be coupled to a production tubular and an upper opening and a lower opening. First and second flow paths are provided between the upper opening and the lower opening in the body, and a flow diverter is arranged to direct downward flow through the body towards the second flow path and away from the first flow path. A filter device in the second flow path filters or collects solid particles in the second flow path from passing out of the lower opening of the apparatus. The apparatus has particular application to artificial lift hydrocarbon production systems, and may be installed above a downhole pump in a production tubing to prevent solids from settling on the pump during pump shutdown. Embodiments for use with ESPs and PCPs are described.

Abstract: An oil recovery process includes recovering an oil-water mixture from an oil-bearing formation and separating the produced water from the oil-water mixture. The produced water includes dissolved gases and the method includes heating and pressurizing the produced water. After the produced water is heated and pressurized, it is flash vaporized through a lesser pressure which produces a vapor and residual produced water. The flash vaporization of the produced water evaporates dissolved gases and the dissolved gases are vented away with the vapor.

Abstract: A method of controlling rates of moving a coiled tubing string in a wellbore includes providing an injector head control system for moving a bottom hole assembly at an end of the coiled tubing string in the wellbore, that maintains operating settings of the injector head if the control system determines that the bottom hole assembly is moving in the wellbore within a range of rates, and varies operating settings of the injector head if the control system determines that the bottom hole assembly is moving in the wellbore outside the range of rates, to thereby revert to moving the bottom hole assembly in the wellbore within the range of rates. The control system determines whether the bottom hole assembly is moving within or outside the range of rates based on one or more sources of feedback from both the bottom hole assembly and the injector head.

Abstract: A subsea flowline jumper connector includes at least one electronic connector deployed thereon. The sensor may provide data indicative of the connector state during installation and production operations.

Abstract: Downhole distributed pressure sensor arrays include sensor housings each comprising at least one pressure sensor in a pressure housing. Downhole pressure sensors include a housing, at least one pressure sensor in a pressure housing portion of the housing, and at least one isolation element positioned at an outer wall of the housing.

Abstract: A system for ranging between two wellbores. The target wellbore includes a conductive body (e.g., casing) disposed within a portion of the target wellbore. A second wellbore includes an electromagnetic field sensing instrument positioned within the wellbore. A current delivered to the conductive body in the target wellbore results in a magnetic field emanating from the target wellbore. The electromagnetic field sensing instrument is utilized to measure an electromagnetic gradient based on the magnetic field, which electromagnetic gradient can be utilized to determine the range between the wellbores.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes a drill bit body and a leg extending from the drill bit body. A journal may extend from the leg, with a gamma ray detector at least partially within the journal. In certain embodiments, the gamma ray detector may be confined within a pressure protective cavity at least partially within the arm of the journal. In certain embodiments, the gamma ray detector may be a scintillator aligned with at least one of a photomultiplier, photodiodes, or phototransistors.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods operable to perform production logging of a lateral wellbore of a multi-lateral well. For example, a downhole tool is conveyed into a main wellbore of a multi-lateral well via coiled tubing. A component of the downhole tool is used to locate a lateral wellbore extending from the main wellbore, and then the downhole tool is conveyed into the lateral wellbore via the coiled tubing. Production logging data is then obtained with the downhole tool in the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A communication system that is positionable in a wellbore can include a first transceiver for coupling externally to a casing string. The first transceiver can be for wirelessly transmitting data by generating and modulating a surface wave that propagates along an interface surface. The surface wave can include an electromagnetic wave that has a magnetic field or an electric field that is at an acute angle to a direction of propagation of the surface wave. The communication system can also include a second transceiver for coupling to the casing string and for wirelessly receiving the surface wave and detecting the data.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a fiber optic cable includes selecting a cable support structure configured to support an optical fiber sensor, adhering the optical fiber sensor to the cable support structure by applying a temporary adhesive, and installing a protective layer around the cable support structure and the temporarily adhered optical fiber sensor. The method further includes removing a bond between the optical fiber sensor and the temporary adhesive, wherein removing the bond includes injecting a debonding material into a space formed between the cable support structure and the protective layer, and injecting a permanent adhesive into the space, the permanent adhesive configured to immobilize the optical fiber sensor relative to the protective layer and allow strain to be transferred from the protective layer to the optical fiber sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using drilling vibrations generated by the deformation of a rock formation in response to forces acting on the rock formation, where the forces are related to a drill bit and/or drilling fluid system, to identify the nature and occurrence of fractures, fracture swarms and other mechanical discontinuities (boundaries) such as bedding planes and/or faults that offset or otherwise separate rock formations with different mechanical rock properties.

Abstract: Assorted apparatus and methods optimize the detection of gas entrapped in drilling fluid. A mudlogging injection system can have a processor that autonomously injects sample gas into a gas chromatograph with near atmospheric pressures to optimize sample gas testing time and accuracy. The processor can autonomously detect errors, such as gas chromatograph detector drift, and conduct chromatograph adjustments to ensure accurate detection of different constituent gases entrapped in the drilling fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining in-situ measurements of mixed formation fluids are provided. A downhole acquisition tool may move to a first station in a wellbore in a geological formation to collect a sample of first formation fluid from the first station. The downhole acquisition tool may move to a second station in the wellbore and a sample of second formation fluid may be collected. A proportion of the first formation fluid and the second formation fluid may be mixed within the downhole acquisition tool in-situ while the downhole acquisition tool is within the wellbore to obtain a formation fluid mixture. The formation fluid mixture may be passed into a fluid testing component of the downhole acquisition tool while the downhole acquisition tool is in the wellbore to measure fluid properties of the formation fluid mixture in-situ.

Abstract: A grouting system for anchoring a reinforcement in a mine includes a package that is a tubular member formed of polymer film and has discrete first and second compartments. Hardenable cementitious material that is a hydratable substance and water is disposed in the first compartment. A method of forming a resin grouting capsule includes: injecting a hardenable material into a first compartment of the capsule having resin mastic; wherein the hardenable material does not substantially react with the resin mastic when injected into the first compartment. Another method of forming a resin grouting capsule includes: injecting a hardenable material into a first compartment of the capsule having catalyst mastic; wherein the hardenable material does not substantially react with the catalyst mastic when injected into the first compartment.

Abstract: An engine component for a gas turbine engine includes a film-cooled substrate having a hot surface facing hot combustion gas flow and a cooling surface facing a cooling fluid flow. A film hole extends through the substrate to an outlet on the hot surface. A flow conditioning structure is provided upstream of the outlet.