Abstract: A downhole drilling system is disclosed. The downhole drilling system may include a bottom-hole assembly having a pulse-generating circuit and a switching circuit within the pulse-generating circuit, the switching circuit comprising a solid-state switch. The downhole drilling system may also include a drill bit having a first electrode and a second electrode electrically coupled to the pulse-generating circuit to receive a pulse from the pulse-generating circuit.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit includes a bit body threaded at its upper extent for connection to a drill string and a plurality of blades on the bit body, each blade having a leading edge and a trailing edge. A plurality of cutting elements is arranged on the leading edge of each blade and a junk slot is defined between pairs of adjacent blades. A surface texture may be formed on the surface of the junk slot, the surface texture being selected to alter a flow of drilling fluid through the junk slot. At least one milling element may extend at least partially across the junk slot between the trailing edge and leading edge of adjacent blades, wherein flow of cuttings generated by the cutting elements is impeded until the cuttings are disintegrated to a selected size.

Abstract: A two part drill bit assembly and to the two drill bits that form the assembly. The drill bits are releasably engageable, to form the assembly, via compatible spiral grooved surfaces on each bit with one of the drill bits being re-useable and the other intended for single use or being made otherwise disposable.

Abstract: The plant module comprises a base deck, a frame and a plurality of pieces of equipment mounted to the base deck and/or the frame; the base deck comprises of a grid of base beams; some of or all the beams of the base deck and optionally some of or all the beams of the frame are perforated, in particular castellated-type or cellular-type, so that they have a plurality of holes, in particular web-openings, for receiving conduits and/or pipes and/or trays.

Abstract: The application is directed to a system for conveying fluid to one or more downstream locations including a plurality of downstream locations severally. The system includes one or more upstream fluid sources, a fluid routing system in fluid communication with the one or more upstream fluid sources via an upstream fluid line and each of the downstream locations via separate downstream fluid lines. The fluid routing system includes fluid connections corresponding to each of the downstream fluid lines and is operationally configured to fluidly connect with a particular fluid connection while remaining fluidly disconnected from the remaining fluid connections.

Abstract: A packer penetrator assembly comprised of a proximal mandrel, an intermediate mandrel and a distal mandrel that can be quickly and efficiently assembled while preventing the migration of gases or fluids up the ESP cable through a well bore packer. These ESP cables can be spliced to power cables passing through a wellbore packer, a sealed electrical connection at a packer assembly. The packer penetrator also offers an adaptive or male to female crossover assembly that allows use of power cables of differing diameters and styles to be joined.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include downhole capacitive coupling systems, and methods and apparatuses to provide an electrical connection between two downhole strings. In one embodiment, the system includes a first electrode deployed along an internal surface of a first string deployed in a wellbore, the internal surface being defined by an annulus. The system also includes a second electrode deployed along an external surface of a second string, the second string being deployed within the annulus, and the external surface of the second string and the internal surface of the first string being separated from each other by the annulus. The first electrode and the second electrode are operable to form a first capacitive coupling between said first electrode and said second electrode to transfer electrical current from the second electrode to the first electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding tubular members in a wellbore, such as casing, liners, sand screens, or other expandable tubular members, includes a first downhole tubular member, a second downhole tubular member that is radially expandable, and a sealed releasable connection coupling the first and second downhole tubular members. The sealed releasable connection is configured to decouple the first and second downhole tubular members by expansion of the second downhole tubular member. The sealed releasable connection had a metal-to-metal seal formed between the first and second downhole tubular members.

Abstract: A centralizer having asymmetrical bow springs defining a more gradual lead-in angle and a steeper retreat angle to reduce the required insertion and running forces. The centralizer comprises two end bands and a plurality of bow springs connecting the two shaped to gradually contact the surrounding hole or well casing. The bow springs are arranged such that a least two of them are asymmetric and positioned such that the apex of each is the same distance from an end band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hoisting system which includes at least one hydraulic hoisting cylinder, a pressurized gas reservoir, and an emergency lifting line with a first valve. The emergency lifting line selectively leads a pressurized gas from the pressurized gas reservoir into the at least one hydraulic hoisting cylinder.

Abstract: A drill rod clamping system for securing a drill rod in a selected position. The drill rod clamping system has a hollow spindle with an upper portion that defines axial slots and a base portion that defines at least one radial opening. A plurality of jaws are moveable radially inwardly to a drill rod gripping position and radially outwardly to a drill rod releasing position. Each jaw is received within a respective axial slot of the hollow spindle. An actuator moves the plurality of jaws between the drill rod gripping position and the drill rod releasing position. A compressed gas spring assembly exerts force on the actuator to close the jaws. A hydraulic operator exerts force on the actuator to overcome the force of the compressed gas spring assembly to open the jaws. The radial openings of the base portion of the spindle permit flushing of material flowing within the spindle.

Abstract: Hydraulic workover system having at least two sets of hydraulic cylinders coupled with a single load. A plurality of control valves transitionable between a closed position and an open position, the plurality of control valves having at least one extend control valve disposed between each set of hydraulic cylinders and an extend supply pump, at least one retract control valve disposed between each set of hydraulic cylinders and a retract supply pump, and at least one float control valve disposed between each set of hydraulic cylinders and a float supply pump. A logic control system coupled with the plurality of control valves and configured to transition the plurality of control valves between the closed and open position, thereby controlling flow between the at least two sets of hydraulic cylinders and the extend supply pump, retract supply pump, and float supply pump.

Abstract: A spinner tool includes a plurality of rollers configured to rotate a tubular and a linkage assembly configured to move the rollers into and out of contact with the tubular. The tool further includes a carriage assembly configured to support the linkage assembly. The carriage assembly has a frame, a pair of carriage rollers positioned on opposite sides of the frame, and a pair of spring cylinders positioned on opposite sides of each carriage roller. The spring cylinders are coupled at one end to the carriage roller and at an opposite end to the frame to force the carriage assembly into a centered position.

Abstract: A wrench assembly comprising an upper clamp assembly, a lower clamp assembly coupled to the upper clamp assembly, and an alignment device disposed between the upper and lower clamp assemblies to allow the upper clamp assembly to move laterally relative to the lower clamp assembly when rotated relative to the lower clamp assembly.

Abstract: A spinner assembly including a jaw assembly having a first portion and a second portion, and a linkage assembly coupled to the first and second portions of the jaw assembly. The linkage assembly comprises a first bar coupled to a pivot point, a second bar coupled to the first bar by a first pin, a third bar coupled to the second bar by a second pin, and a pair of links coupled to the pivot point and the third bar. The linkage assembly is configured to move the first and second portions along a substantially linear plane.

Abstract: A wrench assembly having an upper clamp assembly and a lower clamp assembly coupled to the upper clamp assembly, wherein the lower clamp assembly comprises a plurality of grippers each having a grip head configured to grip a tubular. Each grip head has a die plate surrounded by a primary contact plate. The primary contact plate is configured to contact the tubular prior to the die plate.

Abstract: A stochastic control method includes measuring a fluid property of a drilling fluid circulating within a mud circulation system and identifying a mud circulation model that dictates operation of the mud circulation system. The mud circulation model is based on one or more models of one or more uncertainties encountered during a wellbore drilling operation. The method further includes determining an accuracy of the mud circulation model based on a residue between the measured fluid property of the drilling fluid and a fluid property of the drilling fluid as provided by the mud circulation model, and programming a controller of the mud circulation system based on the mud circulation model to modify operation of the mud circulation system.

Abstract: A process for removing volatile diluent(s) from processed solids, generated from unstabilized drilling waste being washed in a diluent/solvent wash process. The process describes the use of hot water to deliver quality heat energy to the processed solids phase, evaporating the diluent and at least partially removing chlorides or other soluble or insoluble contaminants in the process, resulting in enhanced efficiency of diluent and contaminant recovery, for example, as a result of the near infinite surface area of water, among other things.

Abstract: A method of controlling bottom hole pressure in a wellbore, including pumping drilling mud into the wellbore, estimating the annular friction pressure in the wellbore, and measuring the pressure of the drilling mud exiting the wellbore. The method includes measuring the flow rate of the drilling mud exiting the wellbore, and, based on the pressure of the drilling mud exiting the wellbore, the flow rate of the drilling mud exiting the wellbore, expected annular friction pressure in the wellbore, and rotational speed of drill string in the wellbore, controlling the flow rate of drilling mud exiting the wellbore to achieve a specified bottom hole pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly (1) has a valve (14), for example a flapper valve, that is contained within an axially movable valve housing (11) in the form of a cartridge (10) that is received within the bore of a tubular member (5). More than one cartridge (10) may be connected in series. The valve (14) and cartridge (10) are pivotally connected (13) and axial movement of the cartridge (10) pivots the valve (14) around this connection (13) to open or close the valve (14). The valve assembly (1) can be actuated by an actuator assembly (50) having an actuator (61) for actuating the valve (14), and a resettable shuttle device (80) that retains the actuator (61) in different configurations within the actuator assembly (50). The actuator (61) can be moved relative to the valve (14), engaging the shuttle device (80) and changing the configuration of the shuttle device (80).

Abstract: A tool tensioning hanger system is provided. The system comprises: a top sub sized and shaped to fit into an upper bowl of a tubing head in a well-head; a J-housing connected to a lower end of the top sub, the J-housing having two j-shaped slots that run lengthwise from a bottom end, each slot being 180 degrees from each other; and an inner joint configured to fit into the J-housing, the inner joint having two protruding pins 180 degrees from each other and configured to fit into the J-shaped slots. This system can be lowered through a Blow Out Preventer (BOP) without the need to remove the BOP.

Abstract: A hanger system formed to provide sealed passage therethrough for cables, lines, tubes or the like through the wellhead. The preferred embodiment of the invention teaches a unitary or split/wrap around hanger having a main seal formed to receive and provide sealed pass-through of power and control cables, lines, conduits, or other threaded components such as for powering an electric submersible pump (ESP) via electrical cable(s) or the like, while effectively packing off and sealing the well bore. The present invention provides hinged side doors formed to engage and support the cable, line, conduit, etc in the hanger for engaging components threaded therethrough. When the hanger with threaded components is positioned to rest in the bowl of the tubing head, the lower string weight compresses the main seal, providing an effective seal about the threaded components. The present invention teaches permanent as well as temporary applications, and is designed to provide a low to medium pressure seal.

Abstract: A Compact Bonnet Booster (CBB) housing is monolithically formed to include an operating piston chamber, a booster piston chamber and two BOP bonnet end caps. When the CBB is assembled, the two BOP bonnet end caps contain bonnet hydraulic assemblies utilized to open and close the CBB housing with respect to a central BOP housing interior to change out the shear members. The CBB housing also defines therein hydraulic lines to open and close the wellbore utilizing the shear members as well as to operate the bonnet hydraulic assemblies. The CBB housing also incorporates a lifting pad eye near a center of gravity of said BOP. The CBB assembly also comprises a monolithically formed operating piston and corresponding shaft as well as a monolithically formed booster piston and corresponding shaft.

Abstract: A system formed to provide sealed passage therethrough for cables, lines, tubes or the like through the wellhead and down-hole applications. The invention provides a unitary or split/wrap around hanger having a main seal formed to receive and provide sealed pass-through of power and control cables, lines, conduits, or other threaded components which have various profiles for various configurations and applications, allowing pass through thereof. The present invention provides hinged side doors formed to engage and support various configuration (via interchangeable inserts) various size cable, line, conduit, etc in the hanger for engaging components threaded therethrough. The present invention teaches permanent as well as temporary applications, can be used in other applications besides hangers (for example, down-hole packers) and is designed to provide a low to medium pressure seal.

Abstract: A packer for wells can include a body having a tubular shape, a sealing element having an upward end and a downward end and disposed around the body. The packer also includes a first prop upward of the sealing element, and a second prop downward of the sealing element. The first prop is configured to wedge under the upward end of the sealing element and the second prop is configured to wedge under the downward end of the sealing element to push the sealing element outward at both the upward end and the downward end.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are beneficial for use in downhole applications, especially oil and gas well bores. A composition includes an elastomer doped with a dopant. The presence of the dopant increases a rate of microbial degradation of the elastomer by a microbe. A method includes forming an article including a doped polymer. The doped polymer includes an elastomer doped with a dopant. The method also includes placing the article in a service environment. The presence of the dopant in the doped polymer increases a rate of microbial degradation of the elastomer by a microbe in the service environment.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation and use of a liner hanger in a wide variety of environments. Depending on the application, the liner hanger may be conveyed downhole within a casing located in a wellbore. The liner hanger comprises slips which may be set against the casing by applying a pressurized fluid through a liner hanger port to a liner hanger actuator. After the slips are set, the liner hanger may be actuated to form a metal-to-metal seal which blocks further fluid flow through the port, thus isolating the port during subsequent downhole operations.

Abstract: An inflating container filled with formation plugging fluid is deployed at the target zone by a rigless apparatus. The inflating container can be in valved fluid communication with an explosive filled container, the explosive being ignited using a firing mechanism that is attached to the explosive filled container. The explosion expands gases in the explosive filled container which pass into the inflation container and displace the formation plugging fluid into the balloon sections and through the weakened portions of the central balloon to penetrate the walls of the target zone. The expanded central balloon is melted by the heat of the chemical reaction and a portion adheres to the formation wall thereby sealing the undesirable target zone; thereafter, the remaining balloon sections are deflated or ruptured to permit the apparatus to be withdrawn through the production tubing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using cement compositions in subterranean formations. An embodiment comprises a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a cement composition comprising water, a pozzolan, hydrated lime, and a zeolite activator; introducing the cement composition into a subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation, wherein the zeolite activator accelerates compressive strength development of the cement composition.

Abstract: A system for use in completing a wellbore includes a portion of a workstring extending into the wellbore such that a first annulus is created between the workstring and a portion of the wellbore. The portion of the workstring is inserted to a depth corresponding to a base, such as a sump packer that defines a lower boundary of the completion zone. The zone of deployment may be sealed uphole by a second packer included in the workstring. A service tool having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a rotating mandrel positioned therebetween is provided to deliver fluids and execute completion operations as facilitated by rotation of the mandrel. Rotation of the mandrel allows for control of multiple fluid flow paths, each of which may correspond to a completion process within the zone, without displacement of the service tool in an uphole or downhole direction.

Abstract: A downhole flow control device is described having a flow control valve and a sensor communication with the flow control valve. The sensor measures a downstream process parameter and the flow control valve is configured to control the fluid flow through the valve to achieve a target downstream process parameter value in response to the measured downstream process parameter. A control system for controlling the downhole flow control device and a method for controlling the downhole flow device are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a fail-safe surface controlled electric subsurface safety valve for use in a well. For example, in one embodiment, an electric sub-surface safety valve (eSSSV) system is disclosed that includes a master control system; a subsea control module; and an electric sub-surface safety valve having dual, redundant electronic modules that are configured to control power to dual electromagnetic actuators that move a single valve.

Abstract: A time delay apparatus for use with a downhole tool in a wellbore casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an electronic circuit comprising a timer, a fusible link, a split spool device that includes a center pin held in place in a restrained position with a spool and a spring element surrounding the spool. A pressure applied to a trigger device, such as a rupture disk, activates a pressure switch and starts a timer, configured with a preset countdown time, in the electronic circuit. On expiration of the timer, the timer block of the electronic circuit generates a signal to cause breaking of the fusible link and releasing of the spring element such that the center pin of the split spool travels to a functional position and activates the downhole tool.

Abstract: A flow control method and assembly for an oil or gas well comprises generating a pressure signature in the fluid in a bore of the well comprising a minimum rate of change of pressure, and transmitting the pressure signature to a control mechanism to trigger a change in the configuration of a flow control device in the bore in response to the detection of the pressure signature in the fluid. The flow control device can comprise a barrier, such as a flapper, sleeve, valve or similar. The pressure signature is transmitted via fluid flowing in the bore, typically being injected into the well, optionally during or before frac operations, via fluid being used for the frac operations. The control mechanism typically includes an RFID reader to receive RF signals from tags deployed in the fluid flowing in the bore.

Abstract: Multi-stage treatment methods for the treatment or removal of iron sulfide scales in subterranean operations and operations involving the production and/or transportation of oil and gas are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: identifying one or more types of iron sulfide scale present in a portion of a subterranean formation; introducing a first treatment composition comprising an acid into at least a portion of the subterranean formation to partially dissolve the iron sulfide scale therein; and introducing a second treatment composition into the portion of the subterranean formation after the first treatment composition, the second treatment composition comprising an iron sulfide treating additive selected based at least in part on a type of iron sulfide scale identified in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to removing residue from a well bore and well bore equipment with a treatment fluid composition, and in some embodiments, to treatment fluid compositions that comprise nanoparticles. An embodiment provides a method of removing drilling fluid residue from the surfaces of well equipment. The method comprising: applying a solid nanoparticle film to at least a portion of the surfaces of the well equipment with a treatment fluid comprising solid nanoparticles; and allowing the solid nanoparticles to interact with the surfaces of the well equipment and the drilling fluid residue adhered to the surfaces of the well equipment to remove at least a portion of the drilling fluid residue from the surfaces of the well equipment.

Abstract: An improved external trap apparatus 570 and a method for safely controlling drilling tool string components during oil field drilling operations includes a collar clamp 72 affixed to a drilling tool string lubricator 80 and configured with laterally spaced first and second vertical rails 120, 122 depending therefrom. Lubricator 80 also carries a lubricator clamp assembly 572 which is affixed to Lubricator 80 with inward clamping surfaces defining a non-circular or slightly elliptical central bore 574. Laterally spaced first and second vertical rails 120, 122 are configured to support a reinforced catcher plate assembly 164 carrying a tool-end receiving funnel receptacle 202 and first and second energy absorbing crush cylinders 160, 162. When the drill string 82 is raised or withdrawn from the well 28, the funnel receptacle 202 can be rotated into coaxial alignment to catch the drill string's end or downhole tool, in the event of an inadvertent loss of control of the drill string 82.

Abstract: A well monitor for monitoring a downhole well condition. The well monitor comprises an electrical generator mounted to a tubing in the well, the generator comprising magnets and windings movable relative to one another by a pump rod received in the tubing. The monitor comprises an energy storage device electrically coupled to the generator for storing generated electrical energy. A vibration transducer is electrically coupled to the energy storage device. The well monitor comprises a controller for selectively powering the vibration transducer to produce a signal indicative of the well condition for transmission through the tubing.

Abstract: A method can include receiving spatially located geophysical data of a geologic region as acquired by one or more sensors; solving a system of equations for multi-dimensional implicit function values within a multi-dimensional space that represents the geologic region where the system of equations are subject to a smoothness constraint and subject to a weighted curvature minimization criterion at a plurality of spatially located points based on the spatially located geophysical data; and rendering to a display, a structural model of the geologic region based at least in part on the multi-dimensional implicit function values where the structural model characterizes stratigraphy of the geologic region.

Abstract: The invention is a method of exploiting hydrocarbons within a sedimentary basin, by stratigraphic simulation coupled with a hydrologic model and a diagenetic model. A gridded representation of the basin, comprising at least a mineralogical composition and a porosity within each cell, is determined by means of a stratigraphic simulator for at least one time step. Then, at least one hydrologic zone is delimited using a hydrologic model, and at least one chemical composition of the fluids and a direction of circulation of the fluids are determined in each cell located in the zone.

Abstract: A screen including a screen segment having a mesh and a shroud radially outwardly of the mesh, a tracer material configured with a greater surface area than volume disposed radially inwardly of the shroud. A method for making a tracer screen including selecting a pattern of shroud holes in a screen cartridge for application of tracer material, applying tracer material into the selected holes, migrating the tracer material outwardly from the hole and between a mesh and the shroud of the screen cartridge. A borehole system including a borehole, a tubing string disposed in the borehole, and a tracer screen having tracer material with a greater surface area than volume disposed between a shroud and a mesh or a screen cartridge.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a coupler assembly and method for conveying a single piece liner hanger body. In one embodiment, the coupler assembly includes a nut, a load transfer sleeve, a locking dog retainer, a garter spring, a locking dog, a collet, an outer collet mandrel, and a collet prop mandrel. As described herein, components of the coupler assembly are assembled and installed within the inner diameter of the single piece liner hanger body for engaging with a liner hanger sub-assembly attached to a miming tool.

Abstract: An electrical connector apparatus for use in a downhole tool comprising a housing, a contact screw within outer threads and inner threads, a contact plunger within the inner bore of the housing and a second cylinder protruding from the first cylinder. The contact spring is located between the contact plunger and the contact screw and pre-loads the contact plunger within the housing.

Abstract: An electromechanical switch for use in well perforating gun assemblies wells comprising an initial pass-through configuration where the switch passes an electrical connection from a shooting line through the switch's plunger to the neighboring gun until a pressure event acts on the switch causing the shooting line to disengage from the neighboring gun and connect to the internal detonator for subsequent firing sequence to trigger detonation.

Abstract: A process for determining the productivity index of a multilateral completion using data from individual laterals and data from commingled well tests is disclosed. The process includes 1) determining the productivity index for each single lateral by iteratively altering the productivity index until the individual lateral flowrate based on a known reservoir pressure is matched and 2) further determining the productivity index by iteratively altering the productivity index until the commingled flowrate is matched. The productivity index may be used to set wellhead pressures and inline control valve (ICV) settings for production.

Abstract: A lift apparatus and method for driving a downhole reciprocating pump is disclosed and includes a hydraulic cylinder having a piston and a hydraulic fluid port, the piston being coupled to a rod for driving the reciprocating pump, the piston being moveable between first and second ends of the cylinder in response to a flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic fluid port. A variable displacement hydraulic pump is responsive to a displacement control signal to draw hydraulic fluid from a reservoir and to produce a controlled flow of hydraulic fluid at the outlet. The apparatus also includes a valve connected between the hydraulic fluid port and the reservoir, the valve being responsive to a valve control signal for controlling discharge of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid port of the cylinder back to the reservoir to facilitate movement of the piston through a downstroke away from the second end toward the first end of the cylinder.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing hydrocarbon material. A first hydrocarbon material is produced from the formation, the first hydrocarbon material including a gaseous hydrocarbon material originally in place in the formation. At least a portion of the produced gaseous hydrocarbon material is injected into the formation to increase the formation pressure. A second hydrocarbon material is produced from the formation.

Abstract: A system for improving a steam oil ratio (SOR) includes a boiler fluidly coupled with a downhole portion of a steam system via at least a boiler conduit, wherein the boiler is configured to schedule super-heat delivered to the downhole portion to optimize the SOR associated with the system.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sleeve assembly, used for stimulating multiple stages in a completion string has a lower shifting sleeve and an upper shifting sleeve and stimulation ports formed therebetween. The sleeves are caused to shift by progressively larger objects pumped through a bore of the completion string and engaging seats formed thereon. The seat on the lower sleeve is a releasable seat. When shifted the lower sleeve opens the stimulation ports. The seat on the upper sleeve is sized to accept the same size object as is required to engage and shift the lower sleeve on the stage uphole therefrom to close the ports. Thereby, stimulation ports are opened and closed without increasing a number of objects required to stimulate the wellbore. Further, as the ports at each stage below the stage being stimulated are closed, the objects are not required to isolate the bore therebelow.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, a method for creating vertical mini-holes in a subterranean formation while creating multi-directional Bernoulli-induced factures therein is provided. The method is particularly useful in horizontal or deviated wells. The method includes forming a mini-hole in the subterranean formation perpendicular to the deviated wellbore. The mini-hole is in fluid communication with the deviated wellbore at a proximal end and has a tip located at a distal end. The method further includes injecting fluid into the mini-hole with a maximum pressure forming at the tip so as to initiate a fracture along local formation stresses proximate the tip of the mini-hole.