Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-stage hydraulic fracturing tool and system for controllably exposing selected locations along a wellbore to a pressurized fluid. The system comprises an elongated casing (for disposal within the wellbore) defining an internal borehole extending longitudinally, and having one or more ports; an actuation member configured for travelling down the borehole and includes a wedged portion and a groove having a first length in the longitudinal direction, formed at least partially circumferentially around an outer surface of the actuation member, a sliding sleeve member having an aperture for receiving the actuation member, and one or more inward-facing protrusions having a length less than or equal to the first length, connected to the sliding sleeve member and at least initially protruding radially into the aperture.

Abstract: A system and method for fracturing multiple zones along a length of a wellbore during a single run are provided. A single magnetic shifter device may be lowered on coiled tubing to shift open multiple sleeve assemblies set along the wellbore to expose different fracture zones for desired fracturing treatments. The sleeve assemblies may each include a magnetic sensing system designed to detect a magnetic field output from the shifter device. The magnetic sensing system may output a control signal to an electro-hydraulic lock to collapse a baffle component of the sleeve assembly. Once the baffle is collapsed, an isolation component of the shifter device may engage the collapsed baffle to form a plug through the wellbore. Pressure applied from the surface may push the baffle and a sliding sleeve of the sleeve assembly downward, thereby exposing fracturing ports through the casing of the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-stage hydraulic fracturing tool and system for controllably exposing selected locations along a wellbore to a pressurized fluid. The system comprises an elongated casing (for disposal within the wellbore) defining an internal borehole extending longitudinally, and having one or more ports; an actuation member configured for travelling down the borehole and includes a wedged portion and a groove having a first length in the longitudinal direction, formed at least partially circumferentially around an outer surface of the actuation member, a sliding sleeve member having an aperture for receiving the actuation member, and one or more inward-facing protrusions having a length less than or equal to the first length, connected to the sliding sleeve member and at least initially protruding radially into the aperture.

Abstract: A valve including a housing, a body having an aperture radially therethrough fluidly connecting a volume radially inwardly of the body with a volume radially outwardly of the body, a bulkhead sealedly disposed between the body and the housing, the bulkhead having a port therein, a piston extending through the bulkhead and sealed thereto, the piston having a bias end and a carrier end, a biasing member connected to the bias end of the piston, the piston exposed at a carrier end to fluid pressure from the volume radially inwardly of the body, a port closure operably connected to the piston.

Abstract: A system for coupling a shunt tube of a first screen assembly to a shunt tube of a second screen assembly includes an elongate jumper tube and a misalignment joint. The misalignment joint has a first end coupled to the jumper tube. The first end is moveable relative to a second end of the misalignment joint.

Abstract: A non-ballistic force generating mechanism includes a non-ballistic first actuator operable to output a first force profile defining a first pressure for a first stroke length, and a non-ballistic second actuator operable to output a second force profile following the first force profile, the second force profile defining an second pressure that is substantially greater than the first pressure for a second stroke length that is less than the first stroke length.

Abstract: A system for emptying a gravity separated crude oil including a flexible bag storing the crude oil arranged within a protection structure, the protection structure including a bottom element forming the lower section of the protection structure, the flexible bag being connected to a flange that is connected to the protection structure, and includes at least one fluid conduit providing fluid communication between the flexible bag and outside the protection structure. A first outlet pipe is arranged inside the flexible bag near the bottom element and is connected to and in fluid communication with the at least one fluid conduit. A perforated tube surrounding the outlet pipe provides an annulus fluid passage, water is supplied to the structure volume, and the crude oil is emptied through the at least one fluid conduit, through the perforations in the perforated tube, through the annulus fluid passage to the first outlet pipe.

Abstract: In a hydrocarbon field including multiple production wells and injection wells, at a hydrocarbon field level, a long-term field-level target and optional long-term well-level targets for the field are received by a field-level processor. The long-term field-level target including a long-term field-level production target indicating a quantity of hydrocarbons to be produced and a long-term field-level injection target indicating a quantity of fluid to be injected into the field. The field-level processor determines short-term individual production targets for the production wells and short-term individual injection targets for the injection wells to achieve the long-term field-level target. At an individual well level, individual hydrocarbon productions of the production wells or individual fluid injections of the injection wells are controlled, by at least one individual well-level processor independent of the field-level processor, to achieve the long-term field-level target.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe and a sand screen positioned about an outer surface of the base pipe. An annular flow ring is positioned about the outer surface of the base pipe and is operatively coupled to the sand screen. The annular flow ring includes a cylindrical outer sleeve, a cylindrical inner sleeve received within and coupled to the outer sleeve, and a plurality of radial projections extending radially inward from the inner sleeve to radially support the annular flow ring against the outer surface of the base pipe. A flow annulus is defined between the outer surface of the base pipe and the annular flow ring and the sand screen, and the plurality of radial projections extends into the flow annulus.

Abstract: A composite drill gun for use in a wellbore environment can include a detonation housing containing a detonation source, a composite carrier containing one or more encapsulated charges, and a detonation train connecting the detonation source to the encapsulated charges. The detonation source and each individual encapsulated charge are all sealed with respect to the wellbore environment, and thus the carrier need not be sealed with respect to the wellbore environment. The carrier can be made out of composite materials without worry of leaks into the interior of the carrier, as the detonation source and encapsulated charges are all sealed with respect to the wellbore environment. The composite carrier can be easily drilled out of the wellbore after detonation.

Abstract: A fluid pump apparatus for an artificial lift system has a barrel, a standing valve positioned at a lower end of the barrel, a plunger reciprocatingly mounted within the barrel, and a traveling valve positioned in an interior of the plunger so as to control fluid flow through the plunger. The barrel has an opening at a top thereof and an opening at a lower end thereof. The standing valve is movable between an open position and a closed position. The plunger has a first aperture at an upper portion of the plunger and a second aperture extending through a wall of the plunger so as to open to a channel extending longitudinally through the plunger. The traveling valve has a head portion of the body extending downwardly from the head portion. The body is slidably movable within an interior of the plunger. The body has a fluid-passing channel therein that opens to an exterior of the body.

Abstract: Wellbore tubulars including selective stimulation ports (SSPs) sealed with sealing devices and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. The wellbore tubulars include a tubular body that defines a tubular conduit and a plurality of selective stimulation ports. Each selective stimulation port includes an SSP conduit and a sealing device seat. The wellbore tubulars further include a plurality of sealing devices. Each sealing device includes a primary sealing portion that is seated on a corresponding sealing device seat and forms a primary seal with the corresponding sealing device seat. Each sealing device also includes a secondary sealing portion that extends from the primary sealing portion and forms a secondary seal between the primary sealing portion and the corresponding sealing device seat. The methods include methods of stimulating a subterranean formation utilizing the wellbore tubulars.

Abstract: Method comprising introducing a proppant-free fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation to create or enhance one or more fractures; providing binding agent-coated proppant comprising proppant coated with a binding agent; and introducing, in alternating order, a proppant-laden fluid and a spacer fluid into one or more of the fractures. The proppant-laden fluid comprises a base fluid and binding agent-coated proppant, and the spacer fluid comprises a base fluid and degradable ultra-low density particulates. And forming a proppant pack in the fracture, wherein the proppant pack comprises binding agent-coated proppant and degradable ultra-low density particulates; producing hydrocarbons through the proppant pack; wherein the hydrocarbons degrade the degradable ultra-low density particulates to leave behind particulate-free channels.

Abstract: A system for separating liquid and gas flowing through a multiphase pipeline, said system comprising: A riser (8) having an upper end (2) and a lower end (10), said riser being at its lower end configured to receive fluid from said multiphase pipeline (4) and having means for delivering (5) of gas at its upper end, said riser further comprising valve means (6) for adjusting the flow at which the gas is delivered through the upper end of said riser; a pipe (7) to be arranged outside or inside the riser, said pipe having an upper part (3) and a lower part (9), where the lower part is connected to or inserted into the riser, thereby creating a liquid flow path between the riser and the lower part of the pipe, said pipe having a liquid intake (11) configured to receive liquid from a liquid column in said riser, and said upper end of said pipe being configured to deliver said liquid, said pipe further comprising means for adjusting the flow at which said liquid is delivered through the upper end of said pipe; leve

Abstract: A method for drilling a well includes prescribing a drill recipe using a drill analysis engine based on a field-specific model. The drill recipe identifies prescribed segments. Each prescribed segment of the prescribed segments includes a start depth. The method further includes initiating drilling of the well based on the drill recipe; detecting a drill event inconsistent with the drill recipe; prescribing an adjusted drill recipe using the drill analysis engine based on the field-specific model in response to the drill event, the adjusted drill recipe including adjusted prescribed segments; and drilling the well based on the adjusted drill recipe.

Abstract: A method for selecting drilling parameters for drilling a borehole penetrating the earth with a drill string. The method includes: measuring vibration-related amplitudes of the drill string during operation using one or more vibrations sensor to provide amplitude measurements; determining with a downhole processor one or more modal properties comprising one or more eigenfrequencies of the drill string using the amplitude measurements, the determination being made by including any excitation force in a white noise term of a model of the drillstring; and selecting drilling parameters that apply an excitation force at a frequency that avoids a selected range of frequencies that bound the one or more eigenfrequencies using the processor.

Abstract: A downhole tool for operation within a wellbore and including a transmitter array and first and second receiver arrays. The transmitter array includes a plurality of transmitters azimuthally distributed around a longitudinal axis of the downhole tool at a first axial location of the downhole tool. The first receiver array includes a plurality of first receivers azimuthally distributed around the longitudinal axis at a second axial location axially offset from the first axial location. The second receiver array includes a plurality of second receivers azimuthally distributed around the longitudinal axis at a third axial location axially offset from the first and second axial locations.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for directional drilling are described. The system includes one or more controllers and is configured to receive data from a plurality of downhole sensors, provide operational control signals, determine a relationship between different parameters, receive current data including at least one of current differential pressure (DP), weight-on-bit (WOB), or rotations per minute (RPM) of a drill bit, and estimate at least one of current toolface orientation or current shock and vibration of the drill bit using the current data and the determined relationship. The system is further configured to provide operational control signals that may adjust the current toolface orientation to a desired toolface orientation. Current WOB and/or current RPM are adjusted to minimize current shock and vibration of a portion of a bottom hole assembly (BHA).

Abstract: A method can include measuring microseismic activity in a relief wellbore, thereby detecting a microseismic event in an earth formation penetrated by the relief wellbore, and determining a location of an influx into a target wellbore, based on the microseismic event detecting. A microseismic ranging system for use with a subterranean well can include at least one microseismic sensor in a relief wellbore that penetrates an earth formation, with the microseismic sensor detecting a microseismic event in the formation, the microseismic event being caused by an influx into a target wellbore. Another method can include measuring optical scattering in an optical waveguide positioned in a relief wellbore, thereby detecting a microseismic event in an earth formation penetrated by the relief wellbore, and determining a location of an influx into a target wellbore, based on the microseismic event detecting.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor is disposed in the elastomer of the stator of the mud motor in order to sense elastomer strain while drilling. The frequencies of micro stalls and stick slips are measured from the fiber optic sensor data by classification using thresholds or by converting time-domain measurements from the fiber optic sensor data to frequencies. For example, the frequencies are produced by accumulating a histogram over an interval of time or by computing a Discrete Fourier Transform over an interval of time. A plurality of fiber optic sensors also can sense angular position of the rotor of the mud motor for correlation of the micro stalls and stick slips with the angular position. The measurements of the micro stalls and stick slips are used to select remedial action such as changes in drilling parameters.

Abstract: Methods of acoustically communicating and wells that utilize the methods are disclosed herein. The methods generally utilize an acoustic wireless network including a plurality of nodes spaced-apart along a length of a tone transmission medium and include determining a major frequency of a received acoustic tone transmitted via the tone transmission medium.

Abstract: An azimuthally acoustic imaging logging while drilling (LWD) apparatus employs two sets of transmitting transducers to excite multipole mode waves. One set is high-frequency monopole and polarized pole transmitting transducers, and the other set is low-frequency dipole and quadrupole transmitting transducers. Separation of a high-frequency transmitting state from a low-frequency transmitting state is realized by using a dual-row transmission solution. Each set of transmitting transducers operates at transducer resonance points through a matching circuit, thereby greatly increasing the transmitted energy.

Abstract: A control valve assembly includes a body including a mud flow passage having a mud flow inlet and a mud flow outlet, a magnetic plunger slidingly mounted within the body, and a solenoid mounted at the body about the magnetic plunger. The solenoid is selectively activated to shift the magnetic plunger between a first position covering the mud flow outlet and a second position exposing the mud flow outlet allowing a pulse of mud to flow through the mud flow passage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing the placement of perforation clusters in horizontal wells for completion include conveying a carrier through a borehole into a horizontal section of the borehole; obtaining acoustic data using one or more acoustic sensors; defining a first location for each of a plurality of perforation clusters based on a geometrical distribution; identifying a minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) for each first location based on the acoustic data; calculating a differential net pressure for the first locations based on the minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) for each first location; adjusting the location of each of the plurality of perforation clusters to a respective second location such that the differential net pressure of the second locations is less than the differential net pressure of the first locations; and deploying a plurality of perforation clusters to the second locations such that fracturing of a formation at the second locations is achieved.

Abstract: A borehole fluid imaging system includes a plurality of radiation sources located circumferentially around the borehole. A plurality of radiation detectors are located circumferentially around the borehole. The plurality of radiation detectors detect the radiation transmitted by each of the respective ones of the plurality of radiation sources. A controller is coupled to the plurality of radiation detectors to determine an attenuation of the radiation at the plurality of detectors and generate an image of the fluid in response to the attenuation of the radiation.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus suitable for creating tunnels and subterranean roadways includes independently pivoting supports that each carries a respective independently pivoting arm and a rotatable cutting head. Each cutting head via the supports and arms is configured to slew laterally outward in a sideways direction and to pivot in a vertical upward and downward direction. The supports and arms are mounted on a linear moving sled carried by a main frame.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus suitable for creating tunnels and subterranean roadways includes independently pivoting supports that each carry a respective independently pivoting arm and a rotatable cutting head. Each cutting head, via the supports and arms, is configured to slew laterally outward in a sideways direction and to pivot in a vertical upward and downward direction. The supports and arms are mounted on a linear moving sled carried by a main frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for monitoring a condition of a mine roof using a longwall mining system. A plurality of powered roof supports is controlled to apply an adjustable support pressure on a mine roof. A condition of the mine roof is monitored based on the adjustable support pressure applied to the roof by a respective actuator of each powered roof support. In some implementations, the condition of the mine roof is monitored by generating and analyzing a graphical pressure map based on the adjustable support pressure applied by each powered roof support and a relative position of a shearer moving across the mine face. In some implementations, roof collapse events are detected based on temporally similar changes in the adjustable support pressure applied by multiple adjacent powered roof supports as indicated by the graphical pressure map.

Abstract: A turbine engine rotor component has a Ti-based first member (66) circumscribing an axis (500) and has either a circumferential array of integrally formed airfoils (62) or a circumferential array of blade retention features. A TiB particulate reinforced second member (90) also circumscribes the axis.

Abstract: A turbine blade having labyrinth of internal channels for circulation of coolant, the novel labyrinth geometry includes; inlet arranged on axially upstream face of terminal portion leading to an upstream duct portion having first section adjacent the inlet and a second section, the second section having reduced cross section compared to first section; a first passage intersecting first section and extending through the blade body towards tip of the blade, a proximal end of leading edge passage arranged to capture incoming air flow; a main blade passage intersecting a downstream duct portion, the downstream duct portion arranged in axial alignment with the upstream duct portion but separate from upstream duct portion; and a restrictor passage intersecting with the mid-blade passage and extending towards a mid-blade duct portion, the mid-blade duct portion in axial alignment with the upstream and downstream duct portions and in fluid communication with the upstream duct portion.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine rotor includes a rotor that provides a cooling cavity. The cooling cavity has a first chamber and a second chamber that are fluidly connected to one another by a passageway. At least one of the first and second rotor portions is configured to support a blade that is fluidly isolated from the cavity. A phase change material is arranged in the cavity. The phase change material is configured to be arranged in the first chamber in a first state and in the second chamber in the second state. The passageway is configured to carry the phase change material between the second and first chambers once changed between the first and second states.

Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a platform that axially extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge and circumferentially extends between a first mate face and a second mate face and a trench disposed on at least one of the first mate face and the second mate face. A plurality of cooling holes are axially disposed within the trench.

Abstract: An engine comprises an airfoil having at least one internal cooling circuit extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the engine. The cooling circuit is defined by at least one rib extending across an interior of the airfoil and at least one internal wall defining an internal passage. The internal wall further defines one or more near wall cooling passages. A thermal stress reduction structure is provided between the rib and the internal wall, providing efficient cooling at a junction between the rib and the internal wall.

Abstract: A rotor blade according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a platform, an airfoil that extends from the platform, a first cooling core that extends at least partially inside the airfoil, a second cooling core inside of the platform and a first cooling hole that extends between a mate face of the platform and the second cooling core.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes opposing walls that provide an interior cooling passage. One of the walls has a turbulator with a hook that is enclosed within the walls.

Abstract: A structure for disrupting the flow of a fluid comprises and a second lateral wall spaced apart from one another, yet joined, by a floor and a ceiling; and, (b) a vorticor pin extending in a direction parallel to an X-axis, the vorticor pin concurrently rising above and extending away from the floor to a height, in a direction parallel to a Y-axis, the vorticor pin comprising: (i) a front surface extending incompletely between the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall, the front surface extending above the floor and having an arcuate portion that is transverse with respect to a Z-axis, which is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis, and (ii) a rear surface extending between the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall, the rear surface extending between the front surface and the floor, the rear surface having an inclining section that tapers in height, taken parallel to the Y-axis, in a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

Abstract: An airfoil includes an exterior wall, a trailing edge pin bank, and an impingement system. The exterior wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface and defines a first interior space. The impingement system is disposed within the first interior space and is configured to channel a coolant stream to the exterior wall. The coolant stream has a velocity. The impingement system includes an interior wall which defines a second interior space and a plurality of impingement holes having an impingement hole density. The impingement system also includes dividing walls extending from the interior wall to the exterior wall. The interior wall, exterior wall, and dividing walls define a first and second zone. A first dividing wall is coupled to the trailing edge pin bank and separates the first and second zones. The impingement hole density configured to separately meter flow to the first and second zones.

Abstract: A component for a turbomachine having at least one region made of an intermetallic material which is formed from an intermetallic compound or comprises an intermetallic phase as the largest constituent. The intermetallic material is compacted and/or modified in microstructure by microplasticization at least partially at a surface or interface in a region close to the surface or interface.

Abstract: A fan for gas turbine engine that includes hub and annular array of fan blades mounted to hub and extending radially outwardly from hub, each fan blade includes blade root. The hub includes a plurality of hub grooves having shape complimentary to shape of blade root and each hub groove receives and radially retains one blade root. A slot is provided on the suction side and on the pressure side of each blade root. Plurality of keys is provided, each key engages with slots in one blade root and with corresponding hub groove so as to axially retain fan blade. The key includes two arms and joining member, two arms are received in slots provided on blade root and joining member extends between the arms. Interface is defined between key arms and slots in blade root, and greater or equal percentage of interface is curved than is planar.

Abstract: A minidisk for a rotor system may comprise a balance flange defining a hole array, which may include a first hole having a first width. The first hole may be configured to receive a balance weight. A second hole and a third hole may have a second width. The second hole and the third hole may be disposed adjacent to the first hole. The second width may be greater than the first width.

Abstract: An expansion turbine including a turbine housing, a plurality of variable nozzles inside the turbine housing at intervals in a circumferential direction of the expansion turbine, the variable nozzles being configured to be rotatable about a rotation shaft, and a turbine wheel disposed rotatably inside the turbine housing, the turbine wheel including a plurality of turbine blades disposed downstream of the variable nozzles. The turbine housing has a first wall surface which faces tips of the turbine blades, and a second wall surface which faces the first wall surface across a flow path of the working fluid. A blade height of the variable nozzles at an outlet side is greater than a blade height of the turbine blades at an inlet side.

Abstract: A stator vane assembly includes a plurality of distinct vane segments that each respectively include a first platform, a second platform and at least one vane airfoil connected at opposed ends thereof to the first platform and the second platform. The first platforms meet at distinct first joints with each other, and the second platforms meet at distinct second joints with each other such that the plurality of vane segments forms an annular structure.

Abstract: A turbomachine subassembly has a radially inner shell and a radially outer shell of an annular gas flow path. A radial arm extends radially between the radially inner and outer shells and delimits an isolated volume which is connected to an inner volume of a chamber partly delimited by the radially inner shell. A segment of a conduit extends radially in the isolated volume, and a ventilation air supply source is connected to supply ventilation air to the isolated volume, whereby ventilation air may be supplied to the chamber through the isolated volume. An external radial end of the radial arm supports a first connection box that closes it off. The internal volume of the radial arm communicates with the ventilation air supply source. An external cylindrical wall of the first connection box fits inside an internal cylindrical wall of the external radial end of the radial arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion machine (20), comprising an output shaft (24) and a shaft sealing ring (25) that interacts with the output shaft. The expansion machine (20) has an inflow region (21) and an outflow region (22). During operation, a working medium flows through the expansion machine (20), wherein compressed working medium flows into the inflow region (21) and expanded working medium flows out of the outflow region (22). The shaft sealing ring (25) separates a valve space (11) filled with working medium from a surrounding space (40). A valve (10) is arranged in the expansion machine (20). The pressure in the valve space (11) can be controlled by means of the valve (10).

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is disclosed with a turbine section having at least one turbine rotor with a plurality of turbine blades, a plurality of blade tracks positioned circumferentially around the turbine blades, at least one dovetail shaped connecting member extending radially outward from each blade track, and a hanger connected to a structural member of the gas turbine engine and configured to releasably couple with the at least one dovetail shaped connecting member of a corresponding blade track.

Abstract: A turbomachine blade clearance system can include an actuator having an anchor portion for fixation to an interior surface of a turbomachine housing and an actuating portion for actuating movement relative to the anchor portion. A turbomachine blade seal can be operatively connected to the actuating portion of the actuator and configured to move relative to the turbomachine housing to adjust a distance from a turbomachine blade of a turbomachine to maintain a predetermined gap clearance between the blade seal and the blade.

Abstract: An active clearance control system for a gas turbine engine includes a ring seal engageable with a multiple of air seal segments.

Abstract: A clearance control assembly for providing clearance control between a blade outer air seal and an airfoil tip of a gas turbine engine includes an outer case, a first blade outer air seal carrier, a blade outer air seal, an actuator, a load-applying member, and a lever. The first blade outer air seal carrier is positioned radially inward of the outer case. The blade outer air seal is positioned radially inward of and mounted to the blade outer air seal carrier. The load-applying member is positioned to be acted upon by the actuator during operation of the actuator. The lever is connected to the case and is operably in contact with the load-applying member and the first blade outer air seal carrier.

Abstract: A variable geometry turbine turbocharger (1) includes a gear driven adjustment ring actuator mechanism (300) supported within a housing (16) via a resilient mount (70) disposed between the mechanism (300) and housing (16). The gear driven adjustment ring actuator mechanism (300) rotates an adjustment ring (350), which in turn adjusts the position of the vanes (30) of the variable geometry turbine (2). The resilient mount (70) accommodates the heat-related expansion and contraction of the gear driven adjustment ring actuator mechanism (300).