Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical discharge generating device for cleaning an equipment arranged in a wellbore of a subterranean formation in order to improve the recovery of formation fluids and/or gases, said electrical discharge generating device comprising a discharge unit for generating at least one electrical discharge that propagates at least one shock wave for cleaning from said equipment, wherein said electrical discharge generating device further comprises a retaining module configured for retaining a volume of liquid in order to immerse the discharge unit.

Abstract: A lateral propulsion apparatus positioned onto a drillstring comprising a tubular housing, venturi nozzles, an impeller, and flow ports. The apparatus utilizes both the venturi effect as well as rotational forces to cause wellbore fluid to travel from an area of high pressure near a lower end toward an area of lower pressure near an upper end urging the apparatus further into a non-vertical wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wellsite system for electric drive fracturing, including a gas source, a power supply system, electric drive fracturing equipments, electric drive sand blenders, a sand supply equipment, a liquid supply equipment, instrumentation, and two high-low pressure manifolds, wherein the power supply system is a gas turbine generator set, the gas source provides fuel for the gas turbine generator set, the gas turbine generator set provides power for the electric drive fracturing equipments and the electric drive sand blenders respectively, the sand supply equipment and the liquid supply equipment are both connected to input ends of the electric drive sand blenders, output ends of the electric drive sand blenders are connected to the electric drive fracturing equipment through one high-low pressure manifold, the electric drive fracturing equipments are connected to a wellhead through the other high-low pressure manifold, the instrumentation is used for remote control of the electric dr

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of completing a wellbore (10) includes positioning an expandable tubular having a support layer (121) disposed on an exterior of the expandable tubular inside a casing (15); mechanically expanding the tubular and the support layer, wherein a distance between an outer diameter of the support layer and the inner diameter of the casing is sufficient to prevent burst of the tubular; and hydraulically expanding the support layer into contact with the casing.

Abstract: A firing head assembly is described. The firing head assembly includes a tubular housing, upper piston and lower pistons, and a compressible member arranged within a lumen of the tubular housing and positioned between the upper and lower pistons. According to an aspect, the assembly includes a safety assembly that includes a sleeve having a zigzag shaped slot therein. The safety assembly may include a key that radially extends from a surface of one of the pistons, through the zigzag shaped slot. The distance between the upper and lower pistons may be adjusted by adjusting a pressure inside the tubular housing and a second pressure outside the tubular housing. The upper and lower pistons may function to operatively adjust the arrangement of the key within the zigzag shaped slot to activate the firing head assembly to either trigger an explosive reaction or to not trigger the explosive reaction.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean well includes an electrical submersible pump assembly with a motor, a seal section, and a pump. A packer assembly with a mechanical valve is retrievable with the electrical submersible pump assembly and is a primary high pressure mechanical barrier. A shroud fully encapsulates the electrical submersible pump assembly. An annular seal assembly seals around an outer diameter of the shroud, the shroud and the annular seal assembly together being a secondary high pressure mechanical barrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for maintaining the performance and operational stability of an RF (radio frequency) antenna that is positioned in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, for heating the formation using electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency range. Contaminants such as water or brine, metallic particulates and ionic or organic materials frequently occur in a wellbore being prepared for RF heating, or in an RF antenna installed in the wellbore. Prior to applying RF electrical energy to the formation, the antenna is decontaminated by circulating a preconditioning fluid through the antenna and recovering a spent fluid for treating and recycle. Decontamination is continued while the spent fluid from the antenna includes, but not limited to, water, metallic particles, ionic species, organic compounds contaminants, etc. An operational power level of radio frequency electrical energy is then applied to the decontaminated antenna for providing thermal energy to the hydrocarbon-bearing formation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for maintaining the performance and operational stability of an RF (radio frequency) antenna that is positioned in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, for heating the formation using electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency range. Contaminants such as water or brine, metallic particulates and ionic or organic materials frequently occur in a wellbore being prepared for RF heating, or in an RF antenna installed in the wellbore. Prior to applying RF electrical energy to the formation, the antenna is decontaminated by circulating a preconditioning fluid through the antenna and recovering a spent fluid for treating and recycle. Decontamination is continued while the spent fluid from the antenna includes, but not limited to, water, metallic particles, ionic species, organic compounds contaminants, etc. An operational power level of radio frequency electrical energy is then applied to the decontaminated antenna for providing thermal energy to the hydrocarbon-bearing formation.

Abstract: A system of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations for the extraction of hydrocarbons includes flowing an air and fuel mixture into a well hole. The well hole may then be sealed with a packer plug creating a compression chamber with the air and fuel mixture. A liquid, such as water, may be pumped into the well hole to create pressure in the compression chamber. The build-up of pressure eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation. The water may then rush into the compression chamber which thermally shocks the area causing additional fractures. The water may vaporize to steam and thoroughly disinfect the well hole eliminating the need for added biocides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydraulic fracturing system for driving a plunger pump with a turbine engine, including a fracturing equipment, a high-low pressure manifold, a blending equipment and a sand-mixing equipment; a turbine engine is used as the power source of the fracturing equipment, the turbine engine is fueled by natural gas or diesel and drives the plunger pump to solve the current problems of diesel drive and electric motor drive. The fuel supply of a turbine engine with a dual-fuel system is diverse and not limited, especially when natural gas is used as the fuel, it will save more cost. The supply of natural gas in the whole hydraulic fracturing system is diversified, better meeting the demands of more customers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of sensing tension downhole, such as a tension sensing tool for coupling between opposing first and second portions of a tool string conveyable within a wellbore. The tension sensing tool may include a tension-bearing member, a load cell connected along the tension-bearing member and operable to generate information indicative of tension applied to the tension sensing tool, and electronic equipment communicatively connected with the load cell. The electronic equipment may be operable to record the information generated by the load cell and/or transmit the information generated by the load cell to a wellsite surface from which the wellbore extends.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an electric submersible pump. The method includes acquiring data indicative of surface measurements obtained while the pump is operating in a downhole environment, acquiring data indicative of downhole measurements obtained while the pump is operating in the downhole environment, storing the downhole data in the downhole environment, periodically transmitting the downhole data from the downhole environment to a remote computing device, and establishing a baseline signature profile based on a correlation of the surface data with the downhole data.

Abstract: A method may comprise penetrating a subterranean formation with a bottom hole assembly, determining a revolutions-per-minute (RPM) measurement based on a zero crossing of sinusoidal magnetometer data, determining a gyroscope bias from gyroscope data using the determined RPM measurement, determining bias compensated gyroscope data by subtracting the determined gyroscope bias from the gyroscope data, determining an angular displacement measurement using the bias compensated gyroscope data, determining a selected tool-face measurement, computing a weighted sum of the selected tool-face measurement with the determined bias compensated gyroscope data, and determining a gravitational tool-face measurement from the computed weighted sum. A system may comprise a drilling rig, a pipe string attached to the drilling rig, a bottom hole assembly attached to the pipe string, wherein the bottom hole assembly comprises at least one sensor, a drill bit, and a computing subsystem connected to the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a gas vent system to vent gas from a wellbore that includes a substantially horizontal portion. The method includes determining an initial operating mode of the gas vent system; generating one or more control signals established for the determined initial operation mode; and transmitting the one or more control signals to a gas vent valve that commands the closing or opening of the gas vent valve. A controller for use in venting gas from a wellbore is additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes varying a temperature of a treatment fluid. The treatment fluid is pumped into the first wellbore as part of a fluid diversion process or a fluid treatment process after the temperature of the treatment fluid is varied. A first downhole measurement is obtained in the first wellbore using a cable in the first wellbore or a first sensor coupled to the cable concurrently with or after the fluid diversion process or the fluid treatment process. An additional measurement is obtained concurrently with obtaining the first downhole measurement. The first downhole measurement and the additional measurement are combined or compared. A location where the treatment fluid is flowing through perforations in the first wellbore is determined based upon the combining or comparing the first downhole measurement and the additional measurement.

Abstract: A method, a system, tools for use by the system, and an interpretation method for injecting and detecting tracers and conducting flow characterizing of a petroleum well are provided. The method describes monitoring of travel time and slip velocity between two/three different phases (oil/water and possibly gas) in the well. The travel time and slip velocity are determined using an injection tool for injection of an over pressurized injection, thus simultaneous injection to all phases, of the partitioning tracers each of which would follow certain phase. The tracers are detected by a tracer detector downstream the injector. The slip velocity is obtained from the difference of travel time of two tracers which partition to two different phases.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring a species which is a component of a fluid. The sensor includes an internal reflection window which, in use, is in direct contact with the fluid. The sensor further includes a mid-infrared light source which directs a beam of mid-infrared radiation into said window for attenuated internal reflection at an interface between the window and the fluid. The sensor further includes a first narrow bandpass filter which preferentially transmits mid-infrared radiation over a band of wavelengths corresponding to an absorbance peak of the species. The sensor further includes an infrared detector which detects filtered mid-infrared radiation transmitted through the first filter and a processor for measuring the intensity of the detected mid-infrared radiation transmitted through the first filter, and determines therefrom an amount of the species in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting and/or receiving energy in a borehole penetrating a subsurface formation includes a tubular assembly having a tubing mandrel and a sleeve at least partially surrounding a circumference of the tubing mandrel, wherein the tubing mandrel includes a cavity and the sleeve defines at least a portion of an opening over the cavity. The apparatus also includes a transducer assembly disposed in the cavity and configured for transmitting and/or receiving the energy, wherein the transducer assembly upon relative movement of the tubing mandrel with respect to the sleeve is displaced radially.

Abstract: A system, downhole tool, and method for lowering the downhole tool having a compact antenna test range (CATR) system into a wellbore in a geological formation to monitor a property downhole in the wellbore via the downhole tool.

Abstract: An asymmetric coordinated support device for gob side entry is provided. The device includes an inner support board, an outer roadway side support assembly, an outer roof support assembly, and a flexible reinforcement layer, wherein the inner support board is supported to an innermost side closest to a rock layer to be supported in an extending direction of the roadway, and wherein a side of the inner support board remote from the rock layer is provided with the outer roadway side support assembly extending along the roadway direction and the outer roof support assembly located on a roof of the outer roadway side support assembly.

Abstract: A motor includes a housing, a shaft, a bearing, a bearing plate, and a seal. The housing includes first and second housing components directly engaging one another along a housing interface. The housing at least in part defines a sealed chamber. The shaft is at least in part received in the chamber. The bearing rotatably supports the shaft. The bearing plate is enclosed within the housing. The bearing plate supports the bearing within the housing. The seal is disposed along the housing interface. The bearing plate is spaced inwardly from the housing interface and the seal.

Abstract: A method of determining a remaining life in a component and a rotatable machine system are provided. The rotatable machine system includes a plurality of valves coupled in flow communication with a rotatable machine of the rotatable machine system, a plurality of sensors configured to receive operating parameters associated with the rotatable machine and the plurality of valves, and an online valve lifetime counter (OVLIC), including a processor communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. The OVLIC is configured to determine a trend of differential temperature across a body of a valve of the plurality of valves, convert the trend of differential temperature to a stress induced into the valve over time, and determine life remaining in the valve based on a total damage of the valve wherein the total damage is a function of creep damage and fatigue damage to the valve.

Abstract: A rotor for use in an aircraft engine, that has been repaired by (a) welding together a first portion of a damaged blade of the rotor and a second portion of metal to form a weld nugget, (b) compressively stressing the weld nugget throughout its volume, and (c) heat treating the compressively stressed weld nugget to recrystallize metal therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for manufacturing a turbomachine fan comprising a plurality of blades mounted on a disc extending along a longitudinal axis, said method comprising the following steps of: —measuring (102) at least one structural parameter of each of the blades in the cold state, and, for each of the blades, estimating (103) at least one structural parameter in operation relating to a blade from the structural parameter(s) measured on said blade in the cold state, —determining (104) an optimal sequence of the blades around the disc from the structural parameters estimated in operation for each of the blades, and —mounting (105) the blades on the disc in the optimal sequence thus determined.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application provide one or more of: (1) auxiliary wheel that (a) enables accurate speed detection of a turbine disc and/or (b) presents a machining surface for balance correction; and/or (2) techniques for mounting an auxiliary wheel to a rotor, such as a turbine disc.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a turbo-machine impeller, which includes a hub and a plurality of blades, using powder material in an additive-manufacturing process. The method includes: applying energy to the powder material by way of a high energy source, and solidifying the powder material. At least one bulky portion of the hub is irradiated such that the powder material solidifies in a lattice structure surrounded by an outer solid skin structure enclosing the lattice structure.

Abstract: A turbine rotor blade assembly in which values A, CF, T, and L are set to satisfy the following expression in two-dimensional coordinates, 1.2×105?(A×CF)/(T×L)?17×105, where (A×CF)/(T×L) is an expression (1), A is an arm length [mm] of each of turbine rotor blades, CF is centrifugal force [kgf] occurring on each of the turbine rotor blades, T is a thickness [mm] of each of shrouds, and L is a lap amount [mm] of the shrouds adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine that includes a fan blade having a tip, a root, a pressure side, a suction side, a trailing edge and a leading edge, the fan blade including a laminate body defined by a plurality of plies comprising reinforcement fibres, wherein an angle of the fibres in the plies from the trailing edge to the leading edge at the suction side and/or the pressure side of the blade are arranged such that the laminate body is unbalanced so that, during rotation of the fan blade, the fan blade deforms such that a centre of mass of the blade rotates about a centre of rotation of the fan so as to move the centre of mass towards a balanced position.

Abstract: A stator vane support with anti-rotation features is provided. The stator vane support may comprise an inner diameter surface opposite an outer diameter surface. The stator vane support may comprise an anti-rotation lug defining a protrusion extending inward from the inner diameter surface. The stator vane support may have a first recess defining a first void on the inner diameter surface proximate a first surface of the anti-rotation lug. The stator vane support may have a second recess defining a second void on the inner diameter surface proximate a second surface of the anti-rotation lug. The anti-rotation lug may be configured to interface with a stator vane to at least partially limit circumferential movement, and each recess may be configured to allow the stator vane to thermally expand during gas turbine engine operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing assembly for a fluid kinetic machine, in particular for an aircraft engine, for sealing a radial gap between a rotor and a stator, including at least one sealing support for retaining and/or fixing at least one sealing element, wherein the sealing support includes a first and a second radial web extending in a radial extension direction as well as an axial web extending in an axial extension direction, firmly bonded to the radial webs, and the radial webs form a receptacle for receiving an element of the stator. Therein, the radial webs are formed as sheet elements formed elongated in radial direction, wherein a radially interior end of the radial webs is respectively firmly bonded, in particular welded, to a radially exterior surface of the axial web.

Abstract: A method of limiting circumferential rotation of a split-ring seal for use in a gas turbine engine includes inserting a retention block through a slot in a flange of a support structure and into a groove configured to hold a split-ring seal, and engaging an end of a split-ring seal in the groove with a surface of the retention block.

Abstract: A magnetic seal system adapted for use between a support structure and a rotatable shaft. The seal system includes a rotating annular seal assembly surrounding the shaft and rotating therewith, which includes an annular seal, and a non-rotating biasing assembly sealingly mounted to the support structure around the shaft and axially engaging the annular seal assembly. The biasing assembly includes an annular magnet unit axially displaceable relative to the shaft and supported surrounding the shaft. The annular magnet unit exerting an attracting force on the annular seal assembly to biasingly displace the annular magnet unit towards the annular seal. A bias member unit is also provided for non-magnetically biasing the annular magnet unit axially relative to the shaft towards the annular seal. Adjacent contacting surfaces between the annular seal and the annular magnet unit biasingly contact one another to form a sealing interface therebetween.

Abstract: A turbine shroud assembly including an outer shroud arranged within a turbine and further comprising opposed extending portions. The turbine shroud assembly further including an inner shroud shielding the outer shroud from a gas flowing along a gas path within the turbine during operation of the turbine and comprising opposed first and second arcuate portions extending around and in direct contact with a corresponding extending portion of the outer shroud for supporting the inner shroud from the outer shroud. The turbine shroud assembly further including a spline seal extending between the first and second arcuate portions and positioned between the inner shroud and the outer shroud. The turbine shroud assembly further including at least one of the inner shroud, the outer shroud and the spline seal including at least one protrusion for maintaining positive retention of the spline seal during non-operation of the turbine.

Abstract: A system includes a trip manifold assembly (TMA). The TMA includes a plurality of block valves configured to receive a flow of fluid from a hydraulic power unit (HPU), and a plurality of solenoid valves configured to admit the flow of fluid to actuate the plurality of block valves, a plurality of dump valves, and a plurality of relay valves of the TMA. The plurality of solenoid valves is configured to admit a respective portion of the flow of fluid. The plurality of dump valves is configured to depressurize a trip header of the TMA as an output to operate a plurality of stop valves coupled to a turbine system. The TMA is configured to regulate the flow of fluid to control the operation of the plurality of stop valves as a mechanism to interrupt an operation of the turbine system.

Abstract: A turbine blade ring segment includes an inner panel mounted to an inner surface of a turbine casing, the inner panel including a plurality of flow holes for supplying cooling air from an outside of the turbine casing; and an outer panel disposed on one surface of the inner panel, the outer panel including a plurality of air passages communicating with the flow holes formed in the inner panel. The passages include a first flow passage formed in a central portion of the outer panel to guide the supplied cooling air in a flow direction of the combustion gas, a second flow passage formed in the outer panel separately from the first flow passage to guide the supplied cooling air in the flow direction of the combustion gas, and a third flow passage communicating with the second flow passage to feed the supplied cooling air to the second flow passage.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing between an oil cavity and an air cavity of a gas turbine is provided. The sealing assembly comprising a seal having a seal element and a circumferential seal housing receiving the seal element. The seal housing has an annulus extending circumferentially around a center axis, radially between an outer periphery and an inner periphery, and axially along the center axis between a first surface and a second surface. The seal housing has a collecting channel defined circumferentially in the inner periphery about the center axis and a draining pocket defined in a portion of the seal housing configured and disposed to in use collect liquid oil during engine operation. The draining pocket extends from the collecting channel to the first surface and configured to communicate collected liquid oil from the collecting channel to the oil cavity.

Abstract: In a gas turbine exhaust member and an exhaust chamber maintenance method, the gas turbine exhaust member is provided with: an inside diffuser that forms a tubular shape and is divided into multiple parts in the circumferential direction; a first seal housing that forms a tubular shape and is integrally formed in the circumferential direction, the front end of which being coupled to the rear end of the inside diffuser; a second seal housing that forms a tubular shape and is integrally formed in the circumferential direction, the front end of which being coupled to the rear end of the first seal housing; and a supporting coupling part that supports the rear end of the first seal housing and the front end of the second seal housing so as to allow the rear end and the front end to move in the axial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting a guide vane carrier relative to a turbine casing. The apparatus has a guide device with a first region and a second region, wherein the first region is arranged in a recess of the guide vane carrier and the second region is arranged in a recess of the casing. The second region of the guide device has a guide channel with a first internal thread, wherein a first adjusting element with a first external thread is arranged in the guide channel. The first external thread can be screwed together with the first internal thread. The first adjusting element can be arranged in the guide channel such that, when the guide device is supported against a support surface of the recess, a force flow runs through the first adjusting element from the recess to the guide device.

Abstract: A transition piece support structure for a gas turbine combustor, and a method of installing same, reliably prevent leakage at the flange of a lower-side combustor, which is greatly influenced by gravity. The structure supports a rear end portion of a transition piece when fixed to a turbine end and includes a flange provided at a rear end of the transition piece, to be coupled to the end of the turbine, the flange having a shape to fit a periphery of a turbine inlet; a support bracket integrated with an upper surface of a flow sleeve surrounding an outer surface of the transition piece, to face the end of the turbine coupled to the flange; and a connection piece fixed to the end of the turbine and configured to be coupled to the support bracket in a hinged manner allowing the flange to pivotally approach the turbine inlet.

Abstract: A method of heat recovery from a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) fractionation plant for generating power and sub-ambient cooling, the method including heating a buffer fluid in a heat exchanger with heat from the NGL fractionation plant, and generating power and sub-ambient cooling via a sub-system having a power turbine with heat from the buffer fluid.

Abstract: An engine comprises a plurality of rotating eccentric cams on a cam rail, a valve train mechanism, and respective followers wherein at least one of the respective followers has a respective first end in contact with a respective rotating eccentric cam and a respective second end in contact with the valve train mechanism, a body extending between the first end and the second end, and a follower fluid port. The engine further comprises an oil gallery bore parallel to the cam rail wherein the oil gallery bore is configured to supply oil to the respective follower through its fluid port. The engine further comprises a gallery insert placed in the oil gallery bore and is configured to abut the respective follower to prevent axial rotation with respect to the cam rail. The engine further comprises a gallery insert abut a flat surface of a follower to prevent axial rotation.

Abstract: A camshaft adjusting system (1) is provided for a first camshaft (2) and a second camshaft (3) which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another, the second camshaft (3) being arranged within the first camshaft (2). A vane-cell type hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) is configured for adjusting the first camshaft (2) and an electric camshaft adjuster (5) is configured for adjusting the second camshaft (3). A front cover (7) which is fastened to a stator (6) of the hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) and which closes off the camshaft adjuster (4) at a side facing away from the camshaft has an internal toothing (8) for supporting a flex pot (9) which is attached to the second camshaft (3) and which is designed for receiving torque from the electric camshaft adjuster (5). A camshaft adjusting unit having the camshaft adjusting system (1) and two camshafts (2, 3) is also provided.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated camshaft phaser includes a camshaft sprocket having a plurality of teeth configured to engage an endless loop that transmits angular motion from the crankshaft to the hydraulically-actuated camshaft phaser; a rotor, coupled with the camshaft sprocket to prevent angular movement between the camshaft sprocket and the rotor, that includes one or more vanes extending radially outwardly forming a plurality of fluid chambers; and a housing that selectively changes angular position relative to the rotor and the crankshaft and is configured to be linked with a variable phase camshaft to change the angular position of the variable phase camshaft relative to the crankshaft.

Abstract: Cam phasing systems and methods are provided. In particular, a cam phasing system is provided that includes a reduced number of components when compared to current mechanical cam phasing systems. The cam phasing system includes a helix locking design that is configured to frictionally lock an helix rod during cam torque pulses.

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser mounted to a camshaft and including a housing assembly having an outer circumference for accepting a drive force; a rotor assembly received by the housing assembly defining a chamber separated into an advance chamber and retard chamber by a vane; a control valve in fluid communication with the advance chamber and the retard chamber, a source of fluid, and a sump through at least one exhaust line connected to at least one exhaust port; and at least one check valve in the at least one exhaust line between the control valve and the sump. The at least one check valve prevents air from the sump connected to the at least one exhaust port from being sucked into the variable cam timing phaser through the at least one exhaust port during a torque reversal of the camshaft.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes: intake and exhaust ports; an intake valve including an intake valve shaft and an intake valve head; and an exhaust valve including an exhaust valve shaft and an exhaust valve head. The surface of the intake valve includes an intake-valve-head front surface exposed in a combustion chamber when the intake valve is closed and an intake-valve-head back surface exposed in the intake port when the intake valve is closed. The surface of the exhaust valve includes an exhaust-valve-head front surface exposed in the combustion chamber when the exhaust valve is closed and an exhaust-valve-head back surface exposed in the exhaust port when the exhaust valve is closed. The arithmetic mean roughness of the whole exhaust-valve-head back surface is greater than the arithmetic mean roughness of each of the whole intake-valve-head front surface, the whole intake-valve-head back surface and the whole exhaust-valve-head front surface.

Abstract: A valve comprising a rotor, the rotor comprising two passageways and two or more sealing faces. The valve allowing for controlling air flow between four directions. The valve can be capable of operating in a number of operation modes depending on a position of the rotor. The valve design can include a valve-housing with three ports in plane with a first plane and one port normal to the first plane. A rotary valve provides a plurality of predetermined flow modes between four ports. The valve comprises an outer layer and a rotatable inner layer. The inner layer allows for a number of different flow configurations between four ports.

Abstract: A reciprocating cylinder seal assembly (10, 10?) has an elastomeric seal, where separate inner (16, 16?) and an outer (18, 18?) valve seal retainers are located within the reciprocating cylinder seal assembly. The reciprocating cylinder seal assembly (10, 10?) better controls radial run out than past seals in reciprocating cylinder engines. Further, the reciprocating cylinder seal assembly may have a scraper (42?) that is in contact with the outer valve seal retainer (18?).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for indicating degradation of a variable displacement oil pump. In one example, an engine method comprises indicating degradation of the oil pump based on a fuel usage change of the engine, responsive to a commanded change in displacement of the variable oil pump. In response to an indicated degradation, engine wear may be avoided and fuel economy may be improved by adjusting engine operation.

Abstract: An oil pan assembly having an oil pan and an intake pipe attached to a bottom of an engine block is provided. The oil pan assembly includes an inner plate mounted to the oil pan so as to be disposed between the oil pan and a bottom surface of the engine block. The inner plate is configured to slow the flow of oil to an intake pipe so as to provide additional time for entrained oil to de-areate.