Abstract: Methods and systems for optical endpoint detection of a sliding sleeve valve are disclosed. The system comprises fiber optic cable based sensors (e.g., fiber Bragg gratings or fiber optic coils) positioned in a recess within the valve's housing and affixed proximate to the ends of the cavity in which the sleeve travels. When the sleeve reaches the ends of the cavity, it imparts a stress onto an area of the housing, which preferably constitutes a protrusion within the cavity, which in turn stresses the sensor and changes its reflection profile. This change in reflection profile indicates that the sleeve has traveled to an end point inside the valve, and accordingly that the valve is fully open or fully closed.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating the position of a movable device in a borehole.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for accurately determining the position of a sliding or rotational sleeve valve in real time are disclosed. The apparatus comprises fiber optic cable based sensors which are either linearly or circumferentially arrayed in the housing that surrounds the sleeve and which can comprise bare cable or cable having fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). As the sleeve slides or rotates within the housing, the sensors in the arrays are deformed, and this deformation can be correlated to sleeve position by assessing the sensor's reflectivity profiles. Deformation of the sensors is achieved by various mechanical and/or magnetic schemes incorporated into the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting an operation of a downhole tool using an optical sensing system are disclosed. In an embodiment, a flow control device has an inner tubular member moveable relative to an outer tubular member and a thermally responsive chamber capable of a change in temperature during a movement between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. Detecting the change in temperature in the thermally responsive chamber with an optical sensing system provides real time knowledge of the position of the flow control device. In another embodiment, a flow control device comprises an inner tubular member moveable relative to an outer tubular member that produces an acoustic signal during a movement between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. Detecting the acoustic signal with an optical sensor provides real time knowledge of the position of the flow control device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a direction of a target formation with respect to an instrument in a wellbore. The target has an electrical conductivity different than earth formations surrounding the wellbore. The method includes inducing time varying electromagnetic fields in the formations surrounding the wellbore. The electromagnetic fields have at least some components along mutually orthogonal directions. Voltages induced by the time varying electromagnetic fields are detected. The detecting is performed to have at least some component along mutually orthogonal directions. The direction of the target is calculated from the detected voltages.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for achieving proper space-out of well components. One aspect of the invention utilizes a dummy production string with a sliding measurement device to measure the proper space-out distance.

Abstract: This invention relates to flowable devices and methods of utilizing such flowable devices in wellbores to provide communicate between surface and downhole instruments, among downhole devices, establish a communication network in the wellbore, act as sensors, and act as power transfer devices. The flowable devices are adapted to move with a fluid flowing in the wellbore. The flowable device may be memory device or a device that can provide a measure of a parameter of interest or act as a power transfer device. The flowable devices are introduced into the flow of a fluid flowing in the wellbore. The fluid moves the device in the wellbore. If the device is a data exchange device, it may be channeled in a manner that enables a device in the wellbore to interact with the memory device, which may include retrieving information from the flowable device and/or recording information on the flowable device. The sensor in a flowable device can take a variety of measurement(s) in the wellbore.

Abstract: An anomaly detector, used to sense the presence of tool collars, tool joints and other structures within a longitudinal space, that includes a protective housing. Sensory components are disposed within the protective housing and a port is provided for communication between internal and external components of the sensory system. A pressure containing region within the housing prevents the loss of pressure from within the detector, and protects the various components of the system from fluids and other materials constrained within the longitudinal space.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that permit downhole tools to be run into a well along with logging tools that can log the downhole tools into place by real time transmission of the data to a surface location. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a telemetry tool, a logging tool in communication with the telemetry tool and a downhole tool.

Abstract: A structure is positioned on the outer surface of a casing or liner to enable cutting the casing in substantially any azimuth over a given length of casing without damaging the structure. After placing the casing in a wellbore, the position of the structure on the casing may be determined with reference to an orienting slot in an indexing coupling. Thereafter, a non-colliding region on the casing may be identified for cutting the casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting ferrous changes passing axially through a cylindrical space. In one embodiment, the method comprises surrounding the cylindrical space with a nonmagnetic cylinder having an outer wall and a cylindrical axis; creating an alternating magnetic field in the cylindrical space, the magnetic field created by a rotatable permanent magnet; monitoring the magnetic field with magnetic flux sensors placed outside the outer walls; and detecting changes in the magnetic field as ferrous matter passes axially through the cylindrical space. In other embodiments, the apparatus identifies ferrous changes as the tool joints that connect a jointed tubing string as the tubing string is moved in or out of a well bore, or as the presence or absence of a coiled tubing string in the well bore.

Abstract: The invention offers a position determining method that ensures high reliability in the determination of a digging position by sensing on the ground an AC magnetic field generated by a coil housed in a digging head, even in the presence of a noise magnetic field affecting the position determination. This is a digging position determining method in a non-open-cut method of excavation which senses the AC magnetic field provided from a magnetic field source by an above-ground magnetic sensor to calculate the position of the magnetic field source from the magnitude and direction of the sensed AC magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.

Abstract: A well logging system that has, as its goal, the collection of information normally acquired by a dip log tool based on conductivity or resistivity measurements, but with the advantages of radiation based well logging systems. Unlike conductivity based dip log systems, the radiation-based system can be implemented in cased or uncased boreholes. The combination system incorporates a number of radially arrayed devices that, though structurally distinct, function much like the arms associated with conductivity dip log devices. The system incorporates radiation detectors positioned in a radial array rather than electrodes. The combination system measures radiation in each of the multiple radial orientations and responds to generated radiation in the respective directions. The sensitivity of the radiation measuring devices is set so as to localize the region of the borehole being measured.

Abstract: A new composition for a spotting fluid and a method of using such spotting fluid for freeing differential stuck pipe in a subterranean well drilling operation is disclosed. The composition comprises an invert water-in-oil emulsion comprising iso-butyl oleate as its external phase and glycerin as the internal phase. In an alternative embodiment, calcium chloride and water may be substituted for glycerin.

Abstract: A system for use in detecting the launching of a device, such as a wiper plug or a sealing ball, is described having a first component, such as a detectable object disposed within the device, and a second component, such as a sensor. The sensor may be a sensor coil, while the detectable object may be a transponder capable of emitting Radio Frequency Identification signals to the sensor to signal its arrival adjacent the sensor. The system may be used with a concrete head or with a sealing ball injector. A method of launching the devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drilling assembly that includes a mud motor that rotates a drill bit and a set of independently expandable ribs. A stabilizer uphole of the ribs provides stability. A second set of ribs may be disposed on the drilling assembly. Vertical and curved holes are drilled by rotating the drill bit by the mud motor and by independently adjusting the rib forces. The drill string is not rotated. Inclined straight sections and curved sections may be drilled by independent adjustment of the rib forces and by rotating the drill bit with the motor, without rotating the drill string. Inclined sections or curved sections in the vertical plane are drilled by superimposing the drillstring rotation on the mud motor rotation and by setting the rib forces to the same predetermined values. Rib forces are adjusted if the drilling direction differs from the defined inclination. The system is self-adjusting and operates in a closed loop manner.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for facilitating coupling and cementing of downhole tubulars (12, 28) comprises a tubing section (12, 10) for use in lining a bore. The tubing section has upper and lower ends and defines a tubing wall having cement outlets (20) spaced from the lower end of the tubing. The lower end of the tubing is selectively closed, and swab cups (22) are provided externally of the lower end of the tubing below the cement outlets (20) for restricting passage of cement.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting and localizing unwanted matter, e.g., cement deposits, internally in a drill string. A sleeve-shaped indicator body is dropped down through the drill string while the same occupies an operative position. Then, the indicator body lands either in a seat at the lower end of the drill string, or the indicator body becomes stuck within a pipe section at a higher level in the drill string. The drill string overlying the position of the indicator body may be considered free of deposits formed on the pipe section walls thereof, and these pipe sections thus may be re-used without any further examination or cleaning. If stuck at a higher level, the indicator body is subsequently localized at the surface through examination in context of disassembling the drill string. The indicator body also may comprise an indicator element that provides a detection signal or sign for its detection and localizing on the surface.

Abstract: A process for in situ gasification of mineral oil in a subterranean formation comprises running a tool having a controllable thermal device therein from a surface production facility down to the subterranean formation, bringing said tool into operational proximity with the mineral oil in said subterranean formation, and activating the tool to operate the thermal device within a predetermined temperature range to generate gases or oily vapours from said mineral oil, which permits either an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method with reduced water contamination, or a gas production process (GPP) which is useful in reducing environmental risks normally associated with transport of crude oil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.

Abstract: A borehole probe and related method and apparatus that enables information related to the depth of the probe to be determined and utilized by the probe to perform tasks. The probe, comparing its sense of depth and other sensed physical and temporal information to pre-defined procedural and conditional constraints, causes a physical action to be performed, or signals another device, or signals the surface. Generally, the probe uses sensed benchmarks within the borehole that have an associated depth as a depth framework. Within the distances between the benchmarks, the probe uses inertial or other distance measuring devices to measure distance from the benchmarks. With accurate and constant knowledge of its own depth, the probe can perform tasks autonomously and at the correct depth.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating cement plugs and other devices downhole in a wellbore. A cement plug is moved downhole into a wellbore through a casing, and a transmitter sends a signal to a receiver. A processor engaged with the receiver identifies the elevation or location of the cement plug. Accurate placement of the cement plug eliminates problems associated with underplacement and overplacement of cement in a wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drilling assembly that includes a mud motor that rotates a drill bit and a set of independently expandable ribs. A stabilizer uphole of the ribs provides stability. A second set of ribs may be disposed on the drilling assembly. Vertical and curved holes are drilled by rotating the drill bit by the mud motor and by independently adjusting the rib forces. The drill string is not rotated. Inclined straight sections and curved sections may be drilled by independent adjustment of the rib forces and by rotating the drill bit with the motor, without rotating the drill string. Inclined sections or curved sections in the vertical plane are drilled by superimposing the drillstring rotation on the mud motor rotation and by setting the rib forces to the same predetermined values. Rib forces are adjusted if the drilling direction differs from the defined inclination. The system is self-adjusting and operates in a closed loop manner.

Abstract: A tubing conveyed casing collar locator system that detects the casing collars in a wellbore and acoustically transmits the information through the tubing to the surface where it is detected and processed in a surface processor. The system comprises a downhole tool which comprises downhole sensors, a signal processor with memory, a drive circuit, a battery pack, and a signal generator. The surface system comprises a surface processor, depth system, and acoustic signal transmitter/receiver. The downhole tool detects casing collars as the tool is moved through the collar and acoustically transmits the data or stores the data in downhole memory according to programmed instructions. In one embodiment, the tool compares sensor signals from production elements, such as valves, to stored sensor signatures to uniquely identify the downhole element. In one embodiment, the downhole tool changes operating modes in response to surface command.

Abstract: The well reference apparatus and method of the present invention includes a reference member preferably permanently installed within the borehole at a preferred depth and orientation in one trip into the well. The reference member provides a permanent reference for the location of all operations, particularly in a multi-lateral well. The assembly of the present invention includes disposing the reference member on the end of a pipe string. An orienting tool such as an MWD collar is disposed in the pipe string above the reference member. This assembly is lowered into the borehole on the pipe string. Once the preferred depth is attained, the MWD is activated to determine the orientation of the reference member. If the reference member is not oriented in the preferred direction, the pipe string is rotated to align the reference member in the preferred direction. This process is repeated for further corrective action and to verify the proper orientation of the reference member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the profile and position of a well component in a well bore and transmitting this information to a surface mounted display unit to aid an operator in performing subsea well operations. The apparatus includes an instrumented flange with appropriate end connections to allow connecting the flange between the annular preventer and the drilling riser. The instrumented flange is sufficiently long to allow a first plurality of sensor units to be arranged circumferentially around the axial bore of the flange in a single plane and a second plurality of sensor units to be arranged in a helical pattern along the axis of the flange. The output signals of the sensor units are processed at a signal processing unit which then transmits the information to a display unit at the surface.

Abstract: A method of locating a tubing string in a bore, the method comprising the steps: providing a device defining a restriction-engaging member; locating the device on the lower end of a tubing string; and then running the tubing string into the bore until the member engages a restriction in the bore and the device and the tubing is prevented from advancing further by the restriction. The member is then re-configured to permit further advancement of the device and tubing relative to the restriction and the device and tubing moved a predetermined distance relative to the restriction to position the tubing at a desired location in the bore.

Abstract: A new composition for a spotting fluid and a method of using such spotting fluid for freeing differential stuck pipe in a subterranean well drilling operation is disclosed. The composition comprises an invert water-in-oil emulsion comprising iso-butyl oleate as its external phase and glycerin as the internal phase. In an alternative embodiment, calcium chloride and water may be substituted for glycerin.

Abstract: A surface processor uses an environmental profile to determine the sub-surface length of tubing disposed in a well bore. Information relating to tubing properties is stored in a memory module of the surface processor. The environmental profile includes data relating to well bore ambient conditions and the operating parameters of well equipment. Surface processor calculates the tubing elongation or length reduction corresponding to the environmental profile. Surface processor may repeat this process to develop a measured depth chart for a well. Logging operations performed in conjunction with the sub-surface length calculations allows formation data to be associated with the measured depth chart.

Abstract: A surface processor uses an environmental profile to determine the sub-surface length of tubing disposed in a well bore. Information relating to tubing properties is stored in a memory module of the surface processor. The environmental profile includes data relating to well bore ambient conditions and the operating parameters of well equipment. Surface processor calculates the tubing elongation or length reduction corresponding to the environmental profile. Surface processor may repeat this process to develop a measured depth chart for a well. Logging operations performed in conjunction with the sub-surface length calculations allows formation data to be associated with the measured depth chart.

Abstract: This invention relates to flowable devices and methods of utilizing such flowable devices in wellbores to provide communicate between surface and downhole instruments, among downhole devices, establish a communication network in the wellbore, act as sensors, and act as power transfer devices. The flowable devices are adapted to move with a fluid flowing in the wellbore. The flowable device may be memory device or a device that can provide a measure of a parameter of interest or act as a power transfer device. The flowable devices are introduced into the flow of a fluid flowing in the wellbore. The fluid moves the device in the wellbore. If the device is a data exchange device, it may be channeled in a manner that enables a device in the wellbore to interact with the memory device, which may include retrieving information from the flowable device and/or recording information on the flowable device. The sensor in a flowable device can take a variety of measurement(s) in the wellbore.

Abstract: In the method of providing for well tubular member magnetization, the steps include providing a magnetizing structure comprising an electrical coil defining an axis, relatively displacing the member and the structure, with the coil positioned and guided in close, centered proximity to the member, while supplying electric current to flow in the coil, thereby creating magnetic flux passage through the member and core to magnetize the member, or a part of the member, and displacing the member in a wellbore.

Abstract: A new composition for a spotting fluid and a method of using such spotting fluid for freeing differential stuck pipe in a subterranean well drilling operation is disclosed. The composition comprises an invert water-in-oil emulsion comprising iso-butyl oleate as its external phase and glycerin as the internal phase. In an alternative embodiment, calcium chloride and water may be substituted for glycerin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that permit downhole tools to be run into a well along with logging tools that can log the downhole tools into place by real time transmission of the data to a surface location. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a telemetry tool, a logging tool in communication with the telemetry tool and a downhole tool.

Abstract: Plunger lift operations are difficult to optimize due to lack of knowledge of tubing pressure, casing pressure, bottom-hole pressure, liquid accumulation in the tubing and location of the plunger. Monitoring the plunger position in the tubing helps the operator (or controller) to optimize the removal of liquids and gas from the well. The plunger position can be tracked from the surface by monitoring acoustic signals generated as the plunger falls down the tubing. When the plunger passes by a tubing collar recess, an acoustic pulse is generated that travels up the gas within the tubing. The acoustic pulses are monitored at the surface, and are converted to an electrical signal by a microphone. The signal is digitized, and the digitized data is stored in a computer. Software processes this data along with the tubing and casing pressure data to display plunger depth, plunger velocity and well pressures vs. time.

Abstract: A casing joint locator device and methods of use are described. The locator device includes a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor that is capable of detecting joints between sections of casing in a wellbore. The methods and devices described detect perturbations in the earth's magnetic field caused by air gaps and discontinuities associated with a casing joint or with an external casing joint collar. As a result, they are capable of detecting flush and standard collared joints. The casing joint locator generates essentially no magnetic or electromagnetic field so that other downhole instrumentation is not affected by its presence.

Abstract: A method is provided which, in an embodiment described herein, permits a location and/or displacement of a cementing plug to be determined during a cementing operation. In this embodiment, one or more pressure pulses are transmitted through displacement fluid being used to pump the plug through the casing string. The pressure pulses are reflected off of the plug and received by a pressure sensor. Information regarding the timing of the reflected pressure pulses may be used to determine the location and/or displacement of the plug.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for perforating a casing in a hydrocarbon well so as to avoid perforating in a direction where a cable resides. A mass of metallic material is clamped to the casing at a predetermined offset angle with respect to the cable. The angular position of the metallic mass is detected using a detector placed inside the casing. Then, a perforating gun is oriented based on the detected angular position of the metallic mass and the predetermined offset angle. Finally, the casing is perforated so as to avoid damage to the cable. The cable comprises a number of electrical conductors and is used to communicate with permanent sensors located on the cable in the vicinity of the casing to be perforated.

Abstract: An apparatus for improved detection of underground well kicks, preferably comprising a first acoustic sensor mounted on the top drive of a drilling rig in acoustic contact with a liquid level within a drill string which is generally located within a wellbore, a second acoustic sensor in a trip tank connected to the wellbore, and a drawworks position indicator. The acoustic sensors detect signals reflected from liquid level interfaces allowing calculation of injected liquid volumes from the trip tank into the wellbore and liquid volume changes within the drill string. The drawworks sensor allows calculation of tubular volumes removed from the wellbore over time. Comparison or totaling of calculated volumes allows early detection of unwanted fluid fluxes between the wellbore and an underground formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining magnetometer errors during wellbore survey operations. It is capable of determining errors on up to three axes, with or without the use of an external reference measurement of the local magnetic field, and is capable of providing an accurate result using data from a minimum number of surveys. A model is used to correct the observed data and the corrected data are transformed from the tool coordinate system to a different coordinate system referenced to the earth. The difference between the corrected transformed data and reference data in the earth coordinate system is minimized to determine the model parameters. The present invention also provides a method for determining residual uncertainty in the measurements and for quality control of the measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe provides for the precise determination of location and associated characteristics of each pipe joint of a well, cross country pipeline or other fluid transmission line. The system includes a passive or active radio identification device at each joint in the pipe or casing string. The devices are preferably sealed within the resilient seal positioned between each pipe or casing joint. A pipeline tool includes a radio transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter transmitting on a frequency selected for resonating the identification devices. The resonant response of each device is detected by a receiver in the pipeline tool, with the response transmitted to the surface via the wireline to which the tool is connected. Alternatively, the tool may include storage information means until the tool can be recovered from the well or pipe.

Abstract: A method for actuating or installing downhole equipment in a wellbore employs non-acoustic signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) to locate, inventory, install, or actuate one downhole structure in relation to another downhole structure. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a first downhole structure that comprises a non-acoustic (e.g.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for location, or location and entry, of a lateral wellbore from a main wellbore of a multilateral hydrocarbon well, the method being characterized by unique operation of a controllably bent sub. The invention further relates to a system for location, or location and entry of a lateral wellbore, including a specialized controllably bent sub, and most preferably, to a controllably bent sub designed for efficient lateral wellbore location and/or entry.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A method for locating placement of a guide stock in a multilateral well wherein the guide stock is properly aligned with the lateral borehole. The method employs an impression packer with a scribed reference line to provide information at the surface regarding the lateral borehole's exact location and orientation with respect to the originally installed whipstock packer. This information is then employed to make up a guide stock and orientation sub to properly orient the diverter face of the guide stock with the lateral borehole. There are tool embodiments for inflating the impression packer to a preset relatively low internal pressure. In one embodiment, the inflation fluid is carried downhole in the tool and is released to the packer on set down pressure, the fluid being drawn back out of the packer upon pick up. In another embodiment, the impression packer is outfitted with an automatically closing valve.

Abstract: A self-contained mobile repair unit for repairing wells includes the hydraulic and pneumatic tooling required to do a variety of jobs including the installation and removal of an inner pipe string, sucker rods and a pump. The repair unit, hydraulic tooling and pneumatic tooling share a common engine and a common process monitor. Access to data gathered by the monitor is restricted at the job site itself. Instead, the data is transmitted to a remote home base for the purpose of monitoring operations form a central location.

Abstract: A wireless coiled tubing joint locator for locating joints or collars in a production tubing string. The joint locator is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing, and other downhole tools may be connectable to the joint locator. An electromagnetic coil assembly senses the increased mass of a pipe joint, and provides a signal to an electric circuit which generates a momentary electric output signal received by a pilot solenoid valve. The solenoid valve momentarily opens a pilot passageway which activates a piston to close a circulation port in the joint locator. This closing of the circulation point results in an increase in a surface pressure reading observable by the operator. A rupture disk is provided so that pressure cannot be applied to any downhole tool below the joint locator prematurely, and a seat sleeve is provided to prevent premature communication of fluid to the rupture disk but can be opened at any time by dropping a ball into the joint locator.