Abstract: A technique facilitates mechanical operation of components, e.g. valves, without utilizing electronics at the components or control lines routed to the components. An actuation control system is fully mechanical in the sense that it is constructed to mechanically shift to different control positions via pressure input, such as pressure input supplied along a wellbore annulus. The actuation control system utilizes a spool valve coupled with a pilot control circuit which establishes a reference pressure that can be used in shifting the spool valve to different operational positions.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a blood vessel, the catheter having a sampling part arranged to capture a blood sample at a plurality of locations along a length of the blood vessel and an apparatus arranged to analyze blood taken from a plurality of locations along the length of the blood vessel and to provide a profile of concentration levels along the length of the blood vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods configured to create contour maps of geospatial variables based on hydrometeorological data associated with the variable are described herein. The systems and methods advantageously use simultaneous multi-event universal kriging for spatio-temporal data exploration, analysis and interpolation with the objective of creating a series of related maps, where each map corresponds to a specific sampling event, but wherein some features exhibit spatial relationships persisting over time. In one particular example, water level maps are prepared using the methods, which has the flexibility to allow the conditioning of trend coefficients based on any arbitrary subsets of sample data, and thereby provides a physically based and deterministic rather than wholly-stochastic basis for depicting hydrometeorological data correlations in space and time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating and utilizing a proxy model that generates a pumping parameter as a function of contamination. The pumping parameter is descriptive of a pumpout time or volume of fluid to be obtained from a formation by a downhole sampling tool positioned in a wellbore extending into the formation. The contamination is a percentage of the fluid obtained by the downhole sampling tool that is not native to the formation. The proxy model is based on a true model that utilizes true model input parameters that include the pumping parameter, formation parameters descriptive of the formation, and a filtrate parameter descriptive of a drilling fluid utilized to form the wellbore. The output of the true model is the contamination as a function of the pumping parameter. The proxy model utilizes proxy model input parameters each related to one or more of the true model input parameters.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a subsea laboratory configured to be positioned and operated below a sea surface. The subsea laboratory includes a housing, a fluid chamber within the housing and configured to receive a fluid from subsea drilling or production equipment, and a sensor within the housing and configured to generate a signal indicative of a characteristic of the fluid. The monitoring system also includes a controller having a processor configured to receive and to process the signal to determine the characteristic of the fluid, to determine an appropriate output based on the characteristic of the fluid, and to provide a control signal that causes an indication of the output via a user interface of a remote base station positioned above the sea surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a rotating superhard cutting element. The rotating cutting element includes a substrate comprising a rotating portion and a stable portion. The stable portion has a cavity and is configured to be fixed to a blade of a drill bit. The rotating cutting element further includes a retainer that rotatably secures the rotating portion of the substrate in the cavity of the stable portion of the substrate, and a cutting layer on the rotating portion of the substrate. The cutting layer has a plurality of cutting surfaces. One of the plurality of cutting surfaces has a property different from another one of the plurality of cutting surfaces. The cutting layer is configured to rotate with respect to the stable portion of the substrate and use one of the plurality of cutting surfaces based on a characteristic of a formation to be cut.

Abstract: A micro-CT sample holder for placing a sample under hydrostatic pressure during scanning, a micro-CT scanning system using the sample holder, and method of rock sample inspection under hydrostatic pressure. The sample holder includes a pressure vessel having a thinned-walled region and an interior chamber fixed reference stops inside the interior chamber. A position-locating anvil holds the sample and rests on the one or more fixed reference stops so the position of the sample is fixed under pressure. The thin-walled region surrounds the sample to minimize radiation interactions yet sufficient for maintaining a design pressure within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel includes threads near the top opening to receive a compression screw assembly for closing the top opening and applying a variable pressure on the pressure vessel with a piston acting on a fluid inside the interior chamber.

Abstract: A method for determining the volume of core samples disposed within a sealed pressure vessel, the sealed pressure vessel containing a prefill fluid having a density, the method including determining the internal volume of the pressure vessel; determining the density of the prefill fluid; determining, using at least one of one or more computers, the net density of the core samples disposed within the sealed pressure vessel; determining, using at least one of the one or more computers, the density of one or more earth strata proximate the respective in situ locations of the core samples; and calculating, using at least one of the one or more computers, the volume of the core samples disposed within the sealed pressure vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the core samples are sealed within the pressure vessel when the pressure vessel is disposed within an oil or gas wellbore.

Abstract: Oil and gas recovery includes selecting a previously used oil or gas containing layer in which cumulative perforation was utilized, closing micro cracks over a thickness of the oil or gas containing layer, carrying out slotting of the oil or gas containing layer to form slots, producing micro cracks over the thickness of the oil or gas containing layer, carrying out hydraulic fracturing of the oil or gas containing layer, and withdrawing oil or gas from the oil or gas containing layer with maintaining of a pressure in the well.

Abstract: A configuration for testing fluid with a single packer includes at least one sample inlet and at least one guard inlet surrounding a periphery of the at least one sample inlet, wherein the at least one sample inlet has at least one side that is parallel to another side of the at least one sample inlet and the at least one sample inlet has at least two rounded ends connecting each of the parallel sides, and the at least one guard inlet has at least one side that is parallel to another side of the at least one guard inlet and the at least one guard inlet has at least two rounded ends connecting each of the parallel side of the guard inlet.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring oil flow rates at multiple points in production wells using a flow sensing fiber optic cable. An illustrative system embodiment includes: a fiber optic sensing system housed within a tube suitable for a downhole environment; and a flow to signal conversion device attached to the tube and deployed in the oil flow.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a conveyance device having a flow bore, an isolator forming a testing volume at least partially defined by an inner surface of a wellbore tubular, and one or more pressure sensors generating signals representative of a pressure in the testing volume while the conveyance device moves the isolator axially through the wellbore tubular. The isolator substantially isolates a testing fluid received from the flow bore in the testing volume from an adjacent bore of the wellbore tubular. A location of at least one flow path in the wellbore tubular is identified by estimating a pressure of the testing fluid in the testing volume. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the general subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: Methods of providing an optimal surfactant or surfactant blend in a subterranean operation and obtaining a sampled fluid from a subterranean formation and determining constituent parameters of the sampled fluid using a hydrophilic-lipophilic deviation (HLD) model. The HLD model can be used to determine an optimal surfactant or surfactant blend to achieve an oil-water separation morphological phase of the sampled fluid. The optimal surfactant or surfactant blend can then be introduced into the subterranean formation as part of a surfactant flooding enhanced oil recovery operation.

Abstract: A communication system for sequential operation of subterranean tools involves flow based signals that are picked up with an acoustic receiver at a master controller, which then signals one or more slave controllers that operate tools and communicate back to the master controller that the subject tool has been operated. Sensors associated with the control system gather data downloaded when the master controller is pulled out of the hole. The system can be used to set a liner hanger and release a running tool and communicate that the liner hanger and running tool has activated. This can be confirmed with setting down weight and noting the running string going from tension to compression with a load cell or by translating the running string within the hole. The liner top packer can be set with a flow based signal to the master controller which is then removed with the running string.

Abstract: A system and a method for calculating and assigning an indicative value, such as cetane number, pour point, cloud point and aniline point, of a fraction of an oil sample based on an index calculated and assigned from ultraviolet visible spectroscopy data of the oil sample.

Abstract: An environmental severity measurement tool measures acceleration along 3 axes to determine shock and vibration affecting a downhole tool in which the environmental severity measurement tool is disposed. The environmental severity measurement tool includes a replaceable battery and electronics disposed within an external housing. A pin provides a way to ensure the environmental severity measurement tool is oriented in a known orientation. Data sampled by the tool can be downloaded from the tool to an external device through a connector port of the electronics. Software in the tool controls the operation of the tool and can be configured from an external device.

Abstract: A pushing and jam-releasing pup joint of a formation tester comprises a first jam-releasing arm (1), a first three-way reversing valve (V1), a two-way reversing valve (V2) and a third three-way reversing valve (V4), a withdrawal cavity (Q11) of the first jam-releasing arm (1) is connected with the first three-way reversing valve (V1) which can communicate with an energy accumulation cavity (NQ) of an energy accumulator and the two-way reversing valve (V2), the two-way reversing valve (V2) can be communicated with a pressure oil main line (G2) of a hydraulic system, and an extension cavity (Q12) of the first jam-releasing arm (1) is connected with the third three-way reversing valve (V4) which can communicate with the pressure oil main line (G2) and a return oil main line (G1) of hydraulic system. Jam-releasing pup joint effectively solves the problem of jam release when mud adheres to EFDT and makes same jammed.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracture diagnostic system for reservoir evaluation of a high angle wellbore includes a coiled tubing string that extends from the surface to a location within a wellbore. The system includes a sensor and a pump connected to the coiled tubing string. A tool having at least two packing elements and a port positioned between the packing elements is connected to the coiled tubing string. The coiled tubing string positions the tool adjacent a fracture. The packing elements isolate the fracture and the port is configured to provide communication with the isolated portion of the wellbore. A diagnostic method includes pumping a volume of fluid from the isolated portion of a wellbore using a coiled tubing string and monitoring the pressure within the coiled tubing string. Pressure within the coiled tubing string may also be monitored after injection of fluid into the isolated wellbore through the coiled tubing string.

Abstract: A system for reducing pressure in a subsea operator. In one embodiment, a subsea system includes an operator and a deintensifier. The operator includes a housing and a piston. The piston is movably disposed within the operator housing and divides an inner volume of the operator housing into a closing chamber and a second chamber. The deintensifier is fluidically coupled to the operator. The deintensifier includes a housing and a piston. The piston includes a closing surface and an opening surface. The closing surface is fluidically coupled to the second chamber of the operator housing. The opening surface is fluidically coupled to ambient pressure. The area of the closing surface is greater than an area of the opening surface so as to increase the pressure differential between the closing chamber and the second chamber and assist in moving the operator piston to the closed position.

Abstract: A ball is retained behind a circular array of collet fingers to be pushed out through the collets with a spring biased piston that is initially locked when run in the hole. The lock mechanism is a link that holds a potential force in the main spring. One end of the link is held by an acceleration or deceleration responsive retainer. The retainer has a conforming stop surface to a stop surface on the link. Sudden relative movement caused by acceleration of the housing allows the retainer that is flanked by opposed springs to move away from the stop surface or surfaces on the link. The link is an array of spaced fingers that can radially flex. The radial flexing combines with the power of the main spring to propel the piston against the ball for a release of the ball. A fracturing operation then ensues.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a formation probe assembly that includes a probe piston configured for reciprocal movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus also includes a draw down assembly in fluid communication with the formation probe assembly. The draw down assembly includes a draw down piston being actuatable between a first position and a second position in a cylinder to draw fluid into the cylinder through the piston in the formation probe assembly and a position indicator configured to determine a position of the draw down piston in the cylinder. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control at least one of a rate and a volume of the fluid being drawn into the cylinder of the draw down assembly based, at least in part, on the position of the draw down piston determined by the position indicator.

Abstract: A downhole tool designed to be disposed in a borehole of a subterranean formation is provided. The downhole tool includes a probe used to interface with the subterranean formation in order to sample fluid from or to inject fluid into the subterranean formation. The downhole tool also includes a sample flowline fluidly coupled to the probe and used to direct fluid through the downhole tool. The downhole tool further includes at least two volume chambers. These volume chambers each include a first side fluidly coupled to the sample flowline, a second side fluidly coupled to the guard flowline, and a piston separating the first side from the second side. The downhole tool is able to control a flow of fluid from a high pressure environment to a low pressure environment via the at least two volume chambers, the sample flowline, and the guard flowline.

Abstract: A method and downhole apparatus including a downhole indexer for cyclically varying a configuration or operational mode of a downhole tool according to a predetermined sequence. The apparatus includes tubular body, an indexing member, and a balance piston. The indexing member is selectively moveable relative to the tubular body between a first axial position and a second axial position in response to a signal. The balance piston supports the indexing member at the second position.

Abstract: A downhole flow control system utilizes a tubing pressure operated valve to selectively open and close fluid flow across the system. The tubing pressure operated valve includes a piston responsive to tubing pressure, and a valve element responsive to piston movement. The valve element can be moved rotationally, longitudinally, or both, in response to the piston movement. The valve is movable between a closed and at least one open position. The piston and valve elements can be releasably attachable, such as by a one-way ratchet. The valve element can be a rotating valve operable by a J-slot mechanism to rotate to multiple positions in response to movement of the piston element.

Abstract: A formation tester for use in a subterranean well can include a probe which extends outward into contact with an earth formation, and an adjustable flow control device which limits an extension pressure applied to extend the probe. A method of testing a subterranean formation can include positioning a formation tester in a wellbore, extending a probe of the formation tester outward into contact with the formation, and limiting a force applied by the probe to the formation, the limiting being performed by variable actuation of a flow control device downhole. Another formation tester can include a probe which extends outward into contact with an earth formation, with a force applied by the probe to the formation being remotely adjustable downhole.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated tubing drain for service with oil wells, water wells, gas wells and/or thermal wells has a configuration of structural features which, upon hydraulically opening the drain, prevent any debris from the rupture disk from entering either the tubing or the tubing-casing annulus. The disk housing and flow diffuser of the present invention mate directly together, capturing between the disk housing and flow diffuser a shoulder of the mandrel. This design eliminates the need for a threaded aperture through the side wall of the mandrel and the need for elastomeric seals.

Abstract: A tool insertable into a wellbore for sampling formation fluids includes a body, and sample probe assemblies that project radially outward from the body and into sampling contact with the wellbore wall. Packers are provided on the outer terminal ends of the sample probe assemblies and which are urged against the wellbore wall. Actuator driven linkage assemblies selectively deploy and retract the packers from and back into the body. The sample probe assemblies are disposed at substantially the same axial location on the body, and are angularly spaced about an axis of the body. Each sample probe assembly is independently actuated, so that a discrete azimuthal portion can be sampled, and each has a dedicated sample container for storing sampled formation fluid.

Abstract: Methods for determining downhole fluid parameters include disposing apparatus including a sensor in a fluid in a wellbore. The sensor includes a heater and a temperature sensor, and the fluid is flowing at a velocity of about zero centimeters per second to about ten centimeters per second. The fluid includes particulates, paraffin or asphaltenes. The methods further include obtaining a first measurement via the heater and obtaining a second measurement via the temperature sensor. Based on the first measurement and the second measurement, the velocity of the fluid is determined.

Abstract: A disclosed downhole telemetry system employs an array of near-field electromagnetic communication devices to relay information along a tubular in a borehole. In some embodiments, the devices are permanently attached to pipe joints without requiring any structural modification of the pipe joints. As the pipe joints are strung together in the normal fashion to form a tubular, the devices automatically establish a wireless communications path between an uphole terminus device and any downhole sensors or tools. The devices can include built-in sensors to provide distributed sensing of parameters such as temperature and pressure. In some embodiments the device array incorporates redundancy to minimize the chance of a communications network failure. The device array has applications for logging-while-drilling, production testing, well completion, reservoir monitoring, and well control.

Abstract: An element is provided in particular as a closure element or fastening element for inserting into a bore in a component, such as into a bore in an engine, a valve block, a hydraulic unit or a container. At least one electric element which is arranged in or on the element is provided, wherein each electric element transmits and/or receives electric signals. In the fitted state, the electric element is advantageously positioned such that the electric element is adjacent to the chamber formed in the bore and is therefore in contact, for measuring purposes or the like, with the medium contained in the bore. In addition to the actual sealing and/or fastening function, the element can therefore be used to undertake one or more measurements, etc.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reservoir analysis. In some embodiments, a reservoir may be analyzed by obtaining abundance ratios at a first measurement station and a second measurement station and determining an abundance ratio trend. Abundance ratios at a third measurement station may be obtained and plotted versus depth with the previously obtained abundance ratios. A change in the abundance ratio trend may be identified and result in further investigation of the reservoir. If the abundance ratio is unchanged, additional abundance ratios may be obtained and plotted versus depth to further evaluate the abundance ratio trend. Methods for reservoir analysis using fluid predictions with and without offset well information are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system to segregate, enrich and capture oil, water and gas samples from a multiphase flow. The system can be used in a subsea location, on the surface or in any other condition where it is connected to a flow of different phases of gas and/or liquid. The samples obtained are representative in composition of the phases flowing at well head conditions in terms of both pressure and temperature. Additionally, a relatively small volume of each phase is used in obtaining the samples. The system connects and disconnects to ports installed at the sampling location nearby the wellhead or the production line. The sampling flow is controlled by means of a pump. The collected samples are separated in mono (or nearly mono)—phase samples (oil, water and gas) and stored in individual bottles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus according to which a sample bottle drill collar section is assembled. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a drill collar that includes an outer surface; a pocket accessible through an aperture in the outer surface, the pocket defining a first side wall and a second side wall; a bottle assembly disposed within the pocket, the bottle assembly comprising a sample bottle having an axial length; one or more clamps coupled to the outer surface and abutting or overlapping the bottle assembly, the one or more clamps at least partially retaining the bottle assembly in the pocket; and one or more spacers disposed within the pocket, the one or more spacers abutting the bottle assembly and at least one of the first and second side walls of the pocket.

Abstract: A configurable insert for a downhole tool. The configurable insert can have a body having a bore formed therethrough, at least one shear groove disposed on the body, wherein the body separates at the shear groove when exposed to a predetermined force, applied by a threadably engaged component therewith, at least one shoulder disposed within the bore, the shoulder formed by a transition between a larger inner diameter and a smaller inner diameter of the bore, wherein the shoulder is adapted to receive one or more impediments at least partially within the bore, and one or more threads disposed on an outer surface of the body for connecting the body to a downhole tool.

Abstract: Measuring a parameter characteristic of a formation in an oil well with a device configured to generate a sensing field within a volume of the formation and cause a flow through the volume in the presence of the sensing field. The device also comprises sensors responsive to changes in the volume, which indicate existent amounts of fluid, such as hydrocarbon and water saturations and irreducible hydrocarbon and water saturations. Measurements may be made before the flow affects the measuring volume and after onset of the flow through the measuring volume.

Abstract: A diffusion sampler includes an elongated tubular support structure, a top end cap, a bottom end cap, a first coupling device, at least a first membrane and a reservoir mechanism. The support structure has an outer wall that defines an interior space therein. The outer wall defines a plurality of openings. A membrane is disposed around the outer wall at least in the area of the upper portion of the support structure and is configured to allow at least one first selected type of molecule to pass therethrough. A reservoir mechanism is coupled to a bottom portion of the support structure and is configured to define a reservoir in the lower portion of the support structure that prevents a selected liquid from flowing out of the lower portion of the support structure.

Abstract: A lateral wellbore is formed from a high side of a horizontal portion of a primary wellbore with a drill bit assembly that has a selectively extendable pilot bit. The drill bit assembly is mounted on a lower end of a drill string. A bit guide is disposed adjacent the drill bit assembly for urging the drill bit assembly in a lateral direction against the high side of the primary wellbore. Rotating the drill bit assembly while urging the drill bit assembly upward creates a groove in a subterranean formation adjacent the primary wellbore. This forms a ledge at a far end of the groove. The drill string is then drawn back from the groove, and the pilot bit is deployed. Urging the drill bit assembly forward engages the pilot bit with the ledge, providing leverage for retaining the drill bit assembly in an orientation for excavating the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A method includes drawing formation fluid from a formation into a pressure test chamber of a downhole tool while the downhole tool is positioned at a location within a wellbore. The method also includes, while the downhole remains positioned at the location, measuring pressure of the formation fluid drawn into the pressure test chamber and operating a first pump to route additional formation fluid from the formation through the downhole tool and out into the wellbore. Still further, the method includes operating a second pump to expel the formation fluid from the pressure test chamber and to mix the formation fluid with the additional formation fluid such that the formation fluid expelled from the pressure test chamber is also routed through the downhole tool and out into the wellbore along with the additional formation fluid.

Abstract: Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas.

Abstract: A downhole compressible fluid sampling tool includes a primary fluid flow line deployed between a fluid inlet probe and a fluid outlet line. A fluid analysis module and a fluid pumping module are deployed in the primary fluid flow line. The fluid pumping module includes a pump in parallel with a bypass flow line having a bypass valve. A compressible fluid sampling vessel is deployed in parallel with and in fluid communication with the primary flow line. A method for obtaining a sample of a compressible downhole fluid includes turning off the pump and opening the bypass valve to enable the downhole fluid to flow into the fluid sampling vessel. The pump may then be optionally turned back on to pressurize the sample.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining a state of a sample bottle, having an external housing, a fluid chamber configured to hold a fluid obtained from an environment, the fluid chamber within the external housing, a separation piston positioned at one end of the fluid chamber, the separation piston configured to move from a first position to a second position; a closure device configured to establish a closure; a protrusion extending from a central rod, the protrusion extending into a flowline; the central rod positioned within the external housing, the central rod configured to interface with the separation piston and move the separation piston from the first position to the second position and a limit switch located at a peripheral end of the protrusion, the limit switch configured to limit movement of the central rod when the limit switch is activated.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a plurality of dogs, each dog having a load bearing surface and a first interconnection feature. An extender body is operatively arranged for radially transitioning the plurality of dogs between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The load bearing surface of each dog is operatively arranged in the extended configuration for engaging against a shoulder of a radially adjacent structure for supporting the lock assembly. A mandrel is included having a second interconnection feature operatively arranged to dimensionally overlap the first interconnection feature of the dogs when transitioned to the extended configuration for enabling the mandrel to be supported by the dogs. A method of locking radially adjacent components is also included.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a downhole tool, such as a valve, in a simple, rapid, and cost-effective manner. The technique comprises installing the downhole tool with a trip saver. The trip saver can be actuated by increasing a tubing pressure or other suitable pressure source beyond a threshold level. Once the trip saver is actuated, a fluid under suitable pressure is provided to a downhole tool through a passageway opened via the trip saver. This enables actuation of the downhole tool to a desired state.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising first and second fluid intakes, a pump, and a sample chamber, may be positioned in a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation. A method of use thereof may comprise drawing fluid from the subterranean formation and into the first and second fluid intakes using the pump, discharging into the borehole at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the second fluid intake, and selectively diverting at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the first fluid intake to the sample chamber.

Abstract: A packer is disclosed comprising a body with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to establish a connection with downhole equipment and wherein at least one of the first end and the second end is configured to establish a fluid flow between the downhole equipment, at least one guard drain, at least one sample drain, at least one guard drain flow line, at least one sample drain flow line configured to transport fluid flow from and to the at least one sample drain and one of the first end and the second end of the body, two swivel connections and a sealing element.

Abstract: A method of enhanced oil recovery that includes water-flooding an oil reservoir with an alkaline fluid or a fluid containing a compound toxic to indigenous microbes and inoculating the oil reservoir with a consortium comprising microbes that naturally are, or are engineered to be, obligatory alkaliphilic, halo-alkaliphilic or alkaline tolerant, and naturally are, or are engineered to be, deficient in their ability to utilize short chain hydrocarbons of 12 carbons or less but have the ability to convert hydrocarbons into fatty acids.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping a downhole fluid includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the earth and a pump disposed at the carrier and configured to pump the downhole fluid. A multi-phase electric motor is coupled to the pump and configured to receive multi-phase electrical energy from a power source in order to operate the pump. The multi-phase electrical motor includes multiple windings and a switch configured to connect the multiple windings in a configuration selected from a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations includes (i) a first configuration where one terminal of each winding of the multiple windings is uniquely connected to one terminal of another winding and (ii) a second configuration where one terminal of each winding of the multiple windings is commonly connected to one terminal of each of the other windings.

Abstract: An insert for perforating a subterranean formation sealingly engages a port in a production casing run into a wellbore intersecting the formation. The insert has a core where in a first mode it prevents fluid passage through the insert, and a second mode where the core disengages from the insert upon a treatment fluid reaching a threshold pressure in the casing, and ejects from the insert as a projectile to initiate and contribute to the fracture and stimulation of the formation by the pressurized treatment fluid exiting the port. The insert has a chamber which is filled with a gel that prevents wellbore cement from setting and is covered by a perforated debris shield that permits the equalization of pressure between the chamber and the annulus between the casing and wellbore.

Abstract: A method for capturing a sample from a wellbore, comprising the steps of introducing a first message and a second message into a tubing positioned within the wellbore. The first message is directed to a first modem connected to a first sampler device to cause the first sampler device to collect a first sample. The second message is directed to a second modem connected to a second sampler device to cause the second sampler device to collect a second sample.

Abstract: A system for use in a subterranean wellbore includes an earth boring bit on a lower end of a drill string, and an inflatable packer system. The packer system includes a pressure activated inlet valve that regulates pressurized fluid from within the drill string to the packer for inflating the packer. The inlet valve opens above a pressure used for drilling and includes a piston and spring disposed in a cylinder; the spring provides a biasing force against the piston and positions the piston between the annulus and an inlet port to the packer. When inflated, the packer extends radially outward from the drill string and into sealing engagement with an inner surface of the wellbore.