Abstract: It is desirable to prevent the unintended generation of electricity by permanent magnet motors in a submersible pumping system used to recover fluids from a wellbore. A pumping system designed to prevent the unintended generation of electricity includes a pump intake that provides a path for the wellbore fluids to enter the pump. The pumping system further includes a flow control valve assembly connected to the pump. The flow control valve assembly has a sliding sleeve and a valve control mechanism that moves the sliding sleeve between open and closed positions on the intake of the pump.

Abstract: A system for dewatering a subsea gas pipeline includes a pig launcher at the pipeline's upper end, which may be at or near the sea surface, and a pig receiver at the pipeline's lower end, which may be at or near the sea floor. A multiphase pump unit is deployed at the pipeline lower end and is configured to provide sea water suction to aid in a pig train being forced downwards through pipeline. The multiphase pump is configured to handle some amount of gas leaking around the pig train. A choke system may allow sea water to enter the flowline, thereby lowering the gas volume fraction (GVF) and preventing the GVF from exceeding the ability of the multiphase pump. For deeper water applications, a second pump may be provided in series that may be a single pump if positioned downstream of the multiphase pump.

Abstract: A mixed fluid collection apparatus includes a collection vessel configured to contain a fluid comprising a first component and a second component. The collection vessel includes an outer shell within which the fluid is contained. An emitter is coupled to an outside of the outer shell at a first position, and is configured to emit an acoustic signal into the outer shell. A receiver is coupled to the outside of the outer shell at a second position, with the receiver being configured to detect the acoustic signal emitted by the emitter. A controller is coupled to the emitter and the receiver. The controller is configured to determine a time between when the acoustic signal is emitted and when the acoustic signal is detected, and the controller is configured to determine a level of the second component in the collection vessel based on the time.

Abstract: A packer, disposed in a deviated portion of a well, seals with an inner wall of the well. A first tubular, extending through the packer, receives a wellbore fluid via first inlet. A first outlet of the first tubular discharges the wellbore fluid into an annulus within the well, uphole of the packer. A second tubular, coupled to the first tubular, receives at least a liquid portion of the wellbore fluid via a second inlet. The second tubular directs the liquid portion of the wellbore fluid to a downhole artificial lift system. A sump, defined by a region of an annulus between the inner wall of the well and the first tubular, receives at least a portion of solid material carried by the wellbore fluid.

Abstract: A solids collector is disposed at an end of a tubing in a wellbore. At a top of the solids collector, a reservoir fluid stream carrying solids is separated into a solids-liquid stream that is reversed into an annulus in the solids collector and a gas stream that continues to move uphole in the wellbore. At an end of the annulus in the solids collector, the solids-liquid stream is separated into a liquid stream that moves up the tubing and solids that are accumulated in the solids collector.

Abstract: A well production system may include a production tubing string, a submersible pump, a Christmas tree, a pressure control flowline, one or more control valves, and a control system. The production tubing string may include a production bore and an annulus and be disposed within a wellbore. The submersible pump may be disposed within the wellbore and include an inlet and an outlet. The Christmas tree may have an inlet configured to receive produced fluids from the submersible pump and an outlet in fluid communication with a production flowline. The pressure control flowline may fluidly connect the production flowline with the annulus. The one or more control valves may be configured to control a flow of produced fluids in the production flowline and the pressure control flowline. The control system may be configured to control a position of the one or more control valves.

Abstract: An apparatus for gas-liquid separation includes a first separation region that receives a mixture of liquids and gases, at least a portion of the first separation region forms a conical section; a second separation region that receives liquids and gases from the first separation region; and a cross-over section fluidly connecting the second separation region to a tubing.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for regulating flow from a geological formation, and associated components thereof. In one implementation, an apparatus for regulating a multi-phase fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geological formation includes a conduit. The conduit includes an outer wall, a primary flow path for a fluid stream, and a first restriction having a throat portion. A first return path includes a return channel, and the return channel is fluidly connected to the primary flow path through a return inlet and a return outlet. The apparatus includes a gas siphon port formed in the outer wall of the conduit, and a gas siphon path extending from the conduit. The gas siphon path is fluidly connected to the gas siphon port.

Abstract: A lubricating element for drag reduction in production and transportation of water-cut heavy oil in a wellbore comprises a flow guide component and a shell component; the flow guide component is fixed in a cyclone chamber of the shell component, and is provided with an intermediate rod to connect and fix a center cone, a flow stabilizing cone and flow guide blades. The lubricating element is a static element integrating three functions of oil-water separation, water control and liquid ring formation, thereby reducing energy consumption for production and transportation of heavy crude oil, and cutting down surface water treatment facilities.

Abstract: A drive fluid inlet is at an uphole end of the submersible pump top drive. A removable hydraulic motor is driven by drive fluid received by the drive fluid inlet. The removable hydraulic motor is separable from a downhole pump. A receiver is at a downhole end of the hydraulic motor. The receiver is configured to mate with the downhole pump. A drive fluid outlet is configured to expel the drive fluid after the drive fluid has flowed through the hydraulic motor. The drive fluid outlet is downhole of the drive fluid inlet.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon reservoir is treated with heat to induce gasification, water-gas shift, and/or aquathermolysis reactions to generate gases including hydrogen. The hydrogen alone is produced to the surface by using hydrogen-only membranes in the production wells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating of gas from liquids in a wellbore, the apparatus enabling the receiving of wellbore fluids into two or more production separation chambers, operating in parallel. The apparatus further enabling the receiving of production separation chamber fluids into a production pipe through a thief jet port disposed in a lower chamber beneath the production separation chambers. The apparatus further enabling extraction of bottom hole gas fluids in the wellbore from under the two or more production separation chambers and disposing the gas fluids back into the wellbore above the two or more production separation chambers.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump assembly. The electric submersible pump assembly comprises an electric submersible pump comprising a pump intake and a tubing configured to provide continuous fluid communication between a discharge side of the electric submersible pump and the pump intake.

Abstract: A well production method uses side gas lift valves above a packer and an ESP below the packer. In a gas lift mode, a controller turns the ESP motor off, and shifts a tubing valve below the packer to a gas lift position while flowing gas down the casing. While in the gas lift mode, a pressure gauge monitors motor lubricant pressure, which correlates with a flowing bottom hole pressure of the well fluid in the lower casing annulus. In an ESP mode, the controller stops the flow of gas from the gas source, shifts the tubing valve to an ESP position and turns on the motor, causing well fluid to flow through the pump intake. The pressure gauge continues to monitor the lubricant pressure during the ESP mode.

Abstract: A downhole reciprocating pump configured for deployment within a tubing string. The reciprocating pump includes a pump barrel, a plunger inside the pump barrel, a lower seating nipple connected within a lower portion of the tubing string and a lower hold-down connected to the pump barrel. The lower hold-down is configured for a mechanical latching engagement with the lower seating nipple. The reciprocating pump also includes an upper seating nipple connected within the tubing string above the lower seating nipple. The upper seating nipple is longer than the lower seating nipple. The reciprocating pump further includes an upper hold-down that has one or more seals that contact an interior surface of the upper seating nipple.

Abstract: Y-grade NGL or L-grade is used as a carrier fluid to transport one or more chemical additives into a hydrocarbon bearing reservoir to treat the hydrocarbon bearing reservoir. The Y-grade NGL or L-grade and the chemical additives may be chilled and/or foamed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for penetrating a subterranean formation with a downhole laser assembly include a laser generation unit located within a subterranean well. The downhole laser assembly further includes a vortex tube. The vortex tube has a compressed air supply port, a hot air outlet oriented to direct a hot air stream in a direction away from the laser generation unit, and a cold air outlet oriented to direct a cold air stream over the laser generation unit.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump comprising a fallback bearing protection system, the system comprising: locking member; boot pivotally connected to shaft of electrical submersible pump adjacent to locking member, wherein the boot comprises a sloped outer wall capable of forming a fluid boundary thereby diverting fallback fluid away from uppermost bearing of electrical submersible pump; ridge disposed on the sloped outer wall of the boot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cementing a liner. In one embodiment, the method includes releasing a dart behind a cement; landing the dart in an activation seat; increasing pressure to activate a liner hanger; further increasing pressure to release the dart from the activation seat; landing the dart in a plug; and increasing pressure to release the dart and the plug. In one embodiment, releasing the dart from the activation seat comprises deforming the dart.

Abstract: A method for directing a proppant in a subterranean formation including providing a first wellbore and a second wellbore, wherein the first wellbore and the second wellbore are disposed about a target area of the subterranean formation; creating a pressure differential between the first wellbore and the second wellbore, such that the pressure of one of the first wellbore or the second wellbore is at a higher pressure and the other of the first wellbore or second wellbore is at a lower pressure; and initiating a fracturing pressure in the higher pressure wellbore by pumping a fracturing fluid in the wellbore, the fracturing pressure sufficient to create a fracture at a predetermined location; whereby the fracturing fluid is drawn from the fractured wellbore toward the lower pressurized wellbore as a result of the pressure differential.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing artificial lift to wellbore fluids include a pump located within a wellbore. A motor is located uphole of the pump and a protector assembly is located between the pump and the motor. A downhole packer is located within the wellbore downhole of the pump. A sand diverter is located downhole of the pump and has a flow port assembly located uphole of the downhole packer, the sand diverter having a diverter inner bore in fluid communication with the wellbore downhole of the downhole packer. The flow port assembly has an inner sleeve that is moveable between an open position where an inner sleeve port assembly is aligned with an outer sleeve port assembly of an outer sleeve, and a closed position where the inner sleeve port assembly is unaligned with the outer sleeve port assembly.

Abstract: A set of directional measurements are obtained for multiple measured depth intervals along the length of a wellbore. Based on the directional measurement sets, and for each measurement set, the locations corresponding to a portion of the well exposed to the reservoir rock are selected. The filtration area of the reservoir formation is calculated based on the selected locations in each measured depth interval. The filtration area is presented for display and analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for flow rate harmonization in electric submersible pump (ESP) gas separators. A method for flow rate harmonization in ESP gas separators includes modifying flow of multi-phase well fluid through vent passages of a crossover when a flow rate of a centrifugal pump differs from a flow rate of a gas separator including the crossover, the gas separator serving as the fluid intake into the centrifugal pump. Flow of fluid through vent passages is modified by one of attaching flow sizing inserts into vent passages or production passages of the crossover, or by attaching a funnel to a crossover inlet. A gas separator system includes a series of interchangeable funnels attachable to a fluid entrance of a crossover of the gas separator, wherein interchanging the particular funnel attached to the crossover modifies flow rate output of the gas separator.

Abstract: An assembly for pumping well fluid from a well includes a production conduit string having a polished bore receptacle. A coiled tubing segment with a power cable is suspended within the production conduit string. A motor, which is secured to the coiled tubing segment and electrically connected with the power cable, drives a pump. The pump discharge opens into a coiled tubing annulus between the coiled tubing segment and production conduit string. A gas separator has a heavier fluid outlet leading into the pump intake and a lighter fluid outlet leading into the production conduit string below the polished bore receptacle. A seal member extends between the gas separator and the pump in sealing engagement with the polished bore receptacle above the lighter fluid outlet and below the pump discharge.

Abstract: A method or process for treating wastewater containing high organics, silica, boron, hardness, and suspended and dissolved solids. The method includes degasifying the wastewater for the removal of dissolved gases and thereafter chemically softening the wastewater. After the chemical softening step, the wastewater is directed through a media filter or membrane which removes additional solids and precipitants. Thereafter the wastewater is directed through a sodium ion exchange that further softens the wastewater. The effluent from the ion exchange is directed through a cartridge filter and the effluent from the cartridge filter is directed through one or more reverse osmosis units. At a selected phase of the process, prior to the wastewater reaching the reverse osmosis unit or units, the pH of the wastewater is raised and maintained such that the pH of the wastewater reaching a reverse osmosis unit is at a pH greater than 10.5.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the flow rate of formation water and/or the total rate of produced water in a gas well. More particularly, a method and system is provided to determine the flow rates of gas, condensate, and water in gas production using a flowmeter.

Abstract: Methods for making efficient use of steam in a steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process for recovering heavy oils from tar sands and similar petroleum deposits are disclosed. The methods utilize a surfactant to generate steam foam in ways that maximize efficient use of steam. In some aspects, steam foam is used in water layers or gas caps that reside above steam chambers to prevent loss of steam from the steam chamber. The predominant use of relatively dry steam in SAGD processes makes it challenging to find ways to introduce surfactants and generate steam foam. However, decreasing the mobility of the steam by converting at least some of it to foam allows the wellbore and steam chambers above the injection site to be more fully developed, provides for more effective heat transfer to the heavy oil and rock, improves production, and allows recovery of the heavy oil with a minimum amount of steam usage.

Abstract: A system includes a casing-liner, a first downhole separator, a production pump, and a second downhole separator disposed within a wellbore casing disposed in a wellbore. An annular disposal zone is defined between the casing-liner and the wellbore casing. First downhole separator is configured to receive a production fluid from a production zone and generate a hydrocarbon rich stream and a water stream including a solid medium. Production pump is configured to pump the hydrocarbon rich stream from the first downhole separator to a surface unit. Second downhole separator is configured to receive the water stream including the solid medium from the first downhole separator, separate the solid medium to generate a separated water stream, and dispose the solid medium to the annular disposal zone. The system further includes a tube configured to dispose the separated water stream from the second downhole separator to a water disposal zone in wellbore.

Abstract: A bottom discharge ESP is disposed within a pod casing. The pod casing is adapted to connect to and support the weight of downstream tailpipe tubing sections so the ESP does not have to support the same. The ESP may be suspended within the pod interior space by a supporting tube disposed above the ESP and extending into the pod interior space. The ESP includes a discharge tube with a seal assembly that engages a seal bore formed in the bottom end of the pod and cooperating with an interior surface of the tailpipe tubing to convey pumped injection fluid downward to the tailpipe tubing. Part of the pod casing may be perforated to allow injection fluid to flow into the pod interior space. Alternatively, perforated tubing joints or sliding sleeves may be provided on an upper tube to permit flow of injection fluid to the interior of the pod.

Abstract: A geothermal heat exchanger includes a water injection pipe installed underground and receiving water supplied from above ground and a steam extraction pipe installed underground and contiguous to the water injection pipe. The steam extraction pipe has a plurality of gushing ports at its lower part, and pressure in the steam extraction pipe is decreased approximately to pressure required by a turbine. The steam extraction pipe is formed such that the diameter of the steam extraction pipe becomes smaller from the lower side of the geothermal region toward the upper side of a ground surface. Water supplied to the water injection pipe becomes high-temperature pressurized water by heat supplied from the geothermal region, and gushes from the gushing ports into the steam extraction pipe in an atomized state, and is then converted into a steam single-phase flow, and allows a power generator to conduct power generation.

Abstract: An example method for downhole surveying and measuring may include positioning a first conformable sensor proximate to a downhole element. The first conformable sensor may include a flexible material, a transmitter coupled to the flexible material, and a receiver coupled to the flexible material. An ultrasonic sensor may be positioned proximate to the downhole element. The receiver may measure an electrical response of the downhole element to a signal generated by the transmitter. An acoustic response of the downhole element may be measurements at the at the ultrasonic sensor. The electrical response and the acoustic response may be processed to determine a parameter of the downhole element.

Abstract: A modular subsea converter for providing a frequency conversion of AC electric power is provided. The modular subsea converter includes at least one base module having a subsea enclosure and electrical connections disposed within the subsea enclosure. It further includes at least one converter module having a converter unit. The converter module is coupled to the base module and has a subsea enclosure in which the converter unit is disposed. The electrical connections of the base module are coupled to the converter unit of the converter module and the subsea enclosure of the converter module is mounted to the subsea enclosure of the base module.

Abstract: A multi-layer composite synthetic test bed may be used to model fracture propagation and fracture networks. For example, a fracturing fluid may be introduced into a multi-layer composite synthetic test bed at a pressure and a flow rate sufficient to create a fracture network therein. Then, the fracture network may be analyzed to produce synthetic fracture data, which may be used in a fracture model.

Abstract: A well pump assembly includes rotary pump and a submersible motor. A shroud surrounds the pump intake and the motor. The shroud has an open upper end in fluid communication with the pump intake. A tubular member of smaller diameter is secured to and extends downward from a lower end of the shroud. The tubular member may have an open lower end for drawing well fluid along a lower flow path up the tubular member to the pump intake. An upper flow path at the upper end of the shroud may have a minimum flow area that is smaller than a minimum flow area of the lower flow path. The tubular member has a smaller outer diameter than an outer diameter of the shroud. The tubular member may have a closed lower end to define a debris collection chamber with a drain valve.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) hydrocarbon resource upgrading device may include a first hydrocarbon resource upgrading path that may include a plurality of first RF power applicator stages coupled in series. Each first RF power stage is configured to apply RF power to upgrade a hydrocarbon resource passing therethrough. The RF hydrocarbon resource upgrading device may also include a second hydrocarbon resource upgrading path that may include at least one second RF power applicator stage coupled in parallel with at least one of the first RF power applicator stages. The second RF power applicator stage is configured to apply RF power to upgrade the hydrocarbon resource passing therethrough.

Abstract: A well pump assembly includes rotary pump and a submersible motor. A shroud surrounds the pump intake and the motor. The shroud has an open upper end in fluid communication with the pump intake. A tubular member of smaller diameter is secured to and extends downward from a lower end of the shroud. The tubular member may have an open lower end for drawing well fluid along a lower flow path up the tubular member to the pump intake. An upper flow path at the upper end of the shroud may have a minimum flow area that is smaller than a minimum flow area of the lower flow path. The tubular member has a smaller outer diameter than an outer diameter of the shroud. The tubular member may have a closed lower end to define a debris collection chamber with a drain valve.

Abstract: A pressure cycling wastewater treatment apparatus can include a confined chamber which encloses an interior volume. The confined chamber can have a wastewater inlet through which wastewater can flow into the confined chamber. In addition, an expansion fluid inlet can receive an expansion fluid into the confined chamber. A treated water outlet can allow treated water to flow out of the confined chamber. Within the interior volume of the confined chamber, a mechanical pressurizing element can be configured to move in a cyclical pattern. Motion of the mechanical pressurizing element can cyclically compress and decompress a mixture of wastewater and expansion fluid inside the confined chamber. The motion of the mechanical pressurizing element can be driven by a driving unit connected to the mechanical pressurizing element through a crankshaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure introduces a downhole tool conveyable within a tubular within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool includes a body and a member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is rotatably coupled to the body. A spectrometry sensor is disposed proximate the second end of the member. Embodiments also include a fluid separating component shaped such that a heavier fluid from the fluid flowing along the downhole tool is drawn away from the spectrometry window to reduce window contamination from fluid droplets, particles, and/or liquids.

Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a well can include transmitting an instruction to change flow through an annulus formed radially between a drill string and a wellbore, and adjusting a pressure setpoint in response to the transmitting. A well drilling system can include a flow control device which varies flow through a drill string, and a control system which changes a pressure setpoint in response to an instruction for the flow control device to change the flow through the drill string. A method of controlling pressure in a well can include transmitting an instruction to divert flow from a drill string, and adjusting a pressure setpoint in response to the transmitting.

Abstract: A gas separator is configured to separate gas from a two-phase fluid. The gas separator includes a rotatable shaft and one or more separation stages. At least one of the one or more separation stages includes a rotor connected to the rotatable shaft and a channeled compression tube, wherein the channeled compression tube includes a compression tube hub and a plurality of channels. The channels are configured to isolate abrasive solid particles from the rotary components within the gas separator. The gas separator may optionally include a streamer upstream from the separation stage that reduces rotational currents upstream from the rotor.

Abstract: A method for removing a buildup of solid impurities on a barrel using a cyclonic debris evacuation assembly, the method comprising: capturing solid impurities between a cup component of said cyclonic debris evacuation assembly and the barrel in a groove positioned below the cup component; directing the solid impurities in the groove into at least one port; and flushing away the solid impurities.

Abstract: A downhole tool for separating fluids into a liquid and a gas component are provided herein. The downhole tool includes an inlet for receiving a multiphase fluid, the multiphase fluid comprising a gas component and a liquid component. The tool also includes a hydrocyclone portion where the flow of the multiphase fluid is vortical and the liquid component migrates to an inner surface of the hydrocyclone portion and the gas component is forced to a central area of the hydrocyclone portion and exits the downhole tool via a gas outlet. The tool further includes a liquid outlet permitting the liquid component to exit the downhole tool.

Abstract: An alternative piston pump employed in mechanical pumping systems for oil extraction. The alternative piston pump includes a case part having at least one cavity disposed along its inner surface. Thus, during the pumping cycle, a gas transfer from a bottom chamber to the case part above a piston and an oil transfer from the case part above the piston to the bottom chamber is established.

Abstract: A down hole fluid conditioning assembly, includable within a drilling bottom hole assembly or other tool configuration, creates a vortex to separate fluids such as drilling mud and the like into a lower density first portion and higher density second portion. The lower density first portion is directed toward the bottom hole assembly or other equipment to improve operational performance of the bottom hole assembly or other equipment. The higher-density second portion is directed away from the bottom hole assembly or other equipment, typically into a well annulus with an upward velocity component.

Abstract: A method for characterizing wellbore response of a pulsed neutron instrument includes inserting a pulsed neutron instrument into a plurality of simulated wellbores each filled with materials representing gas and liquid and measuring response of the pulsed neutron instrument in the simulated wellbores.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to functionalized nanodiamonds comprising at least one MALDI matrix covalently bonded to a nanodiamond and compositions comprising the same. The present disclosure also relates to methods of performing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), for example on small molecules, using matrices comprising at least one MALDI matrix covalently bonded to a nanodiamond.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.

Abstract: A gas separator for separating gas from a fluid in a production stream in a producing hydrocarbon well is described. The gas separator includes a central tube sized to fit into a well casing of the producing hydrocarbon well and having an input at its lower end for receiving the production stream and perforations at its upper end to allow the production stream to flow into the space between the central tube and the well casing. A suction tube is located inside the central tube, the suction tube is operable to draw fluid from the space between the central tube and the well casing and to deliver the fluid to an artificial lift mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for downhole separation of an oil/water fluid and the injection of the separated water into the formation includes a casing in a borehole, a tubing string in the casing, first perforations in the casing at a production zone in the borehole for admitting the mixture into an annulus between the casing and the tubing string, second perforations in the tubing string for admitting production fluid from the casing into the tubing string, third perforations in the casing for discharging separated water from the annulus into the formation, a packer in the annulus separating the first perforations from the third perforations, a first check valve in the tubing string above the packer for admitting the mixture from the tubing string into the annulus where water separates by gravity from the hydrocarbons for discharge through the third perforations, and a second check valve in the tubing string above the first check valve for admitting separated hydrocarbons from the annulus into the tubing string for passag

Abstract: A cyclonic strainer for a well intake that provides for improved separation of gas and fluid in naturally flowing wells during mechanical pumping operations. The strainer includes an elongated member having a channel formed longitudinally therein. A plurality of apertures extend through the elongated member angled downwardly into the channel and away from a center of the channel allowing for a better shear between gas and fluids. The angle of the ports causes fluid to be forced in an opposite direction, resulting in gases and fluids shearing more quickly and cleanly, due to kinetic energy. The angle of the ports can be varied to accommodate different conditions in various well environments. In well environments in which gaseous conditions are extreme, it can be desired for the ports to be sloped southwardly or downwardly at a greater angle than for well environments in which gaseous conditions are not as extreme.