Abstract: A slip ring apparatus including a ring assembly having a conductive ring with a conductive ring engagement surface, a contact assembly having a contact element with a contact element engagement surface for engaging with the conductive ring engagement surface, and a surface discontinuity provided in at least one of the conductive ring engagement surface and the contact element engagement surface. An apparatus including the slip ring apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a housing having an interior and a shaft rotatably extending through the interior of the housing. A method for reducing the potential of a hydroplaning effect in a slip ring apparatus, including providing a surface discontinuity in at least one of a conductive ring engagement surface and a contact element engagement surface.

Abstract: A retrievable Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) and electrical motor for driving the ESP are positioned in a tubing string in the wellbore and, when desired, retrieved back to the surface. The ESP and motor are on an insertion string and can be lowered using wireline, coiled tubing, and standard running and setting tools. The method eliminates the need to retrieve the tubing string to repair, replace, or service the ESP and motor.

Abstract: A motor lead extends alongside an electrical pump assembly for supplying electrical power to the motor. The motor lead has electrical power wires positioned side-by-side in a sub assembly. Each of the electrical power wires has an electrical conductor encased in an insulation layer, which in turn is encased in a lead sheath. A metallic band armor wraps around the sub assembly. A thermal barrier layer is located between an inward facing side of the sub assembly and the pump assembly. The thermal barrier layer is formed of thermal insulation material and has a width at least equal to a width of the sub assembly. The motor lead is free of any thermal barrier layers on the outward facing side of the sub assembly to as to allow heat within the sub assembly to dissipate outward.

Abstract: A rod section having an electrical conductor which is arranged such that it is centered at the end and has an insulating sleeve and is fixed in the rod section such that when the rod section is joined to a further rod section having a fixed conductor, both conductors are joined together in a forcibly guided manner and the join is sealed by the sleeve in a forcibly guided manner.

Abstract: A method of hanging a cable within a coiled tubing string includes the steps of determining a length of coiled tubing required within a well having a wellhead; determining a length of a cable required within the coiled tubing, the cable having a structural component along the length of the cable sufficient to support the weight of the cable; cutting the tubing string and installing a hanger sub in the coiled tubing string toward, the wellhead attachment section relative to the downhole end, the hanger sub comprising an inner shoulder that extends radially into the hanger sub and defines an opening; and attaching an outer shoulder to the cable and inserting the cable into the coiled tubing string until the outer shoulder of the cable engages the inner shoulder of the hanger sub such that the inner shoulder positions the cable below the outer shoulder.

Abstract: An electromagnetic induction generator for use in a tubular, such as a tubular deployed in a subterranean well during wellbore construction operations, for generating electric current through electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction generator has at least one conductive coil and at least one Halbach array of magnets. One or both of the at least one conductive coil and the at least one Halbach array of magnets is rotated relative to the other to increase the electric current generated. One or more gears may be provided to multiply the generated electric current.

Abstract: A penetrator for enabling an electrical cable transition into an underground well. The well has a well casing for containing fluids and pressures from reaching the environment external to the well. The well casing has a wellhead, multiple electrical conductors passing through the penetrator at the wellhead to supply electrical power to down-hole equipment. The wellhead penetrator device provides a reliable sealing solution and which may be quickly installed within wellhead. The penetrator device provides a design which increases the pressure upon the critical sealing surfaces with the electrical conductors as pressure increases within the well casing. The service life of the penetrator seal is maximized to avoid costly downtime to the well operation. The penetrator device is readily installed by maintenance crews and a minimum number of components are utilized. No adhesives or sealants are required in the installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blowout preventer stack comprising blowout preventer stack components. A part of the blowout preventer stack components has a blowout preventer with an electric blowout preventer drive means for operating the blowout preventer. The energy necessary for operating the blowout preventer is provided by kinetic energy storage devices. The kinetic energy storage devices are flywheel energy storage devices, which serve as motor-generator-combination and store, provide and receive kinetic energy and exchange it into electric energy. A steam turbine arrangement and further emergency energy supply and emergency control systems serving as emergency energy supply system are connected to the blowout preventer stack and can be operated parallel to energy supply and control systems. This facilitates a multi-redundant energy supply and control system with upmost effectiveness as to fail-safety of the blowout preventer stack.

Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly includes a pump driven by an electrical motor. A string of tubing connects to the well pump assembly and extends to an upper end of a well. A power cable installed in the tubing has three insulated electrical conductors embedded within an elastomeric jacket. A metal strip has turns wrapped helically around the jacket. The metal strip is compressed between the jacket and the tubing to cause the power cable to frictionally grip the tubing.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation includes a connection member having a pin end. In addition, the drill bit includes a bit body coupled to the connection member and configured to rotate relative to the connection member about a central axis of the bit. The bit body includes a bit face. Further, the drill bit includes a blade extending radially along the bit face. Still further, the drill bit includes a plurality of cutter elements mounted to a cutter-supporting surface of the blade. Moreover, the drill bit includes a depth-of-cut limiting structure slidably disposed in a bore extending axially from the cutter-supporting surface. The depth-of-cut limiting structure is configured to move axially relative to the bit body in response to rotation of the bit body relative to the connection member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in a tubular length and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.). The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented.

Abstract: Methods, techniques, and systems for transmitting a data frame of an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry signal to or from a downhole location can be performed using multi-channel transmissions in which at least two different channels at two different frequencies are used to send a long header and the data frame. At least a portion of the long header is transmitted at a first frequency, and at least a portion of the data frame and any remaining portion of the long header not transmitted at the first frequency are transmitted at one or more additional frequencies different from each other and the first frequency. In one example, only two channels are used: one channel is used to transmit all of the long header, another channel is used to transmit all of the data frame, and either of the channels is used to transmit an identifier identifying the type of the data frame.

Abstract: A downhole power generation system includes a tubular power generation device configured to be disposed in an annular space around a portion of a production tubing, wherein the power generation device is switchable between a power generation mode and a bypass mode. The system also includes a power storage device electrically coupled to the tubular power generation device and configured to store power generated by the power generation device. The power generation device comprises at least one power generation path and at least one bypass path. The at least one power generation path comprises at least one power generation mechanism which generates power when traversed by fluid. The at least one power generation path is open in the power generation mode and closed in the bypass mode.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for transmitting data along tubing in a borehole, comprising generating an acoustic signal using a transmitter at a first location on the tubing, and receiving the acoustic signal at a receiver at a second location on the tubing. The method and system further comprise: (i) generating the acoustic signal at the transmitter at a first frequency and bit rate; (ii) receiving the acoustic signal at the first frequency at the receiver and attempting to synchronize the receiver at the first frequency, and (iiia) if the synchronization is successful, continuing to transmit the acoustic signal so as to pass the data from the transmitter to the receiver; or (iiib) if the synchronization is unsuccessful, adjusting the frequency and/or bit rate of the signal and repeating steps (i)-(iii) on the basis of the adjusted signal.

Abstract: A component for a drill stem including a tubular body with at least one first end zone and a second end zone. The component includes a sheath for passage of a cable extending inside the tubular body between the first end and the second end zone and at least one liner which lines at least a portion of the inside of the tubular body in the first end zone. At least a first end portion of the sheath includes a first threading. The liner supports a second threading. The first and second threading are screwed together.

Abstract: A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described.

Abstract: A rod elevator including a first latching mechanism and a second latching mechanism connected to one another in a spaced apart relationship for connecting a pair of rods to one another in an axially aligned relationship. Each of the latching mechanisms has a rod receiving space axially aligned with a rod receiving space of the other latching mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at methods, systems, and techniques for managing batteries for use in a downhole drilling application. The system includes a power bus, pairs of battery terminals for connecting to batteries, switching circuitry that connects and disconnects the batteries to the power bus, data collection circuitry that obtains battery parameters obtained during system operation, and a controller that controls the switching circuitry and receives the battery parameters. A control line connects the controller to the switching circuitry and a data line connects the controller to the data collection circuitry, with the control and data lines being distinct such that control and data signals are not multiplexed with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing cable along a tubular in a wellbore using a first retainer for attachment to the tubular at a first location and a second retainer for attachment to the tubular at a second location. Each retainer is constructed and arranged to reverse the direction of the cable and to at least partially retain the cable due to elastic forces therein. In one embodiment, the cable is formed into a plurality of loops, each having an upper end retained by the first retainer and a lower end retained by the second retainer.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in power generation, including a fluid-flow-driven power generator for use in a fluid-containing pipe such as a drill pipe as used in oil and gas exploration and extraction. Parts of the generator are removable from the pipe—for example while a drill pipe is downhole within a drilling well—to leave a clear through bore for survey and fishing operations and to enable replacement of the removed parts. The flow-driven generator comprises an impeller connected to a magnet assembly to rotate the magnet assembly when fluid flows past the impeller. This causes relative movement between the magnet assembly and an adjacent electrical coil assembly, the relative movement and magnetic coupling generating an electrical current in the coil assembly. This generated electrical current is used to power electrical devices within the pipe.

Abstract: Systems and method described herein provide for obtaining information which can be used to create a seismic image of a portion of the earth surrounding a well. A device for obtaining information for creating a seismic image proximate a well includes at least one set of acoustic transducers mounted to an exterior surface of a well tubing and configured to transmit at least one acoustic signal, at least one set of hydrophones mounted to the exterior surface of the well tubing and configured to receive at least one reflected acoustic signal; and a cable configured to convey information to and from the at least one set of acoustic transducers and the at least one set of hydrophones.

Abstract: A housing defines a through passage along its length and is configured to support a group of electrical isolators surrounding the through passage to form an electrically isolating break in a drill string such that each isolator of the group of isolators is subject to no more than a compressive force responsive to extension and retraction of the drill string. The housing defines a housing cavity to receive an electronics package having a signal port and is configured for electrical connection of the signal port across the electrically isolating break. A housing lid can cooperate with a main housing body to define elongated slots for purposes of enhancing the emanation of a locating signal. A housing arrangement can support electrical connections from an electronics package to bridge an electrically isolating gap.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods, for perforating a downhole object while minimizing collateral damage to other objects, include use of a perforating device having a body, at least one fuel source having a characteristic that produces a selected mass flow rate, a selected burn rate, or combinations thereof, and an initiator for reacting the fuel to project a force through at least one port in the body. Characteristics of the at least one fuel source can include use of differing fuel types, shapes, and placement to achieve the desired mass flow rate or burn rate, and thus, a controlled force from the apparatus. An anchor or similar orienting device can be used to control the direction and position from which the force exits the apparatus. Openings formed in downhole objects can include a chamfered profile for facilitating future orientation or for injecting or removing substances from a formation.

Abstract: A wired pipe coupler includes a coupler carrier having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, first and second metal plates carried by the first side and one or more antennas supported by the second side. The coupler also includes one or more electrical connectors electrically coupling the metal plates to one or more of the one or more antennas, a grounding plate formed of a conductive material and a layer of insulating material disposed between the metal plates and the grounding plate. The first metal plate, the grounding plate and the layer of insulating material form a first capacitor and the second metal plate, the grounding plate and the layer of insulating material form a second capacitor.

Abstract: A wired pipe includes a tubular pipe body having a wall. The wall including an inner surface, a flow channel formed by the inner surface, an outer surface, and at least one channel integrally formed within a thickness of the wall and between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall. Also included is a method of forming a wired pipe.

Abstract: A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a mandrel having an upper portion and a lower portion for extending into the tubular string; a housing connected to the mandrel upper portion; and a bonnet. The bonnet is: for receiving an upper end of the tubular string, disposed along the mandrel, and linked to the housing. The setting tool further includes: an actuator for stroking the bonnet relative to the mandrel and the housing, thereby setting a hanger of the tubular string; an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal; and a latch. The latch is: connected to the mandrel lower portion, operable between an extended position and a retracted position, for being restrained in the retracted position by being disposed in the tubular string, and extendable by being removed from the tubular string.

Abstract: A plug release system for cementing a tubular string into a wellbore includes: a wiper plug; a tubular housing; a latch for releasably connecting the wiper plug to the housing. The latch includes: a fastener engageable with one of the wiper plug and the housing; a lock movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock keeping the fastener engaged in the locked position; and an actuator connected to the lock and operable to at least move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. The plug release system further includes an electronics package disposed in the housing and in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.

Abstract: A distributed artificial lift system is configured for use in a wellbore that includes a vertical section and at least one lateral section connected to the vertical section. The distributed artificial lift system includes a first remote assembly positioned within the first lateral section. The first remote assembly includes an equipment deployment vehicle and cargo selected from the group consisting of electric remote pumping units, tubing, tubing connectors, tubing adaptors, sensor packages, gas separators, perforating tools, injection pumps and other downhole components. The first remote assembly is optionally self-propelled and remotely-controlled.

Abstract: A running tool for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore includes a tubular body and a latch for releasably connecting the tubular string to the body. The latch includes a longitudinal fastener for engaging a longitudinal profile of the tubular string and a torsional fastener for engaging a torsional profile of the tubular string. The running tool further includes a lock movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and the lock keeps the latch engaged in the locked position. The running tool further includes an actuator operable to at least move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position and an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a ball release system for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing, a seat disposed in the housing and comprising arcuate segments arranged to form a ring, each segment radially movable between a catch position for receiving a ball and a release position, a cam disposed in the housing, longitudinally movable relative thereto, and operable to move the seat segments between the positions, an actuator operable to move the cam, and an electronics package disposed in the housing and in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.

Abstract: A technique provides an actuation system employed to actuate a tool, such as a downhole tool. The tool is actuated by an actuator element, e.g. a ball, which is selectively releasable from a remote location for interaction with the tool. A carrier is used to hold the actuator element at the remote location until its desired release for interaction with the tool. The carrier may comprise an electro-mechanical actuator mechanism positioned to control release of the actuator element upon receipt of an appropriate control signal.

Abstract: A production string for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in a non-limiting embodiment includes a lower section that includes a first tubular having a first connection device at a top end thereof, and an upper section that includes a second tubular that sealingly slides against the first tubular, a second connection device associated with the second tubular configured to engage with the first connection device, and an expansion joint above the second tubular.

Abstract: A method of conducting multiple stage treatments. The method includes running a string into a borehole. The string having at least a first sleeve assembly and a second sleeve assembly. The first sleeve assembly in a position closing a port in the string; communicating from a radial exterior of the string or from a location downhole of the first and second sleeve assemblies to a first electronic trigger of the first sleeve assembly to trigger the first sleeve assembly into moving longitudinally relative to the string to open the port. Performing a treatment operation through the port; communicating from the radial exterior of the string or from a location downhole of the first and second sleeve assemblies to a second electronic trigger of the second sleeve assembly to trigger the second sleeve assembly into moving longitudinally relative to the string to close the port.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor of a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The downhole tool has a flowline to receive downhole fluid. The electrochemical sensor includes a bulkhead carried by the downhole tool, a membrane exposed to the downhole fluid in the flowline, and an electrochemical cell supported by the bulkhead about the membrane. The electrochemical cell includes a plurality of cell sensors, at least one cell electrode, and a sensing solution. The plurality cell sensors include an analyte sensor, a temperature sensor, and a pH sensor. The sensing solution is reactive to certain analytes in the downhole fluid to generate electrical signals measurable by the plurality of cell sensors whereby parameters of chemicals in the downhole fluid may be measured.

Abstract: A downhole modular tool includes a first module, a second module, a third module, and one or more connectors for connecting the first, second, and third modules. Each module includes a drill collar, a drilling fluid passageway, a first fluid passageway, and a second fluid passageway. The one or more connectors connect any one of the first, second, and third modules, to another of the first, second, and third modules to transfer the drilling fluid, the first fluid, and the second fluid between the connected modules.

Abstract: A downhole communication and control system configured for use in a non-sequential order of treating a borehole, the system includes a string having at least three ports including first, second, and third longitudinally spaced ports arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string; at least three frac sleeve systems including first, second, and third frac sleeve systems arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string and arranged to open and close the first, second, and third ports, respectively, each frac sleeve system having self-powered, electronically triggered first and second sleeves; and, communication signals to trigger the first, second, and third frac sleeve systems into moving the first and second sleeves to open and close the ports. Also included is a method of completing downhole operations in a non-sequential order.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for utilizing a radio frequency communication system to wirelessly exchange data with well logging tools and external devices. A logging tool component is operably fitted with an extension antenna which travels through the thick casing of the logging tool. The extension antenna enables data exchange, for example, between radio frequency identification tags inside the logging tool and devices outside of the logging tool.

Abstract: A technique facilitates installation of cables in a variety of environments, including downhole environments. A cable is provided with a core surrounded by a protective jacket. In the radial space between the core and the protective jacket, a filler mechanism is deployed in the axial direction along the cable. The filler mechanism is designed to provide easy access to the core to facilitate coupling with various related components while limiting risk involved with exposing the core.

Abstract: The branching of fractures in shale formations surrounding a wellbore can be enhanced so that more rock surface is exposed in the formation and more hydrocarbon resources can be recovered using smaller quantities of fracturing fluids. The branching of the fractures can be enhanced by establishing a substantially static sub-threshold fluid pressure in a well in a geological formation, and generating a pressure pulse in the well such that the pressure pulse combined with the substantially static sub-threshold fluid pressure forms a plurality of fractures in the geological formation. An arc jet insertable into a passage in the geological formation and having an electric arc channel can be used to generate the pressure pulse.

Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein, the system including a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, a transmission line coupling the RF source and the RF antenna, and a compound current choke surrounding the transmission line. The compound current choke includes a plurality of spaced apart, overlapping, electrically conductive sleeves. Each of the plurality of spaced apart, overlapping, electrically conductive sleeves may have a first open end and a second closed end coupled to the transmission line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling power delivered to a pulsed power system which includes a command charge switch for controlling when power produced by a primary power system is fed into a cable. The command charge switch also controls the power delivered to the pulsed power system in a bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A method for performing shale gas operation is disclosed. The method may include drilling a first well, performing a fracturing operation in the well, recovering shale gas from the first well, supplying at least part of the shale gas recovered from the well to an electrical generator, generating electricity using the generator, and transferring the generated electricity to drilling equipment used to drill a second well.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for removing fluids from a subterranean well. An example embodiment includes a system having a well casing surrounding at least one inner tubing string, where the inner tubing string has a distal section and a proximal section, a first fluid removal means within the distal section of the inner tubing string, and a second fluid removal means within the proximal section of the inner tubing string.

Abstract: A downhole control device is configured to activate downhole equipment requiring control signals. The device having a housing adapted to protect electronic components; a transducer configured to measure one or more of pressure and temperature; an accelerometer; and control circuitry in communication with the transducer and the accelerometer and configured to control the operation of a downhole tool depending on data from one or more of the transducer and accelerometer. The transducer, the accelerometer and at least part of the control circuitry are mounted on a chassis that is removably inserted within the housing.

Abstract: A downhole power system is provided that includes an energy storage adapted to operate at high temperatures, and a modular signal interface device that serves to control the energy storage component as well as offer a means of data logging at high temperatures. The controller is fabricated from pre-assembled components that may be selected for various combinations to provide desired functionality. The energy storage may include at least one ultracapacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for well control and monitoring including an independent web server computer integrated with a pump controller located at each well in an oil field. The well controller locally controls the well pump, processes well and pump data, generates surface and downhole cards, and communicates production reports, recommendations for production improvements, and production statistics to remote sites via the internet. The controller can be queried remotely to provide production reports, etc. Furthermore, the controller can initiate alerts via email, text messaging, or internet messaging, for example, during fault conditions.

Abstract: In combination, an inverted electric submersible pump (ESP) sized to fit within a downhole production path and a coiled tubing string. The coiled tubing string has an internal bore, and one or more supply lines housed within the internal bore and connected between surface and the inverted ESP. The inverted ESP has a pump section and a motor section, the motor section disposed above the pump section, and the pump section having one or more inlet ports and one or more outlet ports. At least one sealing element is positioned between the one or more inlet ports and the one or more outlet ports and is sized to seal against the downhole production path. A coiled tubing connection sealably connects the motor section to the coiled tubing string.

Abstract: A method and assembly for recovering oil using elastic vibration energy involves placing a downhole apparatus in a well, which downhole apparatus is connected to aboveground power supply units and contains an ultrasonic transducer that provides for the generation of high frequency elastic vibrations, exciting elastic vibrations of different frequencies and then repeatedly applying the elastic vibrations to the oil formation, wherein both high and low frequency vibrations are applied to the formation. The low frequency vibrations are generated with the aid of an electric pulse device which is connected to an aboveground power supply and includes the following electrically interconnected components: a charger, a unit of energy storage capacitors, a discharge unit with electrodes, and two switching devices. The method and assembly make it possible to recover oil from depths of over 2000 meters and to act effectively on the formation being treated.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a downhole assembly having a non-contact, capacitive coupling including first and second transceivers deployed in corresponding first and second downhole tool members. The capacitive coupling is disposed to transfer electrical signals between the first and second transceivers. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive coupling is configured to transfer data and power between a substantially non-rotating tool member and a rotating tool member, for example, the shaft and blade housing in a steering tool. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a non-contact, high-speed data communication channel between first and second members of a downhole assembly. Moreover, exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide for simultaneous non-contact transmission of electrical power between the first and second tool members.

Abstract: A power supply for a wired pipe system is provided. The power supply includes energy storage capabilities, and provides for operation in high temperature environments.