Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for stimulating a borehole of a well. The invention provides an apparatus that generates low-frequency seismic type elastic waves that propagate to the geologic formation and in order to enhance the movement of fluids in the geologic formation toward a well. The apparatus may operate automatically driven by a power source that may be located on the ground surface. The regime of operation may be determined by user input. Operation of the apparatus may carried out while production of a natural resource is ongoing.

Abstract: A method is for conveying bitumen or heavy oil in a deposit is provided. The bitumen or very heavy oil is liquefied by way of an inductive conductor loop as a heater and is led away using an extraction pipe, wherein the conductor loop and the extraction pipe are disposed relative to one another such that the heating and thus extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil is maximized. To this end, one of the conductors of the conductor loop is disposed substantially vertically above the extraction pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a subsea well assembly; wherein in an example embodiment the subsea well assembly includes an umbilical attached to a power source. The power source can be on a platform. Also included is a connector for connecting the umbilical to a receptacle included with the subsea well assembly and a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly. An impressed current protection module is integrated in the subsea control module that receives power from the umbilical.

Abstract: A cable head for petroleum logging includes a first connector and a second connector; there is a tension rod between the first connector and the second connector; a first piston, a second piston and a third piston are successively provided on the upper part, the middle part and the lower part of the first connector; the diameter of the second piston is greater than the diameters of the first and third piston respectively; the first and second piston are sealed and mounted inside a first cylinder; the third piston is sealed and mounted inside a second cylinder; the lower part of the second cylinder is fixedly connected with the second connector; a balance cavity is formed between the lower end face of the second piston and the upper end face of the second cylinder when the lower end face of the first cylinder is contacted with the upper end face of second cylinder; the balance cavity communicates with the external by a passage on the first or second cylinder; an axial projected area of the lower end face of th

Abstract: A lateral wellbore completion apparatus may include a flow-through deflector having a deflector face and a junction string that includes a junction block cooperative to mate with the deflector face, a downhole device, and an inductive coupler electrically connected to the downhole device. A method may include anchoring the deflector in a main bore, making-up at the drilling surface a junction string that includes a junction block, a completion string section having a downhole device, and a secondary inductive coupler electrically connected to the downhole device, running the junction string into the main bore, deflecting the completion string section into the lateral bore, and landing the junction block on the deflector face thereby communicatively coupling the secondary and primary inductive couplers.

Abstract: A first end of a conductive spring is embedded in a wall of a large chamber of a piston housing. The spring is held in tension by a second end of the spring being pinned against a bead contact by a trigger pin. The diameter of the piston and a tensile breaking strength of the trigger pin are selected so that the trigger pin is breakable and the tension in the spring is releasable upon the presence of a predetermined pressure difference between a pressure on the contact side of the piston and a pressure on the pinning side of the piston. Release of tension in the spring closes an electrical circuit.

Abstract: Electrical energy is produced at a remote site by converting kinetic energy from fluid flow to electrical energy using a downhole harvesting apparatus. The downhole harvesting apparatus includes a vibrating sleeve member that vibrates in response to fluid flow through a tubular housing structure. The vibration of the sleeve is used to generate electrical power. The harvesting apparatus may include features to help maintain constant fluid flow in the tubular structure. The harvesting apparatus can be tuned to different vibration and flow regimes in order to enhance energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A spoolable signal conduction and connection line for a downhole environment including a length of signal conduction and connection line suitable for the downhole environment; and one or more connectors depending from the line along a length of the line, the connectors capable of making a signal bearing connection for the downhole environment.

Abstract: A method facilitates transmission of electric signals across well components which move relative to each other in a wellbore environment. The method utilizes well components which are movably, e.g. rotatably, coupled to each other via one or more conductive bearings. Each conductive bearing has a conductive rolling element which enables relative movement, e.g. rotation, between the well components while simultaneously facilitating transmission of electric signals through the bearing. The method also involves coupling portions of the bearing to each of the well components, and those bearing portions may be connected with electric leads to enable flow of electric signals through the bearing during operation of the system downhole.

Abstract: A downhole tool coupling (10) comprises first (11) and second (12) downhole tool elements that are securable one to the other in a releasably locking manner by moving the tool elements from a longitudinally relatively less proximate, especially overlapping position into longitudinally relatively more overlap with one another. The first downhole tool element (11) supports a first inductive, capacitative and/or magnetic energy coupler (23) and the second downhole tool element (12) supports a second inductive, capacitative and/or magnetic energy coupler (24). The first and second energy couplers (23, 24) are movable from an energetically uncoupled position when the tool elements (11, 12) are in the longitudinally relatively less overlapping position to an energetically coupled position when the first and second downhole tool elements (11, 12) overlap relatively more.

Abstract: A control and supply unit for an actuating device of a choke, a valve, a blow-up preventer or some other device applied in the field of oil and natural gas production includes at least an auxiliary power supply which is specially rechargeable, and a connecting means used for an exchange of data and/or for the purpose of voltage supply. To improve such a control and supply unit, such that the respective connecting means satisfy a relevant standard and has a compact structural design and is also easily accessible from outside, the control and supply unit includes, as a connecting means, a communication interface for connecting thereto a field bus and a voltage supply connection for connecting thereto a voltage supply line.

Abstract: A tool is run into a liner that holds an electrical or hydraulic connection for a downhole tool which preferably is an electric submersible pump (ESP). It is capable of cleaning the electrical contacts, replacing them, isolating them from well fluid if no ESP or other downhole tool is to be present for a long time or switching from a main to a backup supply cable or hydraulic line among other downhole functions. The liner with the exterior cable or hydraulic line attached remains in position. Applications to other tools that obtain power or hydraulic pressure in a downhole wet connection are contemplated.

Abstract: A system for selectively actuating multiple load devices, such as well tools, which are selectively actuated by applying a predetermined voltage across a predetermined pair of conductors. At least one lockout device is associated with each load device. The lockout device prevents current from flowing through the respective load device until voltage across the pair of the conductors exceeds a predetermined minimum. A method is provided for selecting well tools for actuation by applying a minimum voltage across a set of conductors and a lockout device. Leak paths are prevented from draining off current by the lockout devices. A system is provided for applying current to bidirectional load devices such as downhole pumps and motors.

Abstract: An integrated fluid filtration and recirculation system and method are provided for re-circulating and filtering fluid that is used in well cleaning operations. The system is incorporated within an enclosure, which is transportable, such as on a vehicle trailer. The system has power generation capability, thereby making the system capable of operating as a stand-alone unit. Chemicals may be infused into the filtered fluid from an integral chemical supply allowing the system to also function as a treatment facility for the fluid. The components of the system are arranged in a linear fashion that enables the system to maintain a minimum profile for transport upon a conventional trailer, yet the system provides enough room within the enclosure to allow operators to repair/inspect each of the system components. The enclosure may be climate controlled, and the enclosure may include removable panels for operation of the system in temperate conditions when climate control is unnecessary.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for assessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in an oil and/or gas well wherein electric current or electrostatic potential or both are measured to produce data correlating to at least one flow characteristic of a tubular segment in the well. In some embodiments, electric current and electrostatic potential are produced separately for a plurality of segments, and measured. The system further may adjust at least one flow characteristic of a segment of the well to increase hydrocarbon production from the well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing erosion of a cable for use in a wellbore is described herein. The cable has one or more optical fibers adapted to monitor and/or control a condition in the wellbore. The cable includes a layer of elastomeric material at least partially located on an outer surface of the cable. The elastomeric material is adapted to absorb energy due to the impact of particles in production fluid or wellbore fluid against the cable.

Abstract: A triple-sealed ESP connection provides a first seal at the upper end of a coiled tubing to limit the migration of vapors from the interior of the coiled tubing into the annulus at a wellhead and a second seal to prevent migration of the vapors from the annulus of the wellhead to the exterior surface of the wellhead. This triple-sealed arrangement can be accomplished by providing a threaded connection on an upper end of the coiled tubing to which is attached the sealable shroud for the electrical conductor splice which sealably connects with the wellhead thereby providing a sealed upper end to the coiled tubing and a second seal on the shroud and a seal at the wellhead. The second seal in both cases is the seal that can be either a metal-to-metal or other type of compressive seal arrangement or a sealed tubing arrangement.

Abstract: A technique facilitates deployment of completion stages downhole in a well environment. A first completion stage is deployed downhole into a wellbore with a plurality of control lines having at least one hydraulic control line and at least one electrical control line. A second completion stage is assembled with an electric submersible pumping assembly and a plurality of corresponding control lines having at least one hydraulic control line and a least one electric control line. The second completion stage is conveyed downhole into the wellbore until engaged with the first completion stage which automatically joins the plurality of control lines. The control lines may then be used to operate both electrical and hydraulic devices of the first completion stage.

Abstract: A weight controlled slip interlock system provides increased safety for a snubbing unit. Slips for a snubbing unit is operable between an open position and a closed position, and valves actuates the slips between the open and closed positions. Weight sensors are coupled to the slips, wherein the weight sensors measures the loads on the slips to determine whether one or more of the slips are controlling the weight of a workstring. Interlocks are coupled to the valves to prevent the valves from actuating from the closed position into the open position when the corresponding slip controls the weight of the workstring.

Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface to a selected depth in a wellbore. The pipe string includes at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber signal channel. A power sub including an electric power source is coupled proximate a lower end of the pipe string. At least one electrically powered wireline configurable wellbore instrument is coupled to the power source in the sub.

Abstract: A communications module and methods for downhole operations having utility with production of hydrocarbon fluids from a wellbore, including at least one alternate flow channel and an electrical circuit. Generally, the electrical circuit is pre-programmed to (i) receive a signal and, in response to the received signal, deliver an actuating command signal. The communications module further has a transmitter-receiver. The communications module allows a downhole tool to be actuated within a completion interval of a wellbore without providing an electric line or a working string from the surface. The tool may be actuated in response to a reading from a sensing tool, or in response to a signal emitted in the wellbore by a downhole carrier, or information tag.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for performing an operation in a borehole is disclosed. A device is disposed in a downhole environment of the borehole to perform the downhole operation. An energy harvesting unit coupled to the device harvests energy from an energy source in a downhole environment of the device and provides the harvested energy to the device to perform the downhole operation.

Abstract: A tool assembly is provided that includes an actuatable tool such as a valve or a setting tool. And includes a location device that senses the location of the tool assembly within a tubular body based on a physical signature. The tool assembly also includes an on-board controller configured to send an activation signal to the actuatable tool when the location device has recognized a selected location of the tool based on the physical signature. The actuatable tool, the location device, and the on-board controller are together dimensioned and arranged to be deployed in the wellbore as an autonomous unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method comprising a plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to a magnetic field, and which maintain attraction to one another after removal of the magnetic field, the attraction being disabled when the particles are demagnetized, whereby the particles operate to alter the rheological properties of a fluid in which the particles are mixed when the attraction is enabled or disabled is disclosed.

Abstract: A reservoir production management system includes a plurality of dielectric spectrometers disposed at different locations along the length of production tubing within a wellbore, each of the plurality dielectric spectrometers being in fluid communication with separate producing zones of the reservoir, wherein the plurality of dielectric spectrometers are configured to detect one or more dielectric properties by measuring the response of incident radio waves through fluids from each of the respectively separate producing zones, and a plurality of valves in the production tubing to selectively control production from each of the respectively separate producing zones in response to detected dielectric fluid properties.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for the transmission of 1 kW or more of laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to advance such boreholes deep into the earth and at highly efficient advancement rates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes (methods) for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in an oil and/or gas well and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.) downhole. The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented.

Abstract: A downhole positioning apparatus includes: a carrier configured to be disposed in a borehole in an earth formation, the carrier including at least one measurement tool and an extendable member configured to be actuated between a first position in which the extendable member is disposed at the carrier and a second position in which the member is extended from an outer surface of the carrier; and a receiving element fixedly disposed at a borehole casing, the receiving element configured to receive the elongated member when the member is in the second position and guide the carrier to a selected orientation as the carrier is moved axially through the borehole.

Abstract: A piston tractor system can include at least two piston assemblies which sealingly engage a wellbore, and a pump which transfers fluid between an annulus isolated between the piston assemblies, and another annulus. A method of operating a piston tractor system can include sealingly engaging at least two piston assemblies with a wellbore, grippingly engaging one piston assembly with the wellbore, and then pumping a fluid from an annulus formed between the piston assemblies, while the other piston assembly is secured to a tubular string, thereby biasing the tubular string to displace through the first piston assembly. A method of advancing a tubular string through a wellbore can include sealingly engaging piston assemblies with the wellbore, each of the piston assemblies including a gripping device which selectively grips the wellbore, and one piston assembly including another gripping device which selectively grips the tubular string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blowout preventer for being mounted on a well head, comprising a plurality of valves arranged in fluid communication with each other, connected and forming a tubular pipe. Furthermore, the invention relates to a launcher system, a well intervention module, a well intervention system and a well system.

Abstract: A fluid injection device (38) for deployment in a well-bore to control injection of fluid into an oil reservoir, wherein the well-bore has an outer pipe (16) and an inner tube (14) which extends within the outer pipe and is connected at one end to a pressurized fluid supply above the ground. The device includes a control valve arrangement comprising: an inlet (42) for receiving the fluid from the inner tube; an outlet (56) for outputting the fluid outside the inner tube; an inlet valve (44) in a fluid path between the inlet and the outlet; and an actuator (50) associated with the inlet valve which is controllable to switch the inlet valve between its open and closed configurations, such that when the inlet valve is open, the fluid flows from the inner tube, via the inlet, fluid path and outlet to outside the inner tube. A method of controlling injection of fluid into an oil reservoir from a well-bore using such a device is also provided.

Abstract: A method includes releasing a flow device into a wellbore to travel towards a target device that is positioned in the wellbore and that is actuated by the flow device, monitoring for communications transmitted by the flow device. The method further includes identifying a condition of the wellbore from the communications.

Abstract: The device has at least one electrical conductor loop formed of a feed conductor, a return conductor and an inductor connected therebetween. At least the inductor is at least partially or completely disposed in the oil sand deposit. The device further has an alternating current generator that is electrically connected to the at least one conductor loop by at least two electrical contact points. The alternating current generator has a transformer with at least one primary and at least one secondary winding. The at least one secondary winding comprises a center tap to which a ground potential Ue is electrically connected.

Abstract: An electric machine assembly and a method of installing an electric machine assembly, the electric machine including a downhole electric machine; and a fiber operatively arranged at least partially through a housing of the electric machine for sensing at least one parameter of the electric machine assembly.

Abstract: Oil shale and/or oil sands are utilized to generate electricity and/or steam at the site of the oil shale/sands deposit in an in situ process for recovering oil from the deposit. Bulk shale/sands material is removed from the deposit and combusted to generate thermal energy. The thermal energy is utilized to heat water to generate steam. The steam can be used directly in the in situ process or utilized to drive a steam turbine power generator located in close proximity to the deposit to generate electricity. The electricity generated on-site may be utilized to drive an in situ conversion process that recovers oil from the oil shale/sands deposit. Also, the exit steam generated by the on-site turbine generator can be used on-site to drive the in-situ conversion process.

Abstract: A completions assembly that includes an extendable and retractable shifting tool at a lower end of an upper completion. Outfitted with this type of tool, the upper completion may be sealably landed out at an installed lower completion without prematurely opening an isolation valve that ensures well control thereat. Rather, the full completions assembly may be finished out and the valve later opened by extending of the shifting tool from the upper completion toward the isolation valve at the lower completion. Once more, this type of well control is achieved through use of hydraulic lines that are dedicated to the upper completion even though the isolation valve is located therebelow. As a result, the extended use of hydraulic couplings and other complex or wear-prone well control architecture may be largely avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first structure having a cavity containing a first coupler portion, and a first cover to sealably cover the cavity. In addition, a second structure for engaging the first inductive structure has a cavity containing a second coupler portion. A second cover is sealably covers the cavity of the second structure.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) applicator may be rotated during positioning within a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The wellbore may have at least one bend therein. The RF applicator may include a series of tubular conductors, and a respective bendable tubular dielectric coupler rotationally interlocking opposing ends of adjacent ones of the series of tubular conductors to define a tubular antenna. The RF applicator may include at least one RF feed conductor extending within the tubular antenna and connected to the series of tubular conductors.

Abstract: A completions fluid loss control system for incorporation into upper completion hardware. The system allows for the avoidance of a dedicated intermediate completion installation in advance of upper completion delivery to a lower completion at a formation interface. The system includes a unique cup packer and flow regulation arrangement such that annular fluid thereabove may be isolated away from space below the system while at the same time allowing annular fluid therebelow to bypass the system. As such, the upper completion may be advanced toward the installed lower completion while maintaining well control at the noted formation interface.

Abstract: A safety mechanism comprising: an obstructing member moveable between a first position where fluid flow is permitted, and a second position where fluid flow is restricted preferably blocked; a movement mechanism; and a wireless receiver, often an acoustic transceiver, adapted to receive a wireless signal; wherein the movement mechanism is operable to move the obstructing member from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions in response to a change in the signal being received by the wireless receiver. Embodiments of the invention thus provide a safety mechanism for a well such as a valve, packer, plug or sleeve, which can be operated wirelessly and so may allow operation of safety mechanisms in a well even when emergency situations have occurred.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling a first and a second section of a transmission line embedded in a first and a second component respectively, includes a first half-coupler including a first electrically conductive housing, a first electrically conductive structure, and a first structure of dielectric material, and a second half-coupler including a second electrically conductive housing, a second electrically conductive structure, and a second structure of dielectric material. When the first and second components are connected end-to-end, the first and second housings come into contact to form together an electromagnetic cavity, inside which the first and second conductive structures are separated from each other by the first and second dielectric structures, so as to allow the first and second conductive structures to be in electromagnetic communication with each other.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for two-way communication with a downhole tool string are provided. In one example, a method may include placing a downhole tool string into a pressure riser of a well while at least one component of the downhole tool string is not activated. Thereafter, a wireless control signal may be issued through the pressure riser to the downhole tool to cause the downhole tool string to activate the component. The wireless control signal may involve an acoustic signal, an optical signal, and/or an electromagnetic signal such as electrical dipole coupling or magnetic dipole coupling.

Abstract: A string for drilling a well for installation and retrieval of ESP equipment without a rig. A well is drilled past the end of casing which has been cemented in place and extends to a wellhead at the surface. A receptacle is attached between production casing joints and run into the well 10. The receptacle is a tubular member with an inclined pocket formed on a side. At least one passage or port in the pocket intersects with a passage in receptacle with one or more lengths of tubing attached to the pocket. A wet connector within the production casing is landed in the receptacle and self aligns to the tubing. Electrical wires run within the tubing mate and lock with the wet connector. This allows an ESP to be run into the well via winch such that it stabs into the wet connector to receive power.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining fluid samples in a subterranean wellbore comprises a carrier assembly configured to be disposed in a subterranean wellbore; a sampling chamber operably associated with the carrier assembly; a pressure assembly coupled to the sampling chamber and configured to pressurize a fluid sample obtained in the sampling chamber, wherein the pressure assembly is configured to contain a pressure generating agent; an activation mechanism configured to activate the pressure generating agent; and a power device operably associated with the carrier assembly and configured to provide an impulse for activating the activation mechanism, wherein the power device is not disposed on the pressure assembly.

Abstract: Techniques are described for axial vibration control of wireline tools and cables during logging operations. In undesirable cases the axial vibrations may lead to or exasperate the stick-slip problems of the logging tool. Control systems and strategies to minimize vibrations are described. Techniques are also described for identifying and inhibiting the sticking of the cable. A described system includes a surface actuator and a sensor. The actuator generates an axial wave on the wireline cable which travels down the cable. If there is sticking of the cable, a reflection can also occur at the location of sticking. This shift in the transmission of the wave on the wireline cable is used to identify the onset and/or presence of sticking.

Abstract: A technique enables wireless communication of signals in a well. The technique is employed for communication of power signals and/or data signals between a mother wellbore and at least one lateral wellbore. A first wireless device is positioned in a mother wellbore proximate a lateral wellbore, and a second wireless device is positioned in the lateral wellbore. The power and/or data signal is transferred wirelessly between the first and second wireless devices via magnetic fields. A plurality of the first and second wireless devices may be employed in cooperating pairs to enable communication between the mother wellbore and a plurality of lateral wellbores.

Abstract: An electrical connector module is for completing an electrical connection in a wellbore device. The module has an outer surface having at least one groove that receives and frictionally retains an electrical wire in a circuitous path that relieves strain on the wire. An electrical connector is at least partially disposed in the at least one groove and is connected to the electrical wire.

Abstract: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: A method of selectively actuating from a remote location multiple downhole well tools includes: selecting one of the well tools for actuation by applying a voltage polarity to a set of conductors in the well, thereby operating a downhole pump connected to the well tool and displacing a piston of the well tool in one direction; and selecting the well tool for actuation by applying an opposite voltage polarity to the set of conductors, thereby operating the downhole pump and displacing the piston in an opposite direction. A system includes multiple electrical conductors in the well; and multiple control devices that control which of the well tools is selected for actuation in response to current flow in a set of the conductors, each of the control devices including at least one downhole pump which applies a pressure differential to an actuator of a respective one of the well tools.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a downhole tool for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool includes a modular cartridge assembly that includes a chassis assembly within a housing and that includes a flow line and an electrical pathway. The modular cartridge assembly includes a first connector at a first end and a second connector at a second end. The first connector and the second connector are in fluid communication with the flow line and are further in electrical communication with the electrical pathway.