Abstract: A wellbore magnetic tool apparatus is used for generating a magnetic field emanating from a tubing string. The apparatus has a tubular body for connection in series with the tubing string. Magnetic elements are mounted within one or more cavities in the tubular body such that the field directions of all magnetic elements are aligned in a common direction extending along a diametrical axis of the tubular body. The cavities are open to an interior of the body so that the magnetic elements are inserted into the cavities through an inner longitudinal passage of the tubular body. One or more covers close the cavities relative to the longitudinal passage in the tubular body. Magnet receiving cavities open to the interior enable a proportionally larger cavity with greater density of magnets without weakening of the structure of the body.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining electrical characteristics of a subsurface formation are disclosed. The method may include installing a first electrically insulating spacer between well liners in the well to form an on-demand electromagnetic source electrode and installing a second electrically insulating spacer between well liners in the well to form an on-demand electromagnetic receiver electrode. The method may further include performing an electrical survey using the on-demand electromagnetic source and receiver electrodes, determining a map of the at least one electrical characteristic in a subsurface region surrounding on-demand electromagnetic source and receiver electrodes based on the electrical survey, determining a map of at least one formation property based on the map of the electrical characteristic, and updating a hydrocarbon reservoir production plan based on the map of at least one formation property.

Abstract: Systems and methods corresponding to a downhole measurement tool to balance fault current in a protective inductor are disclosed herein. A triggerable network is provided which keeps an alternating current balanced in a protective choke during a phase-to-ground fault condition in a power cable or a downhole motor of an electrical submersible pump. The triggerable network causes a conducting of current during negative polarity voltage portion(s) of the phase-to-ground fault condition via a silicon-controlled rectifier having an anode and a cathode on a path of current conduction for the negative polarity voltage during the phase-to-ground fault condition and one or more Zener diodes, where an ending cathode of the one or more Zener diodes is coupled to a gate of the silicon-controlled rectifier and an ending anode of the one or more Zener diodes is coupled to the anode of the silicon-controlled rectifier.

Abstract: A wellbore positioning system includes a first wellbore casing element bearing a first magnetic pattern that encodes first information associated with the wellbore or a drone. The first wellbore casing element is configured for placement down-hole in the wellbore. The first wellbore casing element extends along a central axis and defines an axially oriented passage. Also, the system includes an untethered drone configured for relative movement in the passage of the first wellbore casing element. The drone is configured to detect the first magnetic pattern and determine a position of the drone within the wellbore based on the first information.

Abstract: A blanking plug for isolating the wellbore of a fluid-producing well during operation of an electric submersible pump is provided with a sand trap positioned at the upper end of the plug. The sand trap is in the form of a flapper valve mechanism and includes a particulate accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A system for producing fluids from a wellbore extending from a well surface to a fluid-producing formation has a Y-tool installed in fluid communication with the tubing string placed in the wellbore. A pump, which may be an electric submersible pump (ESP), is installed in the Y-tool for lifting fluids from the formation to the surface. A blanking plug is positioned in the tubing string between the upper and lower connections of the Y-tool. A flushing tank is run downhole to a position just above the blanking plug. Flushing fluid is dumped from an orifice or nozzle on the lower end of the flushing tank to agitate and disperse any accumulated sand, scale and other particulate matter on top of the blanking plug.

Abstract: Provided is a retrievable choke insert. The retrievable choke insert, in one aspect, includes an outer housing including a central bore extending axially through the outer housing, an open end, a closed end, and one or more outer housing openings extending through an outer housing sidewall thickness, and a bore flow management actuator disposed in the central bore, the bore flow management actuator having one or more bore flow management openings extending through a bore flow management actuator sidewall thickness, the bore flow management actuator operable to convey subsurface production fluids there through.

Abstract: A device for wellbore operations is configured to self-determine its downhole location in a wellbore in real-time and to self-activate upon arrival at a preselected target location. The device determines its downhole location based on magnetic field and/or magnetic flux signals provided by an onboard three-axis magnetometer. The device optionally comprises one or more magnets. The magnetometer detects changes in magnetic field and/or magnetic flux caused by the device's proximity to or passage through various features in the wellbore. The device can self-activate to deploy an engagement mechanism to engage a target tool downhole from the target location. The engagement mechanism comprises a seal supported by two expandable support rings, each having a respective elliptical face for engagement with the elliptical face of the other support ring.

Abstract: A safety valve for a wellbore can include a piston, a flapper valve, a flow tube, a series of outer magnets, and a series of inner magnets. The piston can displace the flow tube, which can operate the flapper valve. The series outer magnets can be attached to an outer wall of the piston. The series of inner magnets can be attached to a flow tube of the safety valve. The series of outer magnets and the series of inner magnets can be arranged in a non-alternating polarity pattern. The non-alternating polarity pattern can be ordered in such a way that a first force to decouple the series of inner magnets from the series of outer magnets is larger than a second force to recouple the series of inner magnets to the series of outer magnets.

Abstract: A frac dart including a pressure housing, a mechanical sensor disposed through the pressure housing, a contactor inside the pressure housing and in operable communication with the mechanical sensor, and an electrical counter disposed in the pressure housing and responsive in increments to movement of the mechanical sensor that closes the contactor.

Abstract: In a jarring device and method for applying an impact to a casing of a wellbore in a subterranean or subsea formation, the jarring device includes a hammer and a driving means for driving the hammer between a first position in which the hammer is spaced from the casing, and a second position in which the hammer contacts the casing, such that the driving means is operable during use to drive the hammer from the first position to the second position so as to impact the casing. The hammer is reciprocated by the driving means.

Abstract: A well cleaning tool includes a positioning device configured to control a position of the well cleaning tool within a well, a rotatable brush assembly configured to scrape a wall of the well, a capture device configured to catch debris dislodged from the wall by the rotatable brush assembly, and a fluid delivery assembly configured to deliver a cleaning fluid to the well.

Abstract: A device for transferring torque to a drill bit in a borehole having a borehole axis includes a support element configured to rotate in the borehole about the borehole axis, a torque transferring element configured to transfer torque from the support element to the drill bit and further configured to isolate torsional oscillations that are created at the drill bit from the support element, a blocking element configured to block rotation of the torque transferring element relative to the support element about the borehole axis in at least one direction, and a bearing element between the support element and the drill bit.

Abstract: A valve assembly can include a flow passage extending between an uphole end and a downhole end of the valve assembly, a flapper that pivots between an open position and a closed position, and a pump operable to pivot the flapper, the pump being positioned between the flapper and the downhole end. A method of testing a completion tubing string can include increasing pressure in the completion tubing string while a closure member of a valve assembly is in a closed position, thereby testing a pressure integrity of the completion tubing string on an uphole side of the closure member, and transmitting a pressure signal via a flow passage to a pressure sensor of the valve assembly, thereby causing the closure member to displace to an open position, the pressure sensor being connected to an electronic circuit positioned on a downhole side of the closure member.

Abstract: A power generation device is provided. The power generation device can include a magnetic coupler. The magnetic coupler can be associated with a maximum torque output. The maximum torque output of the magnetic coupler can be based on a size of the magnetic coupler. The power generation device can also include an alternator coupled to the magnetic coupling device. The alternator can convert kinetic energy received from the magnetic coupling device into a current. The kinetic energy can be generated by the magnetic coupler using a rotational force transferred across the magnetic coupling device. The power generation device can also include a power converter device coupled to the alternator to shape the current from the alternator such that the maximum torque output is sufficient to cause the power converter to output a threshold current sufficient for operating a well tool powered using the power generation device.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly. The ESP assembly comprises an electric motor, a centrifugal pump mechanically coupled to the electric motor, and a probe mechanically coupled to the electric motor and extending upstream of the electric motor, comprising a plurality of sensor bundles wherein each sensor bundle comprises at least one sensor.

Abstract: A power generator for use in a bore, the power generator comprising at least one drivable member; and at least one generation apparatus; the generation apparatus comprising at least one generator magnet for producing a magnetic field; and at least one electrically conductive member located or locatable within the magnetic field; wherein the drivable member is drivable by fluid flowing in the bore so as to produce relative motion of the at least one magnet and the at least one electrically conductive member in order to induce a current in the at least one electrically conductive member.

Abstract: A downhole turbine assembly may comprise a tangential turbine disposed within a section of drill pipe. A portion of a fluid flowing through the drill pipe may be diverted to the tangential turbine generally perpendicular to the turbine's axis of rotation. After rotating the tangential turbine, the diverted portion may be discharged to an exterior of the drill pipe.

Abstract: Aspects of magnetic gradient drilling are described. In one embodiment, a system includes a drill pipe, drilling fluid, and a magnetic assembly tool connected to or integrated with the drill pipe. Among other elements, the magnetic assembly tool can include a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field and create an additional pressure drop in the drilling fluid outside the drill pipe, and a magnetic shielding material configured to shield the magnetic field from inside the drill pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for drilling a second well with respect to a first well is disclosed. A first drill string having a known magnetic signature is disposed at a first depth in the first well. A second drill string is used to drill the second well. The second drill string includes a magnetometer that obtains a magnetic measurement of the first drill string during drilling of the second well. A processor uses the obtained magnetic measurement and the magnetic signature of the first drill string to steer the second drill string to drill the second well.

Abstract: A rotating coil antenna tool apparatus includes a transmitter coil and a receiver coil that are used for ranging to a target well. The transmitter coil transmits a first electromagnetic signal and the receiver coil receives second electromagnetic signal. At least one of the transmitting coil or the receiver coil is rotating while transmitting or receiving their respective signals. The receiver coil is inhibited from receiving the first electromagnetic signal. A relative distance and/or direction to the target well is determined based on the second electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: A system for ranging between a target well and a ranging well using unbalanced magnetic fields. The system comprises a current injection path associated with a target well casing. The current injection path is configured to generate a first magnetic field. A return path is coupled to the current injection path. The return path is configured to generate a second magnetic field such that the first and second magnetic fields are unbalanced with respect to each other. The unbalanced magnetic fields can be measured and used to range with the target well.

Abstract: A hydrogen consumption measuring method for a fuel cell system includes steps of: calculating an amount of hydrogen consumed for a representative section from a first pressure at a time when hydrogen is supplied into an anode and a second pressure at a time when the hydrogen is no longer supplied to the anode; and calculating a total amount of hydrogen consumed by accumulating amounts of hydrogen consumed from a plurality of sections.

Abstract: Providing power to a downhole-type tool includes rotating a rotor of a downhole power unit about a longitudinal axis, generating, with a generator stator assembly of a generator positioned adjacent the downhole power unit, an amount of power in response to rotating the rotor, and supplying, with the generator, the amount of power to at least one downhole-type tool proximate to the downhole power unit. The at least one downhole-type tool is operable using the supplied amount of power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a numerical model of a sample of rock that, when used for flow simulations, it reproduces the porosity and the permeability according to the measurements taken in said sample of the rock. The method is characterized in that the structure and the properties of the numerical model are populated randomly ensuring that the global behavior reproduces the measurements.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include well ranging apparatus, systems, and methods which operate to determine an approximate range between a drilling well and a target well using field equations and the set of measurements by repeatedly receiving the signals and determining the approximate range at increasing depths along the drilling well to build a model of current distribution along the target well, and when a comparison of a measurement predicted by the model to at least one component in the set of measurements indicates nonlinearity in the current distribution, inverting the approximate range to determine a model response that matches the set of measurements, using the model response in place of at least one component in the set of measurements, to determine an actual range to substitute for the approximate range. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus, sensor, system and method. The drilling apparatus includes a drill bit and a steering controller that steers the drill bit. The drilling apparatus includes a reluctance sensor system that measures changes in magnetic flux. The reluctance sensor includes two or more magnets creating a bucking effect. The drilling apparatus includes a processor in communication with the reluctance sensor that receives the measurements made by the reluctance sensor to determine a distance or direction to a target object. The distance is utilized by the steering controller to steer the drill bit.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing hydraulic communication between a relief well and a target well, wherein the relief well intersects with the target well at an intersection point and the relief well includes a distal portion of the relief well that is deviated and intersects the first wellbore from below the intersection point. A directional drilling system and a magnetic ranging system may be used to guide the relief well from a kick-off point to the intersection point. The deviation angle between the two intersecting wells is at least 45 degrees, but may be approximately 90 degrees or obtuse. A deviated portion of the relief well includes a J-shaped or U-shaped trajectory, thus allowing the wellhead of the relief well to be located at a site removed from the wellhead of the target well, but still intersect the target well at a shallow true vertical depth.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupler includes first and second coupling elements for mounting on respective first and second support elements. The first and second coupling elements include respective first and second annular bodies each including a high magnetic permeability material that houses a conductive winding and an open transverse section. The first and second bodies have complementary shapes that when two support elements respectively receiving the first and second coupling elements are coupled, the first and second bodies form a structure enclosing the first and second conductive windings. The first and second conductive windings are respectively positioned in the first and second bodies such that respective surfaces of the first and second conductive windings are substantially parallel when two support elements respectively receiving the first and second coupling elements are coupled.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for estimating a value of a downhole parameter of interest. Aspects include an apparatus for evaluating a tubular. The apparatus may include a sensor including an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) device configured to be conveyed into the tubular. The EMAT device may include measurement circuitry comprising at least one conductive coil; and a magnet array comprising magnets arranged with a corresponding direction of magnetization of each magnet oriented according to a configuration producing a greater magnetic flux on a first side of the array than on a second side opposing the first side. The magnetic flux produced from the second side may be substantially zero. In embodiments, the configuration of magnets comprises at least a first set of permanent magnets in a linear Halbach configuration.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for downhole line detection. A system can send an electrical signal down an electric line that runs down an outside of a downhole casing of a wellbore. A downhole sensor system located at a downhole location inside the downhole casing can detect a magnetic field generated by a current of the electrical signal. Next, the system can identify a one or more characteristics of the magnetic field and/or the electrical signal. Based on the one or more characteristics, the system can determine a first position of the electric line relative to the downhole casing or the downhole sensor system. The system can then infer, based on the first position of the electric line, a second position of a non-electroconductive cable that runs alongside the electric line outside of the downhole casing of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a magnetic field sensor includes setting a first input signal at a first input node of a processor of the magnetic field sensor to a constant value. While the magnetic field sensor experiences a magnetic field, a first transition at an output node of the processor is measured. A second input signal at a second input node of the processor is set to the constant value. While the magnetic field sensor experiences the magnetic field, a second transition of at the output node of the processor is measured. An orthogonality error value is calculated based on a deviation of the first transition and the second transition. The first and/or second input signal is adjusted by modifying the first and/or second input signal by a function of the calculated orthogonality error value to compensate for the orthogonality error.

Abstract: Embodiments include well ranging apparatus, systems, and methods which operate to measure a total magnetic field strength at each of three sensors attached to a down hole tool housing, wherein each sensor is to provide normal, tangential, and longitudinal field strength component amplitude values, and wherein at least one of the sensors is attached to the housing spaced approximately equidistant from the other two sensors in an azimuthal plane of the housing, and wherein each of the sensors is spaced apart from the other sensors in a longitudinal direction of the housing. Further activity includes determining at least three gradient field values from the total magnetic field strength measured by the three sensors, and determining an approximate range from a first well in which the sensors are disposed, to a casing of a second well, using the at least three gradient field values. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole retrieval tool includes a mandrel; an inner sleeve disposed around the mandrel; a plurality of magnets coupled to the inner sleeve; and an outer sleeve disposed around the plurality of magnets, wherein the inner sleeve and the plurality of magnets are rotatable relative to the mandrel. In another aspect, an assembly tool for handling a magnet includes an anchor; a conveyance movable relative to the anchor; and a magnet holder coupled to the conveyance, wherein the magnet holder includes an arm for retaining the magnet.

Abstract: Methods and systems relate to SAGD injection and/or production wells that utilize flow distribution control devices. Additionally, methods and systems using limited vertical spacing separating the wells are described. These methods and systems improve steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) oil production, reduce SAGD start-up time and costs, and improve overall SAGD performance.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can relate to a system including a rotatable input shaft and an output shaft to be rotationally driven by the input shaft. The system can also include a coupling that couples the input shaft to the output shaft. The coupling can transmit a predefined torque before slipping. The system can further include an electrical generator coupled with the output shaft. The electrical generator can be electrically connected to a primary electrical load and a secondary electrical load, where the secondary electrical load is adjustable to maintain the torque transmitted by the coupling approximately at the predefined torque after the coupling slips.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may include a magnetic dipole transmitter to be located in a ranging well. A voltage measurement device can include a plurality of probes where each probe is to be located on one of a target well, the ranging well or a surface of a geological formation comprising the ranging well and the target well. A controller coupled to the voltage measurement device calculates a distance or relative direction between the target well and the ranging well based on a voltage difference between the plurality of probes. The distance/direction can be used to control drilling operations. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A debris removal tool for removal of metallic debris from within a wellbore. The debris removal tool includes a housing defining a central bore and a plurality of magnetic members retained within the central bore and axially moveable therewithin, the magnetic members each presenting a contact surface to contact and form a magnetic attachment to the metallic debris.

Abstract: A hydrostatically set tool operates by pressure buildup on one side of a piston that builds up pressure to the same degree on the opposite side of the piston. There is a valve assembly on the opposite side of the piston that at a predetermined pressure on a high pressure side of the valve assembly allows the assembly to open to mix high pressure on the opposite side of the piston with pressure in an atmospheric or low pressure chamber. This reduces the pressure on one side of the piston and makes the piston move to set the tool. Optionally the piston can be urged to move with low pressure differential such as with sizing of the port leading into the atmospheric chamber so that piston bore warping is reduced from the low differential pressures.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus for locating lateral wellbores extending from a main wellbore includes a caliper sensing tool having spring actuated calipers extending radially therefrom. Each of the calipers is connected to a sensor, such as a linear variable displacement sensor, that is used to calculate the radial extension distance of the respective caliper. When the tool is inserted through a wellbore and moves past a lateral wellbore opening, the calipers extend into the lateral wellbore opening. The extension, as well as contact with the surfaces of the lateral wellbore, are used to determine the wellbore depth location and azimuthal direction of the lateral wellbore. A deflectable steering arm is operable to be selectively steered into the lateral opening to facilitate access to the lateral wellbore for logging or intervention purposes.

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: Compensation for a field-perturbing element in a magnetic tracking system for locating a probe is achieved by creating a reaction field model while the field-perturbing element is in known positions. A magnetic field location sensor is disposed between the field-perturbing element and magnetic field generators of the tracking system. Magnetic field readings from the location sensor and from a magnetic field sensor on the probe are taken while the field-perturbing element is present. The position of the field-perturbing element is estimated from the location sensor readings, and a predicted reaction field calculated from the reaction field model. A compensated measurement is obtained by subtracting the predicted reaction field from the field detected by the location sensor. The readings from the probe sensor are adjusted using the compensated measurement in order to calculate the true position of the probe.

Abstract: A method analyzes a subterranean formation. At least one property of a well casing in the subterranean formation is determined and a plurality of current source vectors at respective positions along a trajectory of the well casing are determined. The effect of the well casing is determined based upon the plurality of current source vectors and the at least one property of the well casing.

Abstract: A wind turbine fault detection circuit is designed to determine presence of a fault. In a described embodiment, the wind turbine fault detection circuit utilizes a magnetometer in the form of a hall-effect sensor coupled between a power converter and a ground element to measure a ground current from the power converter to obtain a real ground current. The wind turbine fault detection circuit utilizes a comparator to determine presence of a fault based on the real ground current.

Abstract: A downhole magnetic latching tool includes at least one permanent magnet deployed on a non-magnetic tool body. A magnetically permeable housing is deployed about the permanent magnet. The magnetic latching tool provides an attractive magnetic force between a drill string and a cased target wellbore.

Abstract: A method of drilling a well is disclosed. A first estimate is obtained of a location of the well with respect to a reference well at a selected depth. A magnetic measurement is obtained at the selected depth using a sensor. The obtained magnetic measurement is related to a residual magnetic charge distribution in the reference well. An expected value of the magnetic measurement at the selected depth is determined from the residual magnetic charge distribution. A second estimate is obtained of the location of the well using the first estimate of the location, the obtained magnetic measurement and the expected value of the magnetic measurement. A drilling parameter of the well is altered using the second estimate of the location.

Abstract: A safety mechanism (401) comprising: (i) an obstructing member (412,414) moveable between a first position where fluid flow is permitted, and a second position where fluid flow is restricted; (ii) a movement mechanism (416,418); (iii) a wireless receiver (360), optionally a transceiver, adapted to receive a wireless signal such as electromagnetic or acoustic. The movement mechanism (416,418) is operable to move the obstructing member (412,414) 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 (360). The safety mechanism also has (iv) a valve (401) in a casing sub; the valve (401) being adapted to move from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions, and then back to the first of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A downhole activation system within a tubular. The system includes an axially movable mover. A first magnet attached to the mover. The first magnet axially movable with the mover. A second magnet separated from the first magnet. The second magnet magnetically repulsed by the first magnet. A biasing device urging the second magnet towards the first magnet; wherein movement of the first magnet via the mover towards the second magnet moves the second magnet in a direction against the biasing device. Also included is a method of activating an activatable member in a downhole tubular.

Abstract: An actuator switch for actuation of a downhole tool, the actuator switch comprising: a rheomagnetic fluid having a state convertible between a liquid and a solid by the application of a magnetic field thereto, a change in the state of the rheomagnetic fluid acting to actuate the downhole tool; and a magnet installed in the tool and moveable relative to the rheomagnetic fluid to apply or remove the magnetic field to the rheomagnetic fluid, the magnet being moved by through tubing operations in an inner diameter of the downhole tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetically autonomously clamping a downhole component in a select direction of a borehole casing. The systems can include a sensor package that obtains a downhole measurement in a position in a cased borehole. The systems can include an integral magnetic clamp that removably clamps the downhole component (e.g., a downhole seismic shuttle) to the cased borehole. The systems can include a directional detector that outputs a select direction of the cased borehole relative to the downhole component. The systems can include a downhole controller that activates a portion of the integral magnetic clamp of the downhole component closest to the select direction output by the directional detector.