Abstract: Downhole Camera systems and methods. Certain systems include a high-speed video camera configured with a 360 degree optical field-of-view, a jet-flushing system capable of temporarily displacing debris substantially simultaneously along all azimuths within the optical field-of-view, and optionally a downhole real-time image processing system for reducing the amount of captured video transmitted to surface. Certain methods include capturing a set of images downhole using a high-speed video camera having a 360 degree optical field-of-view, substantially simultaneously temporarily displacing debris in the optical field-of-view for at least a portion of the time the camera is capturing video using a jet-flushing system capable of projecting flushing fluid substantially simultaneously along all azimuths in the borehole. The methods may also involve pre-processing the set of images to reduce the number of images or reduce the amount of information transmitted to surface.

Abstract: A method for determining a piston position in a downhole tool, having steps of providing a transducer in the downhole tool, wherein the tool has a piston used to create a vacuum for the downhole tool, providing a transducer tone burst to provide acoustic energy toward the piston, reflecting the transducer tone burst by a surface of the piston, receiving the transducer tone burst at a receiver, calculating time of flight for the transducer tone burst and determining the piston position in the downhole tool based upon the calculated time of flight of the transducer tone burst.

Abstract: A downhole tool having multiple packers and a controller operable to operate the packers to establish upper, middle, and lower intervals. The controller then establishes the upper and lower intervals at formation pressure, and establishes the middle interval at hydrostatic pressure. The controller then creates a pressure signal in one of the upper and lower intervals and then records a resulting pressure transient in both of the upper and lower intervals. The controller is also operable to establish the middle interval at formation pressure and establish the upper and lower intervals at below hydrostatic pressure but above formation pressure, and then create the pressure signal in the middle interval and subsequently record a resulting pressure transient in the middle interval.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes a downhole tool coupled to a wireline for conveying the downhole tool into the wellbore and for providing a data communication between the downhole tool and a surface device. The downhole tool further includes a settable device, a setting tool for setting the settable device in the wellbore, a sensor that provide measurements relating to downhole parameter, and a controller for determining the downhole parameter from the measurements and in response thereto altering an operation parameter.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system includes a casing disposed in a wellbore in a formation, an installed tubular disposed within the casing and a treatment tubular disposed within the installed tubular, wherein no control line is provided in the treatment tubular, installed tubular or casing. The system also includes a communication line that is placed within the treatment tubular after the treatment tubular is positioned in the wellbore, wherein the communication line has a sensor to be placed proximate an area of interest within the treatment tubular.

Abstract: A method may include forming a borehole in a subterranean formation, lining at least part of the borehole with an electrically conductive casing, and injecting a fracturing fluid, a proppant, and a sensing additive into the borehole to form a propped fracture pattern. The method may further include driving the electrically conductive casing so that the sensing additive generates an electromagnetic (EM) field, sensing the EM field, and mapping the propped fracture pattern based upon the sensed EM field.

Abstract: Downhole tools and techniques acquire information regarding nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, and conductive formations. At least some method embodiments provide a current flow along a drill string in a borehole. The current flow disperses into the surrounding formation and causes a secondary current flow in the nearby conductor. The magnetic field from the secondary current flow can be detected using one or more azimuthally-sensitive antennas. Direction and distance estimates may be obtainable from the azimuthally-sensitive measurements, and can be used as the basis for steering the drillstring relative to the distant conductor. Possible techniques for providing current flow in the drillstring include imposing a voltage across an insulated gap or using a toroid around the drillstring to induce the current flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may operate to mount one or more communication assemblies relative to the exterior of a casing being placed in a borehole. Two communication assemblies can be placed in longitudinally spaced relation to one another along the casing, wherein each communication assembly is configured to obtain excitation responses from electrodes of a fluid sensing component, where the excitation responses vary based on properties of fluids in one or more regions of the annulus surrounding the casing. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Components of a downhole integrated well management system, and its method of use, can be deployed through tubing, a liner, or casing in existing wells without the need to deploy new pipe or remove and re-install pipe in the well. The system can seal the flow of hydrocarbon fluid and re-direct it into the claimed internal flow control module which, in embodiments, comprises a mandrel comprising one or more ports providing fluid communication between the interior of the mandrel and the outside of the mandrel and corresponding controllable port covers and/or seals that are adapted to open, partially open, or fully close a corresponding port; a flow controller; one or more sensor modules adapted to monitor a predetermined set of activities in a well; one or more communications module; and one or more power electronic modules. A surface module may be present and adapted to generate and transmit commands to the flow control modules and receive information from them.

Abstract: Autonomous control of a wellbore tool is provided by programming a memory module of a processor with a database having data relating to a selected parameter of interest; conveying a sensor and the processor along the wellbore; and activating the wellbore tool if the processor determines that a measurement provided by the sensor correlates with the database data. The processor may correlate the sensor measurements with a predetermined pattern associated with the data, a preset value, and/or a preset range of values. Well tool activation may occur when the processor finds: a substantial match between a predetermined pattern and at least one measured value; a present value and at least one measured value, and/or a preset range of values and at least one measured range of values. Also, activating the well tool may occur only if a measurement from a second sensor meets a preset criteria.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating objects include a plurality of actuators distributed on a rig. The actuators cooperate to orient and move the well equipment. Each actuator may include at least one non-rigid tension member configured to engage the well equipment, and at least one sensor generating a signal representative of at least one parameter of: (i) a length of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members, (ii) a tension along at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members, (iii) a position of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members; and (iv) an orientation of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members. The actuators may also each include a drum guiding each of the at least one non-rigid tension members and a motor rotating each drum. The apparatus further includes a controller in communication with the actuators, the controller being programmed to move the object based on the at least one sensor signals.

Abstract: A self-centering tool for use in a wellbore includes a centering mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The centering mechanism includes at least one arm that is configured to move from a first position to a second position. The arm urges a centerline of the tool towards a centerline of the wellbore when in its second position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the centering mechanism and urges the arm from its first position to its second position. The release mechanism is electro-mechanically actuated. In its locked position, the release mechanism prevents the arm from moving towards its second position, while in its released position the arm is able to move towards its second position. The release mechanism is a split-spool type mechanism. A control system that includes one or more sensors controls the operation of the release mechanism.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical indicator system for signaling when a droppable object (such as, for example, a dart, plug or ball) is released during well cementing operations. A body section has first and second chambers divided by a fluid and pressure sealing barrier. A mechanical trigger mechanism is situated in the first chamber, which is exposed to elevated pressures and harsh wellbore fluids. Less robust components, such as sensor(s), power source(s), and signal device(s) located in the second chamber, remain isolated from the wellbore environment and elevated pressures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Also provided are apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more perforating guns, release devices, and explosive devices in a string to be lowered into a wellbore. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, “each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. Control and power functions are accomplished with voltage of different polarities for safety.

Abstract: A data logging apparatus for use in a wellbore of a fluid production well includes a forward portion for guiding the data logging tool through the wellbore. An elongated body having a first end and a second end includes electronic circuitry for receiving data from at least one sensor provided on the data logging tool. An elongated shaft having a first end is connected to the forward portion, and a second end of the elongated shaft is connected to the first end of the elongated body. A propulsion assembly is connected to the second end of the elongated body for self-propelling the data logging tool through the fluid production well. The self-propelled data logging tool can transverse though the wellbore having inclinations of at least fifty degrees. An outwardly extending support arm assembly is rotatably attached about the elongated shaft to prevent the logging tool from uncontrollably spinning.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a monitor for a blowout preventer of a wellbore. The blowout preventer includes a housing, rams, and an actuator comprising a cylinder with a piston. The piston is operatively connectable with the ram and movable therewith. The monitor includes a monitor base operatively connectable to the cylinder (the monitor base having an interior side inside the cylinder and an exterior side outside the cylinder), an interior plate positionable inside the cylinder about the interior side of the base (the interior plate operatively connectable to the piston and movable therewith), an exterior plate positionable outside the cylinder about the exterior surface of the monitor base (the exterior plate coupled by magnets to the interior plate and rotatable therewith), and a trigger sensor operatively connectable about the monitor base and the exterior plate to detect rotation thereof whereby a position of the ram may be determined.

Abstract: A telemetry tool having position and direction sensors, a power supply, a signal receiver and a signal emitter is mounted in a drill string adjacent to a drill bit. A base unit at the surface generates, and transmits into the geological formation, a carrier signal, which may be a DC carrier signal. The geological formation provides a current path between the carrier current generator and the downhole end at which a portion of the carrier current is received by the telemetry tool. The drill string defines a relatively low resistance return signal conductor. The telemetry unit superimposes a time varying signal on the carrier current. The time varying signal includes a recognition sequence, followed by a data string which may include compass direction, azimuth dip, rotational speed, acceleration, and so on. The base unit strips the signal off the carrier current, and reads the code.

Abstract: An interface to provide coupling between a downhole sensor and wiring to other electrical equipment. The interface is configured to obtain voltage from a single power line and provide it to the downhole sensor while simultaneously converting sensor data to frequency form for transmission right back over the same power line. In this manner a substantial reduction in downhole wiring may be obtained. This may be particularly beneficial for sensors to be incorporated into downhole equipment where size and space issues are prevalent, particularly in the circumstance of equipment requiring a retrofit in order to accommodate the sensor capacity.

Abstract: A self-centering tool for use in a wellbore includes a centering mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The centering mechanism includes at least one arm that is configured to move from a first position to a second position. The arm urges a centerline of the tool towards a centerline of the wellbore when in its second position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the centering mechanism and urges the arm from its first position to its second position. The release mechanism is electro-mechanically actuated. In its locked position, the release mechanism prevents the arm from moving towards its second position, while in its released position the arm is able to move towards its second position. The release mechanism is a split-spool type mechanism. A control system that includes one or more sensors controls the operation of the release mechanism.

Abstract: A well tool can include multiple electrical devices and multiple electronic circuits which control operation of the respective electrical devices, each electronic circuit including a respective isolation circuit, wherein each of the isolation circuits isolates a corresponding one of the electronic circuits from a respective one of the electrical devices in response to a predetermined condition. A method of operating a well tool can include providing multiple electronic circuits for operation of respective multiple electrical devices of the well tool, disconnecting one electronic circuit from its respective electrical device in the well, and connecting another electronic circuit to the electrical device in the well.

Abstract: An apparatus having conduits, flattened tubing or pipes of varying widths, heights and/or lengths may simulate a network of fractures that may be used to experimentally evaluate the flow of treatment fluids (e.g. fracturing fluids) within narrow, shale-type fractures. The tubing or pipes each have an interior space with a height and a width, and in one non-limiting embodiment the ratio of height/width is at least 10. The conduits may be constructed of flattened tubing or constructed from components designed and engineered to have the correct height/width ratio. The apparatus may be used to empirically develop diversion principles, more precise numeric models and the parameter relationships that control fluid diversion, secondary fracture initiation and the development of complex fracture networks.

Abstract: A downhole tool conveyable within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a first component, a second component, and a solder electrically and mechanically coupling the first and second components, wherein the solder comprises or consists of: from 0.001 to 1.0 weight % of copper; from 2.5 to 4.0 weight % of silver; from 0.01 to 0.25 weight % of manganese; and tin.

Abstract: A hang-off tool for supporting a tool inside a tubular member includes a logging string configured to generate logging data, a computing system coupled to the logging string and configured to communicate the logging data to another tool, and a radially expandable member having a retracted position and an expanded position. The radially expandable member is configured to engage a radially-increased profile of an inner surface of the tubular member in the expanded position to support the hang-off tool. The radially expandable member is also configured not to engage the radially-increased profile in the retracted position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices useful for monitoring and controlling water that has been used in, for example, oil and natural gas production, recovery, or hydraulic fracturing processes. An on-line unit for measuring, controlling, and optimizing the quality of produced water after being used in a hydrocarbon production or hydraulic fracturing process is also disclosed. Optimizing and controlling can include measuring one or more properties associated with the produced water to be sure that the one or more properties are within an acceptable range and, if the one or more properties are not within the acceptable range for each respective property being measured, causing a change in flow of one or more fresh water sources and/or one or more chemicals into the produced water.

Abstract: A technique for determining conditions downhole in a well, particularly load conditions acting on a well tool, e.g. a bottom hole assembly. The loads acting on a bottom hole assembly or other well tool during a well related operation are measured. Load data is collected and may be transmitted uphole in real time for evaluation at a surface control unit. Based on the load data and other possible data related to the downhole operation, corrective actions can be taken to improve the operation.

Abstract: A method for detecting the geometry of underground fractures comprising: introducing a filling material (14) into an underground fracture (11) to form a pack of filling material (14); transmitting an electromagnetic field into the fracture (11); detecting at least one reflected signal of the electromagnetic field transmitted; and processing the at least one detected signal to reconstruct the geometric and dimensional characteristics of the pack of filling material (14); wherein the electromagnetic field transmitted into the fracture (11) has a frequency comprised in the range of between 30 megahertz and 250 megahertz and in that said filling material is not added with any additives; and a system for implementing the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing having one or more ports, a first sliding sleeve that is movable from a first position to a second position, a second sliding sleeve that is movable from a first position to a second position, a chamber within the housing, and an indicator within the chamber. When the first sliding sleeve is in the first position, the ports are obstructed and the second sliding sleeve is retained in the first position. When the first sliding sleeve is in the second position, the ports are unobstructed and the second sliding sleeve is not retained in the first position. When the second sliding sleeve is in the first position, the indicator is retained within the chamber. When the second sliding sleeve is in the second position, the indicator is not retained in the chamber.

Abstract: A down hole tool includes a tool body, a fluid cavity, a magnetorheological fluid disposed in the fluid cavity, and an electrical control unit in communication with the MR fluid. The electrical control unit is configured to adjust a viscosity of the MR fluid by varying a magnetic field.

Abstract: Systems and methods for employing gauge packages for use with a wet-connect ESPs. In one embodiment, a modular gauge package includes a body, a gauge electronics assembly housed within the body, and a pair of electrical connectors at the upper and lower ends of the body, where power is passed through the body from one connector to the other. The electrical connector at the top of the body engages a complementary electrical connector on the bottom of a pump motor. The electrical connector at the bottom of the body engages a complementary electrical connector at the end of a production conduit. The connector at the bottom of the body may be identically configured with the connector at the bottom of the pump motor, and the connector at the top of the body may be identically configured with the connector at the end of the production conduit.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of positive indication of the proper actuation of a downhole tool. One system includes a work string providing a flow path therein, a downhole tool coupled to the work string and having a body fluidly coupled to the flow path, an indicator chamber defined in the body and configured to retain a substance therein until the downhole tool is actuated, whereupon the indicator chamber becomes exposed and the substance is released into the flow path, and an optical computing device in optical communication with the flow path and configured to detect a characteristic of the substance in the flow path and communicate a signal when the characteristic is detected, the signal being indicative that the downhole tool has been actuated.

Abstract: A multiple integral pressure transducer system for installation in oil field downhole coiled tubing systems.

Abstract: A blowout preventer unit, system and method for monitoring a blowout preventer at a wellsite is provided. The blowout preventer is activatable form a seal to prevent leakage of the fluid produced from subsurface formations. The blowout preventer unit includes wellsite databases, at least one control unit and blowout preventer outputs. The wellsite databases are operatively connectable to the wellsite to receive wellsite data therefrom, and have communication links therebetween. The control unit is operatively connectable to the wellsite databases to selectively divert the wellsite data therebetween via the communication links. The at least one control unit includes a processor to determine blowout preventer parameters from the diverted wellsite data. The blowout preventer outputs are operatively coupled to the wellsite databases, and are accessible by users.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising a flange assembly configured with a through bore and an end termination, where a sensor and associated electronics are arranged in the through bore, and wherein the sensor, via transmission devices passed through a ceramic element, is connected to the associated electronics.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a wellbore operation includes a drill string having a rigid tubular section formed of a plurality of jointed tubulars and a plurality of valves positioned along the rigid tubular section. Each valve may have a radial valve controlling flow through a wall of the rigid tubular section and a signal relay device configured to convey information-encoded signals. Wellbore operations may be performed by transmitting signals using the signal relay devices.

Abstract: A wellbore y-block junction comprises a first bore channel, a second bore channel, a deflector selectable to a neutral position, to a first bore channel selected position, and to a second bore channel selected position, a radio receiver, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to command the deflector position to one of the neutral position, the first bore channel selected position, or the second bore channel selected position based on an input from the radio receiver.

Abstract: A technique enables sealing of downhole components by providing a downhole pressure barrier for communication lines. The system comprises a communication line cementing sub that may be coupled into a tubing string. The cementing sub comprises a flow passage, a radially protruding region, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector is generally disposed on a first longitudinal end of the radially protruding region, and the second connector is disposed on a second longitudinal end of the radially protruding region. Additionally, a passageway extends through the radially protruding region from the first connector to the second connector. The first and second connectors enable routing of a communication line through the radially protruding region.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a downhole parameter includes a downhole tool having a sensor. The sensor includes a pad having insulation, and return(s) positionable in the insulation. The return(s) are adapted to exchange a current with a power source, and a portion of the return(s) may be in a fluid zone. The sensor includes a mud button positionable within the fluid zone and in the insulation a distance from the return(s). The mud button are suitable for exchanging current with the return(s). The mud button and the fluid zone are positioned a distance from the formation such that a majority of the current passing between the return(s) and the mud button passes through the downhole fluid. The current exchanged with the mud button generates a measurement of the downhole fluid.

Abstract: A motor assembly for a submersible pump which includes capability of detecting or monitoring one or more operating parameters for the motor, including temperature, pressure and strain.

Abstract: A method and system for acoustic monitoring using a fiber optic cable. The optical fiber is used as a distributed interferometer that may be used to monitor activity, such as activity with respect to a conduit, wellbore or reservoir. The distributed interferometric monitoring provides for accurate detection of acoustic occurrences along the fiber optic cable and these acoustic occurrences may include fluid flow in a pipeline or wellbore, processes taking place in a wellbore or pipeline, fracturing, gravel packing, production logging and/or the like.

Abstract: Blowout preventer systems are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a blowout preventer, a plurality of position sensing mechanisms, a plurality of pressure sensing mechanisms, and a controller configured to receive position data indicating a position of a piston and pressure data indicating the pressure of hydraulic fluid being applied to the piston, and to determine a current stroking pressure signature or fingerprint during a closing cycle, which when compared to a baseline stroking pressure signature or fingerprint, can provide an indication of the health of one or more components of the operator containing the piston. The controller can also determine a backlash of the ram block, and/or to record a position of the ram block, and/or to calculate an instant when a supplemental closing pressure is desired to be applied, and/or to determine when maintenance of a ram locking mechanism is due, and/or to determine when sealing elements are worn.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring method comprising providing wellbore servicing equipment comprising a pump, a discharge flow path configured to discharge fluid from the pump, a discharge pressure monitoring system comprising a transducer in pressure communication with the discharge flow path, and an electronic circuit in electrical communication with the transducer and a monitoring system, collecting an electrical signal indicative of the pressure within the discharge flow path, processing the electrical signal to generate an upper pressure envelope signal, wherein the upper pressure envelope signal is representative of a high pressure within the discharge flow path over a predetermined duration of time, and comparing the upper pressure envelope signal to a predetermined upper threshold.

Abstract: A technique involves monitoring a hydraulic system having a hydraulic pump coupled to a hydraulic motor which can be used to drive well related equipment. The system and methodology utilize sensors positioned to monitor parameters related to operation of the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor. A processor system is coupled to the sensors to obtain data output by the sensors. The processor system analyzes the sensor data for failure signatures that can be used to determine a failure or potential failure in the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A sensing indicator for a downhole tool, the sensing indicator includes a sensing mechanism including a sensing device and an RFID tag. Wherein the RFID tag is only readable when a set limit is exceeded. The set limit related to a sensed condition of a downhole component of the downhole tool; and, a housing supporting the sensing mechanism. The housing protecting the sensing mechanism from downhole conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning equipment on a track system where the equipment may descend a wireline or a cable into a borehole for well logging. The equipment may be a drum unit for storing, deploying and retracting the cable, a winch, a dancer unit and an auxiliary power supply. The equipment may be positioned with the track system for either operations or transport. The cable may be threaded through the equipment to descend into the borehole for well logging purposes.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising a pump, a fluid supply flow path configured to supply fluid to the pump, and a suction pressure monitoring system comprising a transducer in pressure communication with the fluid supply flow path, and an electronic circuit in electrical communication with the transducer and a monitoring system, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to generate a lower pressure envelope signal, wherein the lower pressure envelope signal is representative of a low pressure within the fluid supply flow path over a predetermined duration of time.

Abstract: To investigate the quality and nature of perforations in a downhole environment, a ‘pecking’ finger and depth measuring probe that can be axially and radially displaced enables the perforation to be located and its depth determined, through sequentially pecking around the wall lining. By swinging a pecking finger supporting a depth measuring probe tip and measuring the displacement of the finger, the edge and center of the hole can be determined with the largest displacement being when the tip is fully in the hole. The depth measuring probe is then deployed and the depth of the perforation established by an increase in the force required to push the probe and by the displacement of the pecking finger as it is pushed back by the reaction forces. Radially extendable clamps at the ends of the tool fix the tool with a surrounding bore.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: placing a first device at a first location in the wellbore, wherein the first device includes a plurality of circumferentially placed tags at known orientations in the wellbore, conveying a second device in the wellbore, the second device including a sensor that provides signals in response to detecting signals from each of the tags in the first device, determining from the signals from the sensor orientation of the second device in the wellbore. In another aspect the method may include a plurality of axially placed tags on a first device and the sensor on a second device, wherein the sensor provides signals when it passes proximate each of the axially spaced tags and determining from the sensor signals location of the second device relative to the first device.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for obtaining a fluid from a formation is disclosed that in embodiment may include a fluid extraction device that extracts the fluid from the formation into a first fluid line, a sample chamber coupled to the first fluid line via a second fluid line that receives the fluid from the first fluid line, wherein the first fluid line and the second fluid line receive contaminated formation fluid when the fluid extraction device initially extracts the fluid from the formation, and a fluid removal device associated with the second fluid line for receiving at least a portion of the contaminated formation fluid from the second fluid line.

Abstract: Disclosed are shearable control line connectors. One control line connector includes an upper coupling element, a lower coupling element communicably coupled to the upper coupling element, and a connector cap securing the upper coupling element to the lower coupling element and being configured to shear upon being subjected to an axial force, thereby effectively separating the upper coupling element from the lower coupling element.