Abstract: A mechanism for moving elements in a fluid filled housing using a pump with the element to be moved attached rigidly to the pump or to a port assembly connected to the pump. The pump assembly or port assembly moves as a result of differential pressure created between a first and a second chamber separated from each other by the pump assembly or port assembly. Movement of the fluid in one direction increases or decreases pressure, the pressure change resulting in a net force in one direction or the other.

Abstract: A method for determining depth in a wellbore uses inertial navigation in conjunction with a database having one or more measured parameters correlated with depth. The measured parameter may be the lengths of stands forming a drill string, prior survey data relating to a naturally occurring feature such as formation lithology, or data relating to a human made feature such as collars in a casing string. The downhole processor may use accelerometer measurements to calculate a measured depth of a BHA and access the database to retrieve a predicted depth that corresponds with one or more sensor measurements (e.g., motion indicating the addition of a stand to a drill string). Thereafter, if the downhole processor determines that the predicted depth is in agreement with the calculated depth, the processor stores the predicted depth and/or associates the predicted depth with directional surveys taken along the wellbore.

Abstract: A method comprising mixing a wellbore servicing composition comprising Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in surface wellbore operating equipment at the surface of a wellsite. An interrogator retrieves data regarding a parameter sensed by the MEMS sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a circuit to receive power and data over a communication medium, where the circuit is to separate the power and the data. An electronic switch couples the power output by the circuit to a downhole electrical component for use in a well. According to other implementations, an electro-hydraulic actuator includes an outer housing defining a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber, where a seal for one of the hydraulic chambers is achieved without use of an elastomeric seal.

Abstract: A rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched and unlatched with a docking station housing for use and removal, respectively. The system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with an active seal. A first sensor and a second sensor can be used to detect temperature, pressure and density of the supplied fluid at different locations and this data can be compared using a central processing unit (CPU). Also, a sensor can be used to detect the revolutions per minute of a rotating seal of the rotating control device and fluid can be provided to the rotating control device responsive to the detected revolutions per minute.

Abstract: A technique includes wirelessly communicating between a first telemetry unit and a second telemetry unit in a well completion. The communicating causes a leakage current between the first and second telemetry units. The technique includes monitoring the leakage current to detect a change in location of a formation fluid layer.

Abstract: A motor includes two or more sections. Each section includes a submersible tubular housing and a stator core disposed within the housing. The stator core has one or more lobes and each lobe has a winding wrapped therearound. The motor further includes a rotor disposed within the housing and including a shaft and a rotor core. The rotor core has two or more lobes. Each section is incrementally oriented so that the sections may be operated to mimic a multi-phase motor.

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: Arrangement for the lifting of hydrocarbons in oil field wells, comprising a lifting assembly formed by a fluid collecting hose and a fluid suction tube within the well casing. The suction tube extends along the collecting hose, which has an open upper end, through which passes the upper section of the suction tube, which has an end attached to the pulling cable of the “collecting hose/suction tube” assembly.

Abstract: A wellbore workstring. The workstring comprises a tubular string and a plurality of robots coupled to the tubular string. The robots establish a wireless communication network within a wellbore and deploy actuators to move themselves relative to the tubular string.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described to estimate a fraction of carbon dioxide present in a downhole fluid. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the earth. The apparatus also includes a pressure sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to measure an ambient pressure of the downhole fluid and an ambient temperature sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to measure a temperature of the downhole fluid. A processor of the apparatus receives the ambient pressure and the ambient temperature measurements and solves for the fraction of carbon dioxide in the downhole fluid using a correlation function with the ambient pressure and the ambient temperature as inputs to the correlation function.

Abstract: An electrical connection for use in boreholes or other remote environment has first and second conductive members. The two conductive members are movable to form an electrical contact. Also provided is a means for urging dielectric fluid around the electrical contact formed by the first conductive member and second conductive member as the first and second conducting members are moved together.

Abstract: An anti-lock system, device and method for logging a wellbore are presented. The anti-lock system of a downhole tool preferably includes a first arm, a second arm, a pad, a swivel bearing between the first arm and the pad, and an anti-locking device. The first arm has an arm first end connected to the tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to a first end of the pad. The second arm has an arm first end connected to the tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to a second end of the pad. The swivel bearing between the first arm and the pad pivotally connects the first arm to the pad. The anti-locking device is coupled to the swivel bearing, and preferably includes an anti-lock biasing member for maintaining a connection between the first arm and the pad at the swivel bearing in an engaged position during normal logging and for allowing the connection to rotate toward a biased position when a binding force is encountered in the arm system.

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: Wireless tag fluid tracking system. A fluid can be tracked in a wellbore utilizing at least one WID tag, such as an LW tag or an RFID tag, entrained in the fluid. A WID tag reader can be disposed and/or displaced in the wellbore, for example, on a drill string or a casing string. A reader can be utilized to locate the at least one WID tag in the wellbore. A reader can be housed in a drill string sub. A fluid entrained with at least one WID tag can be utilized as a tracer fluid. A WID tag can be entrained in cement or a drilling or fracture fluid.

Abstract: A dynamically controlled drill string includes a communications sub, a circulation sub and a measurement sub. The communications sub is operable to receive a wireless signals and retransmit the signals wirelessly. The measurement sub is operable to detect a downhole condition and transmit wirelessly a corresponding data signal. The circulation sub is operable to selectively permit fluid communication between the interior fluid conduit and the exterior of the dynamically controlled drill string at the circulation sub. The circulation sub is operable to selectively permit fluid communication through the internal fluid conduit at the circulation sub. A method for using the dynamically controlled drill string in a well bore includes the steps of introducing the dynamically controlled drill string into the well bore and introducing fluid operable to modify a detected downhole conditions into the well bore.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and/or apparatus for deploying wireline tools with a non-electric string. In one embodiment, a method of determining a free point of a tubular string stuck in a wellbore includes deploying a tool string in the stuck tubular with a non-electric string. The free point assembly includes a battery, a controller, and a free point tool. The method further includes activating the free point tool by the controller. The free point tool contacts an inner surface of the stuck tubular string. The method further includes applying a tensile force and/or torque to the stuck tubular string; and measuring a response of the tubular string with the free point tool.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes a sensor having a plurality of spaced conductive contact elements, a sensing member that moves by gravity and contacts at least two contact elements in the plurality of contact elements to create an electrical short between such at least two contact elements and a circuit coupled to the contact elements configured to generate electrical signals in response to the electrical short between the contact elements.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for improving production of hydrocarbon resources. A method for improving recovery from a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir includes drilling a well comprising a horizontal segment through a reservoir interval and installing a pipe string in the horizontal well segment, wherein the pipe string comprises a plurality of screen assemblies. Each of the plurality of screen assemblies is located and a hole is drilled in the pipe string at a portion of the plurality of screen assemblies. Each hole is drilled at a desired orientation to a radial axis of the drill string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for logging a wellbore with an arm system is provided. The arm system has a pad for measuring a downhole parameter and a first arm having an arm first end connected to a tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to the pad. The arm system has a second arm having an arm first end connected to the tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to the pad. The arm system has a sliding shuffle adapted to allow a portion of the arm system to translate relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool body and a first biasing member wherein the first biasing member and the sliding shuffle are for moving the pad between a closed position proximate the tool body and an engaged position proximate the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for communicating between a tool and a surface of a subterranean formation including a signal generator configured to send a signal through the formation, a relay in communication with the generator, and a receiver in communication with the relay. A method and an apparatus for communicating between a tool and a surface of a subterranean formation including sending a signal from a generator configured to send a signal through a formation, receiving the signal at a relay, sending a second signal from the relay, and receiving the second signal at a receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for placing a dual pressure barrier in a vertical or horizontal well and verifying by pressure sensors in the well that the pressure barriers are operable. Communication of data from the well may be by electromagnetic or acoustic signals, and the data may be acquired on a ship near the well.

Abstract: A sonde for installation in a well including a clamp (2) for engaging with the inner wall of a well casing (3) and securing device for securing the clamp to inner tubing of the well, whereby the securing device includes an attachment device (5, 6) for connection to the inner tubing and a rod (4) connected between the clamp and the attachment device.

Abstract: A pressure relief device and a hydraulic fracturing system having a pressure relief device are provided. In one form, the pressure relief device has a valve body with a linearly extending throughbore between the inlet and outlet thereof. A rupture disc is secured in the valve body so that a frangible dome wall portion thereof has a reverse-acting orientation in the valve body bore. The hydraulic fracturing system includes a pump and a delivery line that receives pressurized fracturing fluid from the pump and delivers it to a well. A pressure relief device is installed along the delivery line. A sensor detects fluid flow downstream of the pressure relief device which allows the pump to be shut down when the downstream fluid flow is detected. The pressure relief device can have a body with a domed rupture disc and the sensor therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a downhole property of interest. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed in a borehole penetrating an earth formation and carry a releasable sensor. The sensor is configured to be released by the carrier into drilling fluid and to sense the property. The sensor includes a memory to store sensed property data. The data can be downloaded from the memory wirelessly with the sensor in the drilling fluid or by retrieving the sensor from the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for estimating a property of a downhole fluid, the apparatus including but not limited to a carrier that is conveyable in a borehole; a test cell carried by the carrier for capturing the downhole fluid; a rare earth doped electromagnetic energy source in electromagnetic energy communication with the downhole fluid in the test cell; and an electromagnetic energy detector in electromagnetic energy communication with electromagnetic energy emitted by the rare earth doped electromagnetic energy source that has interacted with the fluid for estimating the property of the downhole fluid.

Abstract: A system for measuring a parameter within a well comprises a first and second apparatus. The first apparatus comprises a first reel of first wound optic fiber line (or fiber) able to be unwound from the first reel and at least a first sensor able to measure the parameter of the well, wherein information on the parameter can be transmitted through the first optic fiber. The second apparatus comprises a second reel of second wound optic fiber line able to be unwound from the second reel, an extremity of the second optic fiber being fixed to a reference point. A light transmitter or receiver device is linked to the reference point and able to generate or detect a light pulse through the second optic fiber line. Means to exchange the light pulse between first and second optic fiber line are also provided.

Abstract: A technique facilitates monitoring of conditions which are prone to cause scale precipitation around downhole equipment. The technique also enables a local, downhole reaction to the potential for precipitation of scale. A downhole scale monitoring and inhibition system may be provided with a measurement module and injection module. The measurement module monitors at least one downhole parameter indicative of the potential for scale formation. In response to data output from the measurement module, the injection module is operated to provide downhole, local injections of an inhibitor chemical.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for acoustic monitoring using a fibre optic cable. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide for using an optical fiber as a distributed interferometer that may be used to monitor a conduit, wellbore or reservoir. In certain aspects, the distributed interferometric monitoring provides for accurate detection of acoustic occurrences along the fibre 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: Systems for determining hydraulic fracture geometry and/or areal extent of an area of interest in a reservoir, are provided. An exemplary system includes downhole acoustic receiver equipment isolated from fracturing operations in a lower portion of a first wellbore, and fracturing equipment located in a second wellbore connected to the first wellbore. Communications between surface equipment in the downhole acoustic receiver equipment is provided through a communications conduit bypass that permits well operations in the second wellbore without interfering with communications between the surface equipment and the downhole acoustic receiver equipment.

Abstract: Methods and devices for using position data of a piston connected to a ram block in a blowout preventer to 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: First equipment is provided in a first lateral branch of a well, and second equipment in a second lateral branch of the well. Cross-lateral logging is performed using the first and second equipment in the corresponding first and second lateral branches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wellbore surveillance system for obtaining fluid reservoir information data, such as the position and amount of gas, oil and/or water, while draining hydrocarbons from an oil or gas field via a casing in a wellbore in a formation, the casing having a vertical part near a top of the casing and an inner face, the system comprising a first sensor for measuring a content of gas, oil and/or water in the formation, and a second sensor for measuring a content of gas, oil and/or water in the formation.

Abstract: In general, module is lowered to a position in a well to communicate with completion equipment in the well for performing a check of a downhole condition. According to a result of the check, the module is used to actuate a component of the completion equipment. In further examples, a string is lowered into the well, where the string has a first coupler portion and a contraction joint. The contraction joint is used to align the first coupler portion on the string with a second coupler portion that is part of completion equipment in the well.

Abstract: A ported tubular is provided for use in casing a wellbore, to permit selective access to the adjacent formation during completion operations. A system and method for completing a wellbore using the ported tubular are also provided. Ports within the wellbore casing may be opened, isolated, or otherwise accessed to deliver treatment to the formation through the ports, using a tool assembly deployed on tubing or wireline.

Abstract: A method comprising placing a composition comprising a wellbore servicing fluid and a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor in a subterranean formation, whereby the MEMS sensor is coated with an elastomer. The elastomer-coated MEMS sensor is used to detect one or more parameters, including a compression or swelling of the elastomer, an expansion of the elastomer, or a change in density of the composition.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector assembly having an arch for guiding coiled tubing into the injector and, including an injector selectively engageable with coiled tubing for forcing the coiled tubing through the injector in an upward or downward direction. There is also an injector mount and the injector is interconnected to the mount via a plurality of load cells, such that any forces exerted on the injector by flexing or twisting of the arch and/or coiled tubing guided by the arch are detected by the load cells.

Abstract: A system for directing the drilling of a well at a drill-site includes an instructing unit, an instructed unit, and a central unit. The instructed unit receives drilling instruction from an instructing driller, sends drilling instructions to the central unit, and presents to the instructing driller drilling instructions and instruction confirmations received from the central unit. The instructed unit receives instruction confirmations from an instructed driller, sends instruction confirmations to the central unit, and presents to the instructed driller drilling instructions received from the central unit. The central unit stores and forwards drilling instructions and instruction confirmations to the instructing unit and instructed unit, and generates and stores slide sheet information from the drilling instructions.

Abstract: A system which attaches at least one line to a tubular string can include at least one clip pivotably secured on one side of a recess. At least one structure is positioned on an opposite side of the recess. Rotation of the clip into engagement with the structure secures the line in the recess. A method of attaching at least one line to a tubular string can include securing the line to a support on the tubular string as the tubular string is being conveyed into a wellbore. The securing step further includes rotating at least one clip into engagement with at least one structure, thereby preventing removal of the line from a recess formed in the support.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a pumping station controller (14) is provided for monitoring pumping station hardware such as a well level sensor (8) and pumps (10a, . . . , 10n). A user interface (12) enables a user to input data to the controller (14) for controlling the operation of the pumps (10) based on the sensed liquid level. Pumping hardware configurations vary from site to site so that wiring the hardware to the controller may be confusing for the user. To address this problem the controller may comprise a software product (20). The software product may comprise instructions for processor (19) to determine a suitable wiring configuration between the controller (14) and the pumping station hardware, based upon user entered parameters identifying the pumping station hardware to be used.

Abstract: A logging tool, system and method for logging a wellbore are presented. The logging tool preferably includes at least two arm sets that are positionable on a downhole tool deployable into the wellbore. The two arm sets preferably include a first arm set, a second arm set, and an overlap tool body. The first arm set has at least two azimuthally spaced first arm systems with a sensor pad coupled to two arms. The two arms have an upper connection and a lower connection on a tool body of the downhole tool. The second arm set has at least two azimuthally spaced second arm systems with a sensor pad coupled to two arms. The two arms have an upper connection and a lower connection on the tool body, and wherein the upper connection of the second arm set are longitudinally overlapped between the lower connections of the first arm set. The overlap tool body portion for coupling the upper connection of the second arm set and the lower connections of the first arm set to the downhole tool.

Abstract: An alert system for a downhole operation including a tubular string in a borehole. The tubular string having at least one sensor positioned in the borehole for measuring at least one parameter during operation of the tubular string. A unit in data communication with the tubular string and operatively arranged to enable an operator to obtain information regarding operation of the tubular string. A work area positioned proximate to the unit and operatively arranged to receive the operator when the operator is interfacing with the unit. A vibration module operatively arranged to vibrate the work area or a structure therein, wherein the vibration module is triggered in response to a first parameter being outside of a predetermined range set by a first threshold value. Also included is a method of alerting an operator during a drilling operation.

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: An automatic modular maintenance device operating in the annulus (D) of a well for the production of hydrocarbons, including a plurality of substantially cylindrical modules (C) connected to each other by means of articulated joints, said device being capable of floating, also autonomously, in a completion fluid present in the annulus (D) of the well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for elemental analysis of a formation fluid from a subsurface tool having a housing, a sampling probe for collecting a sample of the formation fluid external to the housing, and a microplasma device within the housing and in fluid communication with the sampling probe. The microplasma device includes an upstream gas system, a sampling valve in fluid communication with the sampling probe and the upstream gas system, an expansion chamber for volatizing the formation fluid sample obtained from the sampling valve, and a microplasma chamber in fluid communication with the expansion chamber for ionizing the volatilized fluid sample.

Abstract: Subsea test apparatus comprises: a connector for mating with a corresponding connector of subsea apparatus to provide at least one of electrical, optical, and fluid connection between the test apparatus and the subsea apparatus; measuring means connected to the test apparatus's connector and operable underwater in a measurement mode; a power supply arranged to power the measuring means; and disconnection means for disconnecting the test apparatus's connector from a mated subsea apparatus's connector. The measuring means, in said measurement mode, is arranged to perform at least one measurement, via the mated connectors, on connected subsea apparatus, and the test apparatus further comprises indicating means operable underwater and arranged to provide an indication of a result of the or each measurement.

Abstract: A method for modifying a return fluid in a wellbore comprises disposing at least one controllable flow restrictor along a drill string in the wellbore. At least one parameter of interest is determined at at least one location along an annulus in the wellbore. Controllably actuating the at least one flow restrictor to modify a local property of a return fluid in the annulus based at least in part on the measured parameter of interest.

Abstract: Apparatus including a sensor-containing body is disposable within a flowbore of a downhole tool. The apparatus also comprises an adjustable engagement mechanism that is coupled to the body. The engagement mechanism has a first position that allows the body to move longitudinally through the flowbore, and a second position that prevents movement of the body relative to the flowbore.

Abstract: A method for modifying a return fluid in a wellbore comprising disposing at least one valve along a drill pipe section of a drill string in the wellbore. At least one parameter of interest is determined at at least one location along the wellbore. At least one valve is controllably actuated to discharge at least a portion of at least one fluid from inside the drill string to an annulus in the wellbore to modify a local property of the return fluid in the annulus based at least in part on the measured parameter of interest.

Abstract: Acoustic monitoring is carried out using a fiber optic cable. Coherent Rayleigh noise generated by the transmission of a coherent beam of radiation through the fiber optic cable is detected, a phase of the coherent Rayleigh noise is measured and the measured phase is processed to identify an acoustic occurrence along the fiber optic cable. In certain aspects, an optical fiber serves as a distributed interferometer that may be used to monitor 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, or production logging.