Abstract: A submersible pumping system includes a motor, a pump driven by the motor, a seal section disposed between the pump and the motor and an inline monitoring package connected between the seal section and the motor. The inline monitoring package is electrically connected to the motor through a wye point connection. The inline monitoring package preferably includes a sensor array that includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure conditions internal and external to the submersible pumping system. The inline monitoring package further includes a shaft configured to transmit the output from the motor to the pump. The inline monitoring package further includes a fluid exchange system that accommodates the thermal expansion of lubricants in the motor.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising establishing a pumping profile having a performance plan, determining a remaining life estimate for a first wellbore servicing device, wherein the first wellbore servicing device is suitable for impacting conformance to the performance plan, and selecting a second wellbore servicing device in response to the remaining life value for the first wellbore servicing device, wherein the second wellbore servicing device is suitable for impacting conformance to the performance plan. A wellbore servicing system, comprising a first device suitable for impacting conformance to a performance plan, a first sensor configured to monitor an operational characteristic of the first device, and a controller in communication with the first sensor, the controller being configured to calculate at least one of a remaining life estimate of the first device and a probability of survival estimate of the first device.

Abstract: A method comprising placing a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, and using the MEMS sensor to detect a location of the wellbore composition. A method comprising placing a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, and using the MEMS sensor to monitor a condition of the wellbore composition. A method comprising placing one or more Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, using the one or more MEMS sensors to detect a location of at least a portion of the wellbore composition, and using the one or more MEMS sensors to monitor at least a portion of the wellbore composition.

Abstract: A method for determining integrity of annular seals in wellbores. In an embodiment, two wellbores are selected that extend through a common geological formation which is capable of sealing against casing sections located in the wellbores. A pressure test is typically carried out in a first of the wellbores to check that the formation provides an effective seal, and a logging tool is typically run to obtain well log data from which can be derived a characteristic response that is associated with the formation providing an effective annular seal around the casing section in the first wellbore. A logging tool may then be run in the second of the wellbores to obtain a second set of well log data, which are comparable with the characteristic response to determine whether the formation provides an effective annular seal in the second wellbore.

Abstract: A marker placement device, such as a modified coring gun, is used to place one or more markers into the formation. The marker placement device uses explosive charges to fire one or more marker assemblies into a borehole wall. A marker assembly includes a driver assembly which is adapted to be fired from the placement device and a marker which is releasably secured to the driver with frangible shear members.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses useful for forming a seal in a subterranean wellbore and methods for using the disclosed apparatuses for forming a seal in a wellbore.

Abstract: A method for capturing a sample from a wellbore, comprising the steps of introducing a first message and a second message into a tubing positioned within the wellbore. The first message is directed to a first modem connected to a first sampler device to cause the first sampler device to collect a first sample. The second message is directed to a second modem connected to a second sampler device to cause the second sampler device to collect a second sample.

Abstract: An apparatus including at least four different modules, the first module being a treatment conditions module structured to interpret a specified pumping rate and a specified salt concentration. The second is a hydration requirements module structured to determine at least one of a hydration vessel fluid volume and a specified temperature in response to the specified pumping rate. The third is a dynamic brine generation module structured to control a flow rate of a first fluid, at least one of a clay stabilizer precursor, an acid precursor and a base precursor; and a polymer material into a hydration vessel in response to the specified salt concentration and the at least one of the hydration vessel fluid volume and the specified temperature. The fourth is a treatment fluid flow module structured to control a flow rate of a treatment fluid from the hydration vessel in response to the specified pumping rate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deploying one or more sensors into a wellbore. The method can include at least partially embedding one or more sensors in one or more swellable elements; conveying the one or more sensors and the one or more swellable elements into the wellbore; at least partially swelling one or more of the swellable elements; and measuring at least one wellbore property with the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in the wellbore, placing a plurality of acoustic sensors in the wellbore, obtaining data from the MEMS sensors and data from the acoustic sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore, and transmitting the data obtained from the MEMS sensors and the acoustic sensors from an interior of the wellbore to an exterior of the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in the wellbore, and obtaining data from the MEMS sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore, wherein one or more of the data interrogation units is powered by a turbo generator or a thermoelectric generator located in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of verifying swelling of a swellable material in a well can include connecting a transmitter to a sensor which senses a parameter indicative of degree of swelling of the swellable material, and conveying a receiver into an interior of a tubular string. The transmitter transmits to the receiver an indication of the degree of swelling of the swellable material. A packer swelling verification system can include a swellable material which swells in a well, and a well tool which is conveyed to the packer in the well. The well tool receives an indication of a degree of swelling of the swellable material. A method of verifying whether a swellable material has swollen in a well can include positioning a conductor proximate the swellable material, whereby the conductor parts in response to swelling of the swellable material, and detecting whether the conductor has parted.

Abstract: A gravel pack service tool is lowered into a well. At least one sensor proximate a well region to be gravel packed measures at least one characteristic of the well, where the measuring is performed during a gravel pack operation by the gravel pack service tool. The gravel pack service tool is removed from the well after the gravel pack operation.

Abstract: Earth formations are characterized by using an array of electrodes which can measure streaming potentials in the formation, and by interpreting the data obtained by the electrodes. The electrodes are placed on a wireline tool, a LWD tool, or in a fixed manner about a completed wellbore. The measured streaming potentials are generated by drilling with an overbearing pressure, slitting the mudcake in a borehole, acid injection, or any of various other manners which causes fluid movement. The data obtained is interpreted to locate fractures, measure formation permeability, estimate formation pressure, monitor drilling fluid loss, detect abnormal pressure, etc. Particularly, a streaming potential voltage transient having a double peak profile signifies the presence of a formation fracture.

Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements. Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing at least one piece of equipment in the wellbore comprising micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensors, wherein the MEMS sensors are disposed in one or more composite or resin portions of the equipment, and gathering wellbore data from the MEMS sensors. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing at least one piece of equipment in the wellbore comprising a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensor data interrogation unit, wherein the data interrogation unit is disposed in one or more composite or resin portions of the equipment, and gathering wellbore data from MEMS sensors located in the wellbore via the data interrogation unit.

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: A wireline logging tool and method for fluid monitoring and flow characterization in individual zones of controlled salinity is disclosed. The tool and method advantageously facilitate zone-specific testing. Sets of packers are used to create hydraulically distinct zones proximate to the tool. Coiled tubing and isolation valves are used to selectively introduce and remove an electrically conductive fluid such as brine to and from a selected zone. Individual sensors are disposed near each zone to make zone-specific measurements while fluid properties are changed, e.g., while salinity is changed to cause salinity fronts in the formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for examining a tubular channel, the device comprising a three-way valve, buoyancy means, pressure means, a vent line, at least one sensor and computation means; wherein the three-way valve controls the fluid flow between the pressure means and the buoyancy means and between the buoyancy means and the vent line; the computation means is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and adapted to generate a control signal based on data received from the at least one sensor; and wherein the pressure means is fluidly coupled to the buoyancy means via the three-way valve such that a fluid may flow from the pressure means to the buoyancy means or from the buoyancy means to the surroundings of the device via the vent line; and wherein the computation means is communicatively coupled to the three-way valve and controls said three-way valve via the control signal. Thereby, the invention is able to examine e.g.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for controlling the torque applied to a tubular connection. In one embodiment, a method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular supported by a spider on a drilling rig includes engaging the first threaded tubular with the second threaded tubular; making up the connection by rotating the first tubular using a top drive; and controlling unwinding of the first tubular after the connection is made up.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus that controls a liquid level down-hole of a hydrocarbon producing well by physically monitoring the liquid level down-hole having a down-hole liquid level measurer and a signal device connected to the liquid level measurer that causes a pump to adjust its current liquid output based on the liquid level down-hole as measured by the down-hole liquid level measurer.

Abstract: A pipe conveyed extendable well logging assembly includes a deployment system for extending and retracting a well logging tool relative to the pipe while downhole. The logging tool may be releasably latched to the pipe, and may include position sensors for position feedback and depth correction.

Abstract: A pipe conveyed extendable well logging assembly includes a pipe end protector for preventing wellbore debris from entering an opening at the end of the pipe from which a logging tool is extendable. Plugging of the opening is prevented to ensure proper deployment of the extendable logging tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.

Abstract: An insert apparatus for use in a test formation for a downhole nuclear spectroscopy tool includes an outer liner, and an inner liner defining a cylindrical borehole having a diameter such that the downhole nuclear spectroscopy tool is receivable therein. There is fill material between the outer liner and the inner liner, the material including a formation base material and an elemental standards material. The outer liner, the inner liner, and the fill material are configured such that an elemental standard measurement derived from a test using the insert apparatus is equivalent to an elemental standard measurement from a selected formation.

Abstract: Well fluids in coalbed natural gas reservoirs and other carbonaceous reservoirs are analyzed to determine production factors such as gas content, critical desorption pressure, and/or other reservoir and operational variables. In particular, the partial pressure of methane or a predictor substance, or a methane concentration, are measured and/or determined for the wells and production factors are determined therefrom.

Abstract: A wireline logging tool and method for fluid monitoring and flow characterization in individual zones of controlled salinity is disclosed. The tool and method advantageously facilitate zone-specific testing. Sets of packers are used to create hydraulically distinct zones proximate to the tool. Coiled tubing and isolation valves are used to selectively introduce and remove an electrically conductive fluid such as brine to and from a selected zone. Individual sensors are disposed near each zone to make zone-specific measurements while fluid properties are changed, e.g. while salinity is changed to cause salinity fronts in the formation.

Abstract: An electronic actuation system for a pressure equalizing device in a downhole apparatus such as a wellbore plug is described. The system includes a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the wellbore, and means for setting a reference pressure value using a measurement from the pressure sensor. In a method of use, an applied pressure value is determined using a measurement from the pressure sensor and the reference pressure value, and the device is actuated, or opened, when the applied pressure meets a pre-determined condition, such as falling within a pressure window for certain time period. The invention allows natural changes in wellbore pressure to be accounted for when detecting a pressure actuation event.

Abstract: The current application discloses assemblies and methods for monitoring the downhole condition of a subterranean formation subject to a treatment such as hydraulic fracturing. The method comprises deploying a sensor to a position proximate to the treatment zone of the subterranean formation, maintaining the sensor below or within the flow path of the treatment fluid applied to the treatment zone, and recording a measurement by the sensor. In some cases, the sensor is hosted in an elongated housing and the outer diameter of the elongated housing is about 10% to about 70% of the inner diameter of the flow path of the treatment fluid applied to the treatment zone. In some cases, the flow rate of the treatment fluid is controlled. Therefore, the conveyance device of the sensor can be protected from damage or breakage caused by the erosion, jetting effects or drag force of the treatment fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to analyze downhole fluids are described herein. A disclosed example method involves obtaining a sample of a downhole fluid. Additionally the example method involves ionizing at least a portion of the sample to decompose molecules having a relatively high molar mass into molecules having a relatively lower molar mass. Further, the example method involves analyzing the ionized portion of the sample to determine a parameter of the downhole fluid sample.

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.

Abstract: A source of motion for actuation of a downhole tool is in a sealed housing to protect it from well fluids. The sealed housing is filled with an incompressible fluid and thermal effects can be compensated preferably with a compensation bellows in communication with the fluid. The source of motion is preferable electrically powered and the longitudinal motion that results presses against a bellows within the sealed housing. This master bellows is in sealed contact with a slave bellows through a rigid housing that is seal welded to the housing wall. Movement of the master bellows in the housing results in an equal movement of the slave bellows outside the housing. Feedback loops or calibration for thermal effects are also contemplated.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a parameter of interest includes a conduit and a reactive media in the conduit. The reactive media interacts with a selected fluid component to control a flow parameter of the conduit. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor responsive to the flow parameter. The apparatus may be used for estimating a water content of a fluid flowing from a subterranean formation. The apparatus may include a flow path configured to convey fluid from the formation. The at least one sensor may be responsive to a pressure change in the flow path caused by interaction of the reactive media with water.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a well site having a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises determining a first spectral attenuation of a first seismic wave measured from a first location, determining a second spectral attenuation of a second seismic wave measured from a second location, determining a reservoir attenuation anisotropy from a comparison of the first spectral attenuation to the second spectral attenuation, and determining at least one fracture parameter of the subterranean formation from a comparison of the first seismic wave to the second seismic wave.

Abstract: The well condition during gravel packing is monitored and the gravel distribution condition is sent to the surface in real time through the preferred technique of a fiber optic line that wraps around the screens directly or indirectly on a surrounding tube around the screens. The fiber optic line has a breakaway connection that severs when the completion inner string is removed. A production string can then be run in to tag the fiber optic line through a wet connect to continue monitoring well conditions in the production phase. The fiber optic line can also be coiled above the packer so that relative movement of the inner string to the set packer can be detected and communicated to the surface in real time so as to know that the crossover has been moved the proper distance to, for example, get it from the gravel packing position to the reverse out position.

Abstract: According to one or more aspects of the invention, a method for use with assembling and disassembling a tubular string formed by a first tubular and a second tubular may comprise engaging the first tubular with a first device; engaging the second tubular with a second device; connecting the first tubular to the second tubular by applying torque to the first tubular; determining a true torque applied in connecting the first tubular and the second tubular; ensuring that at least the first device or the second device is engaging the tubular string; disengaging the second device from the tubular string; and lowering the tubular string. The first device may be a top drive and the second device may be a spider. The top drive may comprise a tubular running tool. The top drive may comprise a tubular running tool and an elevator.

Abstract: The well condition during gravel packing is monitored and the gravel distribution condition is sent to the surface in real time through the preferred technique of a fiber optic line that wraps around the screens directly or indirectly on a surrounding tube around the screens. The fiber optic line has a breakaway connection that severs when the completion inner string is removed. A production string can then be run in to tag the fiber optic line through a wet connect to continue monitoring well conditions in the production phase. The fiber optic line can also be coiled above the packer so that relative movement of the inner string to the set packer can be detected and communicated to the surface in real time so as to know that the crossover has been moved the proper distance to, for example, get it from the gravel packing position to the reverse out position.

Abstract: An apparatus including a downhole tool for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation and method of use thereof. The downhole tool may include a turbo-alternator disposed in a passageway for drilling mud, and a controller to: track operating points of the turbo-alternator, determine from the operating points a flow rate of the drilling mud, and control a component of the downhole tool based on the flow rate.

Abstract: A shock sensing tool for use with well perforating can include a generally tubular structure which is fluid pressure balanced, at least one strain sensor which senses strain in the structure, and a pressure sensor which senses pressure external to the structure. A well system can include a perforating string including multiple perforating guns and at least one shock sensing tool, with the shock sensing tool being interconnected in the perforating string between one of the perforating guns and at least one of: a) another of the perforating guns, and b) a firing head.

Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.

Abstract: Method, devices and systems are provided for measuring deformation in subterranean formations. Such methods include introduction of spaced-apart depth magnetic markers along the longitudinal length of a well bore and measuring the position of each depth marker over time so as to determine deformation of the subterranean formation. In certain embodiments, depth markers comprise rare earth magnets. In further embodiments, orientation of each magnetic bullet is determined over time to determine the change in orientation of each magnetic bullet. Advantages of the methods and devices herein include, but are not limited to, improved accuracy and reliability of deformation measurements and reduced environmental impact due to the avoidance of radioactive markers used by the present invention.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes: a first elongated body, the first elongated body having a longitudinal axis; an elongated sleeve disposed coaxially with the first elongated body, the elongated sleeve including a plurality of second elongated bodies wrapped around an exterior surface of the first elongated body; and at least one elongated fiber optic component disposed inside of and coaxially with at least one of the first elongated body and a second elongated body.

Abstract: Subterranean sensing devices configured or designed for downhole use to sense a local condition in the well. The sensing devices comprise one or more transistor having at least one carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNT FET) configured or designed for operation downhole, within a borehole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for identifying one or more characteristics within a subterranean reservoir of natural gas.

Abstract: A sensor is configured to sense pressure in an isolated or subterranean environment. The sensor is configured to act as a capacitor with a capacitance that varies as a function of pressure. The sensor has a robust design with minimal moving parts, and in which any parts that do move do not communicate electrically through direct electrical conduction (e.g., through conductive leads). Instead, moving parts that participate in the performance of sensor as a capacitor receive and dispense electrical charge only through a dielectric fluid (e.g., a gas or liquid within the sensor). This may reduce hysterysis, lag, and/or friction with respect to pressure-dependent capacitor designs in which wiring is connected directly to moving parts.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, pumping the wellbore composition into the wellbore at a flow rate, determining velocities of the MEMS sensors along a length of the wellbore, and determining an approximate cross-sectional area profile of the wellbore along the length of the wellbore from at least the velocities of the MEMS sensors and the fluid flow rate. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, pumping the wellbore composition into the wellbore, determining positions of the MEMS sensors relative to one or more known positions along a length of the wellbore, and determining an approximate cross-sectional area profile of the wellbore along the length of the wellbore from at least the determined positions of the MEMS sensors.

Abstract: A hybrid telemetry system for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is deployed via a drill string into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The hybrid telemetry system includes an uphole connector, a downhole connector, and a cable operatively connecting the uphole and downhole connectors. The uphole connector is operatively connectable to a drill string telemetry system for communication therewith. The downhole connector is operatively connectable to the downhole tool for communication therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.

Abstract: The apparatus for evaluating a wellbore while drilling includes a logging toolheld on a drill string and is adapted to obtain data from the wellbore while moving the drill string including the logging tool uphole and out of the wellbore. The logging tool includes a memory for storing obtained data and an on-board power supply battery. A computer being positioned at a surface level of the wellbore is adapted to obtain the data from the memory when the logging tool is also positioned at the surface level. The logging tool is adapted to perform a minimum power-consuming sleep mode with a data obtaining and storing function being disabled and the computer is adapted to transmit a wake-up signal downhole to enable the data obtaining and storing function of the logging tool just prior to tripping out the drill string from the wellbore. The wake-up signal preferably is a mud pulse signal sent through the drilling fluid used when drilling the wellbore.

Abstract: To assemble a sensor array having plural sections, the sections of the sensor array are sealably attached, where the sections include sensors and cable segments. An inert gas is flowed through at least one inner fluid path inside the sensor array when the sections of the sensor array are being sealably attached.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a subsurface formation fluids monitoring system, and a method thereof, integrated on a casing or tubing sub having an inner and an outer surface and defining an internal cavity. The system also includes a sensor mounted on the outer surface and wireless data communication between an interrogating tool located in the internal cavity and the sensor. The system also able to provide fluid communication between the sensor and fluids of the formation with a tool that can be moved through the well to a number of locations.