Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing one or more shaped charges in a single plane, arrayed about the center axis of a gun body, and detonated from a single initiator in a shaped charge cluster assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to weight modules for use in a wellbore tool string. In some embodiments, the weight module may comprise a conductive body, extending in an axial direction, and an insulating cover. The conductive body may be configured to fit within a hollow interior of a weight module housing, and the insulating cover may be configured to electrically isolate the conductive body from the weight module housing. In some embodiments, the conductive body may have a first contact portion, provided at a first end of the conductive body, and a second contact portion, provided at a second end of the conductive body, with the first contact portion in electrical communication with the second contact portion through the conductive body.

Abstract: The current application discloses methods and systems to analyze on-site and in real-time or quasi real-time the composition of the well fluid before or during use or disposition. The method is based on capillary electrophoresis (CE) and does not require the addition of tracers into the well fluid or additive. Based on the significance of each additive on the well fluid properties, it can be decided to determine the concentration of all additives or only one or a limited number of the additives present in the fluid, and the concentrations can be adjusted as needed to reach the desired target concentration(s).

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods for extracting a core from a percussion side wall core bullet for a digital tomographic description and direct numerical simulations. A method for extracting a core from a percussion side wall core bullet for a digital tomographic description and direct numerical simulations includes pushing a free end of a wire of a wire saw through the core. The core is positioned within the percussion side wall core bullet. In addition, the method includes attaching the free end to a locking mechanism of the wire saw. Further, the method includes cutting the core from the percussion side wall core bullet. The method also includes removing the core from the percussion side wall core bullet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bottom sampler comprising, a cable connecting plate, an outer fixing plate disposed at a lower side of the cable connecting plate, a sample barrel guide extending downwards from the outer fixing plate, and a sample barrel configured to have a sediment permeation prevention plate mounted at an outer peripheral end, and provided with a valve at opposite ends, the valve connected to a guide rod pivotally coupled to a first end of a lever operating arm, wherein the valve is closed depending on the pivoting of the lever operating arm when a seabed sample is introduced into the sample barrel to seal an inner part thereof. Accordingly, seabed samples such as gas-filled sediments can be collected and analyzed without pressure leakage.

Abstract: Selectively actuated plungers and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The methods include flowing a wellbore fluid stream in fluid contact with a plunger and in an uphole direction within a wellbore conduit while the plunger is located within a target region of the wellbore conduit. The methods further include maintaining the plunger in a low fluid drag state while a variable associated with the wellbore fluid stream is outside a threshold range and transitioning the plunger to a high fluid drag state responsive to the variable associated with the wellbore conduit being within the threshold range. The methods further include conveying the plunger in the uphole direction within the wellbore conduit. The systems include the plungers and/or hydrocarbon wells that include the plungers.

Abstract: Handling unit equipped to acquire a sample from a seabed top layer by retracting and retrieving a piston corer holding the sample from a seabed, and to remove the sample from the piston corer, wherein the handling unit is a standalone unit arranged for mounting on a vessel and for retrieval of a sample from the piston corer while it remains vertical. The handling unit comprises a container with dimensions and/or lifting points and/or connections as provided on a standard sea freight container. It also comprises a lifting device which is foldable out of and back into a container of the handling unit.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, a dynamic underbalance device has a longitudinally extending tool string including an underbalance part. A first overbalance part is above the underbalance part and a second overbalance part below the underbalance part. Upon application of underbalance from the underbalance part and overbalance from the overbalance part, the overbalance and underbalance interact to isolate the underbalance.

Abstract: An underground drilling method where drilling fluid pulsing down hole tool is combined with a multiple in series pistons down hole tool to provide vigorous vibrations in the drill string and deliver vibrating energy to the drill bit to increase penetration rates and reduce friction between the drill string and the hole. One example method and apparatus shown can operate a simple percussive down hole mud hammer.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sidewall percussion coring service are disclosed. In some embodiments, the side-wall percussion coring tool includes a voltage activated igniter, explosive material, and a core barrel in communication with the explosive material, wherein activation of the igniter causes detonation of the explosive material to propel the core barrel from tool. Some method embodiments for performing sidewall percussion coring service using the disclosed sidewall percussion coring tool include positioning the tool within a wellbore, activating the voltage activated igniter housed within the tool, detonating the explosive material within the tool with the voltage activated igniter, propelling a core barrel from the tool into the surrounding formation by detonation of the explosive material, retrieving the core barrel from the formation, and removing the tool from the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sidewall percussion coring service are disclosed. In some embodiments, the side-wall percussion coring tool includes a voltage activated igniter, explosive material, and a core barrel in communication with the explosive material, wherein activation of the igniter causes detonation of the explosive material to propel the core barrel from tool. Some method embodiments for performing sidewall percussion coring service using the disclosed sidewall percussion coring tool include positioning the tool within a wellbore, activating the voltage activated igniter housed within the tool, detonating the explosive material within the tool with the voltage activated igniter, propelling a core barrel from the tool into the surrounding formation by detonation of the explosive material, retrieving the core barrel from the formation, and removing the tool from the wellbore.

Abstract: An improved perforation gun includes an outer gun barrel, which is used in conjunction with an inner movable charge carrier or an inner movable sleeve to trap virtually all of the debris created by the firing of the perforation gun. The charge carrier has a plurality of explosive charges initially aligned with complementary, pre-existing holes in the wall of the charge carrier, which are initially aligned with complementary, pre-existing scalloped sections of the outer gun barrel.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring seismic data are disclosed. The system comprises a controller for causing the generation of a seismic signal, where the controller has a first clock used for time-stamping a record of the generated seismic signal. A seismic receiver is deployed in a wellbore so as to detect the generated seismic signal. An atomic clock is disposed in or with the seismic receiver for time-stamping a record of the detected seismic signal. The atomic clock is synchronized with the first clock prior to being placed downhole.

Abstract: A control system for a drilling machine is disclosed. The drilling machine includes a rod driver for driving a string of rods into the ground, and for removing the string of rods from the ground. The drilling machine also includes a magazine for storing rods near the rod driver. A rod transfer mechanism moves rods between the magazine and the rod driver. Vices are used to make and break joints between the rods of the drill string. The control system includes joysticks equipped with switches for controlling operational sequences of the vices and the rod transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring seismic data are disclosed. The system comprises a controller for causing the generation of a seismic signal, where the controller has a first clock used for time-stamping a record of the generated seismic signal. A seismic receiver is deployed in a wellbore so as to detect the generated seismic signal. An atomic clock is disposed in or with the seismic receiver for time-stamping a record of the detected seismic signal. The atomic clock is synchronized with the first clock prior to being placed downhole.

Abstract: A core stabilization apparatus and method are implemented. An inner barrel having a plurality of ports disposed circumferentially and axially in a wall thereof is provided. A gas manifold is attached to a first subsets of the ports. Gas is delivered to an interior of the inner barrel via the gas manifold and the corresponding ports. Drilling mud remaining in the interior of the inner barrel is expelled through a second subset of ports. After expulsion of the drilling mud, a stabilizing compound is injected into the interior via an injection manifold attached to the second subset of ports. Upon curing of the stabilizing compound, the inner barrel and core sample contained therein may be sectioned or otherwise manipulated.

Abstract: A tool for obtaining samples of the formation surrounding the wellbore, and method of obtaining such samples, is disclosed. The tool is implemented within a sub in a bottomhole assembly, preferably within side-pocket mandrels in the outer surface of drill collar pipe. The tool includes a series of sampling bits that may be fired into the surrounding formation by the activation of an explosive charge, and also includes an electronic unit for detecting a signal from the surface and activating the charge in response thereto. The signal may be communicated by way of mud-pulse telemetry, or by any other known telemetry technique. Separate groups of sampling bits, with separate switch and power units, may be provided to provide redundant operation; a decoder is included in this alternative, to allow for selection of one of the groups.

Abstract: An igniter is set forth in the present disclosure for use with a coring gun assembly. A bullet equipped with a bottom and having an O-ring thereabout is positioned in a chamber at one end thereof for firing to take a core sample. At the opposite end, an igniter is positioned in the chamber resting primarily on a shoulder aligning an elongate cylindrical shell within the chamber and having an external O-ring for sealing purposes. An elongate electrically insulated conductive firing pin extends through said shell so that an external circuit can be connected thereto to create a firing pulse. The current flows through the pin and through a bridgewire disc positioned at the end of the pin which in turn ignites a prepackaged cylindrical explosive charge to fire the bullet.

Abstract: An elongate gun assembly with multiple gun chambers is assembled with locking keys holdinhg several chambers in place. In each, a bullet with bottom is placed adjacent to an explosive charge. An elongate cable having two end loops connects with the assembly and passes through the bullet. The cable is anchored on the bullet, and the two ends are unequal in length. They enable retrieval after firing. A method of cable coiling and retrieval is set out.

Abstract: For use in a gun supporting a bullet for obtaining a core sample therein wherein the bullet is received in a chamber in the gun, a retrieval cable connecting between a pair of studs for threading to the bullet and gun, the cable being coiled to enable the cable and heads of the stud to be received in a sacrificial plastic cylindrical housing. An electrical flow path is also provided by means of a conductor optionally positioned adjacent an exploding cap and extending to an electrically isolated ground terminal. The ground terminal connects with ground through a compressed spring extending through the housing for contact against the ground.

Abstract: Sampling bullets of the type which are fired into rock formation surrounding a wellbore. The core sampling bullet includes an internal core barrel which is defined in part by a core receiving sleeve releasably secured within the bullet structure. Following bullet retrieval, the bullet is disassembled thereby permitting rearward removal of the core sleeve with core entrapped therein. Following extraction from the bullet, the core sleeve protects the core during handling and testing. The removed core sleeve is further closed by end cap members to further secure the core against contamination and against further loss of gas in core sample prior to testing. The bullet construction also provides for efficiency of hydraulic venting during firing and provides efficiently for bullet with core removal by means of one or more cables. Core orientation is also achieved.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment of the core sample bullet construction, a multi-piece construction is set forth. There is a forward, or removable, nose portion. It nests with and connects to a carrier portion. The two portions together define an elongate central bore formed in multiple portions, and the bore is open through the rear of the carrier. At the rear, a separate and removable bottom cap is plugged into the carrier portion and the two are joined together at the time of assembly, before firing. A release ring is included on the outer face of the nose portion and protects the shoulder of the carrier portion, engaging the formation upon entry, and is sacrifically abandoned; the ring is a mechanism for releasing the nose portion whereby retraction is easily obtained; the release ring includes drilling mud and debris relieving notches formed in the inside diameter.

Abstract: A method for effectuating the acceleration of an object, in particular a piercing or penetrator object, within a surrounding liquid medium of a density which is higher than the density of gases, such as in water; as well as an arrangement for producing and imparting an advancing or propelling force to an object in a surrounding liquid medium of a density which is higher than the density of gases; and in particular to an obejct which is to be driven into a water bottom or seabed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sidewall core gun attached to the lower end of a drill string, enabling the taking of core samples from within a deviated borehole. The gun also includes an improved charge assembly, including a detonatable cord and one or more deflagratable cartridge assemblies for propelling a coring bullet from the gun to the sidewall of the borehole. Coring bullets imbedded in the sidewall remain connected to the gun via steel cables, whereby the bullets may be retrieved by raising the drill string.

Abstract: Sampling bullets of the type which are fired into rock formations adjacent a well bore. Surprising and unexpected increases in the service life of the bullet and reliability in obtaining and retrieving core samples have been achieved.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for taking core samples from the side of a borehole which comprises a gun body having a transverse shooting bore, a projectile adapted to be shot from the bore, a tether for tethering the projectile to the gun body, and a permanent magnet for holding the projectile to the gun body at the end of the tether.

Abstract: Apparatus for taking a sample of earth formations surrounding a borehole. A core sampling projectile is provided which has a core-taking barrel with a frontal cutting edge and is releasable secured to a base member of relatively more mass than the barrel. The base member has an enlarged outer diameter annular abutment thereby limiting the depth of penetration of the core-taking barrel to a predetermined distance.

Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the new and improved apparatus disclosed herein for monitoring the operation of perforating guns or core-sampling guns carrying one or more electrically-detonatable charges, an impact-actuated monitoring assembly operatively arranged on the body of the gun includes a motion-responsive switch and solenoid device that are connected to the electrical firing circuit of the gun. As the explosive charges connected to the gun-firing circuit are actuated, the new and improved monitoring assembly of the present invention is effective for cyclically varying the impedance of the firing circuit to provide a series of distinctive surface indications showing that the gun has been successfully fired.