Abstract: A method comprises receiving a measurement of a pressure in a subsurface formation at a number of depths in a wellbore formed in the subsurface formation across a sampling depth range of the subsurface formation to generate a number of pressure-depth measurement pairs and partitioning the sampling depth range into a number of fluid depth ranges. The method comprises performing a fitting operation over each of the number of fluid depth ranges to determine a fluid gradient for the type of the reservoir fluid for each of the number of fluid depth ranges. The method comprises generating a solution set of one or more solutions based on the fluid gradient of the reservoir fluid for each of the number of fluid depth ranges determined from performing the fitting operation, wherein each solution defines a partitioning of the sampling depth range and the fluid gradient of each fluid depth range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing performance based condition monitoring to determine health condition of wellsite equipment. A method may include operating a piece of equipment at an oil and gas wellsite by performing a plurality actions by a component of the piece of equipment, and generating a plurality of sensor measurements, wherein each sensor measurement is indicative of a corresponding action. The method may further include receiving the plurality of sensor measurements by a processing system, calculating a condition indicator for each component based on a corresponding sensor measurement, recording each condition indicator over a period of time, and determining condition of the piece of equipment based on at least one of the condition indicators recorded over time.

Abstract: A method for determining a pressure profile in a subterranean formation is described. The method includes drilling a wellbore in the subterranean formation; lowering a logging tool into the wellbore to measure resistivity values as a function of depth along the wellbore; identifying a plurality of porous zones from the wellbore based on petrophysical logs; converting the measured resistivity values to an amount of total dissolved solids for each of the plurality of identified porous zones; converting the amount of total dissolved solids to a pore fluid density; calculating a pressure based on a sum of the pore fluid densities derived along a length of the well; and generating a depth-based pressure profile.

Abstract: A method includes creating a chamber within an annulus between a wellbore casing and a drillpipe. An upper boundary of the chamber includes a seal and a lower boundary of the chamber includes a liquid surface and determining a volume of the chamber at a first time. The method further includes determining the volume of the chamber includes measuring, using a pressure gauge, a first pressure within the chamber, changing an amount of a gas in the chamber, and measuring, using the pressure gauge, a second pressure within the chamber. The method further includes determining a first volume of gas within the chamber based on the first and second pressure measurements and the change in the amount of gas, and determining a first fluid level based on the first volume of the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for estimating global rig state. The system comprises a model incorporating multiple variables related to rig state, at least one camera operably connected to at least one processor wherein said camera is capable of gathering visual data regarding at least one variable of rig state and said processor is capable of compiling rig state data, estimating global rig state, or both. The system further comprises multiple sensors for measuring variables related to global rig state wherein said sensors are operably connected to said processor. The method comprises sensing various aspects of the rig state, collecting visual data corresponding with said sensor data, compiling multiple sources of rig data, and estimating the overall rig state.

Abstract: A downhole wellbore planner builds a fracture model of a wellbore using fracture data identified from geological information. Using the fracture model and a target wellbore location at the formation, the wellbore planner may identify or select one or more lost circulation materials (LCMs). The drilling operator may then procure the LCMs before drilling the wellbore. In this manner, the impact of a lost circulation event may be reduced by having the LCMs on site or nearby.

Abstract: An example method for determining downhole conditions in a subterranean formation during a drilling operation may include introducing non-formation gas into a flow of drilling fluid through a fluid conduit in fluid communication with a drill string disposed within a borehole in the subterranean operation. The non-formation gas may be received from the flow of drilling fluid through a return line in fluid communication with the borehole. A downhole condition may be determined based, at least in part, on the received non-formation gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to the monitoring of pressure in production tubing (3) and/or annuli (7, 9) of an oil or gas well. Patterns of pressure in tubing and/or annuli may be indicative of a fault or a condition which requires attention. Patterns may also be recognized that, e.g. based in rates of change, may indicate that a fault may be going to occur in the future. Pressure differences between tubing and annuli or between different annuli may be monitored in the same way.

Abstract: An auxiliary system for intelligent well control includes augmented reality (AR) glasses, a server, and a first sensor group. The first sensor group is configured to collect real-time data of a wellbore and the surface and transmit the real-time data to the server. The server is configured to analyze a target pressure value of a choke valve of the surface according to the real-time data, obtain an actual pressure value of the choke valve of the surface from the real-time data, and transmit the actual pressure value and the target pressure value to the AR glasses. The AR glasses are configured to dynamically display the actual pressure value and the target pressure value in real time. Through the first sensor group and the server, the actual pressure value and the target pressure value can be accurately received by an operator in real time.

Abstract: Design parameters for PDC drill bit including in-cone depth of cut controllers (DOCCs) are correlated to instances of coupled vibrations in the axial, lateral, and torsional directions occurring during downhole drilling. Design parameters are quantified by drilling efficiency (DE), average in-cone DOCC contact area, average weight on bit (WOB) taken off by in-cone DOCC, and average torque on bit (TOB) taken off by in-cone DOCC. Design guidelines to mitigate coupled vibrations are generated by correlating design parameter quantifiers and instances of coupled vibrations. Potential drill bit designs are then validated against the generated guidelines in order to mitigate vibration in future drilling runs.

Abstract: A method for controlling pressure in a well includes pumping fluid into a riser extending between a drilling vessel and a wellhead, pumping fluid out of the riser to the drilling vessel by operating a first jet pump disposed in a conduit extending from the riser to the drilling vessel, wherein a rate of pumping power fluid into a power fluid inlet of the first jet pump is adjusted to maintain a liquid level in the drilling riser at a selected elevation.

Abstract: A drilling fluid flowback tracking system and method for determining quantities and qualities of drilling fluid returned from the wellhead in drilling operations, providing a frame, a receiving pipe, a riser pipe, and a surge suppressor for conveying returned drilling fluid, a tapered fluid bin having a calibrated drain slot, which retains fluid at a level corresponding to the inflow rate of the fluid, and flow rate marks for visual correlation of the highest level of outflow with the flow rate of the inflow. Collection and retention of data is further provided through sensors in an inline sensor housing communicating through a data cable with a data collection unit. Remote access to the data collection unit is further provided through a data transceiver and remote data unit.

Abstract: Techniques according to the present disclosure include moving an untethered downhole tool through a wellbore between a terranean surface and a particular depth in the wellbore; during the moving the untethered downhole tool through the wellbore, acquiring a set of sensed data from one or more sensors in the untethered downhole tool in a time domain; transforming the plurality of data values associated with the wellbore parameter in the time-domain into a plurality of data values associated with the wellbore parameter in a depth-domain based at least in part on at least one accelerometer output and the locations of a plurality of casing collars; and preparing the plurality of data values associated with the wellbore parameter in the depth-domain for presentation on a graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: A method, a system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium to calibrate a lithostatic stress map of a particular geological layer in a basin model are described. The lithostatic stress map is generated by simulating the basin model and calibrated based on available well data without re-simulating the basin model. In particular, the calibration is based on the mean lithostatic density, which is a constant value of density that yields a value of lithostatic stress equivalent to the lithostatic stress at the same depth produced by the existing column of rocks in the basin.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable medium to perform operations including: receiving real-time drilling data of a drilling operation of drilling a wellbore; using the drilling data to calculate at least one indicator of a borehole cleaning efficiency of the drilling operation; detecting, based on the least one indicator of the borehole cleaning efficiency, a drilling problem with the drilling operation; determining a corrective action to avoid or mitigate the drilling problem; and performing the corrective action to avoid or mitigate the drilling problem.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for mapping a wellbore for refracturing. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards utilizing downhole pressure data to identify previously untreated clusters, clusters with cross contamination, and clusters with proper zonal isolation with full pressure integrity.

Abstract: A system can provide for determining characteristics loss in a wellbore. The system can include a processor and a non-transitory memory with instructions that are executable by the processor for causing the processor to execute operations. The operations can include receiving, from sensors in a wellbore, data corresponding to loss indicators. The operations can include determining a loss probability for each loss indicator. The operations can include determining a total loss probability of fluid loss in the wellbore based on the loss probabilities. The operations can include outputting the total loss probability to be used in a drilling operation in the wellbore.

Abstract: A pressure relieve valve (PRV) secures to the rotating control device (RCD) in a drilling operation. The PRV located at rig flowline secures to a PRV line, such as PRV piping that bypasses the MPD choke, MPD system, UBD systems, and other flow control device(s). The outlet of the RCD is routed via the pressure relief valve to discharge to a safe contained area. Such discharge relieves overpressure of the wellbore to a contained environment via the rig flowline.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting and performing gas deliverability tests are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of performing a gas deliverability test includes drilling a well, operating the well to produce gas, determining a sustainability of the well, and determining at least one of a shut-in bottom hole pressure and pressure build-up of the well and a geochemical analysis of the well. The method further includes selecting a deliverability test based at least in part on a duration of an operation of the well, a sustainability of the well, and at least one of the shut-in bottom hole pressure, the pressure build-up and the geochemical analysis of liquids of the well. The method also includes applying the deliverability test to the well.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drilling out frac plugs. An example apparatus may include a data system configured to be communicatively connected with wellsite equipment for performing drill-out operations of frac plugs installed within a well. The data system may be operable to receive current drill-out data and historical drill-out data, determine optimal operational parameters of the wellsite equipment based on the current drill-out data and historical drill-out data, and display the determined optimal operational parameters for viewing by the human operator, thereby permitting the human operator to cause the wellsite equipment to perform the drill-out operations at the optimal operational parameters. The current drill-out data may include current specifications of the frac plugs.

Abstract: Methods include the use of a probe array that includes a flotation device configured to maintain the probe array adjacent a surface of a wellbore fluid; an acquisition module secured to the flotation device such that the acquisition module is positioned below the surface of the wellbore fluid, and that include one or more of a dissolved oxygen probe, a pH probe, a turbidity probe, or a conductivity probe; transmitter configured to receive data acquired from the acquisition module and transmit the data to a computer system configured to receive the data from the transmitter and configured to perform the steps of: processing the data to determine one or more wellbore fluid properties, displaying the one or more wellbore fluid properties and/or one or more remedial actions.

Abstract: In a method for quantifying a volumetric flow rate of a flow of drilling mud in a floating structure for subsoil drilling, a flowmeter and a detection device are provided on a floating structure for subsoil drilling. The flowmeter generates a flow signal. The detection device generates a heave signal representative of a vertical heave of the floating structure. A processor transforms the flow signal into a first spectrum in the frequency domain and the heave signal into a second spectrum in the frequency domain. The processor compares the first spectrum with the second spectrum, obtaining a resultant spectrum. The processor transforms the resultant spectrum into a resultant signal in the time domain. The processor determines a mean value of the flow signal, adds the resultant signal to the mean value, obtaining a quantification of a flow of drilling mud in the floating structure.

Abstract: A support arm can be positioned in an inner area of a tubular body. The support arm can extend from the inner surface of the tubular body to retain a sensor in flow from a wellbore blowout passing through the tubular body.

Abstract: A formation tester consists of an upper assembly, an impeller unit, a straddle packer unit, and an inverted reservoir description tool string. The upper assembly seals off the wireline cable at the rig and connects the wireline cable to the formation tester. The impeller unit includes an upper turbine which converts hydraulic power from circulation of drilling mud into mechanical power. The mechanical power is used to drive a lower impeller which is capable of pumping formation fluids at high flow rates. The straddle packer unit isolates a portion of the formation tester which is open to the borehole to allow entry and exit of formation fluids through the formation tester. The inverted reservoir description tool string contains a combination of formation description modules which are inverted from traditional reservoir description tool modules to allow fluid flow paths to bypass electrical components.

Abstract: Methods, computer programs, and systems for detecting at least one downhole condition are disclosed. Pressures are measured at a plurality of locations along the drillstring. The drillstring includes a drillpipe. At least one of the pressures is measured along the drillpipe. At least one downhole condition is detected based, at least in part, on at least one measured pressure.

Abstract: A closed-loop hydraulic drilling system generates choke characteristic curves or data that more accurately reflects the relationship between the commanded choke valve position and the resulting pressure drop across the choke valve for a given flow rate and fluid density. The choke characteristic curves may be generated through a calibration procedure and then used during normal operations to more accurately monitor return flow and manage wellbore pressure. The specific gravity of an injected calibration fluid and pressure drop across the choke valve may be determined and correlated to the current choke valve position to reflect the choke characteristic curve in situ, thereby providing for more precise control of wellbore pressure and enabling condition monitoring of the choke valve. In addition, an improved closed-loop hydraulic drilling system does not require a flow meter, enabling the adoption of MPD systems in low-specification and economically constrained applications.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a linear motor and a fluid pump functionally connected to the linear motor. A fluid inlet of the fluid pump is in fluid communication with a fluid source. A fluid outlet of the fluid pump in fluid communication with a well. A pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the well. A controller is functionally coupled to the linear motor and the pressure sensor, wherein the controller is configured to operate the fluid pump to maintain a selected pressure in the well.

Abstract: An innovative apparatus and computer implemented methods to obtain values for a set of scalars corresponding to each force and displacement, which may be obtained from acoustical signals captured by sensors of a drill bit while drilling, in a material of known mechanical properties, such as a cement from casing the well, such that the application and use of the scalars in relation to measurements of the mechanics while drilling, such as the acceleration of the bit and motion of the bit captured by sensors such as accelerometers, allow for absolute values of mechanical rock properties to be obtained in rock formations, being drilled through, with otherwise unknown mechanical properties prior to drilling.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus for monitoring a fluid level in a returns tank in the oil and gas industry, the apparatus having a sensor configured to monitor the fluid level of the returns tank, wherein the sensor is located within the tank; and a communication device configured to transmit the fluid level from the sensor to a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A steering assembly configured for circumferential disposition about a drill string above a drill head and having top and bottom surfaces, an under-gauge peripheral section, and an over-gauge peripheral section substantially opposing the under-gauge peripheral section, where the maximum under-gauge on the top surface in the under-gauge peripheral section is greater than the maximum over-gauge on the bottom surface in the over-gauge peripheral section.

Abstract: The physical properties of a fluid may be used in deriving the compositional properties of the fluid, which may, in turn, be used to influence an operational parameters of a drilling operation. For example, a method may include drilling a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a drilling fluid as part of a drilling operation; circulating or otherwise containing the drilling fluid in a flow path that comprises the wellbore; measuring at least one physical property of the drilling fluid at a first location and a second location along the flow path; deriving a compositional property of the drilling fluid at the first location and the second location based on the at least one physical property that was measured; comparing the compositional property of the drilling fluid at the first location and the second location; and changing an operational parameter of the drilling operation based on the comparison.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for estimating a flow out of at least one fluid pump for injecting fluid in a well, comprising: —determining a calculation model for the flow rate of a pump exiting the at least one pump, said calculation model permitting the calculation of the flow rate in function of at least one calculation parameter (p, SPAM) related to the at least one fluid pump; then —providing at a plurality of measuring times (tm), a set of measurement values (PDH,m, PB,m, SPMDH,m, SPMB,m) representative of said at least one calculation parameter; then —estimating (86) the flow rate exiting the pump in function of the model and of said at least one calculation parameter.

Abstract: A drill bit nozzle assembly and drill bit including the same may include a conical or frustum contoured nozzle body. The nozzle body includes multiple movable closure elements circumferentially arranged to form an inlet orifice, a variable diameter outlet orifice, and a fluid a passage to transport fluid from the inlet orifice to the variable diameter outlet orifice. The nozzle assembly may further include an actuator configured to vary a diameter of the variable diameter outlet orifice based on a change of position of the movable closure elements.

Abstract: A well monitoring system particularly useful in detecting kicks in the well includes a well, a well system, and a computing apparatus. The well defines a wellbore and the well system includes at least one sensor measuring at least one well condition. The computing apparatus hosts a well monitoring software component that performs a method to detect a kick in a well. The method includes: storing a set of real-time data from a measurement of a well condition by the sensor, the measurements being correlative to an unplanned fluid influx into the well; modeling the operation of the well with a physics-based, state space model of the well system to obtain an estimate of the well condition; and applying the real-time data set and the estimate to a probabilistic estimator to yield a probability of an occurrence of a kick and a confidence measure for the probability.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a calibration device for calibrating a virtual flow meter of a production system. The production system includes components for transferring fluid, where the virtual flow meter is configured to estimate a flow rate of the fluid based on property values of the components and values of variable parameters of the components. The calibration device includes a sensitivity determining module configured to calculate a first sensitivity, where the first sensitivity is used to indicate a degree of change of the values of the variable parameters relative to disturbance of the property values, and a calibration module configured to calibrate the virtual flow meter according to the first sensitivity.

Abstract: A walking mud handling system may include a walking mud tank and a plurality of hydraulic walkers coupled to the walking mud tank. Each hydraulic walker may include a walking foot, a hydraulic lift, and a sliding actuator. The hydraulic lift may include a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the walking foot such that extension of the hydraulic cylinder extends the walking foot into contact with the ground. The sliding actuator may include one or more hydraulic cylinders coupled to the walking foot such that extension of the sliding actuator moves the walking foot laterally relative to the hydraulic lift.

Abstract: A subsea drilling method for controlling the bottom hole annular pressure and downward injection rate during mud cap drilling operations from a mobile offshore drilling unit with a low pressure marine riser and subsea blowout preventer. The method called controlled mud cap drilling uses the hydrostatic head of a heavy annular mud (fluid) managed or observed in order to balance the highest pore pressure in the well and to control the injection rate, by using a subsea mud lift pump and a control system to regulate the process.

Abstract: An echo communication system has a plurality of triggers disposed within a first distance of each other and a hub separated from the plurality of triggers by at least a second distance that is greater than the first distance. The hub is configured to wirelessly transmit a signal intended for one of the triggers and each of the triggers will re-broadcast the same signal if they are not the intended recipient.

Abstract: A method includes identifying linearly behaving data within obtained data associated with fluid obtained from a subterranean formation. Shrinkage factor is determined based on the linearly behaving data. A function relating GOR data of the obtained fluid with the determined shrinkage factor is determined. A first linear relationship between optical density (OD) data of the obtained fluid and the function is determined. A second linear relationship between density data of the obtained fluid and the function is determined. An oil-based mud (OBM) filtrate contamination property of OBM filtrate within the obtained fluid based on the first linear relationship is determined. A native formation property of native formation fluid within the obtained fluid based on the second linear relationship is determined. A volume fraction of OBM filtrate contamination within the obtained fluid based on the OBM filtrate contamination property and the native formation property is estimated.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a well bore during drilling operations, particularly with respect to a fluid gain and/or fluid loss event. Monitoring the well bore may be accomplished by monitoring an incoming flow rate of the fluid into the wellbore. The fluid return line from the well bore may carry drilling fluid from the well bore to a mud gas separator located downstream from the well bore. Changes in at least one parameter of the mud gas separator may be monitored. The changes to the at least one parameter of a mud gas separator may be compared to the incoming flow rate of the fluid. Discrepancies between the changes and the incoming flow rate may be indicative of a fluid gain or fluid loss condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing positive and/or negative pressure testing in managed pressure operations in subterranean well bores are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: performing a positive or negative pressure test in a well bore in a subterranean formation, wherein the well bore is maintained in a closed pressure loop, and at least one choke valve is provided in communication with the well bore, the choke valve being coupled to a controller, and during the test in the well bore, monitoring an actual bottomhole pressure in the well bore using data from at least one downhole sensor in the well bore, and if the actual bottomhole pressure in the well bore increases or decreases, manipulating the choke valve using the controller to increase or decrease the bottomhole pressure in the well bore.

Abstract: An intelligent blast-hole drill bit that includes a housing embedded into a cavity in a bit body. A controller is disposed in the housing. An external antenna is disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller. An internal antenna is disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller. A wear transducer is disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller.

Abstract: A system and method for determining if well influx is due to ballooning or a formation kick. The system and method employing flow-in, flow-out, and pit volume data from a series of both pumps-off and pumps-on events. The system determining a standard amount of fluid lost into the formation at a previous pumps-on event and comparing that with the amount of fluid released into the well during a pumps-off event. The system and method producing a confidence reading that the influx is due to ballooning as opposed to a formation kick.

Abstract: A drilling riser system includes a plurality of interchangeable dockable modules having sealable hydraulic connections configured to connect to a module docking structure disposed in at least one specific segment of a drilling riser and to seal the hydraulic connections. Each of the interchangeable dockable modules includes at least one of an hydraulic termination or connection to an hydraulic device for each of a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the and at least one auxiliary line associated with the riser.

Abstract: A walking mud handling system may include a walking mud tank and a plurality of hydraulic walkers coupled to the walking mud tank. Each hydraulic walker may include a walking foot, a hydraulic lift, and a sliding actuator. The hydraulic lift may include a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the walking foot such that extension of the hydraulic cylinder extends the walking foot into contact with the ground. The sliding actuator may include one or more hydraulic cylinders coupled to the walking foot such that extension of the sliding actuator moves the walking foot laterally relative to the hydraulic lift.

Abstract: A rotary pulser and method is disclosed that includes a housing, a stator supported by the housing, a rotor adjacent to the downhole end of the stator, and a motor assembly coupled to the rotor. A controller may receive a signal that includes drilling information. In response to receiving the signal, the controller causes the motor assembly to rotate the rotor in a first rotational direction through a rotation cycle. The rotation cycle a) rotates the rotor from a first position, where the rotor does not obstruct the at least one passage, into a second position, where the rotor obstructs the at least one passage, and b) rotates the rotor from the second position to a third position in the first rotational direction. Rotation of the rotor generates a pressure pulse in the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A technique facilitates measurement of forces resulting from a variety of loads, stresses, temperatures, or other sources. In an embodiment, the system comprises a load cell constructed with channels extending into a component which may be subjected to forces. Sensors cooperate with the channels to detect changes in volume of the channels as an indicator of the forces acting on the component. In some applications, the channels enclose a liquid, and the sensors comprise pressure sensors which detect changes in pressure within the liquid due to the volumentric changes in the channels. The system also may comprise a compensation system which compensates for external influences, such as temperatures and hydrostatic pressures.

Abstract: A method for determining volumetric data for fluid within a geological formation is provided. The method includes collecting first and second dataset snapshots of the geological formation based upon measurements from the borehole at respective different first and second times and generating a differential dataset based upon the first and second dataset snapshots. Multiple points are determined within the differential dataset, including a first point representing a first displaced fluid, a second point representing a second displaced fluid, and an injected fluid point that corresponds to properties of the injected fluid. A further third point is determined based on at least one other property of the displaced fluid, and a volumetric composition of the displaced fluids is determined based upon the differential dataset, the first point, and second point, and third point.

Abstract: A rotary pulser for transmitting information in a mud pulse telemetry system of a drilling operation. The pulser has two rotors mounted adjacent each other so that obstruction of the passages formed between the blades in one pulser by the blades of the other pulser creates pressure pulses in the drilling fluid. Each rotor is separately controlled and can be rotated continuously in one direction or oscillated. The ability to rotate each rotor separately provides flexibility in the pulser's operating mode, so as to allow more efficient generation of pulses, and also enhances the ability of the pulser to clear debris that would otherwise jam or obstruct the pulser.

Abstract: A drilling system including a sensor configured to monitor at least one drilling parameter, and configured to generate a signal based on the at least one drilling parameter. An encoder is in communication with the sensor, and the encoder is configured to convert the signal into a modulation signal. A flow modulator is configured to channel drilling fluid therethrough. The flow modulator includes at least one stator element and a rotor element configured to freely rotate relative to the at least one stator element as the drilling fluid flows past the rotor element. A braking system is in communication with the encoder, and the braking system is configured to selectively decrease a rotational speed of the rotor element based on the modulation signal such that an encoded acoustic signal is emitted from the flow modulator through the drilling fluid.