Abstract: Methods and systems for high fidelity electrical tomographic processes are provided for herein. Specifically, the use of a purpose-selected fluid configuration is described, used to fill the void space between mechanically fixed sensing electrodes and the target object to sense and reconstruct. In some embodiments, this fluid configuration enhances or masks changes in electrical measurements in response to certain materials known or suspected to exist within the sensed volume. In other embodiments, a plurality of fluid configurations may be employed to improve the quality of reconstruction, or resolve additional spatial dimensions. Exemplary applications in medicine and manufacturing are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool for removing a restriction in a well tubular metal structure having a wall and an inner diameter, the restriction partly blocking the inner diameter, creating an opening defined at least partly by a rim section of the restriction, the downhole tool having a tool axis and comprising a tool body having a first part and a second part, an electrical motor arranged in the first part for rotating a rotatable shaft, a core bit arranged in the second part and having a first end connected with the rotatable shaft and a second end having a cutting edge, wherein the second part of the downhole tool further comprises a locator for locating the rim section, a collecting means for collecting part of the restriction to be cut out by the cutting edge, the locator and the collecting means are rotating with the core bit until the locator locates the rim section and a threshold value is reached.

Abstract: Systems, tools, and methods for optimizing fracturing schedules located along a horizontal wellbore include obtaining drilling cuttings during a drilling operation representative of a predetermined interval of the horizontal wellbore, performing at least one analytical process on the obtained drilling cuttings to determine at least one geomechanical property of the interval of the obtained drilling cuttings for the interval, generating a formation analysis estimation for the interval from the, wherein the formation analysis estimation comprises at least one of (i) a brittleness of the formation at the interval or (ii) a minimum horizontal stress of the formation at the interval, and based on the formation analysis estimation, at least one of (i) configuring a super-stage for deployment to the interval to perform a fracturing operation or (ii) designing a fracturing schedule to be performed to frac the formation at the interval.

Abstract: A horizontal-to-vertical drilling module for a deep well includes a fixed plate (1) provided with a first guide hole having a turning section (11), a core breaking section (13) and a moving section (12); a movable plate (2) movably mounted on one side of the fixed plate and provided with a second guide hole having a turning driving section (21), a core breaking driving section (23) and a moving driving section (22), the projection of the first guide hole on the movable plate intersecting with the second guide hole; a coring module (3) positioned at the other side of the fixed plate and provided with a moving column (31) on the side facing the fixed plate; and a moving slider (4) having an open groove (41), the moving slider being installed in the first guide hole and rotatably connected to the coring module.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a first and a second body received within the first body. Each of the first body and second body has a respective crown, each crown having an inner and an outer operative circumference. The outer operative circumference of the second body and the inner operative circumference of the first body can define a first volume that can receive a tubular core sample. The second body can define a break surface that breaks the tubular core sample into core pieces. The drill bit can be employed in a borehole with a reverse circulation system that pumps fluid around an outer surface of the bit, and returning fluid can carry the core pieces out of the borehole.

Abstract: A directional drill vice and associated methods are shown. A directional drill and associated methods are also shown. Examples of directional drill stem configurations include gripping jaws configured with a common jaw pivot. Examples of directional drill stem configurations also include a slot in a vice frame to allow lateral insertion of a drill stem segment.

Abstract: A rock formation drill bit assembly with electrodes includes a drill bit including a hollow portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the drill bit. The hollow portion extends from a first end to a second end opposing the first end. Cutters as positioned on the first end. The cutters are configured to cut the rock formation resulting in a rock core protruding from the rock formation into the hollow portion. The rock core includes a circumferential surface. Multiple electrodes are positioned within an inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion. The multiple electrodes are configured to apply electrical discharge across multiple locations on the circumferential surface of the rock core. The electrical discharge causes the rock core to fracture.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus, system and method for creating soil shavings. As the continuous soil shaving chain or other means of creating soil shavings penetrates the soil, soil shavings are discharged through a discharge opening for collection in a canister for analysis of the soil characteristics. In an alternative embodiment, a sensor is positioned to detect soil characteristics as the soil shavings are discharged.

Abstract: A coring tool including a coring bit operable to obtain a core sample of a subterranean formation from a sidewall of a wellbore extending into the subterranean formation. The coring tool also includes a storage tube, an actuator operable to move the core from the coring bit into the storage tube, and a sensor operable to generate information related to presence of the core within the storage tube.

Abstract: A rock formation drill bit assembly with electrodes includes a drill bit including a hollow portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the drill bit. The hollow portion extends from a first end to a second end opposing the first end. Cutters as positioned on the first end. The cutters are configured to cut the rock formation resulting in a rock core protruding from the rock formation into the hollow portion. The rock core includes a circumferential surface. Multiple electrodes are positioned within an inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion. The multiple electrodes are configured to apply electrical discharge across multiple locations on the circumferential surface of the rock core. The electrical discharge causes the rock core to fracture.

Abstract: A core catcher includes a housing having an inner wall that defines an axial bore through the housing. A retention member is disposed within the housing and is coupled to a first hinge tab that defines a first hinge barrel with the inner wall of the housing. A first closure member has a slot that is engaged with the first hinge tab and a pivot edge that is at least partially disposed within the first hinge barrel. In an open position, the first closure member is disposed in an annulus between a sleeve that is slidably disposed within the housing and the housing. In a closed position the first closure member is disposed at least partially across the axial bore of the housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced capture and recovery of core samples from unconsolidated or friable formations are provided using drilling fluids that permit increased overpressures to preserve the ability to cut core samples and to strengthen the core samples obtained. Drilling fluids used during capture and recovery of core samples may comprise a solid particulate loss prevention material having a size range from about 150 microns to about 1,000 microns. The solid particulate loss prevention material prevents fracture initiation and propagation in the subterranean formation to allow the use of higher overpressures than would otherwise be possible. Thus, by circulating drilling fluid in the borehole while drilling a core sample, higher overpressures may be achieved, which have been found to be beneficial during core capture and recovery by maintaining core integrity and avoiding core loss. In this way, core sample integrity is improved, yielding more accurate representations of the subsurface.

Abstract: An earth drilling apparatus is disclosed herein. The earth drilling apparatus includes an exterior conduit. The earth drilling apparatus also includes an inner barrel positionable within the exterior conduit. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a drill bit releasibly engaged with the exterior conduit. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a liner for retaining samples of earth and positionable within the inner barrel. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a shoe releasibly engaged with the inner barrel at a mounting location to selectively retain the liner in place. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a wiper mountable on the inner barrel at the mounting location when the shoe is removed. The wiper is operable to wipe the liner as the liner is removed from the inner barrel.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprises determining a cation exchange capacity of a sample of a shale, determining a swelling characteristic of the shale using the cation exchange capacity in an equation comprising a term of the form: Az % salt=x(cation exchange capacity)y where Az % salt is a final swelling volume of the shale in the presence of an aqueous fluid having a salt concentration of z %, and x and y are empirical constants, determining a composition of a wellbore servicing fluid based on the determined swelling characteristic, and drilling the wellbore using the wellbore servicing fluid.

Abstract: A coring tool may comprise a core bit, and the core bit may comprise at least one cutting structure extending from adjacent an inner bore of the core bit to an outer gage of the core bit. A drill plug may be configured to close the inner bore of the core bit, and the drill plug may comprise at least one cutting structure. An indexing device may be disposed between the drill plug and the core bit. The indexing device may be configured to maintain a predetermined angular relationship between the core bit and the drill plug. The at least one cutting structure of the core bit and the at least one cutting structure of the drill plug may form a substantially continuous cutting structure at the predetermined angular relationship. Related methods of drilling with a coring tool.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for proving the quality of a jet grouting body. Such a jet grouting body is produced by means of a drilling and grouting linkage assembly. An extraction device according to the invention for extracting a suspension from such a jet grouting body comprises: a first segment with a cavity comprising a fluid, in particular a liquid, in which a first chamber is provided, the volume of which can be modified and which is connected with an opening for extracting a specimen, and a further segment which is intended to receive the fluid from the cavity. By receiving the fluid in the further segment, the volume of the first chamber can be enlarged; furthermore the extraction device can be integrated in a drilling and grouting linkage assembly.

Abstract: Methods of procuring a core sample may involve engaging an earth formation with a cutting structure of a coring bit. A core sample may be received within a receptacle connected to the coring bit, the receptacle being lined with a sponge material. A space of about 1 mm or less may be maintained between the core sample and the sponge material. Coring tools may include a coring bit comprising an inner gage and an outer gage and a sponge material positioned to at least partially surround a core sample cut by the coring bit. A radial distance between an inner surface of the sponge material and the inner gage of the coring bit may be about 1 mm or less. A distance between a center of curvature of the inner gage and a center of curvature of the outer gage may be about 0.3 mm or less.

Abstract: A slide-type core retainer for a sample collector including a sampler tube driven into a sea floor. The slide-type core retainer includes a catcher holder detachably coupled to a tip end of the sampler tube; a catcher installed on an inner peripheral surface of a tip end of the catcher holder and configured to allow sediment introduction into the sampler tube and preventing sediment from being lost using resiliency. A control member slidably installed inside the catcher holder controls opening and closing of the catcher. The control member is coupled to the catcher before sample collection so that the catcher remains opened. The control member slides into an inner side of the catcher holder while being separated from the catcher by the resistance of the solid sediment such that the catcher is closed, when resistance is generated by solid sediment after the sampler tube is driven into the sediment.

Abstract: A coring tool having a coring mechanism for cutting cores from a borehole sidewall. The coring mechanism comprises a motor having a coring bit to cut 1.5 inch diameter, 2.5 inch long cores. Support plates fixed to the housing comprise guide slots having a longer leg and a shorter leg. Leading pins and follower pins extend from the motor into the guide slots. When the leading and follower pins are driven along the guide slots, the motor is rotated and then pushed into the formation. Drive plates positioned between the housing and the support plates comprise slots and pivot about a pin. The leading pins further extend into the drive plate slots. A hydraulic cylinder pivots the drive plates, pushing the pins along the guide slots to rotate the motor to a radial position and then urge the motor towards the formation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining core samples from a formation that surrounds a cased wellbore. A coring tool includes a casing cutter for cutting an opening in the casing and a coring device for obtaining a core sample from the formation.

Abstract: A method for removing a core sample from a borehole includes: taking the core sample within the borehole with a sampling tool; generating a model of the core sample, the model based on data representing properties of the core sample; defining a plurality of proposed tripping schedules; applying, by a processor, the plurality of proposed tripping schedules to the model, and estimating a core parameter for each of the plurality of proposed tripping schedules; comparing the core parameter to a criteria; and selecting a suitable tripping schedule based on the comparison.

Abstract: Implementations include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a core drill comprising: an external pipe; a coring bit to be rotated by rotation of the external pipe to drill a coring hole and form a core having a core diameter; and an internal coring pipe (1), mounted within the external pipe, to receive a core formed by the coring bit, the internal coring pipe comprising: an internal tubular wall (2) defining a cavity (4) having a diameter substantially the same as the core diameter within which to retain a core formed by the coring bit, one or more viewing openings (8, 9, 10) being formed through the internal tubular wall; and an external tubular wall (3), in which the internal tubular wall is housed coaxially, the internal and external tubular walls being connected to each other so as to form a single-piece double-walled pipe.

Abstract: Described herein is an inner tube for a core barrel which has a structure adapted to retain lubricant for lubricating a sampled core. In one embodiment, the internal surface of the inner tube includes a plurality of alveoli in which lubricant is retained.

Abstract: A drill bit configured for boring holes or wells into the earth include a plurality of blades configured with a recessed center such that the blades cut a core therebetween. Cutting elements in the recessed center are configured to cut and remove the core. The recessed center has a first diameter at a height from the cutting elements in the recessed center and a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that the confining stress on the core is relieved prior to being cut by the cutting elements in the recessed center.

Abstract: A round-trip autoclave sample-extracting device for extracting a sample at a sample extraction location of a geological formation, the device includes a self-closing pressure chamber module for receiving the sample. The pressure chamber module is connected to a lifting module in order to lift the sample into the pressure chamber module in one sampling stroke. The round-trip autoclave sample-extracting device has a triggering module and a pressure regulating module, the triggering module acting on the lifting module in order to trigger the sampling stroke, and the pressure regulating module is coupled to the pressure chamber module at least on the pressure side after the sampling stroke in order to influence a pressure in the pressure chamber module. A round-trip method is proposed which includes a first trip and at least one second trip for extracting a sample while maintaining a pressure that is present at the sample extraction location.

Abstract: A system and method for an easy-to-open liner for use in connection with soil and sediment samplers, including direct push technology, rotary and coring systems, is disclosed. The liner is pre-scored along its length by one or more score lines formed in the exterior surface or the interior surface of the liner. After removal from the sampler, the liner can easily be opened to expose the contained sample without the need of cutting blades or other sharp objects, in accordance with health and safety requirements.

Abstract: Subsurface formation evaluation comprising, for example, sealing a portion of a wall of a wellbore penetrating the formation, forming a hole through the sealed portion of the wellbore wall, injecting an injection fluid into the formation through the hole, and determining a saturation of the injection fluid in the formation by measuring a property of the formation proximate the hole while maintaining the sealed portion of the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A sidewall coring apparatus for obtaining a plurality of formation cores from a sidewall of a wellbore includes a core catching tube configured to be sealed downhole and to store at least one of the formation cores therein. The core catching tubes includes a first end that may be sealed by a first sealing mechanism, and an opposite end that may be sealed by a second sealing mechanism. The core catching tube also includes a fluid evacuation port that may be sealed downhole.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising a tool having a sample flow line an inlet disposed with the tool and configured to establish fluid communication between the formation and the sample flow line to draw a fluid sample into the sample flow line, and an active filter positioned in the sample flow line and providing a filter flow route and a bypass flow route in the sample flow line.

Abstract: Drilling systems and methods for deploying a latch mechanism upon reaching a drilling position. The drilling systems and methods permit spinning of a drill string to cause a core barrel head assembly to spin through the frictional mating of a landing shoulder of the head assembly and a landing ring of an outer tube assembly. The spinning of the drill string induces a centrifugal and/or radial force that acts on the latch mechanism to overcome the frictional retention forces acting on the latch mechanism, thereby permitting deployment of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A coring method and apparatus is provided for extracting a core sample from a subterranean formation and/or drilling a hydrocarbon well, the coring apparatus having: a pneumatic reciprocating hammer having a first end for operatively connecting the pneumatic reciprocating hammer to a drill string, a second end having a hammer bit and a reciprocating piston for reciprocating the hammer bit; and a coring member operatively connected to the pneumatic reciprocation hammer, the coring member comprising an impact anvil and a hollow coring barrel forming an internal longitudinal chamber for accommodating the core sample, the coring barrel positioned below the impact anvil; whereby when the hammer bit strikes the impact anvil, the coring barrel is driven into the formation and the core sample is extracted into the internal longitudinal chamber of the coring barrel.

Abstract: A coring system may be used to create a lateral section or borehole off a wellbore, and obtain a core sample therefrom. The coring system may include a coring assembly connected to a deflector assembly to enable a single-trip coring operation. The coring assembly may include a coring bit and an outer barrel for extracting a core sample. A deflector of the deflector assembly may direct the coring bit to drill a lateral section in the borehole and extract a core sample therefrom. The coring assembly and deflector may include mating surfaces to collectively retrieve the deflector assembly and coring assembly in a single trip. A collar of the coring assembly may engage against a stop surface of a shoulder or sleeve of the deflector assembly. By pulling upwardly, the engaged collar may release the anchored deflector.

Abstract: A coring system and method enable a single-trip operation for setting a deflector assembly, deploying a coring assembly and obtaining a core sample from a borehole drilled in a wellbore. The coring assembly has a barrel with a bore for collecting the core sample and has a coring bit coupled to an end portion of the barrel. The deflector system is arranged to deflect the coring bit into a side wall of the wellbore to drill the borehole therein. The deflector system includes a deflector and a collar. The collar, coupled to the deflector, restricts upward movement of the coring assembly relative to the deflector assembly. The collar may also be used as a retrieval device to engage the coring assembly and permit removal of the coring assembly and the deflector assembly as well as the core sample after the core sample has been obtained.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an apparatus for taking a sample in a wellbore during drilling operations. The apparatus may include a drill bit configured to form a core and at least one retractable cutter internal to the drill bit for taking the sample from the core. The apparatus may also include equipment for analyzing the sample, extracting fluid from the sample, testing fluid from the sample, encapsulating the sample, and/or tagging the sample. The present disclosure is also related to a method for taking a core sample without interrupting drilling operations. The method includes taking a core sample using a drill bit configured to take a core sample using internal cutters. The method may also include analyzing the sample, extracting fluid from the sample, analyzing fluid from the sample, encapsulating the sample, and/or tagging the sample.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an acid gas in a formation fluid from a subterranean formation comprises (a) lowering a coring assembly into a wellbore. The coring assembly including an outer core barrel and an inner core barrel disposed within the outer core barrel. The inner core barrel has an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, and a core sample chamber extending axially from the lower end. In addition, the method comprises (b) capturing a core sample from the subterranean formation within the sample chamber. Further, the method comprises (c) raising the coring assembly to the surface after (b). Still further the method comprises (d) contacting a formation fluid in the sample chamber with at least one detector during (c). Moreover, the method comprises (e) detecting the presence of a formation acid gas in the formation fluid with the at least one detector during (c).

Abstract: A coring apparatus is provided, which apparatus, in one exemplary embodiment, includes a rotatable member coupled to a drill bit configured to drill a core from a formation, a substantially non-rotatable member in the rotatable member configured to receive the core from the formation, and a sensor configured to provide signals relating to rotation between the rotatable member and the substantially non-rotatable member during drilling of the core from the formation, and a circuit configured to process the signals from the sensor to estimate rotation between the rotatable member and the non-rotatable member.

Abstract: A sidewall coring apparatus for obtaining a plurality of formation cores from a sidewall of a wellbore includes a core catching tube configured to be sealed downhole and to store the plurality of formation cores therein. The core catching tubes includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve concentric with the inner sleeve. The inner and outer sleeves include corresponding slots configured to align in response to relative movement of the inner and outer sleeves, and when aligned the slots of the inner and outer sleeves allow evacuation of fluid from the core catching tube as each of the plurality of formation cores is inserted into the core catching tube.

Abstract: A coring method includes disposing a coring tool in a borehole adjacent a subterranean formation to be sampled. The method further includes determining a property of the formation and selecting a coring tool operational mode based on the property of the formation. The method also includes obtaining a sample from the formation using the coring tool operational mode. A type of coring shaft also may be selected based on the property of the formation.

Abstract: A head assembly includes a body, a spearhead operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body, and at least one latch operatively associated with the spearhead and the body. The latch is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body. In an extended position, the latch covers more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches.

Abstract: A core barrel restraint adapted to prevent inadvertent dropping of a core barrel assembly during retrieval of a core sample can include a cup adapted to fit over an overshot and a brace adapted to be coupled to a core barrel assembly. A cable can connect the cup and brace and prevent the core barrel from falling if the overshot latch mechanism holding the core barrel assembly and overshot together fails.

Abstract: A coring assembly comprises a shoe and a tubular body having a first end coupled to the shoe. An inner sleeve is releasably coupled to the shoe and has a first end disposed within the shoe and a second end that is slidably engaged with the tubular body. A middle sleeve is slidably engaged with the tubular body and releasably coupled to the shoe. At least a portion of the middle sleeve is disposed within an annulus defined by the inner sleeve and the tubular body.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described relating to monitoring particulates downhole at in-situ conditions. Solid particles being carried in the fluid as the fluid is produced from the reservoir formation are monitored. The downhole solid particle monitoring can include measuring the quantity (e.g., volume fraction, weight fraction, or the like) of solid particles, measuring the distribution of sizes of the solid particles, and/or measuring the shape of the particles. The solid particles can be monitored using one or more of sensors such as optical spectrometers, acoustic sensors, video cameras, and erosion probes. A sanding prediction is generated based at least in part on the monitoring of the solid particles, and the sanding prediction is then used to design a completion, lift system, and surface facilities for the wellbore and/or select operating conditions so as to control sanding during production.

Abstract: This application is directed to a probe used for measuring groundwater characteristics such as temperature and conductivity, and for collecting a groundwater sample. The probe also has a shielding device that allows the probe to be driven into a hard underwater surface without damaging the probe. A deployment rig for accurately placing the probe into the underwater surface is also disclosed. The application is further directed to a method for placing a probe and measuring groundwater characteristics. An external screen membrane used with the probe allows accurate groundwater characteristic measurement by filtering particulate matter. The probe and external screen membrane allow for in situ measurement and monitoring.

Abstract: A drill string assembly is required that has the capability of operating in well bores that range in hole size from seven to eight inches in diameter. The assembly is used to obtain a large core sample size that is equal to three and one-half inches in diameter and up to ninety feet in length in a single core run. This assembly will be operated with a drill string (i.e. drill pipe) that is capable of being used on standard drilling rigs, which may be used to handle API style drill pipe to conduct coring/drilling operations. The coring tool is comprised of an inner barrel for receiving the core sample.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a formation including collecting and analyzing a formation sample, drilling operation data, and wellbore pressure measurement, estimating a reservoir and completion quality, and performing an oil field service in a region of the formation comprising the quality. In some embodiments, the formation sample is a solid collected from the drilling operation or includes cuttings or a core sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and related apparatus for determining the presence and/or quantity of H2S in the drilling debris of a subsoil layer comprising the following working steps: recovering the drilling debris of a layer; degassing the drilling debris from the previous recovery step, and separating a gaseous phase from said debris; clearing the gas released in the step of degassing, and conveying towards an H2S detector; determining the possible presence and/or quantity of H2S in the gaseous phase from the steps of degassing and clearing by means of a suitable means of detection; possible repetition of the previous phases at two layers, at least of the subsoil at different levels of depth in relation to the surface, with consequent determination of a distribution profile of H2S in the subsoil.

Abstract: Methods comprising: lowering a downhole tool into a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a coring tool and a measurement tool; performing a measurement regarding the formation using the measurement tool; determining a section of interest within the formation relative to an axis of the coring tool based on the measurement; orienting a coring bit of the coring tool relative to the section of interest; and extending the oriented coring bit into the formation.

Abstract: Core samples may be easily, quickly, and safely split using a fluid cutter, such as a water jet. Cutting may take place upon exit of the sample from the drill tube, or core samples may be placed in core carriers for cutting. Core samples may also be stored and transported in the core carriers. Assessment of core samples is facilitated by scanning the core samples, with the results stored to produce a virtual core sample. Virtual core samples may be displayed on a computing device, including a core sample display device which simulates the appearance of a section of an actual core.

Abstract: A sidewall coring apparatus for obtaining a plurality of formation cores from a sidewall of a wellbore includes a core catching tube configured to be sealed downhole and to store the plurality of formation cores therein. The core catching tubes includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve concentric with the inner sleeve. The inner and outer sleeves include corresponding slots configured to align in response to relative movement of the inner and outer sleeves, and when aligned the slots of the inner and outer sleeves allow evacuation of fluid from the core catching tube as each of the plurality of formation cores is inserted into the core catching tube.