Abstract: A method for predicting scale deposition in a general environment has been discovered which involves providing a localized environment where scale would preferentially form, where the localized environment is adjacent the general environment. Monitoring the deposition of scale in the localized environment is performed for the purpose of taking preemptive action to prevent scale deposition in the general environment once scale begins to form, or a certain threshold is reached. Scale is removed from the localized environment so that monitoring can be performed by the probe again. Preemptive action will often be the introduction of a scale inhibiting agent into the general environment. An apparatus for practicing the method of predicting and preventing scale deposition in a general environment is also described.

Abstract: A wireless coiled tubing joint locator for locating joints or collars in a production tubing string. An electromagnetic coil assembly or giant magnetoresistive digital field sensor senses the increased mass of a pipe joint, and provides a signal to an electric circuit which generates a signal received by a pilot solenoid valve. The solenoid valve momentarily opens a pilot passageway which activates a piston to close a circulation port in the joint locator, resulting in an increase in a surface pressure reading observable by the operator. In one embodiment, a rupture disk is provided so that pressure cannot be applied to any downhole tool below the joint locator prematurely. A seat sleeve prevents premature communication of fluid to the rupture disk but can be opened by dropping a ball into the joint locator. A second embodiment may be used for either logging or washing operations or both. The electronic circuit can provide a selected one of a plurality of time delays.

Abstract: A formation fluid sampling probe uses two hydraulic lines to recover formation fluids from two zones in a borehole. One of the zones is a guard zone and the other is a probe zone. The guard zone and the probe zone are isolated from each other by mechanical means, with the guard zone surrounding the probe zone and shielding it from the direct access to the borehole fluids. Operation of the tool involves withdrawal of fluid from both zones. Borehole fluids are preferentially drawn into the guard zone so that the probe zone recovers the formation fluid substantially free of borehole fluids. Separation of the guard zone from the probe zone may be accomplished by means of an elastomeric guard ring, by inflatable packers or by tubing. The device can be adapted for use either on a wireline or in an early evaluation system on a drillstring.

Abstract: A system for pressure testing the seals and fittings associated with at least one communication line passing through a well tool mandrel, each communication line housed within a communication line conduit defined through the well tool and sealingly engaged to each end of its corresponding communication line conduit by way of a fitting and the fittings also sealingly engaged to the communication line conduit. The system generally comprises a testing conduit, a testing passageway system, and a testing plug. The testing conduit is defined in the well tool mandrel. The testing passageway system is defined in the well tool mandrel and provides fluid communication between the testing conduit and the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits. The testing plug provides fluid communication between a pressure testing source and the testing passageway system.

Abstract: A submersible pumping system which, in one embodiment, includes a motor, a pump and a control circuit, or unit, coupled to the motor for controlling the operation of the motor is described. Using motor and sensor signals, the control unit detects various conditions within the pumping system and alters motor operation. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit initiates an oscillation sequence of applying a forward torque for a first preselected period of time, applying a reverse torque for a second preselected period of time, and then repeating the torque applying steps a selected number of times to eliminate an obstruction from the pump.

Abstract: A target for testing perforating systems, including an agglomeration of sand selected and conditioned to simulate a down-hole rock formation. A sand mixture may be selected to simulate the distributions of particle size, density and hardness of the down-hole rock formation. The sand may be agglomerated in the presence of a binding agent. Conditioning of the target may be conducted to simulate the compressive strength and porosity of the down-hole rock formation.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method are provided for collecting data from a subsurface formation during drilling operations. The tool includes a tubular mandrel adapted for axial connection in a drill string positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subsurface formation and a stabilizer element or sleeve positioned about the tubular mandrel for relative rotation between the stabilizer element and the tubular mandrel. A plurality of elongated ribs are connected to the stabilizer element. A means is connected to the stabilizer element for frictional engagement with a wall of the wellbore so as to prevent the stabilizer element from rotating relative to the wellbore wall. An actuator system is carried at least partially by the stabilizer element, and a probe is carried by one of the elongated ribs and adapted for movement by the actuator system between a retracted position within the one rib and an extended position engaging the wellbore wall such that the probe collects data from the formation.

Abstract: A downhole drilling efficiency sensor (DES) apparatus for use with drilling operations in oil and gas exploration, that accurately measures important drilling parameters at or near the drill bit in order to increase the effectiveness and productivity of the drilling operation. The parameters measured include weight-on-bit (WOB), torque-on-bit (TOB), bending-on-bit (BOB), annulus pressure, internal bore pressure, triaxial vibration (DDS—drilling dynamics sensor), annulus temperature, load cell temperature, and drill collar inside diameter temperature or thermal gradient across such drill collar. The direction of the bending-on-bit measurement is also determined with respect to the low side of the hole while rotating (or stationary) by using a triaxial vibration sensor and magnetometer array. Each of the parameters are known to be important factors in determining the direction, rotation, and rate of drilling.

Abstract: A method of relating three or four producing wells in an existing fossil fuel drilling field utilizes the equation Y2+X·Y−X2=0. The independent variable X represents the distance between any two known producing wells in the field. The dependant variable Y represents a distance between a known producing well and another well location, wherein each of the known producing wells and well locations depend upon which method utilized. In one method, a first origin well can be selected as a known producing well and then a distance from the origin well to a second producing well can be determined. Utilizing the above equation, a third well location can be determined by calculating a distance Y from the origin well to the third location. This well location can represent either an existing producing well located a distance from the origin well, or a new location at which a producing well can be drilled within the existing drilling field.

Abstract: A directional drilling control system allows dynamic orientation of downhole drilling equipment in unstable or corrupt natural magnetic fields without the use of gyroscopic measurement devices. The system is especially suited for sidetracking wells. The system includes a permanent or retrievable whipstock having referencing magnets embedded along the centerline of its face, and a measurement while drilling (MWD) instrument assembly. The instrument assembly contains at least one sensor which can accurately determine orientation of the mud motor relative to the reference magnets. The relative positioning of the mud motor is transmitted to the surface by way of a steering tool or MWD telemetry system. The direction of the mud motor or tool face is adjusted by turning the drill pipe at the surface. As drilling progresses, shifts in the orientation of the mud motor due to reactive torque at the drill bit will be indicated in real time so that adjustments may be made at the surface as required.

Abstract: A devised tilt meter detects tilt of the receptacle installed in the ground and/or in the solid construction, to detect the displacement of a pendulum suspended by thin metal springs. A cavity exists near the middle of the receptacle with a pendulum, the springs, a detector along the lateral side of the receptacle of the tilt meter. Wires for signal and power lines of other tilt meter are easily passed through this cavity. This mechanism with a cavity near the middle of the receptacle is very useful for an array observation of tilt in the ground and/or in a solid construction.