Abstract: A wellhead impression tool includes an elongate central body having opposing upper and lower ends, and defining an inner chamber, an impression sleeve arranged concentric with the central body and made of a malleable material, and a hydraulic assembly extending between the impression sleeve and the central body and in fluid communication with the inner chamber to receive a hydraulic fluid from the inner chamber. The hydraulic assembly is operable to force the impression sleeve radially outward and into engagement with a bowl of a wellhead spool of a wellhead assembly, and forcing the impression sleeve against the bowl results in a physical impression of the bowl on an outer surface of the impression sleeve.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for determining an integrated surface-downhole integrity score for a natural flow oil well. Wellness surface parameters of a natural flow oil well are determined. Wellness downhole parameters for the natural flow oil well are determined, including parameters indicating well integrity and tubing/casing conditions. An integrated surface-downhole integrity score is determined using the wellness surface parameters and the wellness downhole parameters. An alert is provided for presentation to an operator in a user interface. The alert is provided in response to the integrated surface-downhole integrity score exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A pipeline three-dimensional curve measuring robot and implementation method therefor. The measuring robot includes an electronic bin, sliding rods, wheel bracket, walking wheels arranged on wheel bracket, odometer wheels arranged on sliding rod on one side and encoders; the electronic bin is internally provided with an inertia measurement unit, collection control module and power supply module; when measuring, the measuring robot is controlled to move back and forth in a pipeline collecting measuring data; comparing measured data with three-dimensional curve data at pipeline reference moment to obtain deformation quantity of pipeline three-dimensional curve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of correcting eccentricity of ultrasonic image profiles, measured along a section of rock, including the steps of measuring emitted amplitude values (A0) and measuring transit time values (t?) of ultrasonic acoustic pulses emitted at a range of default angles (?), where the amplitude measured at each angle (A?) is determined by an amplitude decay model in relation to the transit time (t?) defined by A?=A0e?t?/?I? where ? is the decay correction factor; and I? is the reflection coefficient of the rock wall.

Abstract: An autonomous BOP system is provided for stopping an uncontrolled flow of formation hydrocarbons comprising two or more sensors distributed along a length of a subsea blowout preventer to monitor a drill pipe inside a blowout preventer and measure critical parameters. A subsea computer using predictive-software monitors a blowout preventer along with material critical parameters and calculates a blowout preventer configuration and sequence to arrest a well blowout. Blowout preventer components are fine-tuned and operational modes are added to aid an arrest of a well blowout under realistic conditions.

Abstract: A system includes a vessel floating on a body of water. The system also includes at least one conduit extending from the vessel to below the body of water. The system also includes a scanning device disposed within the at least one conduit. The scanning device includes at least one two-dimensional (2D) line scanner and a rotary encoder coupled to the at least one 2D line scanner. The scanning device is configured to generate three-dimensional (3D) image data of a surface of the at least one conduit or at least one component disposed within the at least one conduit.

Abstract: A system for use in a wellbore, comprises a length of casing, a structure that is configured to deform with deformation of the casing, said structure being affixed to the length of casing at substantially the same radial position along the length of casing, and a sensing device that is configured to measure deformation of the structure, said device comprising a plurality of sensors that are distributed with respect to at least one of the length of said structure and the periphery of said structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bore measurement unit having an elongate main body with first and second ends. A first adjustment mechanism is disposed near the first end and a second adjustment mechanism is disposed near said second end. The adjustment mechanisms expand or contract, through triangulating arms, to relative diameters, such that when the unit is inserted into a hollow bore it may be centered therein. A measuring portion of the unit measures the internal diameter of the bore. The measuring unit includes at least one sensor and preferably takes more than three readings at each distance of insertion to formulate a best fit circle of the inner bore diameter.

Abstract: A method of expanding a tubular downhole comprises mounting a sensing device in a downhole tubular to be expanded, expanding at least a portion of the tubular and then engaging the sensing device with a retrieving device. The sensing device is then translated through the expanded tubular.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.

Abstract: A component is deployed into a well on a carrier line that includes an electrical cable. A depth of the component in a well is determined using a time domain reflectometry technique.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a system comprising one or more subsystems, which can be practiced alone or in combination, which together allow for monitoring of groundwater, rock, and casing for production flow and leakage of hydrocarbon fluids. A flow measurement subsystem measures flow of hydrocarbons in the horizontal casing string. A well mechanical integrity monitoring subsystem monitors the mechanical integrity of the natural gas production well, including the junctures of a completed well. An aquifer monitoring subsystem directly monitors water aquifer(s) underneath and surrounding a natural gas production well or pad, including monitoring wells or existing water wells. A communication subsystem is used to communicate measurements taken downhole to the surface. The present invention may be used to enhance the production from a gas bearing shale formation, mitigate liability associated with hydrocarbon migration, and monitor for a loss of mechanical integrity of a well.

Abstract: A system for use in a wellbore, comprises a length of casing, a structure that is configured to deform with deformation of the casing, said structure being affixed to the length of casing at substantially the same radial position along the length of casing, and a sensing device that is configured to measure deformation of the structure, said device comprising a plurality of sensors that are distributed with respect to at least one of the length of said structure and the periphery of said structure.

Abstract: A borehole logging tool includes a housing oriented along a longitudinal axis, and a centralizer assembly that positions the housing substantially at the center of the borehole. In one example, the centralizer assembly includes a plurality of centralizer arms radially extendable outward from the longitudinal axis. The borehole logging tool further includes a scanning head that rotates a plurality of scanning sensors axially within the borehole about the longitudinal axis. The scanning head further includes a plurality of linkage arms coupled to the plurality of scanning sensors such that the scanning sensors are radially extendable outward from the longitudinal axis. The borehole logging tool further includes an extension assembly adapted to substantially concurrently control the radial extension of the centralizer arms and the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for making measurements at multiple locations in an annular region of a cased sequestration well. A first tool module is positionable within the well and adapted to directly or indirectly measure changing pressure at a first location in the annular region of the well. A pressure change is induced at the first location in the annular region. A second tool module is positionable within the well and adapted to directly or indirectly measure changing pressure at a second location in the annular region. The measured pressure changes at the second location are in response to the induced pressure change at the first location.

Abstract: A wedge-type anchor assembly, capable of meeting cracked concrete testing standards, comprises an anchor bolt component and a substantially C-shaped expansion sleeve component annularly disposed about the anchor bolt component. A plurality of annular grooves, threads, or teeth are disposed only about the forward end portion of the expansion sleeve component, as opposed to throughout the entire axial length thereof, so that when the anchor bolt component is moved axially through the expansion sleeve component, the maximum interference area (M.I.A.) and maximum interference volume (M.I.V.) can be generated between the anchor bolt component and the expansion sleeve component in a controlled and predictable manner, as well as between the expansion sleeve component and the internal peripheral side wall portions of a concrete substrate or substructure can be generated so as to enhance pull-out resistance and reliability of the anchor assembly within the concrete substructure or substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus an methods for detecting the behavior of perforations in a wellbore casing, the apparatus including a sensor array movable within the internal diameter of the casing, the sensor array having one or more sensors located proximate the internal surface of the casing with the sensors being located or oriented such that properties of flow from a proximate perforation can be distinguished from properties of a main flow through the wellbore.

Abstract: A scanner instrument used for scanning tubing that is being placed into an oil well or being removed from the oil well can be calibrated during retrieval of tubing from the well. Calibrating the tube scanner includes scanning a tubing standard and comparing the data from the standard scan to the known characteristics of the standard. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be computed. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be used as the calibration function for the scanner. Calibrating the tube scanner can also include scanning a string of tubing segments and then adjusting the data collected. The adjustment is based upon equalizing the data peaks that occur in the scan data at the coupling joints between tube segments.

Abstract: An instrument assembly for a well casing inspection tool, comprising a main shaft having an extension shaft extending therefrom. An instrument head is supported on bearings proximate one end of the main shaft. The rotating instrument head, which includes sensors for measuring wall thickness and caliper of the well casing, provides continuous 360 degree scanning of the interior of the well casing to obtain detailed measurements of the well casing. A motor drives the rotating instrument head through a gear train. A mandrel supported by the main shaft includes exciter coils for wall thickness, caliper, and permeability measurements. A capacitive slip ring couples signals between the rotating instrument head and stationary circuits in the instrument assembly.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting defects in a tubular string while positioned in the well includes a sensor tool (10) comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced sensors (40) arranged in two or more axially spaced rows. A plurality of sensors are positioned in each row, with each sensor positioned on one of a plurality of sensor support pads. Sensors within a row may include sensors with axes inclined at different angles, and each of the plurality of sensor pads may move from a radially retracted run-in position to a radially extended sensing position. A flexible line (50) may be used for lowering a sensor tool in the well and retrieving the sensor tool from the well.

Abstract: A method of expanding a tubular downhole comprises mounting a sensing device in a downhole tubular to be expanded, expanding at least a portion of the tubular and then engaging the sensing device with a retrieving device. The sensing device is then translated through the expanded tubular.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for radially cutting tubulars in a downhole environment by emitting acoustic energy into the jet, the acoustic energy having a wavelength selected such that the jet acts as a waveguide, detecting reflected acoustic energy in the jet, and determining the depth of cut from a travel time of the acoustic energy.

Abstract: A method of expanding a tubular downhole comprises mounting a sensing device in a downhole tubular to be expanded, expanding at least a portion of the tubular and then engaging the sensing device with a retrieving device. The sensing device is then translated through the expanded tubular.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit that is lowered into vertically supported pipe filled with seawater. The apparatus includes a pipe weld location detector module carried by the inspection unit. The apparatus also includes a rotating time of flight diffusion (TOFD) module and a non-rotating wall thickness module carried by the inspection unit. The module includes a pair of rotatably mounted weld volume inspection transducers rotatable by an operator and adapted to inspect for and obtain data on weld volume defects. The TOFD module has a fluid carrier positioned within the TOFD module and contains an acoustic fluid. The non-rotating wall thickness module also contains an acoustic liquid and includes a plurality of fixedly mounted wall inspection transducers adapted to obtain data on wall thickness of a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A communication system for a casing while drilling system is provided. The casing while drilling system is adapted to advance a bottom hole assembly into a subsurface formation via a casing. The communication system comprises a high frequency modulator and a transducer. The modulator is positioned in the bottom hole assembly and adapted to generate a mud pulse by selectively restrict mud flow passing therethrough. The transducer is adapted to detect the mud pulse generated by the modulator.

Abstract: Caliper measurements made during rotation of an imager on a logging string are processed to estimate the location of the imager, and size and shape of the borehole. A piecewise elliptical fitting procedure may be used. These estimates may be used to correct measurements made by a standoff-sensitive formation evaluation sensor such as a neutron porosity tool. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method of expanding a tubular downhole comprises mounting a sensing device in a downhole tubular to be expanded, expanding at least a portion of the tubular and then engaging the sensing device with a retrieving device. The sensing device is then translated through the expanded tubular.

Abstract: A method of checking for restrictions in a string of tubing formed of a plurality of tubing sections. The method involves providing a profile in the tubing string, providing a drift member adapted to engage with the profile, passing the drift member through the tubing string, and determining whether the drift member has engaged with the profile prior to separating the tubing sections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus an methods for detecting the behavior of perforations in a wellbore casing, the apparatus including a sensor array movable within the internal diameter of the casing, the sensor array having one or more sensors located proximate the internal surface of the casing with the sensors being located or oriented such that properties of flow from a proximate perforation can be distinguished from properties of a main flow through the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reverse-circulation cementing in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method is a method of cementing casing in a subterranean well bore, comprising inserting a casing into the well bore, the casing comprising a casing shoe; equipping the casing with a well head, and a casing inner diameter pressure indicator; flowing an equilibrium fluid into the well bore; flowing a cement composition into the well bore after the equilibrium fluid; determining from the well-bore pressure indicator when the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; discontinuing the flow of cement composition into the well bore upon determining that the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; and permitting the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Examples of systems include systems for cementing casing in a well bore.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reverse-circulation cementing in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method is a method of cementing casing in a subterranean well bore, comprising inserting a casing into the well bore, the casing comprising a casing shoe; equipping the casing with a well head, and a casing inner diameter pressure indicator; flowing an equilibrium fluid into the well bore; flowing a cement composition into the well bore after the equilibrium fluid; determining from the well-bore pressure indicator when the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; discontinuing the flow of cement composition into the well bore upon determining that the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; and permitting the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Examples of systems include systems for cementing casing in a well bore.

Abstract: A scanner instrument used for scanning tubing that is being placed into an oil well or being removed from the oil well can be calibrated during retrieval of tubing from the well. Calibrating the tube scanner includes scanning a tubing standard and comparing the data from the standard scan to the known characteristics of the standard. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be computed. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be used as the calibration function for the scanner. Calibrating the tube scanner can also include scanning a string of tubing segments and then adjusting the data collected. The adjustment is based upon equalizing the data peaks that occur in the scan data at the coupling joints between tube segments.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit that is lowered into vertically supported pipe filled with seawater. The apparatus includes a pipe weld location detector module carried by the inspection unit. The apparatus also includes a rotating time of flight diffusion (TOFD) module and a non-rotating wall thickness module carried by the inspection unit. The module includes a pair of rotatably mounted weld volume inspection transducers rotatable by an operator and adapted to inspect for and obtain data on weld volume defects. The TOFD module has a fluid carrier positioned within the TOFD module and contains an acoustic fluid. The non-rotating wall thickness module also contains an acoustic liquid and includes a plurality of fixedly mounted wall inspection transducers adapted to obtain data on wall thickness of a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for use in operating an electric downhole tool on a non-conductive support line (slickline) by converting a battery voltage to an output voltage suitable for operating the tool. In response to receiving a trigger signal, the output voltage signal is applied to the tool. The tool is controlled by varying the output voltage signal according to a power control sequence. Accordingly, electric tools typically requiring surface intervention by an operator via an electric cable (wireline) may be operated on slickline.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit that is lowered into vertically supported pipe filled with seawater. The apparatus includes a pipe weld location detector module carried by the inspection unit. The apparatus also includes a rotating time of flight diffusion (TOFD) module and a non-rotating wall thickness module carried by the inspection unit. The module includes a pair of rotatably mounted weld volume inspection transducers rotatable by an operator and adapted to inspect for and obtain data on weld volume defects. The TOFD module has a fluid carrier positioned within the TOFD module and contains an acoustic fluid. The non-rotating wall thickness module also contains an acoustic liquid and includes a plurality of fixedly mounted wall inspection transducers adapted to obtain data on wall thickness of a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit that is lowered into vertically supported pipe filled with seawater. The apparatus includes a pipe weld location detector module carried by the inspection unit. The apparatus also includes a rotating time of flight diffusion (TOFD) module and a non-rotating wall thickness module carried by the inspection unit. The module includes a pair of rotatably mounted weld volume inspection transducers rotatable by an operator and adapted to inspect for and obtain data on weld volume defects. The TOFD module has a fluid carrier positioned within the TOFD module and contains an acoustic fluid. The non-rotating wall thickness module also contains an acoustic liquid and includes a plurality of fixedly mounted wall inspection transducers adapted to obtain data on wall thickness of a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a fluid into a region of the well and monitoring a level of the fluid communicated via a downhole sensor. The communication is controlled in response to the monitoring.

Abstract: A method of and product for use in cementing the annulus of a hydrocarbon well having a casing centered within a hole bored from a surface. The method comprises the steps of introducing an effective amount of colouring agent contained in a water-soluble bag into a portion of spacer or scavenging fluid, pumping the spacer or scavenger and a then cementing slurry down the casing to the bottom of the hole to displace drilling mud upwardly through the annulus to the surface, until the colouring agent becomes visible at the surface, displacing the casing volume and then stopping the pumping and allowing the pumped cement slurry to harden.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit that is lowered into vertically supported pipe filled with seawater. The apparatus includes a pipe weld location detector module carried by the inspection unit. The apparatus also includes a rotating time of flight diffusion (TOFD) module and a non-rotating wall thickness module carried by the inspection unit. The module includes a pair of rotatably mounted weld volume inspection transducers rotatable by an operator and adapted to inspect for and obtain data on weld volume defects. The TOFD module has a fluid carrier positioned within the TOFD module and contains an acoustic fluid. The non-rotating wall thickness module also contains an acoustic liquid and includes a plurality of fixedly mounted wall inspection transducers adapted to obtain data on wall thickness of a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to determine downhole pressures, such as annular pressure and/or pore pressure, during a drilling operation. A downhole drilling tool includes at least one conduit and a corresponding gauge. The conduit is positioned in the downhole tool and has an opening adapted to receive downhole fluids. The conduit is positionable in fluid communication with one of the wellbore and the formation whereby pressure is equalized therebetween. The gauge is provided for measuring the pressure in the conduit.

Abstract: A method for detecting a leak in a well tubular of a well for production of hydrocarbon fluid from a formation is disclosed. The method includes steps of: passing a sonic tool provided with a transducer package capable of sending and receiving a sonic signal through the well tubular; prior to starting production to obtain an initial registration of a reflected signal for a well that does not have a leak; obtaining at least one subsequent registrations of reflected signals; comparing the initial registration to a subsequent registration and determining from the differences between the two if a leak has developed in the well tuburtar.

Abstract: A tubing conveyed casing collar locator system that detects the casing collars in a wellbore and acoustically transmits the information through the tubing to the surface where it is detected and processed in a surface processor. The system comprises a downhole tool which comprises downhole sensors, a signal processor with memory, a drive circuit, a battery pack, and a signal generator. The surface system comprises a surface processor, depth system, and acoustic signal transmitter/receiver. The downhole tool detects casing collars as the tool is moved through the collar and acoustically transmits the data or stores the data in downhole memory according to programmed instructions. In one embodiment, the tool compares sensor signals from production elements, such as valves, to stored sensor signatures to uniquely identify the downhole element. In one embodiment, the downhole tool changes operating modes in response to surface command.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving magnetic casing fragments from a well using a shrouded magnet are disclosed. Retrieving casing fragments allows the determination of weight loss from the casing to assist in analyzing the integrity and the condition of the casing and to determine whether more expensive analysis is required. The shrouded magnet, that is formed by a non-magnetic container enclosing a source of magnetic field, recovers metal casing fragments by attracting them and other magnetic materials from oil and gas well fluids passing by the shrouded magnet device, which fragments are easily separated from the device by removing the source of magnetic field from the container.

Abstract: A method is provided which, in an embodiment described herein, permits a location and/or displacement of a cementing plug to be determined during a cementing operation. In this embodiment, one or more pressure pulses are transmitted through displacement fluid being used to pump the plug through the casing string. The pressure pulses are reflected off of the plug and received by a pressure sensor. Information regarding the timing of the reflected pressure pulses may be used to determine the location and/or displacement of the plug.

Abstract: An improved method to detect water influx using video monitoring of a cased wellbore is disclosed. A wireline well tool having a video camera and a light source is lowered into a selected borehole interval where water influx is suspected. The borehole fluid over the selected interval is displaced and replaced with either a water transparent mixture containing a viscosifying agent, a coloring agent and/or sufficient salt to increase mixture density; or a transparent water insoluble solvent. By use of either of these displacement fluids, the quality of video monitoring over the selected borehole interval for water influx, is enhanced.

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 method of maintaining the integrity of a sheath, in particular a cementing sheath in a well consists in calculating or estimating variations in well pressure and/or in well temperature and/or in the variations in in-situ stresses, which may occur during the lifetime of the well, evaluating the stresses in the sheath as a function of the above variations, determining the nature of the stress likely to be first in causing deterioration of the sheath, and the risk thereof, and evaluating the influence of the elastic properties of the sheath, of the rock and/or of the casing on this stress, in order to select a sheath which is capable of attenuating this deterioration. The method is of particular application to oil, water, gas, and geothermal wells.

Abstract: A distributed pressure monitoring system is disclosed for monitoring formation pressure along substantial lengths of a casing in a borehole. The monitoring system has a communications line connected to surface facilities on one end which leads down the casing on the other end. A plurality of pressure sensors are spaced along the casing, each connected in communication with the communications line. A sensor housing encloses each sensor and an open pressure tentacle is attached to the sensor housing in communication with the pressure sensor. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for simultaneously monitoring the formation pressure in multiple zones of a borehole. The formation pressure is substantially separated from overburden pressure and pressure sensors adjacent selected zones of the formation are substantially isolated by filling the borehole with a cement selected to provide less hydraulic diffusivity than that of the formation.