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With indicating, testing, measuring or locating
Subclass of:
166 - Wells
Patent class list (only not empty are listed)
Deeper subclasses:
Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
166255100 | Determining position of object in well | 70 |
166254100 | Determining position of earth zone or marker | 58 |
166250150 | Automatic control for production | 56 |
166250100 | Fracturing characteristic | 48 |
166250170 | Including testing or treating tool having at least one actuatable packer | 28 |
166250120 | Tracer | 22 |
166250070 | Bottom hole pressure | 19 |
166252100 | Including production of earth fluid by driving fluid | 19 |
166250030 | Determining fluid interface or fluid level | 15 |
166250080 | Leak testing or locating | 13 |
166250020 | Permeability determining | 13 |
166250160 | Prospecting | 8 |
166253100 | Indicating the location, presence, or absence of cement | 8 |
166250140 | Of cementing or plugging technique | 6 |
166250050 | Scale or corrosion determination | 6 |
166250040 | Plug indicating or releasing | 6 |
166250110 | Holder for coupon or sensor | 5 |
20120199344 | Method and Apparatus for Communicating with a Device Located in a Borehole - A method of communication comprising: providing a string of a plurality of connected components ( | 08-09-2012 |
20110192596 | THROUGH TUBING INTELLIGENT COMPLETION SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH CONNECTION - A technique facilitates use of a through tubing completion system run in a lateral borehole. The through tubing completion may comprise production tubing coupled to a flow control valve and one or more sensors measuring at least one characteristic of the lateral borehole. The through tubing completion also comprises a connection system which facilitates the transfer of signals between the through tubing completion extending into the lateral borehole and a surface location or other location. | 08-11-2011 |
20110061862 | INSTRUMENTED SWELLABLE ELEMENT - Apparatus and methods for deploying one or more sensors into a wellbore. The method can include at least partially embedding one or more sensors in one or more swellable elements; conveying the one or more sensors and the one or more swellable elements into the wellbore; at least partially swelling one or more of the swellable elements; and measuring at least one wellbore property with the one or more sensors. | 03-17-2011 |
20120186809 | Downhole 4D Pressure Measurement Apparatus And Method For Permeability Characterization - A method of installing a sensor system for making pressure measurements in downhole formations surrounding a wellbore includes placing a sensor in direct pressure communication with the formations from a predetermined position in the wellbore; and isolating the sensor with an elastomeric sealing means placed against the formation wall in order to prevent hydraulic pressure communication between the sensor and the inside of the wellbore. | 07-26-2012 |
20120318501 | Systems and Methods for Placing Markers in a Formation - A marker placement device, such as a modified coring gun, is used to place one or more markers into the formation. The marker placement device uses explosive charges to fire one or more marker assemblies into a borehole wall. A marker assembly includes a driver assembly which is adapted to be fired from the placement device and a marker which is releasably secured to the driver with frangible shear members. | 12-20-2012 |
166251100 | Including in situ combustion | 4 |
20100276139 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATION OF SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SUBTERRANEAN COAL DEPOSITS VIA THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF WATER BY AN ELECTRIC TORCH - A system for gasification of coal deposits below the ground surface comprising an injection well assembly comprising one end positioned at the surface and the opposite end located adjacent or within the coal deposit; a production well assembly comprising one end positioned at the surface and the opposite end of the production well assembly located adjacent or within the coal deposit; a non-vertical reaction shaft assembly located adjacent or within the coal deposit, the non-vertical reaction comprising an injection end in communication with the end of the injection well assembly located adjacent or within the coal deposit and a production end in communication with the end of the production well assembly located adjacent or within the coal deposit; and an electric torch configured to move within the non-vertical reaction shaft assembly and create an oxidant and moderator downhole. A method for gasifying coal deposits is also provided. | 11-04-2010 |
20110067858 | FISHBONE WELL CONFIGURATION FOR IN SITU COMBUSTION - An underground reservoir is provided comprising an injection well and a production well. The production well has a horizontal section oriented generally perpendicularly to a generally linear and laterally extending, upright combustion front propagated from the injection well. | 03-24-2011 |
20080236817 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOVERY OF FUEL PRODUCTS FROM SUBTERRANEAN CARBONACEOUS DEPOSITS VIA AN ELECTRIC DEVICE - A system for gasification of carbonaceous deposits below the ground surface comprising: an injection well assembly comprising one end positioned at the ground surface and the opposite end of the injection well assembly located within the carbonaceous deposit; a production well assembly comprising one end positioned at the ground surface and the opposite end of the production well assembly located within the carbonaceous deposit; a non-vertical reaction shaft assembly located within the carbonaceous deposit a distance below ground surface, the non-vertical reaction shaft having a length and comprising an injection end in communication with the end of the injection well assembly located within the carbonaceous deposit and a production end in communication with the end of the production well assembly located within the carbonaceous deposit; and a mobile electric device configured to move within the non-vertical reaction shaft assembly. A method for gasifying underground carbonaceous deposits using an electric device. | 10-02-2008 |
20120018151 | Inert gas injection to help control or extinguish coal fires - A method of locating and controlling subsurface coal fires is provided that includes mapping a subsurface coal bed fire using a magnetometer, where the mapping includes locating a combustion zone and an air inlet to the combustion zone of the coal bed fire, drilling an injection port from the earth surface to a previously burned zone of the combustion zone, where the injection port is disposed between the air inlet and the combustion zone, inserting a tube in the injection port, where the tube has an exterior tube seal disposed around the tube, and the exterior tube seal isolates the earth surface from the combustion zone along an exterior of the tube. The method further includes injecting an inert gas through the tube to the combustion zone, where the inert gas controls the combustion zone of the coal bed fire. | 01-26-2012 |
166250090 | Impression means | 1 |
20090314490 | Valuing future well test under uncertainty - The present invention relates to a method and system for quantifying the value-of-information (VoI) of a proposed and future well test where multiple uncertainties associated with the reservoir properties and/or measurement and/or interpretation may be present. | 12-24-2009 |
166250060 | Steam quality | 1 |
20130014940 | Estimating a Wellbore ParameterAANM Fripp; Michael LinleyAACI CarrolltonAAST TXAACO USAAGP Fripp; Michael Linley Carrollton TX USAANM Dykstra; Jason D.AACI CarrolltonAAST TXAACO USAAGP Dykstra; Jason D. Carrollton TX US - A system for estimating a wellbore parameter includes a first component located at or near a terranean surface; a second component at least partially disposed within a wellbore at or near a subterranean zone, the second component associated with a sensor; and a controller communicably coupled to the first and second components operable to: adjust a characteristic of an input fluid to the wellbore through a range of input values; receive, from the sensor, a plurality of output values of the input fluid that vary in response to the input values, the output values representative of a downhole condition; and estimate a wellbore parameter distinct from the downhole condition based on the measured output values. | 01-17-2013 |
Entries | ||
Document | Title | Date |
20090056936 | Subsea Structure Load Monitoring and Control System - A system for monitoring for loads in a subsea structure comprises one or more sensors disposed proximate a subsea structure such as a blow-out preventer. The sensors are configured to detect an induced load on a subsea structure. The detected load is communicated to a sensor data processor operatively in communication with the strain sensor. Using the detected load data, a load generator such as a remotely operated vehicle or other source of thrust has its thrust output adjusted to induce a load equal in force, but opposite in direction, to the detected induced loads. | 03-05-2009 |
20130025852 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MEASURING DATA IN A WELL EXTENDING BELOW SURFACE - The present invention relates to a system for measuring data in a well extending below surface, said system comprising a body having a longitudinal axis and a front end and a rear end; locomotion means; control means adapted to control direction and/or speed of the locomotion means; said control means being controllable from the surface. Thereby is achieved that a body may be remotely controlled from the surface e.g. the entrance of an oil well. | 01-31-2013 |
20130025851 | DOWNHOLE CONDITION ALERT SYSTEM FOR A DRILL OPERATOR - An alert system for a downhole operation including a tubular string in a borehole. The tubular string having at least one sensor positioned in the borehole for measuring at least one parameter during operation of the tubular string. A unit in data communication with the tubular string and operatively arranged to enable an operator to obtain information regarding operation of the tubular string. A work area positioned proximate to the unit and operatively arranged to receive the operator when the operator is interfacing with the unit. A vibration module operatively arranged to vibrate the work area or a structure therein, wherein the vibration module is triggered in response to a first parameter being outside of a predetermined range set by a first threshold value. Also included is a method of alerting an operator during a drilling operation. | 01-31-2013 |
20090205822 | Downhole Local Mud Weight Measurement Near Bit - A method for detecting a change in a wellbore fluid includes estimating at least two pressure differences in the wellbore fluid and estimating a change in a density of the fluid using the at least two pressure differences. The density change may be estimated by the equation, Δρ=(ΔP | 08-20-2009 |
20090194275 | Methods of Retrieving Data from a Pipe Conveyed Well Logging Assembly - A method of performing a pipe conveyed well logging operation is provided that includes providing a pipe conveyed well logging assembly having a pipe string, a memory logging tool and a memory module; deploying the assembly into a wellbore; operating the memory logging tool to perform a logging operation to obtain logging data from the wellbore; and retrieving the obtained logging data prior to withdrawing the pipe string from the wellbore. | 08-06-2009 |
20090194274 | STATISTICAL DETERMINATION OF HISTORICAL OILFIELD DATA - A method, system, and computer program product for performing oilfield surveillance operations. The oilfield has a subterranean formation with geological structures and reservoirs therein. The oilfield is divided into a plurality of patterns, with each pattern comprising a plurality of wells. Historical production/injection data is obtained for the plurality of wells. Two independent statistical treatments are performed to achieve a common objective of production optimization. In the first process, wells and/or patterns are characterized based on Heterogeneity Index results and personalities with the ultimate goal of field production optimization. In the second process, the history of the flood is divided into even time increments. At least two domains for each of the plurality of wells are determined. Each of the at least two domains are centered around each of the plurality wells. A first domain of the at least two domains has a first orientation. A second domain of the at least two domains has a second orientation. An Oil Processing Ratio is determined for each of the at least two domains, then an Oil Processing Ratio Strength Indicator is calculated. At least one Meta Pattern within the field is then identified. An oilfield operation can then be guided based either on the well and/or pattern personality or the at least one Meta Pattern. | 08-06-2009 |
20130075089 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING TEMPORARY FORMATION SEALANT - A method and system for providing a temporary sealant within a wellbore of a subterranean formation is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the temporary sealant comprises a particulate material and a liquid. The particulate material and the liquid are mixed to a predetermined dilution ratio. The temporary sealant is pumped into fractures via an open hole of the wellbore. The particulate material accumulates and is left within the fractures to set. Over a predetermined period of time, the particulate material degrades, disintegrates, or dissolves within the fractures. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075087 | Module For Use With Completion Equipment - In general, module is lowered to a position in a well to communicate with completion equipment in the well for performing a check of a downhole condition. According to a result of the check, the module is used to actuate a component of the completion equipment. In further examples, a string is lowered into the well, where the string has a first coupler portion and a contraction joint. The contraction joint is used to align the first coupler portion on the string with a second coupler portion that is part of completion equipment in the well. | 03-28-2013 |
20080257544 | System and Method for Crossflow Detection and Intervention in Production Wellbores - A system and method for managing a production from a wellbore that includes taking measurements relating to one or more selected parameters for each of the production zones over a time period and determining the occurrence of the cross flow in the wellbore using a trend of the one or more of the measurements. The system includes a processor that receives information relating to the measurements made over time relating to the selected parameters, wherein the processor determines or predicts the occurrence of the cross flow from a trend of at least one of the measurements. | 10-23-2008 |
20110192595 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN DRILLING FLUID - A method for measuring particle size distribution in a fluid material, involving inserting a laser beam instrument directly in the fluid flow line, wherein the laser beam instrument focuses a laser beam on a window directly coupled with the fluid flow line, wherein the fluid flow line comprises a fluid having a plurality of particles of different sizes, measuring a diameter of at least one particle in the fluid flow line by reflectance of the at least one particle as the at least one particle passes through the focused laser beam, and determining a duration of reflection of the at least one particle, and obtaining a count of particles in each of a pre-set range group of particle sizes, wherein the count of particles is used to determine particle size distribution in the fluid flow line. | 08-11-2011 |
20110192594 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, flowing the wellbore composition in the wellbore, and determining one or more fluid flow properties or characteristics of the wellbore composition from data provided by the MEMS sensors during the flowing of the wellbore composition. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in at least a portion of a spacer fluid, a sealant composition, or both, pumping the spacer fluid followed by the sealant composition into the wellbore, and determining one or more fluid flow properties or characteristics of the spacer fluid and/or the cement composition from data provided by the MEMS sensors during the pumping of the spacer fluid and sealant composition into the wellbore. | 08-11-2011 |
20110192593 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing at least one piece of equipment in the wellbore comprising micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensors, wherein the MEMS sensors are disposed in one or more composite or resin portions of the equipment, and gathering wellbore data from the MEMS sensors. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing at least one piece of equipment in the wellbore comprising a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensor data interrogation unit, wherein the data interrogation unit is disposed in one or more composite or resin portions of the equipment, and gathering wellbore data from MEMS sensors located in the wellbore via the data interrogation unit. | 08-11-2011 |
20110192592 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing into a wellbore a first wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors having a first identifier, and determining positions in the wellbore of the MEMS sensors having the first identifiers. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing into a wellbore a first wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors having a first identifier, placing into the wellbore a second wellbore composition comprising a plurality of MEMS sensors having first identifier, and determining positions in the wellbore of the MEMS sensors having the first identifier, wherein the MEMS sensors of the first wellbore composition are added to a portion of the first wellbore composition added to the wellbore prior to a remainder of the first wellbore composition, and the MEMS sensors of the second wellbore composition are added to a portion of the second wellbore composition added to the wellbore prior to a remainder of the second wellbore composition. | 08-11-2011 |
20090126928 | APPARATUS AND METHODS TO ANALYZE DOWNHOLE FLUIDS USING IONIZED FLUID SAMPLES - Apparatus and methods to analyze downhole fluids are described herein. A disclosed example method involves obtaining a sample of a downhole fluid. Additionally the example method involves ionizing at least a portion of the sample to decompose molecules having a relatively high molar mass into molecules having a relatively lower molar mass. Further, the example method involves analyzing the ionized portion of the sample to determine a parameter of the downhole fluid sample. | 05-21-2009 |
20100116490 | ACTIVE CONTROL AND/OR MONITORING OF EXPANDABLE TUBULAR DEVICES - A method for determining a shape of an expanded tubular including expanding an expandable swage, urging the expandable swage though an expandable tubular, and determining an outside dimension of at least one segment of the expandable swage. | 05-13-2010 |
20100147511 | INJECTION WELL SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM - A method for surveillance of a well includes the steps of providing a pumping system in a wellbore that penetrates a formation; producing a fluid from the formation into the wellbore; injecting a fraction of the fluid from the wellbore into the formation via operation of the pumping system; surveying the pumping system in real-time via a sensor that senses well data; determining in real-time the correlation of a well parameter with a preselected threshold well parameter, wherein the well parameter is related to the sensed well data; and outputting a signal in response to the well parameter exceeding the preselected threshold parameter. | 06-17-2010 |
20130075088 | Single Pump Focused Sampling - An apparatus comprising first and second fluid intakes, a pump, and a sample chamber, may be positioned in a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation. A method of use thereof may comprise drawing fluid from the subterranean formation and into the first and second fluid intakes using the pump, discharging into the borehole at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the second fluid intake, and selectively diverting at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the first fluid intake to the sample chamber. | 03-28-2013 |
20100071896 | Downhole apparatus and method - A downhole apparatus adapted to be run on a workstring in a well bore. The apparatus has a body including ports and a valve which is rotatable to open and close the ports to selectively allow fluid flow through the body between regions of a well bore above and below the apparatus. The valve is rotated via a gearbox and motor in the apparatus. A sealing arrangement between the valve and body is also described. A method of running the apparatus in a well bore and monitoring pressure above the apparatus in order to control opening and closing of the valve under predetermined conditions is presented. | 03-25-2010 |
20130037263 | Fluid Sensor and Method of Using Same - A fluid sensor (and method) for determining at least one parameter of a fluid of a wellbore is provided. The fluid sensor has a base positionable in the wellbore, a base electrode operatively positionable in the insulation, and a raised electrode having at least one base portion and at least one raised portion. The base comprises insulation. The base portion is operatively positionable in the insulation. The at least one raised portion is positionable a distance above the base electrode such that a space is defined therebetween for the passage of the wellbore fluid therethrough. A voltage is applied across the base electrode and the raised electrode to generate a current therebetween whereby at least one parameter of the wellbore fluid may be determined. The fluid sensor is deployable into the wellbore via the downhole tool. | 02-14-2013 |
20130081804 | ESTIMATION OF DEPLETION OR INJECTION INDUCED RESERVOIR STRESSES USING TIME-LAPSE SONIC DATA IN CASED HOLES - An apparatus and a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation including collecting baseline and subsequent sonic data, calculating either open or cased hole Stoneley and cross dipole dispersions using the baseline and subsequent sonic data, estimating the minimum and maximum horizontal stress magnitude using the calculating dispersions, calculating a pressure, and recovering hydrocarbons. | 04-04-2013 |
20120175108 | TEST PACKER AND METHOD FOR USE - A downhole tool having a throughbore is disclosed for use in a tubular located in a wellbore. The downhole tool has a sealing element configured to seal an annulus between the downhole tool and an inner wall of the tubular; at least one flow path formed in the downhole tool, wherein the flow path is configured to allow fluids in the annulus to flow past the sealing element when the sealing element is in a sealed position; and at least one valve in fluid communication with the flow path and configured to allow the fluids to flow through the flow path in a first direction while preventing the fluids from flowing through the flow path in a second direction. A guard may be installed proximate anchor elements. The guard extends radially beyond an outer diameter of the anchor elements when the anchor elements are in a retracted position. | 07-12-2012 |
20130032339 | Methods for Fluid Monitoring in a Subterranean Formation Using One or More Integrated Computational Elements - Methods for fluid monitoring in a subterranean formation can comprise: providing a diverting fluid comprising a diverting agent; introducing the diverting fluid into a subterranean formation comprising one or more subterranean zones; and monitoring a disposition of the diverting fluid within the subterranean formation using one or more integrated computational elements in optical communication with the subterranean formation. | 02-07-2013 |
20130032338 | Methods for Fluid Monitoring in a Subterranean Formation Using One or More Integrated Computational Elements - Methods for fluid monitoring within a subterranean formation can comprise: introducing a first fluid into a subterranean formation; and monitoring a disposition of the first fluid within the subterranean formation using one or more integrated computational elements in optical communication with the subterranean formation. | 02-07-2013 |
20130032336 | ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN WELL PAIRS IN OIL SANDS BY DILATION WITH STEAM OR WATER CIRCULATION AT ELEVATED PRESSURES - A method of establishing fluid communication between a well pair in an oil-sand reservoir is provided, where dilatable oil sands in the reservoir form a barrier to fluid communication between the well pair. Steam or water is circulated within at least one well to apply a steam or water pressure to a region of the oil sands adjacent to the well. The steam or water pressure is increased to a dilation pressure sufficient to dilate the oil sands in the region. While circulating steam or water within the well at a substantially steady state, the steam or water pressure is maintained at a level sufficient to enlarge the dilated region, until detection of a signal indicative of fluid communication between the well pair. The rates of steam or water injection and production may be monitored and adjusted, and the steam or water pressure may be controlled by adjusting the rate of steam or water injection or production to vary a bottom-hole pressure in the well. | 02-07-2013 |
20100044033 | OILFIELD APPLICATION FRAMEWORK - A method for performing an oilfield operation of an oilfield having a subterranean formation. The method includes collecting oilfield data and deploying a first plug-in including a first oilfield technology functionality into an oilfield hosting application. The method further includes performing an oilfield analysis on the collected oilfield data in the oilfield hosting application using the first oilfield technology functionality of the first plug-in to generate an oilfield output and adjusting an oilfield operation based on the oilfield output. | 02-25-2010 |
20090159273 | LOGGING TOOL DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH PRESSURE COMPENSATION - Systems and processes are provided for facilitating transfer of downhole devices through a reversibly sealable wellhead fixture capping a well under pressure, without jeopardizing operators, equipment, or the well itself. An open ended pressurizable vessel is provided that is sized and shaped to accommodate a substantial portion of a particular downhole device, such as a logging tool. The vessel includes a mating flange for coupling its open end to a reversibly sealable wellhead fixture. A pressure can be equalized between an internal cavity of the pressurizable vessel and the wellbore. Once the pressure has been equalized, a channel can be opened between the pressurizable vessel and the wellbore, allowing for transfer of the downhole device in a preferred direction, either into or out of the wellbore. One or more robotic systems can be provided to further expedite manipulation of at least one of the tool and the vessel. | 06-25-2009 |
20100108312 | Method of Using a Charged Chamber Pressure Transmitter for Subterranean Tools - A sensor and transmitter is employed with a pressurized chamber of a downhole tool to be able to tell at a glance when the tool is delivered for service that it is properly charged. The sensor and transmitter can be integrated within the tool so as to be protected from damage during run in. While in service the sensor and transmitter can monitor pressure in real time and include a capability to send surface signals for real time monitoring of chamber pressures corrected for the service depth, temperature and density of the hydraulic fluid, for example. The signal can be acoustic through the control line or the annulus or delivered through a fiber optic cable or signal wire run in the hydraulic control line, an auxiliary line or through the annulus. | 05-06-2010 |
20100108311 | Calorimetric distributed temperature system and methods - Methods for designing and performing a treatment operation on a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided, in which the treatment operation includes the use of a treatment fluid comprising reactants for a chemical reaction. The methods generally include the step of obtaining wellbore temperature-profile information on the wellbore and obtaining kinetic or thermodynamic data for the chemical reaction, and combining the information to help design the treatment operation. Preferably, the methods include the use of a distributed temperature system ("DTS") for gaining temperature-profile information for a wellbore. | 05-06-2010 |
20100155057 | Apparatus and Method of Monitoring An Alternating Current Component of a Downhole Electrical Imbalance Voltage - An apparatus and method are provided for monitoring and controlling a power system of an electrical submersible pump assembly. A sensor monitors an alternating current component of a downhole electrical imbalance voltage at a neutral point of a motor of the electrical submersible pump assembly. The sensor measurement is transmitted to a controller at the surface. The controller analyzes the alternating current component of the downhole electrical imbalance voltage and then adjusting an operation of the electrical submersible pump assembly, or scheduling maintenance, accordingly. Also, a model of a power system of an electrical submersible pump assembly is created to predict an alternating current component of a downhole electrical imbalance voltage. The model is modified as necessary responsive to measurements from the sensor. A controller adjusts surface currents according to the model of the power system to match downhole motor drive currents to thereby optimize the power system. | 06-24-2010 |
20090151933 | LOST PROFIT REDUCTION PROCESS AND SYSTEM - A method and apparatus for detecting a hydrocarbon production trend using a well volume comparison. The method generally includes acquiring well volume data corresponding to a plurality of hydrocarbon-producing wells, comparing the acquired well volume data with target well volume data, assigning a loss production code to at least one of the hydrocarbon-producing wells based on the comparison; and detecting a hydrocarbon production trend utilizing the assigned loss production code. | 06-18-2009 |
20130133881 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FLUID PUMPS TO ACHIEVE DESIRED LEVELS - A system for attaining and maintaining a pre-determined fluid level in a petroleum-producing well having a pump, such as a progressive-cavity pump, and a pump motor having a variable-frequency drive control using two sensors: a pump pressure sensor located at the pump depth and a casing pressure sensor located at the casinghead of the well. A programmable computer is connected to the first and second pressure sensors and the motor speed control so that the programmable computer controls the operation of the pump motor to attain and maintain a target fluid level in the well over a predetermined time interval for reaching the target fluid level in the well. The programmable computer computes an error signal to control a variable frequency drive motor, where the error signal is computed periodically from the difference between in the actual fluid level in the well and the target fluid level in the well according to a rate reference curve. In general, the rate reference curve is generated according to an exponential or hyperbolic function. | 05-30-2013 |
20130032334 | METHODS FOR MONITORING THE FORMATION AND TRANSPORT OF A TREATMENT FLUID USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing at least one source material; combining the at least one source material with a base fluid to form a treatment fluid; and monitoring a characteristic of the treatment fluid using a first opticoanalytical device that is in optical communication with a flow pathway for transporting the treatment fluid. | 02-07-2013 |
20120181019 | NANOHYBRID PHASE INTERFACES FOR ALTERING WETTABILITY IN OIL FIELD APPLICATIONS - Methods of using nanohybrid-containing fluids in a well are provided. The methods include the steps of: (a) forming or providing a well fluid comprising a nanohybrid; and (b) introducing the well fluid into a well. The methods can be used in various applications, such as in drilling, completion, or intervention operations. | 07-19-2012 |
20120181018 | ROTATIONAL WELLBORE TEST VALVE - According to one embodiment, a rotationally activated downhole well valve for connection in a tubing string is disclosed that can be repeatedly opened and closed selectively to place the tubing string in communication with the annulus. The valve is moved between the closed position and the open position by rotating the string in the first direction. | 07-19-2012 |
20090321071 | CONTROLLING AND ASSESSING PRESSURE CONDITIONS DURING TREATMENT OF TAR SANDS FORMATIONS - A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing heat to at least part of a hydrocarbon layer in the tar sands formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. Heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to at least a portion of the formation. A pressure in the portion of the formation is controlled such that the pressure remains below a fracture pressure of the formation overburden while allowing the portion of the formation to heat to a selected average temperature of at least about 280° C. and at most about 300° C. The pressure in the portion of the formation is reduced to a selected pressure after the portion of the formation reaches the selected average temperature. | 12-31-2009 |
20130087326 | Downhole Tester Valve Having Rapid Charging Capabilities and Method for Use Thereof - A downhole tester valve ( | 04-11-2013 |
20130087327 | USING DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF AN INSULATED CONDUCTOR IN A SUBSURFACE FORMATION TO ASSESS PROPERTIES OF THE INSULATED CONDUCTOR - A system for assessing one or more temperatures along an insulated conductor in an opening in a subsurface formation includes an insulated conductor with a length comprising at least two sections of insulation with different capacitances. The sections with the different capacitances include different takeoff temperatures for at least one dielectric property of the insulation. | 04-11-2013 |
20090114385 | METHOD OF STIMULATING A WELL - A tubular introduced into a wellbore is perforated at pre-selected locations after the tubular has been cemented into place. The locations of the perforations are determined by modeling inflow performance of a stimulation fluid within the formation. The inflow performance parameters include reservoir porosity, permeability, pressure, damage skin and intrusion depth, perforation diameter and penetration depth or perforation crushed zone damage and intrusion depth. | 05-07-2009 |
20090301714 | Composition and Method For Using Waxy Oil-External Emulsions To Modify Reservoir Permeability Profiles - A waxy oil-external emulsion is provided for injection into a selected zone of a subsurface formation. The selected zone is typically a high permeability zone. The emulsion generally comprises oil, added wax, and water. The emulsion may also include an emulsifying agent and a solvent. The emulsion is formulated to be a liquid at a temperature greater than a targeted temperature in the subsurface formation, but a solid at the targeted temperature. The targeted temperature is typically the maximum operating temperature for the formation. A method of formulating the emulsion is also provided. Further, a method of plugging a high permeability zone using the emulsion is disclosed. | 12-10-2009 |
20090301713 | Backpressure Valve for Wireless Communication - A backpressure valve. The backpressure valve may be configured to maintain a substantially controlled pressure in coiled tubing uphole thereof while simultaneously being compatible with a pressure pulse tool downhole thereof. The backpressure valve includes pressure generating capacity below its internal valve assembly so as to avoid the tendency of the assembly to throttle open and closed. Furthermore, the pressure generation is achieved in a manner avoiding cavitation. As a result, once the backpressure valve is opened, the pressure pulse tool is able to reliably communicate with surface equipment at the oilfield. | 12-10-2009 |
20120217007 | ACOUSTIC MONITORING OF HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION - The present invention relates to a method for monitoring hydro-carbon production from a hydrocarbon reservoir comprising the steps of performing a reservoir treatment process for stimulating hydrocarbon production including injection of a fluid into the reservoir, performing a seismic survey on the reservoir, obtaining a set of acoustic signals from said seismic survey and determine from the obtained acoustic signals the distribution of different contents within the reservoir, wherein the method comprises an intermediate step of adding a substance for increasing the acoustic contrast of the fluid prior to or in conjunction with injecting the fluid into the reservoir. | 08-30-2012 |
20130056197 | OPTICAL CASING COLLAR LOCATOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Disclosed are fiber optic enabled casing collar locator systems including a wireline sonde or a coil tubing sonde apparatus configured to be conveyed through a casing string by a fiber optic cable. The sonde includes at least one permanent magnet producing a magnetic field that changes in response to passing a collar in the casing string. Such magnetic field changes induce voltages changes within associated pick-up electrical coil conductors. Some embodiments include a cylinder configured to change its diameter in response to the changes in the magnetic field and/or impressed voltage, and an optical fiber wound around the cylinder to convert the cylinder diameter change into an optical path length change for light being communicated along the fiber optic cable. The cylinder may include a magnetostrictive material or a piezoelectric material. | 03-07-2013 |
20090294122 | FLOW SIMULATION IN A WELL OR PIPE - A method of simulating fluid transport in a system for stimulating a well in a material formation of a resource reservoir, the system comprising a conduit element arranged in said well, the conduit element comprising a conduit wall including one or more openings for discharging a fluid into the material formation surrounding the conduit element; the method comprising establishing and numerically processing a transport model of fluid transport inside the conduit element. The transport model further includes a model of fluid transport in a predetermined space around said conduit element. | 12-03-2009 |
20090272527 | Method and Apparatus for Perforating a Casing and Producing Hydrocarbons - A perforating gun and one or more volume-receiving surge canisters can be actuated at a time delay after perforation for creating a dynamic underbalance condition to aid in directing debris out of the perforations and fractures and into the wellbore. A timer and triggering device actuate one or more canisters in parallel or series after a pre-determined time delay or delays which can be related to wellbore conditions following perforation. Use of propellant-type perforating gun further benefits from favorable propellant burn conditions for forming perforations and followed thereafter by a perforation-cleaning underbalance pressure conditions characterized by one or more of an increased rate of change depression of the pressure in the adjacent annulus, a greater magnitude of pressure depression and a longer duration of underbalance. | 11-05-2009 |
20090065199 | Retrievable Inflow Control Device - A retrievable flow control device comprising a housing configured to sealably couple with a completion component. The housing may comprise a first port and a second port establishing a fluid pathway. The fluid pathway may regulate a fluid flow as the fluid flow passes through the fluid pathway. The housing may further comprise a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple with a corresponding feature of the wellbore completion. The downhole flow control device may be configured to be retrievable independently of the completion component. The flow control device may comprise a check valve in the fluid pathway in order to substantially constrain the fluid flow to a single direction. In some cases, the flow control device may be configured to couple with a side pocket. In other cases, a concentric flow control device may be configured to couple with a screen base pipe, tubing, or stinger. | 03-12-2009 |
20090056937 | HIGH ANGLE WATER FLOOD KICKOVER TOOL - A kickover tool for placing and extracting a valve in a mandrel having a hydraulic piston, a kickover arm portion mechanically connected to the hydraulic piston, the kickover arm portion being actuated by application of pressure to the piston. Upon full stoke of the piston, pressure is relieved, and measurement of the pressure relief can be used to indicate proper placement in a side pocket mandrel. | 03-05-2009 |
20090266537 | COMBINATION INJECTION STRING AND DISTRIBUTED SENSING STRING FOR WELL EVALUATION AND TREATMENT CONTROL - A method for well intervention includes extending a combination conduit into a wellbore. The combination conduit includes a first conduit for moving fluid into the wellbore and a second conduit having at least one optical sensing fiber therein. A fluid is moved into the wellbore through the first conduit. A wellbore parameter is measured through a sensor associated with the at least one optical sensing fiber. | 10-29-2009 |
20130062055 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR MULTI-ZONE FRACTURE STIMULATION OF A RESERVOIR USING AUTONOMOUS TUBULAR UNITS - Autonomous units and methods for downhole, multi-zone perforation and fracture stimulation for hydrocarbon production. The autonomous unit may be a perforating gun assembly, a bridge plug assembly, or fracturing plug assembly. The autonomous units are dimensioned and arranged to be deployed within a wellbore without an electric wireline. The autonomous units may be fabricated from a friable material so as to self-destruct upon receiving a signal. The autonomous units include a position locator for sensing the presence of objects along the wellbore and generating depth signals in response. The autonomous units also include an on-board controller for processing the depth signals and for activating an actuatable tool at a zone of interest. | 03-14-2013 |
20110011581 | System and Method for Servicing a Wellbore - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising establishing a pumping profile having a performance plan, determining a remaining life estimate for a first wellbore servicing device, wherein the first wellbore servicing device is suitable for impacting conformance to the performance plan, and selecting a second wellbore servicing device in response to the remaining life value for the first wellbore servicing device, wherein the second wellbore servicing device is suitable for impacting conformance to the performance plan. A wellbore servicing system, comprising a first device suitable for impacting conformance to a performance plan, a first sensor configured to monitor an operational characteristic of the first device, and a controller in communication with the first sensor, the controller being configured to calculate at least one of a remaining life estimate of the first device and a probability of survival estimate of the first device. | 01-20-2011 |
20110308792 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN OIL POOL BASED ON A RESERVOIR MODEL GRADUALLY DEFORMED BY MEANS OF COSIMULATIONS - A method is disclosed for operating an oil pool based on a reservoir model gradually deformed by means of cosimulations. A map of a property of the pool is obtained by a stochastic simulation of a first random function. A correlation coefficient is chosen between the first random function and a second random function with an identical mean and covariance. The map is modified by a cosimulation of the two random functions by using the correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficient is modified and the cosimulation step is reiterated to deform the map and minimize a matching objective function. Finally, the pool is operated by implementing an operating scheme accounting for the deformed map. | 12-22-2011 |
20110308791 | Apparatus for Use Downhole Including Devices Having Heat Carrier Channels - A method and apparatus for regulating a temperature of a device in a tool used in a wellbore is disclosed. The device generally includes a substrate and a heat source associated with the substrate that induces heat into the substrate. The substrate includes a fluid channel therein. A fluid system provides the fluid into the fluid channel and out of the fluid channel to control the temperature of the component. | 12-22-2011 |
20110308788 | CONTROLLING WELL OPERATIONS BASED ON MONITORED PARAMETERS OF CEMENT HEALTH - A method of controlling a well operation can include monitoring at least one parameter of cement lining a wellbore, the monitoring being performed via at least one optical waveguide, and modifying the well operation in response to the parameter being outside of a predetermined acceptable range. A well monitoring system can include at least one optical waveguide which is used to sense at least one parameter of cement lining a wellbore, an optical interrogation system optically connected to the at least one optical waveguide, and a control system which controls operation of at least one item of well equipment in response to information received from the optical interrogation system. | 12-22-2011 |
20130160996 | Downhole Packer Assembly Having a Selective Fluid Bypass and Method for Use Thereof - A downhole packer assembly for steam injection and casing pressure testing. The downhole packer assembly includes a housing assembly having intake and discharge ports. A seal assembly is positioned around the housing assembly between the intake and discharge ports and is operable to provide a fluid seal with a casing string. A mandrel is positioned within the housing assembly forming a micro annulus therewith and providing an internal pathway for fluid production therethrough. A valve assembly is disposed between the housing assembly and the mandrel and is operable between closed and open positions by a piston assembly such that the intake and discharge ports and the micro annulus provide a bypass passageway for steam injection around the seal assembly when the valve assembly is open and the seal assembly provides a downhole surface for pressure testing of the casing string uphole thereof when the valve assembly is closed. | 06-27-2013 |
20100200221 | Shoulder-Type Elevator and Method of Use - A shoulder-type elevator is described. The elevator has a frame that supports a ring-shaped body having an inwardly tapered interior surface. The body is configured to receive a length of pipe a collar with an outwardly protruding shoulder. A timing ring supports a plurality of shoes curvilinearly arrayed around the interior surface of the body. A timing ring cylinders with extendable and retractable piston rods provide powered reciprocal movement of the over a desired range, and thereby powered reciprocal movement of the shoes, radially inward and outward around and below the shoulder of the pipe collar within the interior of the ring-shaped body. Compression springs mounted around each of the timing ring cylinder piston rods provide an upward bias to the timing ring at the end of its powered range of downward movement. The position of the shoes within the ring-shaped body is configured so that the pipe collar will bear on the shoes to compress the upwardly biased compression springs on the piston rods of the timing ring cylinders. The weight of the pipe will provide for further movement of the shoes downward and radially inward under the pipe collar shoulder until the shoes bear against the periphery of the pipe. Using the elevator to stab the pipe in a pipe string and lowering the elevator slightly will allow the pipe to be released and turned with the collars shoulders within the confines of the shoes. Hanger rods and bails are provided to support the elevator frame and hydraulic cylinders mounted between the hanger rods allow the elevator to be tilted at a desired angle to receive incoming pipe. | 08-12-2010 |
20100012316 | In Situ Determination of Critical Desorption Pressures - The critical desorption pressure is determined by pumping out an area within a well bore. As the pressure in that area is decreased, formation fluid from the surrounding rock matrix is drawn into the area. As the local pressure is decreased further, gaseous bubbles within the formation fluid will begin to form. The formation fluid is observed, and the formation of the gaseous bubbles is detected. The critical desorption pressure is determined based upon the presence of gas within the formation fluid. The concentration of gas within the formation fluid can then be determined based on the determination of the critical desorption pressure. | 01-21-2010 |
20090250206 | TUBING PRESSURE INSENSITIVE ACTUATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tubing pressure insensitive actuator system includes a housing having a bore therein; a force transmitter sealingly moveable within the bore the force transmitter defining with the bore two fluid chambers, one at each longitudinal end of the force transmitter; and at least two seals sealingly positioned between the housing and the force transmitter, one of the seals isolating one end of the force transmitter from tubing pressure and another of the seals isolating another end of the force transmitter from tubing pressure and method. | 10-08-2009 |
20130160997 | GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The invention relates to a method of managing ground water resources, where bores are used to extract ground water such as for agricultural, mining and town water supply purposes. It involves a method for managing a groundwater resource including, providing at least one production bore that is adapted to extract groundwater from an aquifer, providing at least one monitoring bore that provides a measure of the extraction capability of removing water from the aquifer, measuring the hydraulic head of groundwater in the aquifer by means of the monitoring bore, and monitoring at least one indicator of the capability of extracting groundwater from the bores. The method involves determining at least one trigger point at which further monitoring of, or action in respect of, the groundwater extraction is to be undertaken, and intervening when this trigger point is reached during groundwater extraction. Preferably there are at least two trigger points; one to trigger a review and another that triggers management action. | 06-27-2013 |
20120234533 | PRECISION MARKING OF SUBSURFACE LOCATIONS - A method for performing a downhole operation includes marking at least one location in a wellbore using a magnetized material. The magnetized material may generate a magnetic field stronger than a magnetic field generated in the wellbore by a surrounding formation. | 09-20-2012 |
20130160995 | REDUCING AXIAL WAVE REFLECTIONS AND IDENTIFYING STICKING IN WIRELINE CABLES - Techniques are described for axial vibration control of wireline tools and cables during logging operations. In undesirable cases the axial vibrations may lead to or exasperate the stick-slip problems of the logging tool. Control systems and strategies to minimize vibrations are described. Techniques are also described for identifying and inhibiting the sticking of the cable. A described system includes a surface actuator and a sensor. The actuator generates an axial wave on the wireline cable which travels down the cable. If there is sticking of the cable, a reflection can also occur at the location of sticking. This shift in the transmission of the wave on the wireline cable is used to identify the onset and/or presence of sticking. | 06-27-2013 |
20090277628 | ELECTRIC SUBMERSIBLE PUMPING SENSOR DEVICE AND METHOD - An electric submersible pump device having a pump; a motor, the motor being adjacent to the pump and having motor windings extending a first distance along the motor; a support member, the support member supporting the sensor and having a length so that the sensor is located the first distance downhole from a downhole distal end of the motor windings; the sensor device comprising at least one selected from the following: a temperature sensor, a flow-meter, a vibration sensor or a pressure sensor. | 11-12-2009 |
20100025033 | Connection Apparatus and Method - A connection apparatus (C | 02-04-2010 |
20110277993 | In Situ Determination of Critical Desorption Pressures - The critical desorption pressure is determined by pumping out an area within a well bore. As the pressure in that area is decreased, formation fluid from the surrounding rock matrix is drawn into the area. As the local pressure is decreased further, gaseous bubbles within the formation fluid will begin to form. The formation fluid is observed, and the formation of the gaseous bubbles is detected. The critical desorption pressure is determined based upon the presence of gas within the formation fluid. The concentration of gas within the formation fluid can then be determined based on the determination of the critical desorption pressure. | 11-17-2011 |
20110120703 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE INCURSION OF PARTICULATE MATERIAL INTO A WELL CASING WITHIN HYDROCARBON BEARING FORMATIONS INCLUDING GAS HYDRATES - A method and system for monitoring any incursion of particulate matter from a gas hydrate formation into a well casing used for the production of the gas hydrate and determining the degree of incursion of particulate material within the distal end of the well casing. | 05-26-2011 |
20110308790 | IN SITU METHANOGENESIS MODELING AND RISK ANALYSIS - This invention generally relates to natural gas and methylotrophic energy generation, bio-generated fuels and microbiology. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides nutrient amendments and microbial compositions that are both specifically optimized to stimulate methanogenesis, or "methylotrophic" conversion. Additionally, the invention provides methods to develop nutrient amendments and microbial compositions that are both specifically optimized to stimulate methanogenesis in a given reservoir. The invention also provides methods for the evaluation of potentially damaging biomass formation and scale precipitation resulting from the addition of nutrient amendments. In another embodiment, the invention provides methods for simulating biogas in sub-surface conditions using a computational model. | 12-22-2011 |
20110272144 | System and method for remote wellbore servicing operations - A method of servicing a wellbore is provided. The method comprises establishing a communication link between a wellsite and a central control site, wherein the communication link carries sensor, audio, and video data to the central control site and carries command parameters to the wellsite to command wellbore servicing equipment on the wellsite. The data transmitted by the wellsite is analyzed at the central control site, stored in a data store at the central control site, and the results of analysis displayed on a display at the central control site. | 11-10-2011 |
20110272145 | MECHANICAL ACTUATOR WITH ELECTRONIC ADJUSTMENT - An actuation apparatus includes an electronics module ( | 11-10-2011 |
20110272143 | SAND PRODUCTION CONTROL THROUGH THE USE OF MAGNETIC FORCES - A process for controlling the production of loose sand particles within an underground formation through the use of magnetic forces is provided. The loose sand particles are magnetized and then subjected to a magnetic field of sufficient strength such that the operator can control the movement of the loose sand particles within the underground formation. In some instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for keeping the loose sand particles within the formation, and thereby prolonging the useful life of the downhole equipment. In other instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for sweeping the loose sand particles out of the underground formation in a controlled fashion. The present invention includes at least three embodiments for magnetizing the loose sand particles, including direct magnetization, contacting the sand particles with a magnetizing reagent, and contacting the sand particles with paramagnet nanoparticles. | 11-10-2011 |
20100300682 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCREENING AND PREDICTING THE PERFORMANCE OF ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY AND IMPROVED OIL RECOVERY METHODS - Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for screening among various EOR process for application to a reservoir. Also provided are computer-implemented systems and methods for screening the feasibility of a waterflood process for application in a reservoir and for recommending a waterflood injection scheme to be applied. In addition, computer-implemented systems and methods for predicting the performance of a waterflood process in a reservoir are provided. Computer-implemented systems and methods for predicting the performance of a polymer flood technique in a reservoir also are provided. The performance of the polymer flood process may be compared to the performance of a waterflood process. | 12-02-2010 |
20110284217 | METHOD TO MEASURE INJECTOR INFLOW PROFILES - A method of determining the inflow profile of an injection wellbore, comprising stopping injection of fluid into a formation, the formation intersected by a wellbore having a section uphole of the formation and a section within the formation, monitoring temperature at least partially along the uphole section of the wellbore and at least partially along the formation section of the wellbore, injecting fluid into the formation once the temperature in the uphole section of the wellbore increases, and monitoring the movement of the increased temperature fluid as it moves from the uphole section of the wellbore along the formation section of the wellbore. The monitoring may be performed using a distributed temperature sensing system. | 11-24-2011 |
20110284216 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING HYDROCARBON FLUID THROUGH A WELL WITH A SENSOR ASSEMBLY OUTSIDE THE WELL CASING - A method is disclosed for producing hydrocarbon fluids through a well having a well casing string with a casing section which is surrounded by an annular space which comprises a sensor assembly for measuring electromagnetic and/or other physical properties of solid and fluid materials within the annular space, in an underground formation surrounding the annular space and/or within the interior of the section of the casing string, wherein the sensor assembly is mounted on a body of swellable material, such as a swellable rubber or other elastomeric material, which is secured to the outer surface of said casing section and presses the sensor assembly against the inner surface of the surrounding underground formation after the casing string has been lowered into the wellbore. | 11-24-2011 |
20090314489 | ACOUSTIC IMAGING WHILE CUTTING - 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. | 12-24-2009 |
20090090504 | Determining Fluid Rheological Properties - Controlling a well injection operation, such as a well fracturing operation, includes identifying a flow characteristic of a fracturing fluid, identifying a flow characteristic of a base fluid used for forming the fracturing fluid, determining an amount of friction reduction change of the fracturing fluid, and adjusting the amount of friction reduction of the fracturing fluid to coincide with a selected friction reduction amount. Identifying a flow characteristic may be performed by a rheology measuring device including a measurement tube, a first pressure sensor disposed at a first position on the measurement tube, a second pressure sensor disposed at a second position on the measurement tube, a flow meter disposed at a third position along the measurement tube, a temperature sensor disposed at a fourth location along the measurement tube, and a control unit interconnected to the first and second pressure sensors, the flow meter, and the temperature sensor. | 04-09-2009 |
20110297369 | Windowed Statistical Analysis For Anomaly Detection In Geophysical Datasets - Method for identifying geologic features from geophysical or attribute data using windowed principal component (or independent component) analysis. Subtle features are made identifiable in partial or residual data volumes. The residual data volumes ( | 12-08-2011 |
20110290478 | Method For Predicting Fluid Flow - A method of enhancing a geologic model of a subsurface region is provided. A bed topography of the subsurface region is obtained. The bed topography is defined by a plurality of cells with an elevation associated with each cell center. The bed topography is represented as a cell-centered piecewise constant representation based on the elevations associated with the cells. The bed topography is reconstructed to produce a spatially continuous surface. Flux and gravitation al force-related source terms are calculated based on the reconstructed bed topography. Fluxes are calculated between at least two of the cells. Fluid flow, deposition of sediments onto the bed, and/or erosion of sediments from the bed are predicted using the fluxes and gravitational force-related source terms. The predictions are inputted into the geologic model to predict characteristics of the subsurface region, and the predicted characteristics are outputted. | 12-01-2011 |
20110290477 | METHOD FOR MONITORING DEFORMATION OF WELL EQUIPMENT - A method of monitoring deformation and other characteristics of a casing or other tubular or cylindrical well equipment in a well traversing an underground formation, comprises:—providing a carrier rod having at least one recess extending along at least part of the length of the rod, in which recess an optical fiber assembly for monitoring strain, temperature and/or other physical parameters is arranged, which assembly is along at least part of its length bonded within the recess;—lowering the carrier rod and well equipment simultaneously into the well such that the rod is arranged in an annular space between the well equipment and the wellbore;—securing the rod at a plurality of locations distributed along its length to the well equipment; and—connecting the optical fiber assembly to an optical signal transmission and reception assembly for monitoring the physical parameters of the well equipment. | 12-01-2011 |
20110139442 | METHOD OF DETERMINING END MEMBER CONCENTRATIONS - A method of determining a concentration of a component in a flow from a single source or layer contributing to a total flow using the steps of measuring the total flow rate at various depths and sampling the total flow at a depth between two successive sources, measuring a total concentration of one or more flow components within the total flow, repeating the measuring of the total flow rate, the sampling and total concentration in further intervals separating other pairs of successive sources, and determining the concentration of at least one component by solving a system of mass balance equations representing the total flow of the flow components at each sampling depth. | 06-16-2011 |
20090139713 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING WHILE DRILLING UNDERBALANCED THE PRESENCE AND DEPTH OF WATER PRODUCED FROM THE FORMATION - The invention relates to methods and apparatus for determining a downhole parameter in an underbalanced drilling environment which include: selectively activating a first fluid flowing from the formation through a wellbore while under balanced drilled; detecting the activated first fluid, and determining a depth at which said fluid enters the wellbore. | 06-04-2009 |
20090260804 | Mobile Well Services Assembly - A mobile assembly usable in at least one well services operation includes a chassis, a drum disposed on the chassis having a spooled element disposed thereon for use in the at least one well services operation, a winch disposed on the chassis and attached to the spooled element for raising and lowering the spooled element, an elevation device disposed on the chassis and operable to support the spooled element in the at least one well services operation, at least one acquisition system disposed on the chassis in operable communication with a tool disposed on the spooled element, and a prime mover operable to provide power to at least the drum, the winch, and the elevation device. | 10-22-2009 |
20100101786 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PLACING SENSOR ARRAYS AND CONTROL ASSEMBLIES IN A COMPLETION - A technique facilitates recovery of hydrocarbons in subterranean formations by simplifying the joining of completion assemblies downhole. The system and methodology utilize a well completion having completion assemblies that may be selectively engaged downhole without requiring precise positional accuracy for each signal communication line. A signal communication system is provided to facilitate engagement of the completion assemblies while enabling the transfer of various signals across the connection. | 04-29-2010 |
20110214856 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A WELL SERVICE RIG BASED ON LOAD DATA - The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the operations of a well service rig at a well site by evaluating load sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and an average rig load can be determined for each pull of tubing or rods from a well. The average rig load can be used to calculate and set a rig overload level. If the rig load sensor reads a rig load at or above the rig overload level, the clutch for the hoist can be disengaged and the brake applied to prevent the load from either damaging the rig or breaking off the tubing or rods in the well. In addition, the rig load can be evaluated to determine when the limit the block speed when pulling rods or tubing. | 09-08-2011 |
20100101785 | Hydraulic System and Method of Monitoring - A technique involves monitoring a hydraulic system having a hydraulic pump coupled to a hydraulic motor which can be used to drive well related equipment. The system and methodology utilize sensors positioned to monitor parameters related to operation of the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor. A processor system is coupled to the sensors to obtain data output by the sensors. The processor system analyzes the sensor data for failure signatures that can be used to determine a failure or potential failure in the hydraulic system. | 04-29-2010 |
20090188666 | Method And System For Completing A Well - A technique facilitates the detection and measurement of formation properties with various measurement devices, such as logging tools. The technique comprises locating a standard tubular in a well such that the standard tubular extends to a zone of interest with respect to a logging procedure. A transparent tubing is attached to the standard tubing so as to extend along the zone of interest. Additionally, a protective material is directed to the region adjacent the transparent tubing to protect the transparent tubing from detrimental contact with deleterious well fluid. | 07-30-2009 |
20090151934 | TOP DRIVE SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a top drive system includes a quill; a motor operable to rotate the quill; a gripper operable to engage a joint of casing; a connector bi-directionally rotationally coupled to the quill and the gripper and longitudinally coupled to the gripper; and a compensator longitudinally coupled to the quill and the connector. The compensator is operable to allow relative longitudinal movement between the connector and the quill. | 06-18-2009 |
20110198077 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VALVE ACTUATION - An apparatus for controlling fluid flow that includes a chamber having a first valve and a second valve; a sensor that senses a pressure parameter associated with the chamber; and a controller programmed to operate the first valve and the second valve in response to the sensed pressure parameter may be used to control for flow and to obtain data relating to a formation and/or formation fluid. | 08-18-2011 |
20110198076 | ADJUSTMENT OF MUD CIRCULATION WHEN EVALUATING A FORMATION - A method for controlling drilling fluid rate in a wellbore is disclosed. A drill string is disposed into the well and connected to a formation testing or sampling tool. Drilling fluid is circulated at a first rate through the drill string. Data related to the wellbore, a formation about the wellbore or the formation sampling tool is transmitted to a processor. Upon analysis of the data, the drilling fluid circulation rate is changed to a second rate that is different from the first rate. | 08-18-2011 |
20090095469 | Coarse Wellsite Analysis for Field Development Planning - A new method for assessing the probability of production at a wellsite. The process includes the four steps of: 1) Data Collection and Uncertainty Analysis; 2) Wellsite Preparation; 3) Treatment Selection/Job Execution; and 4) Evaluation and Upscaling to Field Level. | 04-16-2009 |
20090095468 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A PARAMETER AT AN INFLOW CONTROL DEVICE IN A WELL - An inflow control device comprising a housing; a fluid inlet to the housing; a fluid resistance pathway defined within the housing; a fluid outlet from the resistance pathway leading to a fluid flow passage; and an exit sensor positioned to measure a fluid parameter in the fluid flow passage immediately downstream of the resistance pathway and method. | 04-16-2009 |
20100059219 | INSPECTION TOOL, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DOWNHOLE OBJECT DETECTION, SURVEILLANCE, AND RETRIEVAL - A downhole inspection tool for observing conditions in the harsh environment of a well bore. An embodiment of the tool comprises a high frequency camera, which operates in the millimeter wave frequency range with the capability of seeing through opaque environments. In use, the tool system provides pictures of conditions downhole for use by operators attempting to repair and/or remove broken downhole equipment by being able to observe the actual downhole conditions that exist. Furthermore, the system can be used to inspect the inside of a well casing or tubing for the presence of cracks, frac holes, slots, slits, protruding structures, stuck hardware, environmental conditions, etc. | 03-11-2010 |
20100078164 | PERMANENT DOWNHOLE DEPLOYMENT OF OPTICAL SENSORS - The present invention involves methods and apparatus for permanent downhole deployment of optical sensors. Specifically, optical sensors may be permanently deployed within a wellbore using a casing string. In one aspect, one or more optical sensors are disposed on, in, or within the casing string. The optical sensors may be attached to an outer surface of the casing string or to an inner surface of the casing string, as well as embedded within a wall of the casing string. The optical sensors are capable of measuring wellbore parameters during wellbore operations, including completion, production, and intervention operations. | 04-01-2010 |
20100089569 | SEPARATOR FOR DOWNHOLE MEASURING AND METHOD THEREFOR - A separator for downhole measuring during sampling in a subterranean formation. The separator allows for mixed fluid phases to be separated while flowing formation fluid therethrough. | 04-15-2010 |
20130098605 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR KILLING A WELL - A well system and associated method, in which a kill weight fluid can be flowed into a wellbore via a flow passage extending from the surface to a downhole location, and prior to the flowing, the flow passage is installed with a casing string into the wellbore. A well system and associated method, in which a flow passage is positioned external to a casing, and wherein a downhole well parameter is measured via the flow passage. Another method can include flowing a kill weight fluid into a wellbore via a flow passage extending along a casing string, the flowing being performed while a formation fluid flows into the wellbore. | 04-25-2013 |
20090277629 | Acoustic and Fiber Optic Network for Use in Laterals Downhole - Communication between a lateral and a main bore is established wirelessly preferably using sensors that transmit sensed parameters in the lateral and transmit acoustically coded messages to the main bore preferably into a fiber optic cable that extends in the main bore. The sensors have stored or/and generated power and communicate from their location to the fiber optic cable in the main bore either directly or indirectly using a network of sensors to relay the information along the lateral to the fiber optic. A surface processor can then associate the data from specific sensors and alternatively communicate with certain sensors to start or stop transmitting data. | 11-12-2009 |
20090283259 | SENSING AND MONITORING OF ELONGATED STRUCTURES - Methods and related systems are described for use with a wireline tool system including a wireline cable designed to deploy a wireline tool into a wellbore from the surface, the wireline cable having one or more conducting members for communication between the wireline tool and the surface; and a plurality of sensing elements located on the wireline cable in a spaced apart fashion along substantially the entire length of the wireline cable, each sensing element being in communication with one or more adjacent sensing elements. | 11-19-2009 |
20110139444 | DRAINAGE OF HEAVY OIL RESERVOIR VIA HORIZONTAL WELLBORE - Systems and methods for drainage of a heavy oil reservoir via a horizontal wellbore. A method of improving production of fluid from a subterranean formation includes the step of propagating a generally vertical inclusion into the formation from a generally horizontal wellbore intersecting the formation. The inclusion is propagated into a portion of the formation having a bulk modulus of less than approximately 750,000 psi. A well system includes a generally vertical inclusion propagated into a subterranean formation from a generally horizontal wellbore which intersects the formation. The formation comprises weakly cemented sediment. | 06-16-2011 |
20090166031 | MONITORING DOWNHOLE CONDITIONS WITH DRILL STRING DISTRIBUTED MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A method of monitoring downhole conditions in a borehole includes receiving sensor data through a network of nodes provided at selected positions on a drill string disposed in the borehole. An inference is made about the downhole condition from the sensor data. A determination is made whether the downhole condition matches a target downhole condition within a set tolerance. At least one parameter affecting the downhole condition is selectively adjusted if the downhole condition does not match the target downhole condition within the set tolerance. | 07-02-2009 |
20090038793 | SUBSURFACE FORMATION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A subsurface formation monitoring system comprises: | 02-12-2009 |
20090266539 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING TORQUE APPLIED TO A TUBULAR CONNECTION - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for controlling the torque applied to a tubular connection. In one embodiment, a method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular supported by a spider on a drilling rig includes engaging the first threaded tubular with the second threaded tubular; making up the connection by rotating the first tubular using a top drive; and controlling unwinding of the first tubular after the connection is made up. | 10-29-2009 |
20090266536 | System and Method for Sensing Flow Rate and Specific Gravity within a Wellbore - A device determines the specific gravity of a wellbore fluid flowing into a submersible pump. The specific gravity of the wellbore fluid is determined by measuring the pressure increase across at least two pump stages and then using fluid flow properties and known pump characteristics to back calculate the specific gravity of the wellbore fluid. | 10-29-2009 |
20080236815 | Method and apparatus for continous downhole fluid release and well evaluation - A method and apparatus, capable of being conveyed on wireline, for continuous downhole injection of foaming agent(s) and/or beneficial chemical(s), comprising a reservoir and means for dispensing foaming agent(s) and/or beneficial chemical(s) from the reservoir of such apparatus and into the surrounding wellbore environment. | 10-02-2008 |
20130213642 | Consolidating Spacer Fluids and Methods of Use - 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. | 08-22-2013 |
20120090833 | WATER INJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - There is disclosed a method for enhancing recovery of crude oil from a porous subterranean carbonate formation of which the pore spaces contain crude oil and connate water, the method comprising determining an ionic strength of the connate water; and injecting an aqueous displacement fluid having a lower ionic strength than the connate water into the formation. | 04-19-2012 |
20080264633 | Signalling Downhole - Methods and systems for communicating with downhole locations and transmitting power to downhole locations. Use is made of a cable ( | 10-30-2008 |
20130118731 | DOWN HOLE SURVEYING TOOL - A down hole surveying tool ( | 05-16-2013 |
20080264632 | Installation and Method for Testing System of Loads of a Sample Using a Packer - A unit is dedicated to mechanically loading a tubular sample (ET). It comprises at least one packer (P) housed in the sample (ET) at a test zone (ZT), having a longitudinal extension which is greater than that of said test zone (ZT) and comprising i) first pressure means (C | 10-30-2008 |
20080264631 | Depth Correlation Device for Fiber Optic Line - A correlation system is provided to allow association of readings from a cable that is supported by a string but that is coiled around or has slack in one or many locations to a specific location along the string itself. Heat sources can be placed along the string to periodically or continuously give off heat that can be detected by a cable such as a fiber optic. The location of the sources along the string is known and the location along the cable is determined from the location on the cable where the heat generated by the source is sensed. One or more sources can be used and correlation can be by periodic sampling or in real time. The sources may by powered locally or from the surface. | 10-30-2008 |
20110005746 | SURFACE FORMATION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A subsurface formation monitoring system and method is provided. The system comprises a conductive piping structure having a conductive tubing, a surface installed power and communication module coupled to the conductive piping structure, and a downhole installed conductive tubing sub. | 01-13-2011 |
20110005745 | SAMPLING AND EVALUATION OF SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION FLUID - A method of sampling a subterranean formation fluid may comprise extracting a first fluid sample from a portion of the subterranean formation, altering a temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation, and extracting a second fluid sample from the portion of the subterranean formation having altered temperature. The temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation may be altered based on the relative position of a subterranean formation fluid temperature and the multiphase region envelope in the phase diagram of the subterranean formation fluid. The method may further comprise determining a property of the subterranean formation fluid. | 01-13-2011 |
20120055668 | SOLVENTS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING HYDROCARBON-BEARING FORMATIONS - A method of treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation that includes receiving data comprising a temperature and a brine composition of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation; selecting a treatment composition for the hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprising a fluorinated compound and solvent, wherein, at the temperature, a mixture of an amount of the brine composition and the treatment composition separates into at least two separate transparent liquid layers, and wherein the mixture is free of precipitated solid; and contacting the hydrocarbon-bearing formation with the treatment composition. Compositions containing certain fluorinated polymers and solvents containing water, monohydroxy alcohols, and ketones are also disclosed. | 03-08-2012 |
20090178802 | PARASITICALLY POWERED SIGNAL SOURCE AND METHOD - A system for monitoring a wellbore including a parasitic power generation configuration, a signal source in operable connection with the parasitic power generation configuration, the source being permanently positioned within the wellbore and capable of providing a signal that is receivable by a separate device to query condition of the wellbore, and method for monitoring the wellbore. | 07-16-2009 |
20130213640 | WIRELESS DRILL STRING DISCONNECT - A disconnector drill string has an uphole section and a downhole section coupled together by a disconnection sub, an operative length and an internal fluid conduit that extends along its operative length. The disconnection sub is operable to receive wirelessly a pre-designated command signal, to selectively couple the uphole section and the downhole section together, and to selectively uncouple the uphole section and the downhole section from one another. A method for using the disconnector drill string in a well bore includes the steps of introducing the disconnector drill string into the well bore, transmitting wirelessly the pre-designated command signal to the disconnection sub such that the disconnection sub selectively operates to uncouple the uphole section of the disconnector drill string from the downhole section of the disconnector drill string, and removing the uphole section of the disconnector drill string from the well bore. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213641 | System and Method for Casing Milling - A method and/or system is provided for milling an opening into a tubular positioned in a well bore using coiled tubing. Surface equipment includes a programmable controller at the surface, which is utilized for controlling an injector motor so that an encoder for monitoring movement of said coiled tubing string produces less than a predetermined maximum number of pulses for a given time interval. | 08-22-2013 |
20080257545 | Determination of well shut-in time for curing resin-coated proppant particles - A laboratory test method employs maximum acoustic wave velocity to determine cure time of a sample of curable resin-coated proppant (CRCP) that are packed in a pressurized chamber to simulate conditions in a reservoir rock formation during fracturing in which the CRCP will be used. The pressurized CRCP is subjected to a varying temperature profile that replicates the reservoir temperature recovery during shut-in of the fractured zone in order to develop maximum proppant pack strength and minimize proppant flow back following completion of the fracturing operation and to determine shut-in time to complete curing of the resin. | 10-23-2008 |
20090183871 | MICROFLUIDIC SEPARATOR - The present invention provides methods and apparatus for separating and/or analyzing fluids of interest. According to principles of the present invention, fluid analysis is accomplished with microfluidic devices and may be reported in real-time or near real-time in a subterranean environment. In addition or alternative to oilfield applications, the principles of the present invention contemplate separation in a laboratory or other environment for biological sample separation and analytical chemistry applications. The present invention is capable of separating liquid-liquid mixtures or emulsions in a microfluidic device without fouling. | 07-23-2009 |
20090139712 | Conductive Cement Formulation and Application for use in Wells - The invention provides a cement slurry composition for cementing a well comprising a hydraulic cement, water, carbon fiber and graphite. Compositions of the current invention combine the benefits obtained from adding carbon fiber and graphite to the cement composite. The synergy achieved from combining fibers and particulates into the same sample results in a composite slurry with improved electrical properties and easy-to-optimize rheologies. | 06-04-2009 |
20120067567 | DOWNHOLE COMPLETION SYSTEM WITH RETRIEVABLE POWER UNIT - A technique facilitates providing a downhole completion with electrical power. The technique may comprise placing an independent completion in a wellbore section. The independent completion is provided with a removable power unit having a power generator coupled to a power storage device. The technique further comprises communicating data or other signals between the independent completion located in the wellbore section and a second completion located in a separate wellbore section. | 03-22-2012 |
20090200020 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING WELL PRODUCTION - Embodiments of the present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for operating an artificial lift well. In one embodiment, the well is operated between an on cycle and an off cycle. Preferably, the off cycle is determined by detecting an increase in the pressure differential between the casing pressure and the tubing pressure. In another embodiment, the well is optimized by measuring the production of the well in one cycle of operation. The measured production is compared to the production of a previous cycle. A controller then optimizes the well based on the increase or decrease of the production from the previous cycle. | 08-13-2009 |
20090321072 | METHODS AND APPARATUS OF DOWNHOLE FLUIDS ANALYSIS - A fluid sampling and analysis module for a downhole fluid characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The fluid sampling and analysis module comprises a primary flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module, a bypass flowline in fluid communication with the primary flowline and a single valve, interconnecting the primary flowline and the bypass flowline, operable to a first position for formation fluids to flow in the primary flowline and to a second position for formation fluids to flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline. | 12-31-2009 |
20090101338 | Wellhead flowline protection and testing system with ESP speed controller and emergency isolation valve - An ESP variable speed drive controller functions in conjunction with a safety logic solver, dedicated pressure sensors and a surface emergency isolation valve, or safety shut-off valve (SSV), to perform a full functional test of the complete wellhead flowline system. The method includes the step of using a plurality of pressure transmitters to monitor the flowline pressure during normal operations and during a full stroke test of the safety shutoff valve and adjusting the speed of the downhole ESP during the test to maintain the pipeline pressure within predetermined safe pressure limits. This wellhead flowline protection system and method utilizes the downhole ESP speed controller and an SSV to ensure that dangerous pressure levels are not reached and provides for full functional safety testing of the wellhead system. The ESP motor speed controller is used to permit functional testing and remove the pressure source from protected downstream flowline piping. | 04-23-2009 |
20090084543 | LOGGING WHILE PRODUCING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A production logging apparatus | 04-02-2009 |
20090084542 | WELLBORE POWER AND/OR DATA TRANSMISSION DEVICES AND METHODS - A signal transmission device transmits power and/or data between one or more surface devices and one or more downhole devices positioned in a wellbore. The signal transmission device includes at least one conductive element that electrically couples to one or more downhole devices and electrically couples at a surface end to the one or more surface devices. The conductive element is also coupled to the wellbore tubular to form a conductive circuit. The conductive element can also include a bore for conveying fluid from a surface source. | 04-02-2009 |
20090101339 | FORMATION EVALUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of evaluating a fluid from a subterranean formation drawn into a downhole tool positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation is provided. The method involves drawing fluid from a formation into an evaluation flowline, drawing fluid from a formation into a cleanup flowline, measuring a property of the fluid in the evaluation flowline and detecting stabilization of the property of the fluid in the evaluation flowline. Fluid properties in a combined flowline may be generated from the evaluation and cleanup flowlines. The fluid properties of the combined flowline may be used to project future evaluation flowline fluid properties. Contamination levels for a given fluid property of a given flowline may also be determined. | 04-23-2009 |
20090101337 | Method and apparatus for detecting defects in oilfield tubulars - A sensor system for detecting defects in a tubular string while positioned in the well includes a sensor tool ( | 04-23-2009 |
20130213643 | Consolidating Spacer Fluids and Methods of Use - 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. | 08-22-2013 |
20110139443 | MONITORING FLUID MOVEMENT IN A FORMATION - A technique includes wirelessly communicating between a first telemetry unit and a second telemetry unit in a well completion. The communicating causes a leakage current between the first and second telemetry units. The technique includes monitoring the leakage current to detect a change in location of a formation fluid layer. | 06-16-2011 |
20090260805 | METHODS OF INFERRING FLOW IN A WELLBORE - Disclosed herein is a method of inferring flow in a production string. The method includes, monitoring pressure along a perforated production string, and inferring flow from the monitored pressure. | 10-22-2009 |
20090242197 | FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNHOLE OIL-WATER PROCESSING - A technique is provided for processing well fluid downhole. The technique utilizes equipment for separating a well fluid downhole into a water component and an oil component. The separation of water and oil can be controlled by selecting an appropriately sized flow restrictor for use in limiting the flow of one or both of the water and the oil. Additionally, a sensor system is used to monitor a well characteristic that enables adjustment of the downhole fluid processing based on well characteristic data from the sensor system. | 10-01-2009 |
20100263861 | System and Method for Optimizing Gravel Deposition in Subterranean Wells - A system for optimizing gravel deposition in a completion interval of a well. The system includes a pumping system that is operable to deliver a gravel pack slurry to the completion interval, an actuator system that is operable to control properties of the gravel pack slurry and a sensor system that is operable to monitor parameters representative of gravel deposition in the completion interval. A dynamic gravel pack model defined in a computer is operable to receive data from the sensor system and provides estimates of gravel deposition in the completion interval. A control system is operable to control the pumping system and the actuator system in relation to a gravel pack deposition plan and the dynamic gravel pack model, wherein the estimates of the dynamic gravel pack model are input into the control system to automatically modify the gravel pack deposition plan. | 10-21-2010 |
20100147510 | REMOTE LOGGING OPERATIONS ENVIRONMENT - In some embodiment, apparatus [ | 06-17-2010 |
20120103599 | RESERVOIR PRESSURE TESTING TO DETERMINE HYDRATE COMPOSITION - The present invention relates to a method and system for identifying one or more characteristics within a subterranean reservoir of natural gas. | 05-03-2012 |
20100163223 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING RESERVOIR PROPERTIES IN A FLOWING WELL - A technique facilitates monitoring a reservoir property in a flowing well ( | 07-01-2010 |
20100258304 | IN-SITU EVALUATION OF RESERVOIR SANDING AND FINES MIGRATION AND RELATED COMPLETION, LIFT AND SURFACE FACILITIES DESIGN - 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. | 10-14-2010 |
20110174483 | APPARATUS FOR GRIPPING A TUBULAR ON A DRILLING RIG - Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A tubular handling system having a tubular gripping apparatus having a gripping mechanism and a sensor adapted to track movement of the gripping mechanism, wherein the sensor sends a signal to a controller when the gripping apparatus is in a position that corresponds to the gripping apparatus being engaged with the tubular | 07-21-2011 |
20080296016 | Force Balanced Rotating Pressure Control Device - Force balancing adjusts hydraulic fluid pressure in an upper piston area of a Rotating Pressure Control Device (RPCD) that has an inner housing rotatably engaged within an outer housing by an upper bearing and a lower bearing. The hydraulic fluid pressure is adjusted to balance net force in a upper piston area and a lower piston area. The fluid pressure adjustment creates a force differential that balances the total load transmitted through the upper bearing and the lower bearing and thereby extends the life of the sealing element and bearings. Additionally, a wear indicator signals the end of the useful life of the drill pipe sealing element. | 12-04-2008 |
20100193181 | METHOD OF RUNNING DTS MEASUREMENTS IN COMBINATION WITH A BACK PRESSURE VALVE - A method of performing a wellbore operation at an oilfield comprises providing a bottom hole assembly comprising a backpressure valve on coiled tubing, deploying the bottom hole assembly into the wellbore with the coiled tubing, operating the backpressure valve to control a flow of fluid thereabove, and performing distributed temperature sensor measurements above the valve. | 08-05-2010 |
20100186949 | Assembly for Controlled Delivery of Downhole Treatment Fluid - An assembly for delivery of treatment fluid at a target location downhole. The assembly is configured to avoid any substantial loss of treatment fluid in advance of reaching the target location in spite of low well pressure or a potentially excessive depth of the location. The assembly also allows for loading with treatment fluid from a downhole end thereof so as to avoid driving treatment fluid through the entirety of a tubular accommodating the assembly. The assembly may employ a spot valve to enhance filling with treatment fluid along with a backpressure valve coupled to the spot valve on-site so as to avoid premature loss of treatment fluid during a delivery application. | 07-29-2010 |
20100186950 | Geologic Features From Curvelet Based Seismic Attributes - Method for identifying geologic features, such as hydrocarbon indicators, from geophysical data, such as seismic data, by taking a curvelet transform of the data. After the curvelet representation of the data is computed ( | 07-29-2010 |
20100018701 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING POOR HOLE CLEANING AND STUCK PIPE - A method for preventing a downhole tool from getting stuck in a wellbore, includes: monitoring output of at least one friction sensor mounted on an external surface of the downhole tool; and if the output indicates a high friction condition, then reducing the friction to prevent the tool from getting stuck. A tool and a computer program product are provided. | 01-28-2010 |
20100193182 | METHOD OF OPTIMIZING PRODUCTION OF A WELL - A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described. | 08-05-2010 |
20100224360 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOTION COMPENSATION USING WIRED DRILL PIPE - An apparatus, a system and a method for motion compensation use wired drill pipe to transmit downhole measurements from downhole tools to the surface. The wired drill pipe may transmit control signals from a terminal located at the surface to the downhole tools. In response to the control signals, a motion compensation component may enable the drill string to compensate for motion, such as, for example, heave. The motion compensation component may change a length of the drill string. A downhole tool having arms may be connected to the drill string and the wired drill pipe. The control signals may direct the downhole tool to move between an extended position and a retracted position. | 09-09-2010 |
20100212889 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MEASURE FLUID FLOW RATES - Example methods and apparatus to measure fluid flow rates are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a circulator to selectively circulate a fluid in a flowline, a generator thermally coupled to the flowline at a first location and controllable to form a heat wave in the fluid, a sensor thermally coupled to the flowline at a second location to measure a first value representative of the heat wave, a phase detector to determine a second value representative of a wavelength of the heat wave based on the first value, a frequency adjuster to control the generator to form the heat wave in the fluid at a first frequency, the first frequency selected so that the second value is substantially equal to a distance between the first and second locations, and a flow rate determiner to determine a flow rate of the fluid based on the first frequency. | 08-26-2010 |
20120193090 | DOWNHOLE SENSOR ASSEMBLY - The current application discloses assemblies and methods for monitoring the downhole condition of a subterranean formation subject to a treatment such as hydraulic fracturing. The method comprises deploying a sensor to a position proximate to the treatment zone of the subterranean formation, maintaining the sensor below or within the flow path of the treatment fluid applied to the treatment zone, and recording a measurement by the sensor. In some cases, the sensor is hosted in an elongated housing and the outer diameter of the elongated housing is about 10% to about 70% of the inner diameter of the flow path of the treatment fluid applied to the treatment zone. In some cases, the flow rate of the treatment fluid is controlled. Therefore, the conveyance device of the sensor can be protected from damage or breakage caused by the erosion, jetting effects or drag force of the treatment fluid. | 08-02-2012 |
20100243241 | Detecting Fluids In a Wellbore - In one general implementation, a method for identifying fluids in a wellbore includes generating light in a visible spectrum from a light source in a production wellbore; generating light in an ultraviolet spectrum from the light source in the production wellbore; receiving a first fluid in the production wellbore from a subterranean zone; receiving a second fluid in the production wellbore from the subterranean zone; capturing at least one image of a combined flow of the first fluid and the second fluid in at least one of the visible spectrum and the ultraviolet spectrum with an optical receiver in the production wellbore; and distinguishing, at least in part through the image, the first fluid from the second fluid in either or both the visible and ultraviolet spectrums. | 09-30-2010 |
20100243242 | METHOD FOR COMPLETING TIGHT OIL AND GAS RESERVOIRS - A method and apparatus for processing a subterranean formation comprising stimulating and fracturing a subterranean formation, and drilling the subterranean formation wherein the drilling and fracturing occurs without removing equipment for drilling from the formation. A method and apparatus for drilling and fracturing a subterranean formation, comprising a drill string assembly and a hydraulic fracturing system, wherein the drill string and fracturing system are in communication with a wellbore and wherein the drill string and a fracture formed by the hydraulic fracturing system are less than about 1000 feet apart. A method and apparatus for processing a subterranean formation comprising fracturing a subterranean formation using a hydraulic fracturing system and drilling the subterranean formation using a drill string assembly wherein the drilling and fracturing occurs without removing the drill string from the formation, and wherein the fracturing occurs via ports in the drill string assembly. | 09-30-2010 |
20110056679 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ACTUATION OF DOWNHOLE TOOLS - A technique controls the actuation of a downhole tool in a wellbore. The technique utilizes a rupture pressure membrane in a flow path of actuating fluid used to actuate the downhole tool. An energetic material is mounted proximate the rupture disc, and this energetic material may be selectively exploded. The resultant energy is sufficient to initiate rupture of the rupture pressure membrane which enables flow of actuating fluid to the downhole tool. | 03-10-2011 |
20090159272 | MONITORING, CONTROLLING AND ENHANCING PROCESSES WHILE STIMULATING A FLUID-FILLED BOREHOLE - Tubewaves are used for detection and monitoring of feature state to enhance stimulation operations and remediate failure conditions. For example, proper sealing of perforations may be confirmed based on lack of a reflection of a tubewave by the perforations. Alternatively, at least one of amplitude, frequency, attenuation, dispersion and travel time associated with a tubewave and reflection may be used to determine feature state. If a sealant fails during treatment then the failure condition is indicated by appearance of a tubewave reflection. Consequently, the stimulation operation can be stopped in a timely manner, and remediation by means, for example, of pumping diversion fluid or dropping of balls, can be reinitiated until the difference between the expected responses and responses measured by the instrument along the segment to be stimulated confirm that sealing has taken place and that stimulation of the intended zone can resume. Further, specific remediation steps may be selected based on response of the borehole system to tubewaves. The efficacy of the selected remediation steps may also be determined by response of the borehole system to tubewaves during or after execution of those steps. | 06-25-2009 |
20090071645 | System and Method for Obtaining Load Measurements in a Wellbore - A technique for determining conditions downhole in a well, particularly load conditions acting on a well tool, e.g. a bottom hole assembly. The loads acting on a bottom hole assembly or other well tool during a well related operation are measured. Load data is collected and may be transmitted uphole in real time for evaluation at a surface control unit. Based on the load data and other possible data related to the downhole operation, corrective actions can be taken to improve the operation. | 03-19-2009 |
20100294491 | CLEANUP PRODUCTION DURING SAMPLING - Cleanup monitoring and prediction in real time targeting estimation of pumpout volume versus final contamination, including detecting breakthrough of formation fluid to a sampling tool and detecting transition of cleanup regime from a predominantly circumferential cleanup regime to a predominantly vertical cleanup regime. Similar workflow can be employed for estimating contamination at the end of cleanup production for a given pumpout volume. | 11-25-2010 |
20100300683 | Real Time Pump Monitoring - A system and method for monitoring operation of a pump are disclosed herein. The methods and systems make use of acoustic sensors to collect and analyze data in order to detect cavitation. The disclosed methods and systems may also be used to detect valve damage. The pump may be a positive displacement pump that is employed in a wellbore servicing operation such as pumping a wellbore servicing fluid into a wellbore. | 12-02-2010 |
20110127032 | METHOD FOR MONITORING HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION - A method is described for monitoring a fluid flow in a flow line from a location in a subterranean reservoir to a surface storage or production facility using the steps of employing sensors located in the wellbore, along the flow line and surface systems for monitoring flow conditions, establishing parameters which determine the hydrocarbon phases like liquids and gases, precipitation of solid components from the fluid flow as a result of changes in temperature, pressure and compositions, setting alert parameters relating to the precipitation parameters, and determining an operating profile representative of present conditions along the flow line, wherein the precipitation parameters, the alert parameters and the operating profile and extrapolation of the operating profile are represented in a single parameter space. | 06-02-2011 |
20120241149 | METHOD FOR MEASURING ROCK WETTABILITY - A method of comparing a secondary oil recovery process with a tertiary oil recovery process, the secondary oil recovery process and the tertiary oil recovery process being applied to a substantially fluid-saturated porous medium containing an oil phase and an aqueous phase, the method comprising using relaxation time measurements in the calculation of a wettability index modification factor for the oil phase or the aqueous phase, thereby comparing the tertiary oil recovery process with the secondary oil recovery process. | 09-27-2012 |
20090242198 | Selectively Angled Perforating - A method of perforating a wellbore by forming a perforation that is aligned with a reservoir characteristic, such as direction of maximum stress, lines of constant formation properties, and the formation dip. The wellbore can be perforated using a perforating system employing a shaped charge, a mechanical device, or a high pressure fluid. The perforating system can be aligned by asymmetric weights, a motor, or manipulation from the wellbore surface. | 10-01-2009 |
20110017447 | METHOD FOR EVALUATING SHAPED CHARGE PERFORATION TEST CORES USING COMPUTER TOMOGRAPIC IMAGES THEREOF - A method for determining effects of perforation on a rock formation includes obtaining a sample of the rock formation. A perforation tunnel is created in the sample of the rock formation. The core sample is either subdivided into subsamples and a three dimensional tomographic image is made of each subsample and/or a three dimensional tomographic image is made of the sample of rock formation and the image thereof is segmented into sub images of selected subvolumes of the rock formation sample. At least one physical property of the rock formation is estimated from each tomographic image. | 01-27-2011 |
20110030947 | Stimulating subterranean zones - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for stimulating subterranean zones. In some implementations, a method for stimulating a subterranean zone includes pumping stimulation fluid through a tubing string in a wellbore during a stimulation process. The tubing string includes a plurality of sleeves with each associated with a different treatment zone of the subterranean zone. A time for each of a plurality of different sealers entering the tubing string is detected. Each of the plurality of different sealers is associated with a different one of the plurality of sleeves. A location of the plurality of different sealers in the tubing string is substantially determined based, at least in part, on the associated entry time. | 02-10-2011 |
20110083843 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING NEAR-SURFACE HEAVY OIL FOR EXTRACTION USING MICROBIAL DEGRADATION - In one embodiment, the invention provides an analytical processing system for enhancing the recovery of heavy oil in an underground, near-surface crude oil extraction environment, comprising: a data collection engine configured for receiving data relating to the underground, near-surface crude oil extraction environment, wherein the data includes in situ microbial species data, oil properties data and in situ nutrient information that are identified as being germane to the underground, near-surface crude oil extraction environment; a data warehouse for storing data collected from the data collection engine; and a data modeling system for analyzing data stored in the data warehouse and facilitating an identity of a preferred microbial species from the underground, near-surface crude oil extraction environment that can transform the heavy oil into a lighter oil. | 04-14-2011 |
20090032250 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CLEAT CHARACTERIZATION IN COAL BED METHANE WELLS FOR COMPLETION OPTIMIZATION - The invention generally relates a method of determining completion criteria for a coal bed methane reservoir having a plurality of coal seams. The method involves obtaining an acoustic log and a resistivity image log for each of the plurality of coal seams, determining an acoustically determined cleat density for each of the plurality of coal seams using the corresponding acoustic logs, determining maximum horizontal stress direction for each of the plurality of coal seams using the corresponding acoustic logs; determining cleat orientation for each of the plurality of coal seams using the corresponding resistivity image logs, selecting one of the plurality of coal seams upon which to perform a completion operation based on the acoustically determined cleat density, maximum horizontal stress direction, and cleat orientation, and determining the completion criteria for the coal bed methane reservoir using the acoustically determined cleat density, maximum horizontal stress direction, and cleat orientation, where the completion operation is performed using on the coal bed method reservoir using the completion criteria. | 02-05-2009 |
20110083842 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DOWNHOLE CHARACTERIZATION OF EMULSION STABILITY - A method (and corresponding apparatus) for downhole fluid analysis of petroleum formation fluids. The method includes capturing in a chamber of a downhole tool at least two immiscible formation fluids in a generally segregated state (the fluids including petroleum), activating a fluid mixing means to mix the fluids in the chamber to create an emulsion therefrom, and allowing the emulsified fluids to segregate while measuring light transmittance through the segregating fluids in order to calculate a transition time period based on the light transmittance through the fluids in the chamber. The transition time period is preferably bounded by the time required for the light transmittance values measured by the light detector to reach a baseline light transmittance. The transition time period characterizes the stability of an emulsion formed by the captured fluids. The methods and apparatus can also be used for other fluid testing applications beyond downhole formation fluid testing. | 04-14-2011 |
20090205821 | Method and apparatus to treat well stimulation fluids In-Situ - A method and apparatus for the management of injection and production of well fluids in a subterranean well is described to optimize the use of stimulation fluids to enhance their compatibility with subterranean reservoirs and the surface environment and thereby reducing the damage said fluids induce in subterranean reservoirs and upon flow back to the surface reduce their damage to the environment is described. More specifically, this method is directed to the subterranean treatment of injection fluids. | 08-20-2009 |
20090205820 | Systems and methods for monitored drilling - An item (e.g. a drill bit) handling method, the item for use in a well operation, the method including producing information about an item used for a specific well task, the information including design information and intended use information, producing an item identification specific to the item, associating the information with the item identification producing thereby an information package, installing the information package in at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and applying the at least one wave-energizable apparatus to the item. 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 and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). | 08-20-2009 |
20090218095 | Pressure Equalising Devices - An electronic actuation system for a pressure equalising device in a downhole apparatus such as a wellbore plug is described. The system includes a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the wellbore, and means for setting a reference pressure value using a measurement from the pressure sensor. In a method of use, an applied pressure value is determined using a measurement from the pressure sensor and the reference pressure value, and the device is actuated, or opened, when the applied pressure meets a pre-determined condition, such as falling within a pressure window for certain time period. The invention allows natural changes in wellbore pressure to be accounted for when detecting a pressure actuation event. | 09-03-2009 |
20100038077 | Method for Centralized Proppant Storage and Metering - Methods for manufacturing well treatment fluid including delivering to a blending unit a desired rate of proppant by weighing a proppant storage and metering unit storing the proppant; and adjusting the size of a calibrated aperture on the proppant storage and metering unit. Methods also include delivering chemicals from a chemical storage and metering unit to the blending unit; combining the proppant and chemicals in the blending unit; and allowing the well treatment fluid to flow from the blending unit to a well location. | 02-18-2010 |
20100059220 | APPARATUS FOR USE WHEN GATHERING PARAMETERS FROM A WELL FLOW AND ALSO A METHOD OF USING SAME - An apparatus ( | 03-11-2010 |
20090145598 | Optimization of untreated oil shale geometry to control subsidence - A method for developing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation is provided. The subsurface formation may include oil shale. The method may include conductively heating portions of an organic-rich rock formation located in a development area, thereby pyrolyzing at least a portion of formation hydrocarbons located in a heated zone in the organic-rich rock formation into hydrocarbon fluids. The heat may be generated from one or more wellbores completed within the formation, such as by means of a resistive heating element. At least one unheated zone is preserved within the organic-rich rock formation. This leaves a portion of the development area substantially unpyrolyzed. The at least one unheated zone is sized or configured in order to substantially optimize that portion of the development area in which the organic-rich rock is pyrolyzed while controlling subsidence above the organic-rich rock formation. | 06-11-2009 |
20100065266 | Method for Controlled Source Electromagnetic Reconnaissance Surveying - Method for conducting an efficient and interpretable controlled-source electromagnetic reconnaissance survey for buried hydrocarbons. While a part of the survey area is being set up for measurement and data are being acquired, data from a nearby part of the survey area, surveyed just previously, are being rapidly processed and analyzed. If the analysis shows resistive anomalies of interest in a portion of a survey area, a fine-grid survey is quickly designed for that portion, and that survey is conducted next before moving source and receivers to a more distant part of the survey area. | 03-18-2010 |
20110073302 | Method of controlling growth and heat loss of an in situ gravity draining chamber formed with a condensing solvent process - This invention is a solvent based gravity drainage process whereby the vertical growth rate of the chamber is restricted by placing, monitoring and managing a buoyant gas blanket at the top of the vapour chamber. This invention reduces the heat loss to the overburden as well as providing a means to preserve a barrier layer of bitumen saturated reservoir sand at the top of the pay zone in reservoirs where there is limited or no confining layer present. | 03-31-2011 |
20110067857 | DETERMINING PROPERTIES OF A SUBTERRANEAN STRUCTURE DURING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - A technique includes receiving, during a hydraulic fracturing operation in a subterranean structure, pressure data and fluid injection rate data. One or more properties of the subterranean structure are determined in real-time using the received pressure data and fluid injection rate data. | 03-24-2011 |
20110100623 | HIGH EFFICIENCY FLUID PUMPING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A high efficiency fluid pumping apparatus and methods having of an electronic motor controller controlling at least one electric motor that is directly coupled to the input of a hollow helical mechanism. The output of the hollow helical mechanism is directly coupled to the shaft of a reciprocating piston pump. Each moving component of the apparatus is designed with a hollow central bore, so that the apparatus assembly will accept a continuous, stationary, hollow conduit containing electrical through wiring and or fiber optics for power and communication to devices physically positioned below the apparatus. | 05-05-2011 |
20110042076 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING FLUID CONTROL EVENTS IN A BOREHOLE USING A DYNAMIC ANNULAR PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM - A method for determining existence of a borehole fluid control event by controlling formation pressure during the drilling of a borehole includes selectively pumping a drilling fluid through a drill string extended into a borehole, out a drill bit at the bottom end of the drill string, and into an annular space between drill string and the borehole. The drilling fluid leaves the annular space proximate the surface. Existence of a well control event is determined when at least one of the following events occurs: the rate of the selective pumping remains substantially constant and the annular space pressure increases, and the rate of the selective pumping remains substantially constant and the annular space pressure decreases. | 02-24-2011 |
20110048700 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FLUID PROPERTY MEASUREMENTS - In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to measure formation fluid and obtain data, the data having measurement levels that vary over a parameter. The data is grouped in one or more categories, each category having data falling within a range, and the grouped data is analyzed as a function of the parameter. In some embodiments, the grouped data is used to identify at least one fluid type of the formation fluid using the grouped data. | 03-03-2011 |
20110048701 | WELL SEALS - A method for determining integrity of annular seals in wellbores. In an embodiment, two wellbores are selected that extend through a common geological formation which is capable of sealing against casing sections located in the wellbores. A pressure test is typically carried out in a first of the wellbores to check that the formation provides an effective seal, and a logging tool is typically run to obtain well log data from which can be derived a characteristic response that is associated with the formation providing an effective annular seal around the casing section in the first wellbore. A logging tool may then be run in the second of the wellbores to obtain a second set of well log data, which are comparable with the characteristic response to determine whether the formation provides an effective annular seal in the second wellbore. | 03-03-2011 |
20110024108 | Mineral Extraction System Having Multi-Barrier Lock Screw - A dual barrier lock screw for a wellhead assembly is provided that includes a first seal disposed at a first axial location along the body of the screw and a second seal disposed at a second axial location along the body of the screw, wherein the first and second axial locations are different from one another. The screw may also include a passage extending axially through the body of the screw and coupled to a port at the end of the screw. The port is configured to receive external pressure and allow testing of the dual barrier seals of the lock screws. A system that includes the lock screw and methods of operating and testing the lock screw are also provided. | 02-03-2011 |
20130168082 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION USING DIVERSION - A method of well treatment includes establishing fluid connectivity between a wellbore and at least one target zone for treatment within a subterranean formation. The method includes injecting a treatment composition into the wellbore. The method includes contacting a subterranean formation with the treatment composition, providing a diversion agent to a desired interval in the wellbore and measuring a wellbore parameter while performing at least one of the contacting the target zone and the providing the diversion agent. | 07-04-2013 |
20090288821 | Monitoring Flow Rates While Retrieving Bottom Hole Assembly During Casing While Drilling Operations - A bottom hole assembly in a casing-while-drilling operation is retrieved by reducing the density of the fluid in the casing string above the bottom hole assembly, creating an upward force on the bottom hole assembly. As the bottom hole assembly moves upward in the casing string, fluid is pumped into the upper end of the annulus and displaced fluid flows out of the upper end of the casing string. The flow rate of the fluid flowing into the upper end of the annulus and the flow rate of the displaced fluid flowing out of the casing string are monitored and compared. | 11-26-2009 |
20110042077 | FORMATION TESTER TOOL ASSEMBLY - A formation tester tool can include a longitudinal probe drill collar having a surface, a formation probe assembly located within the probe drill collar, the formation probe assembly including a piston reciprocal between a retracted position and an extended position beyond the probe drill collar surface, the piston being slidingly retained within a chamber, a seal pad located at an end of the piston, the seal pad including an outer surface defining a partial cylindrical surface. The piston includes an outer surface having non-circular cross-sectional shape and the chamber includes an inner surface having a non-circular shape similar to the shape of the piston outer surface. The formation tester tool can include interchangeable draw down assemblies and a flow bore having a curving path. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042075 | LOGGING SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY - A technique facilitates the logging of hot, subterranean environments with a variety of logging tools. Logging tools with temperature limit ratings may be employed in environments that would otherwise be detrimental to operation of the logging tool due to the heat. The logging tool may be protected through placement of the tool at a desired location within a non-metallic flask. The logging tool also is surrounded with an insulating material and/or a material with a high heat of fusion disposed within the non-metallic flask to increase the time span for operating the logging tool in the hot, subterranean environment. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042074 | Methods of Long-Term Gravimetric Monitoring of Carbon Dioxide Storage in Geological Formations - Methods for long-term gravimetric monitoring of carbon dioxide stored in a geological formation are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: joining gravimetric sensors with sidewalls of boreholes in the geological formation at various vertical depths; using the gravimetric sensors, measuring a local gravitational field or a gravity gradient at a first time to develop baseline gravimetric data; reading and transmitting the baseline gravimetric data to a data recording device exterior to the boreholes; using the gravimetric sensors, measuring a local gravitational field or a gravity gradient after the first time to develop post-baseline gravimetric data; reading and; transmitting the post-baseline gravimetric data to the data recording device; and quantifying the carbon dioxide stored in the geological formation by comparing the baseline gravimetric data to the post-baseline gravimetric data to determine both vertical and horizontal positioning of the carbon dioxide stored in the geological formation. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042073 | GRAVITY INTERPRETATION WORKFLOW IN INJECTION WELLS - A method comprising: estimating a change in a characteristic of a subterranean formation into which a fluid has been injected via a well extending into the subterranean formation; building a multi-dimensional model balancing mass of the injected fluid, wherein the model is based on the estimated characteristic change; utilizing the model to determine the sensitivity of a borehole gravity tool in the well; measuring gravity with the borehole gravity tool at a plurality of stations along the well; and utilizing the model and the gravity measurements to locate the injected fluid in the subterranean formation. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042072 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING WIRELINE CONFIGURABLE WELLBORE INSTRUMENTS WITH A WIRED PIPE STRING - A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface into a wellbore. At least a portion of the pipe string includes a signal communication channel having a cable, such as an electrical conductor or an optical fiber. At least one wireline configurable wellbore instrument is coupled to the pipe string and has at least one sensor therein for measuring a physical parameter. The at least one instrument is in signal communication with the signal communication channel in the pipe string. The system includes a controller functionally associated with the at least one instrument and configured to initiate operation of the at least one sensor upon detection of a command signal. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042071 | CLEAN FLUID SAMPLE FOR DOWNHOLE MEASUREMENTS - A system and method for obtaining a clean fluid sample for analysis in a downhole tool are provided. In one example, the method includes directing fluid from a main flowline of the downhole tool to a secondary flowline of the downhole tool. While the fluid is being directed into the secondary flowline, sensor responses corresponding to the fluid in the secondary flowline are monitored to determine when the sensor responses stabilize. The secondary flowline is isolated from the main flowline after the sensor responses have stabilized. A quality control procedure is performed on the fluid in the secondary flowline to determine whether the captured fluid is the same as the fluid in the main flowline. Additional fluid from the main flowline is allowed into the secondary flowline if the captured fluid is not the same. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042070 | FLUID DENSITY FROM DOWNHOLE OPTICAL MEASUREMENTS - A system and method for determining at least one fluid characteristic of a downhole fluid sample using a downhole tool are provided. In one example, the method includes performing a calibration process that correlates optical and density sensor measurements of a fluid sample in a downhole tool at a plurality of pressures. The calibration process is performed while the fluid sample is not being agitated. At least one unknown value of a density calculation is determined based on the correlated optical sensor measurements and density sensor measurements. A second optical sensor measurement of the fluid sample is obtained while the fluid sample is being agitated. A density of the fluid sample is calculated based on the second optical sensor measurement and the at least one unknown value. | 02-24-2011 |
20090107666 | HIGH RESOLUTION CAPACITANCE HIGH CONDUCTIVITY FLUID SENSOR - In a method and apparatus for estimating a downhole fluid parameter include a body having an elongated cavity defined by an electrically conductive inner surface, an central electrical conductor located coaxially within the cavity, wherein an annular region is defined by the cavity inner surface and an outer surface of the electrical conductor. A fluid is conveyed to the annular region. A first electrode is coupled to the central electrode, a second electrode coupled to the central electrode, and at least one intermediate electrode coupled to the central electrode between the first electrode and the second electrode. An input signal is applied to the central electrode and first and second output signals are emitted from the second electrode intermediate electrode. The output signals are used in part to estimate the fluid property of the fluid existing in the annular region. | 04-30-2009 |
20090188665 | Monitoring of Downhole Parameters and Tools Utilizing Fiber Optics - The present disclosure provides systems utilizing fiber optics for monitoring downhole parameters and the operation and conditions of downhole tools and controlling injection operations based on measurements in an injection well and/or a production well. | 07-30-2009 |
20100307741 | TOOL FOR DOWNHOLE FORMATION EVALUATION - An apparatus for determining a property of a downhole formation, the apparatus comprising: an array having a plurality of transmitters and receivers capable of propagating electromagnetic waves through the formation; measuring circuitry for measuring an effect of the formation on the propagating waves; control circuitry arranged to vary the propagating waves as a function of at least one of frequency, spacing and polarization; and processing circuitry arranged to combine the effects of the propagating waves that are varied according to frequency, spacing and polarization for determining the property of the downhole formation. | 12-09-2010 |
20110162834 | SURFACE INSTRUMENTATION CONFIGURATION FOR DRILLING RIG OPERATION - One embodiment includes an apparatus comprising a surface slip to support drill tubing and having a communications instrument. | 07-07-2011 |
20100319910 | Drum Load Monitoring - An assembly for monitoring load on a drum during an operation in a well with a well access line deployed from the drum. The assembly may include multiple line detection mechanisms for acquiring real-time information relative to dynamic characteristics of the lone over the course of the operation. The assembly also includes a processor for computing the real-time information in light of pre-stored information relative to physical characteristics of the line and the drum. As a result, real-time monitoring of a load on the drum may be achieved. Thus, the operation may be adjusted in real-time as necessary to avoid over-loading of the drum. Additionally, a drum load history may be recorded so as to better account for the true condition of the drum following successive operations. | 12-23-2010 |
20100212890 | IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME - A method and apparatus for imaging objects present in a wellbore is provided. The method and apparatus use a plurality of actuateable members which can be axially displaced to form an image of the object and use an actuateable member displacement sensor to detect the displacement of the actuateable members. | 08-26-2010 |
20110114309 | SENSOR FOR DETERMINING DOWNHOLE PARAMETERS AND METHODS FOR USING SAME - A system and method for determining a downhole parameter is provided. The system has a sensor positionable on a downhole tool. The sensor comprises insulation positionable on a pad of the downhole tool, and return(s) positionable in the insulation, the return(s) adapted to exchange a current with a power source, the return(s) defining a fluid zone. The sensor comprises a mud button positionable within the fluid zone and in the insulation a distance from the return(s), the mud button exchanging current with the return(s). The mud button and the fluid zone are positioned a distance from the formation such that a majority of the current passing between the return(s) and the mud button passes through the downhole fluid whereby the current exchanged with the mud button generates a measurement of the downhole fluid. | 05-19-2011 |
20110061861 | CLUSTERED WELLHEAD TRUNKLINE PROTECTION AND TESTING SYSTEM WITH ESP SPEED CONTROLLER AND EMERGENCY ISOLATION VALVE - The systems and processes of the present invention includes ESP variable speed drive controllers that function in conjunction with a safety logic solver, pressure sensors, and an emergency isolation valve to perform a functional test of the complete wellhead trunkline protection system without interruption of production. | 03-17-2011 |
20100071895 | System and Method of Controlling Surge During Wellbore Completion - A downhole oilfield completion method is provided. The method comprises determining a surge profile for a wellbore and assembling a downhole completion tool having an interior surge volume and comprising a surge attenuation system operable to reduce a surge of the downhole completion tool based at least in part on the surge profile. The method also comprises running the downhole completion tool into the wellbore and surging the wellbore by admitting wellbore fluid into the interior surge volume, the surge reduced at least in part by the surge attenuation system. | 03-25-2010 |
20090308600 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE THE COMPRESSIBILITY OF A FLUID - Example methods and apparatus to determine the compressibility of a fluid are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes capturing a fluid in a chamber, pressurizing the captured fluid to first and second pressures, measuring first and second values representative of first and second densities of the fluid while pressurized at respective ones of the first and second pressures, and computing a third value representative of a compressibility of the fluid using the first and second values. | 12-17-2009 |
20090308601 | EVALUATING MULTIPHASE FLUID FLOW IN A WELLBORE USING TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS - A system, method and program product for analyzing multiphase flow in a wellbore. A system is provided that includes: an input system for receiving pressure and temperature readings from a pair of sensors located in the wellbore; a computation system that utilizes a flow analysis model to generate a set of wellbore fluid properties, wherein the set of wellbore fluid properties includes at least one of: a fluid mixture value, a phase velocity value, a flow rate, a mixture density, a mixture viscosity, a fluid holdup, and a slip velocity; and a system for outputting the wellbore fluid properties. | 12-17-2009 |
20100051266 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method comprising placing a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, and using the MEMS sensor to detect a location of the wellbore composition. A method comprising placing a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, and using the MEMS sensor to monitor a condition of the wellbore composition. A method comprising placing one or more Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, using the one or more MEMS sensors to detect a location of at least a portion of the wellbore composition, and using the one or more MEMS sensors to monitor at least a portion of the wellbore composition. A method comprising placing one or more Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a subterranean formation using a wellbore composition, and monitoring a condition using the one or more MEMS sensors. | 03-04-2010 |
20100071897 | METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING WELL PRODUCTION IN RESERVOIRS HAVING FLOW BARRIERS - Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for optimizing hydrocarbon recovery from subsurface formations, including subsurface formations having bottom water or edgewater. A system and method can be configured to receive data indicative of by-pass oil areas in the subsurface formation from reservoir simulation, identify flow barriers in the subsurface formation based on the by-pass oil areas identified by the reservoir simulation, and predict the lateral extension of the identified flow barriers in the subsurface formation. Infill horizontal wells can be placed at areas of the subsurface formation relative to the flow barriers such that production from a horizontal well in the subsurface formation optimizes hydrocarbon recovery. | 03-25-2010 |
20120145382 | System and Method for Operating Multiple Valves - A valve system for providing fluid flow through radial openings disposed along an axial length of a tubular. The tubular comprises at least one valve group containing at least two valves operable by one drop ball. An inset | 06-14-2012 |
20100314103 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MAINTAINING SUB-COOLED FLUID TO ESP SYSTEM - A method of operating an electrical submersible pumping system that includes realtime monitoring of the wellbore fluid and adjusting pump speed so the fluid entering the pump remains subcooled. The method can include adding sensors within the wellbore and digitally storing fluid data accessible by a pump controller. The pump speed can be increased or decreased by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power delivered to the pump motor. | 12-16-2010 |
20090294123 | MULTI-POINT INJECTION SYSTEM FOR OILFIELD OPERATIONS - A system monitors and controls the injection of additives into formation fluids recovered through a well may include a plurality of nozzles that receive the injection fluid from an umbilical disposed in a well. Each nozzle may have an associated flow control element that is configured to affect a flow of the injection fluid ejected through the associated nozzle. The umbilical may include one or more filters positioned in a first of two parallel conduits formed along the umbilical. An occlusion member restricts in a second of the two conduits. The occlusion member permits flow in the second conduit after a predetermined pressure differential exists in the second conduit. The system may include a plurality of pressure sensors disposed along the umbilical, and an injector unit that dispenses fluid into the umbilical. A controller operatively coupled to the injector unit operates the injector in response to measurements from the pressure sensors. | 12-03-2009 |
20090173493 | INTERFACE AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING INFORMATION TO AND FROM A DOWNHOLE TOOL - A downhole interface is disclosed that is positionable between a downhole tool, such as a wireline tool, and a wired drill string. The downhole tool communicates with the downhole interface which in turn communicates with the wired drill string to transmit information to the Earth's surface. The interface provides signal and power communication to the downhole tool. | 07-09-2009 |
20100200222 | Method and apparatus for performing cementing operations - A remotely operated lifting top drive cement head is provided having a high tensile strength, as well as the ability to swivel or rotate about a central vertical axis. The cement head permits selective launching of darts, setting plugs, balls or other objects which can be held in place within the cement head without being damaged or washed away by slurry flow, but which can be beneficially launched into said slurry flow at desired point(s) during the cementing process. The cement head can be remotely operated without requiring the lifting of personnel off the rig floor to actuate the tool or observe tool status. | 08-12-2010 |
20090120634 | Method for Tomographic Inversion by Matrix Transformation - Method for reducing instability and increasing computational efficiency in tomographic inversion for velocity model building. A system of tomographic equations is developed for a uniform grid. A non-uniform parameterization is found for which a linear mapping exists between the space of the uniform grid and the space of the non-uniform grid. The matrix that relates velocity to the tomographic data in the non-uniform representation is then given by the matrix product of the corresponding matrix in the uniform grid representation and the mapping matrix. Inversion can then be performed for the non-uniform parameterization on a smaller, more stable matrix. | 05-14-2009 |
20110114308 | Hydraulic Interlock System Between Casing Gripper and Spider - A system for deploying a string of pipe from a drilling rig into a well includes a spider for mounting on a rig floor and a pipe gripper attached to the top drive. A hydraulic safety circuit monitors hydraulic fluid pressure at an apply port of the gripper and prevents hydraulic fluid pressure from being directed to move the slips to the released position if hydraulic fluid pressure is not already present at the apply port of the gripper. The safety circuit also monitors hydraulic fluid pressure at the apply port of the spider and prevents release hydraulic fluid pressure from being directed to move the gripping members to the released position if apply hydraulic fluid pressure is not already present at the apply port of the spider. | 05-19-2011 |
20080302529 | Multi-zone formation fluid evaluation system and method for use of same - A formation fluid evaluation system ( | 12-11-2008 |
20120037360 | ACTUATORS AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments of the present invention disclose enhanced and improved well production tools for increasing the stability of production zones in a wellbore. Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses, systems, and processes for efficiently and effectively isolating zones within a wellbore. | 02-16-2012 |
20120305241 | ATOMIC BATTERY POWERED DOWNHOLE COMPLETIONS ASSEMBLY - A completions assembly having an autonomous self-sustaining portion powered by an atomic battery. The atomic battery may be of a non-based beta voltaic variety configured to provide uninterrupted power to the autonomous portion of the assembly for substantially the life of the well. Thus, continuous monitoring of well conditions or low power actuations, via sensors and/or actuators of the autonomous portion, may be supported. As a result, the autonomous portion may be operated in a fully wireless manner without the requirement of hard wiring to the main bore/surface connected portion of the completions assembly. | 12-06-2012 |
20110308789 | SURFACE TO BOREHOLE ELECTROMAGNETIC SURVEYING USING METALLIC WELL CASINGS AS ELECTRODES - Methods and related systems are described for making measurements of an electromagnetic field in a subterranean formation that has been induced by a current loop. The current loop uses one or more steel wellbore casings as electrodes. Receiver arrays are positioned either at surface/seafloor, in the same, or in nearby wells. In the most general case, the receivers are tri-axial. A section of metallic casing in one well can be used as a current source and the electromagnetic field at surface can be measured using an array of EM receivers placed at a range of distances from the wellbore. | 12-22-2011 |
20090308602 | COMBINED THREE-IN-ONE FRACTURING SYSTEM - A three-in-one fracturing system is provided, which combines on a single trailer that can be pulled by a single tractor, a blending system for blending a fracturing fluid, a fluid pumping system for pumping the fracturing fluid into the well, and a data cabin for monitoring the operation of the blending system and the fluid pumping system. | 12-17-2009 |
20090266538 | METHOD OF MODELLING ENHANCED RECOVERY BY POLYMER INJECTION - The present invention relates to an optimized method for modelling flows in a geological hydrocarbon reservoir, comprising injecting an aqueous polymer solution to sweep the hydrocarbons, determining a relationship between a parameter linked with the mobility reduction of the solution in the reservoir and the water saturation, and accounting for this relationship in a flow simulator to achieve modelling. | 10-29-2009 |
20110315375 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING DOWNHOLE FLUID PARAMETERS - Systems and methods for determining at least one parameter of a fluid in a well are provided. The system has a downhole system deployable into the well, and sensor elements to measure fluid parameter(s) of the fluid in the well. Each of the sensor elements is provided with a base and sensors. The base is positionable on the coiled tubing system about the injection port. The sensors are positionable in the base. Each of the sensors are thermally isolated from each other, and are capable of operating as both a heater to heat the fluid, and as a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the fluid. The sensors are operatively interchangeable such that the sensors may selectively heat and measure the temperature of the fluid whereby fluid parameters of the fluid are determined. | 12-29-2011 |
20090166032 | Inline Downhole Heater and Methods of Use - A well bore fluid is heated to prevent paraffin build-up or lower the viscosity of asphaltenic crude in the production line by an electrical heating element lowered into a pre-determined subterranean location. The heating element is controlled by a control unit that is connected to a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, which detects temperature and pressure in the vicinity of the heating element and modifies an electric power source to deliver sufficient electric power to the electric heating element to keep the paraffin or other alkanes in a liquefied state. By modifications, the same heater can be used to generate steam in a well bore for the same purposes or to heat oil in a tank battery to prevent solidification of high molecular weight constituents in the crude. | 07-02-2009 |
20120152530 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A TUBULAR HANDLING TOOL - An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic. | 06-21-2012 |
20120152531 | MULTISTAGE SEPARATOR VESSEL FOR CAPTURING LPGs - A method of recovering liquid petroleum gases (LPGs) from a wellbore includes: performing a well treatment operation by injecting the LPGs into the wellbore to increase the wellbore pressure; flowing a fluid stream from the wellhead into a separation vessel, the fluid stream comprising the LPGs; reducing the pressure of the fluid stream from the wellbore pressure to a separation vessel pressure, the fluid stream in the separation vessel comprising the LPGs in liquid form and in vapour form; separating the vapour form from the liquid form; transferring the liquid form of the LPGs to a pressure vessel; and passing the vapour form through a condenser to condense the vapour form, and depositing the condensed vapour form into the pressure vessel. | 06-21-2012 |
20090205819 | Well Modeling Associated With Extraction of Hydrocarbons From Subsurface Formations - A method and apparatus associated with various phases of a well completion. In one embodiment, a method is described that includes identifying failure modes for a well completion. At least one technical limit associated with each of the failure modes is obtained. Then, an objective function for the well completion is formulated. Then, the objective function is solved to create a well performance limit. | 08-20-2009 |
20110155368 | RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION WELL DELIVERY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for communicating with downhole components is provided comprising at least one RFID device configured with an identification code. The system further includes a device conduit extending next to the downhole components and a device propulsion system configured to translate the RFID devices next to the downhole components to facilitate an exchange of information between the downhole component and the RFID device. The device conduit may include a check valve or a turn-around sub depending upon the application. In some cases, the exchange of information may trigger actuation of one or more of the downhole components. A method is also provide comprising providing a device conduit near downhole components, propelling an RFID device near to the downhole components via the device conduit and a device propulsion system, and exchanging information between the RFID device and the downhole components. | 06-30-2011 |
20110061860 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING SAND PRODUCTION IN A GEOMECHANICAL RESERVOIR SYSTEM - Systems and methods are provided for use in predicting sand production in a geomechanical reservoir system. Computation of the sand production predictions can include solving a system of partial differential equations that model the geomechanical reservoir system. Systems and methods also are provided for use in operating a geomechanical reservoir system based on the sand production prediction for controlling sand production in the geomechanical reservoir system. | 03-17-2011 |
20100096124 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INJECTING OR RETRIEVING TUBEWIRE INTO OR OUT OF COILED TUBING - The present invention provides systems and methods for injecting or retrieving tubewire into or out of coiled tubing. The system comprises an injector, coiled tubing coupled to the injector and a pumping mechanism. The injector is adapted to apply a force to inject or retrieve the tubewire into or out of the coiled tubing while the pump pumps fluid in the direction of the force to provide fluid drag on the tubewire. The tubewire may be bent or straightened, and may include a protuberance on its free end to assist in the injection and retrieval process. During injection, the coiled tubing may remain on a reel or may be stretched out along a surface. | 04-22-2010 |
20110088894 | METHODS, APPARATUS AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE TO MEASURE GAS RESERVOIR FORMATION PRESSURES - Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to measure gas reservoir formation pressures are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes positioning a downhole bubble sensor in a wellbore formed in a geological gas reservoir formation, trapping a fluid in a portion of the wellbore including the bubble sensor, pressurizing the trapped fluid, reducing pressurization of the fluid until the bubble sensor detects one or more bubbles in the fluid, recording a pressure of the fluid when the bubble sensor detects the one or more bubbles, and determining a formation pressure of the gas reservoir from the recorded pressure. | 04-21-2011 |
20120160481 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECONSTRUCTING MICROSEISMIC EVENT STATISTICS FROM DETECTION LIMITED DATA - Embodiments of this invention relate to compositions and methods of processing a subterranean formation including collecting microseismic data from one wellbore, collecting amplitude ratio information for the microseismic data, comparing the amplitude ratio to an expected ratio, generating a representation of a formation based on the microseismic data and the comparison of the amplitude ratio and expected ratio, and performing an oil field services activity based on the representation. | 06-28-2012 |
20120125602 | Monitoring Injected Nonhydrocarbon And Nonaqueous Fluids Through Downhole Fluid Analysis - A method of monitoring a nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid injected into the earth's subsurface through a first wellbore that involves positioning a fluid analysis tool within a second wellbore and determining the presence of the injected nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid by making a measurement downhole on the injected nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid using the fluid analysis tool. Also a related method of enhancing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface area having first and second wellbores that involves injecting a nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid into the subsurface through the first wellbore, positioning a fluid analysis tool within the second wellbore, and determining the presence of the injected nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid by making a measurement downhole on the injected nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid using the fluid analysis tool. | 05-24-2012 |
20100288491 | Subterranean Tubular Cutter with Depth of Cut Feature - A tubular cutter that cuts with extendable and rotating blades has its depth of cut limited upon getting through the tubular to be cut. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular has a loosely mounted member exterior thereto to be engaged by the rotating cutters. When such engagement happens the effect is that the loosely mounted member serves as a cover to the cutters to prevent them from cutting other structures beyond the tubular to be cut. The loosely mounted member is grabbed by the rotating blades for tandem rotation this preventing further cutting action. The load on the mill drops noticeably so that surface personnel have a signal to stop hydraulic pressure to the drive mechanism to allow the blades to retract and the cutter to be removed. | 11-18-2010 |
20100288490 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING FILTRATION PROPERTIES OF ROCKS - This invention relates to the oil and gas industry, more specifically, to the development of heavy oil and asphaltic bitumen deposits. | 11-18-2010 |
20100206557 | GEOPHYSICAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS - We describe a method of processing geophysical data including at least measured potential field data from a potential field survey of a surveyed region of the earth to provide a three-dimensional representation of the underlying geology of said surveyed region, the method comprising: inputting terrain-corrected potential field data for said surveyed region, said potential field data comprising data for a range of spatial wavelengths, geological features at different depths in said surveyed region being associated with different wavelengths in said range of wavelengths; filtering said potential field data by spatial wavelength to generate a first plurality of filtered sets of potential field data, each relating to a respective wavelength or range of wavelengths, each targeting geological features at a different respective said depth; processing each said filtered set of potential field data, to identify a set of spatial features comprising one or both of line spatial features and point spatial features in each said filtered set of potential field data, and to generate a set of plot data for each said filtered set of potential field data, a said set of plot data representing said identified set of spatial features for a said depth targeted by said filtering; and combining said sets of plot data to generate three-dimensional map data providing a three-dimensional representation of said underlying geology of said surveyed region. | 08-19-2010 |
20120132417 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING A WELL - A method for identifying fluid migration or inflow associated with a wellbore tubular, comprises measuring strain of the wellbore tubular with a system comprising at least one string of interconnected sensors that is arranged such that the sensors are distributed along a length and the circumference of the wellbore tubular; establishing a baseline that is a function of steady state strain measurements within a first time period; and identifying fluid migration or inflow where strain measurements substantially deviate from the baseline within a second time period. | 05-31-2012 |
20120312530 | In-Situ Detection and Analysis of Methane in Coal Bed Methane Formations with Spectrometers - Disclosed is a system for measuring a chemical in a subsurface formation comprising housing component traversable within the well, a guide extending down the well from a fixed location being operatively connected to the housing, a radiation source, and an optical pathway between a sample and detector wherein the detector is located at the ground surface. Also disclosed is a method for reducing long distance transmission of radiation comprising placing a radiation source in a housing, placing a housing down in a well bore, lowering a spectrometer down the well bore, and controlling movement of a spectrometer by a guide wire controller at the ground surface. Further disclosed is a method of radiating a sample comprising, transmitting the radiation through at least one optical pathway, interacting a sample with the radiation, producing characteristic radiation from the sample, and transmitting by an optical pathway to a detector located in a spectrometer. | 12-13-2012 |
20120312529 | REDUCING TRIPS IN WELL OPERATIONS - A well system can include a tubular string in a blowout preventer stack, a releasable hanger of the tubular string supported by a support surface, and the released hanger permitting the tubular string to displace further through the blowout preventer stack. A tubular string can comprise a releasable hanger including at least one inwardly retractable support, an indicator sub interconnected a distance from the hanger, and wherein the support retracts in response to a stimulus, whereby the tubular string is released for displacement. A method of measuring a distance between a support surface and a location in a blowout preventer stack can include displacing a tubular string into the blowout preventer stack, contacting a releasable hanger with the surface, indicating the distance from the surface to the location along the tubular string, and then releasing the hanger, thereby permitting the tubular string to displace further through the blowout preventer stack. | 12-13-2012 |
20100051265 | Firing trigger apparatus and method for downhole tools - Methods and devices are provided for controlling detonation of explosives in a well bore for perforation or a well bore casing, which avoid or reduce unintentional or undesirable detonations while ensuring or increasing desirable detonations. An explosive trigger system or tool may comprise a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and one or more sensors disposed for measuring one or more downhole conditions. Downhole conditions may be measured with the sensor and then used to program detonation parameters (such as temperature or pressure) or preconditions (such as time or distance traveled) to the trigger system. Detonation can only occur when the programmed parameters or preconditions are satisfied. In this way, undesirable detonations are avoided by requiring certain preconditions to arming the trigger system. To further control arming and/or detonating, a line sequencer may be provided, wherein energy is propagate down along the physical deployment line as pulses or line "jerks" through mechanical manipulations of physical deployment line near surface. These pulses can form signals for downhole control of the trigger system. | 03-04-2010 |
20100051264 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING DOWNHOLE COMPLETION OPERATIONS - A method of sensing matter introduced to a well in a completion operation. The method includes, sensing the introduced matter with at least one transducer, and communicating the sensing of the introduced matter to surface via a wired pipe. | 03-04-2010 |
20100051263 | System, Method and Apparatus for Breaking Fracturing Fluids - A method for breaking a fracturing fluid includes identifying application parameter(s) including a subterranean formation temperature, and determining an acid precursor concentration in response to the application parameter(s). The method further includes providing a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid, a metallic peroxide breaker, and an amount of an acid precursor according to the acid precursor concentration, and treating the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid. The application parameter(s) may further include a flowback wait time, a composition of the metallic peroxide breaker, a gel loading of the carrier fluid, and/or a permeability of the subterranean formation. The metallic peroxide breaker may include an alkaline peroxide and/or a zinc peroxide. The acid precursor may include polylactic acid and/or polyglycolic acid. | 03-04-2010 |
20120217008 | System and Method for Stress Field Based Wellbore Steering - A system, method and computer-readable medium for developing an earth formation is disclosed. A tool conveyed in a borehole induces a stress in the earth formation proximate a borehole. A sensor assembly obtains a measurement of a physical property of the borehole at a plurality of azimuthal locations in the borehole. The values of the physical property are indicative of the induced stress in the formation. A processor forms an image of the borehole using the obtained measurements of the physical property, estimates an azimuthal variation with borehole depth of the induced stress in the formation from the formed image, and alters an operational parameter of a device for developing the earth formation using the estimated azimuthal variation with depth of the induced stress in the formation. | 08-30-2012 |
20100012317 | RCD HYDRAULIC STRIPPING ADAPTER - An adjustable sealing device including a housing configured to be engaged within an annulus of a rotating control device, at least one sealing element disposed within the housing, and a variable pressure control device configured to energize a fluid disposed within the housing to maintain a seal between the sealing element and a drill string is disclosed. A method of sealing a wellbore, the method including providing an adjustable sealing device to a rotating control device, positioning at least one sealing element of the adjustable sealing device between the wellbore and a drill string, tripping the drill string through the wellbore, sensing changes in a diameter of the drill string as it is tripped, and regulating a fluid pressure to maintain a seal between the at least one sealing element and the drill string when the drill string is tripped through the at least one sealing element is also disclosed. | 01-21-2010 |
20120073804 | System For Monitoring Linearity of Down-Hole Pumping Systems During Deployment and Related Methods - Systems, program product, and methods for monitoring linearity of a down-hole pumping system assembly during deployment within a bore of a casing of a well positioned to extract hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir and selecting an optimal operational position for the down-hole pumping system assembly within the bore of the casing, are provided. Various embodiments of the systems allow an operator to ensure that a motor and pump of a down-hole pumping system assembly are installed in an optimal position in a well by ensuring alignment across the pump stages casing and motor casing. The alignment and linearity of the pump and motor can be crucial to run life of the pump and/or motor. | 03-29-2012 |
20130168084 | Determination of Stick Slip Conditions - A method for determining stick slip conditions. The method may include disposing an operating apparatus in fluid communication with a pressure wave transmission medium. At least one pressure measurement device may be disposed at least partially within the pressure wave transmission medium and at some distance from the operating apparatus. One or more pressure waves generated by the operating apparatus may be measured within the pressure wave transmission medium with the at least one pressure measurement device and pressure measurement data may be generated therefrom. The pressure measurement data from the at least one pressure measurement device may be transmitted to a data acquisition system. The pressure measurement data may be analyzed to detect one or more stick slip conditions from one or more variations in the pressure measurement data. | 07-04-2013 |
20120255727 | Apparatus and Method For Testing Solids Production In A Wellbore - An apparatus and method is disclosed for conducting a fluid and solids production test in a subterranean well. A testing apparatus may be inserted into a wellbore. The apparatus may employ a tubular housing with entry port(s) through the housing. An inner assembly may be positioned within the tubular housing, the inner assembly being configured for connection to the tubular housing. The inner assembly may include a fluid permeable screen and a distal end forming a reservoir that is scaled, or may be adapted to be scaled, for the collection of solids during a well production testing event. Following a testing event, the apparatus may be removed from the wellbore to enable the collected solids to be measured to determine the amount of solids generated by a subterranean formation at actual field flow conditions. | 10-11-2012 |
20120227960 | Determination of Coal Bed Natural Gas Production Factors and a System to Determine Same - Well fluids in coalbed natural gas reservoirs and other carbonaceous reservoirs are analyzed to determine production factors such as gas content, critical desorption pressure, and/or other reservoir and operational variables. In particular, the partial pressure of methane or a predictor substance, or a methane concentration, are measured and/or determined for the wells and production factors are determined therefrom. | 09-13-2012 |
20130180710 | CARBON DIOXIDE CONTENT OF NATURAL GAS FROM OTHER PHYSICAL PROPERTIES - An apparatus and method are described to estimate a fraction of carbon dioxide present in a downhole fluid. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the earth. The apparatus also includes a pressure sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to measure an ambient pressure of the downhole fluid and an ambient temperature sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to measure a temperature of the downhole fluid. A processor of the apparatus receives the ambient pressure and the ambient temperature measurements and solves for the fraction of carbon dioxide in the downhole fluid using a correlation function with the ambient pressure and the ambient temperature as inputs to the correlation function. | 07-18-2013 |
20130014939 | Electric Hydraulic Interface For A Modular Downhole Tool - A modular donwhole tool system with a single electric hydraulic drive assembly. The assembly includes an electric hydraulic interface for coupling to any of a variety of different modular donwhole tools. Such tools may include a plug setting actuator, sleeve shifting actuator, valve effecting actuator and a variety of other radially or axially driven hydraulically powered actuators. Indeed, a variety of different actuators may be combined within the same system, tailored based on given downhole application needs. Thus, a viable off-the-shelf modular based on-site assemblage may be available to an operator for running off of a single electric hydraulic drive assembly. | 01-17-2013 |
20100326654 | MONITORING DOWNHOLE PRODUCTION FLOW IN AN OIL OR GAS WELL - An apparatus monitors a production flow from a gravel pack into a tubular sand screen disposed concentrically around downhole production tubing in an oil or gas well. A tubular sample layer is disposed concentrically around the sand screen to be exposed to the radial production flow in use. The sample layer is electrically insulated from the production tubing in use. An erosion sensor provides a signal which varies in dependence upon an electrical resistance of the sample layer, which is related to the erosion of the sample layer. An apparatus also monitors a substantially longitudinal production flow through downhole production tubing in an oil or gas well. A method and apparatus are used to monitor the condition of a gravel pack within an oil or gas well. Other methods monitor temperature or pressure conditions within an oil or gas well. | 12-30-2010 |
20100326653 | Work String Controller - Well bore servicing equipment is provided. The well bore servicing equipment comprises a first manipulator to grip a well bore work string, to raise the work string, and to lower the work string. The well bore servicing equipment further comprises a controller to receive a work string trajectory input and to automatically control the first manipulator to raise and lower the work string substantially in conformance with the work string trajectory input. | 12-30-2010 |
20100326652 | Work String Controller - Well bore servicing equipment is provided. The well bore servicing equipment comprises a first manipulator to grip a well bore work string, to raise the work string, and to lower the work string. The well bore servicing equipment further comprises a controller to receive a work string trajectory input and to automatically control the first manipulator to raise and lower the work string substantially in conformance with the work string trajectory input. | 12-30-2010 |
20100326651 | ISOTOPIC IDENTIFICATION OF PRODUCTION BY INDIVIDUAL FORMATIONS IN COMMINGLED GAS WELLS - A computer system and computerized method for allocating production among multiple formations produced by a hydrocarbon well, using isotopic concentration analysis. According to an aspect of the system and method, multiple single-formation isotopic concentration measurements of multiple hydrocarbon gases are taken from each formation. Within each formation, groups of similar isotopic concentration values are defined, and are mapped to geographic regions of the formations. Mixing equations are developed between regions of the different formations, for use in allocating production for a well intersecting those regions. According to another aspect of the system and method, allocation among three or more formations is performed using Monte Carlo analysis of an underspecified mixing equation, and at a measured isotopic concentration value for the commingled flow from the well. | 12-30-2010 |
20110036568 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOGGING A WELL BELOW A SUBMERSIBLE PUMP DEPLOYED ON COILED TUBING - An apparatus for characterizing well effluents comprises coiled tubing, an artificial lift mechanism operatively attached to the coiled tubing and a logging tool fitted with a multitude of sensors capable of characterizing well effluents associated with operation of the artificial lift mechanism. Also a method for characterizing well effluents that includes lowering a logging tool fitted with a multitude of sensors capable of characterizing well effluents with a cable and lowering an artificial lift mechanism on coiled tubing capable of flowing well effluent past the logging tool. Further a method for treating a well including the steps of: characterizing well effluents by lowering a logging tool fitted with a multitude of sensors capable of characterizing well effluents on a cable and lowering an artificial lift mechanism on coiled tubing capable of flowing well effluent past the logging tool; and injecting a treatment into a desired formation selected using information obtained while characterizing the well effluents. 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. | 02-17-2011 |
20120325461 | Recompaction of Sand Reservoirs - Methods and systems for recompacting a hydrocarbon reservoir to prevent override of a fill material are provided. An exemplary method includes detecting a slurry override condition and reducing a pressure within the reservoir so as to reapply a stress from an overburden. | 12-27-2012 |
20110226470 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING WIRELESS POWER TRANSMISSIONS AND TUNING A TRANSMISSION FREQUENCY - A system transmits a wireless power transmission from a bottom hole assembly of a drill string. The system has a downhole component having a wireless power transmitter adapted to wirelessly transmit at least one wireless power transmission and a wireless power receiver adapted to receive the at least one wireless power transmission. | 09-22-2011 |
20110226469 | VIRTUAL FLOWMETER FOR A WELL - A technique includes inducing a distributed temperature change along a portion of a wellbore and measuring a time varying temperature along the portion of the wellbore due to the induced change. The technique includes determining a distributed flow rate in the portion based at least in part on the measured time varying temperature before the temperature reaches equilibrium. | 09-22-2011 |
20100122812 | Single Packer Structure With Sensors - A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer flexible skin and one or more drains coupled to the outer flexible skin. The single packer further comprises one or more sensors positioned to detect one or more specific parameters that may be related to well characteristics and/or single packer characteristics. | 05-20-2010 |
20090032249 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO OBTAIN A COMPOSITIONAL MODEL OF PRODUCED FLUIDS USING SEPARATOR DISCHARGE DATA ANALYSIS - The invention relates to a method of performing production operations of an oilfield having at least one process facility and at least one wellsite operatively connected thereto, each at least one wellsite having a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation for extracting fluid from an underground reservoir therein. The method steps include obtaining a sample of separator discharge fluid from a separator, wherein the separator receives fluid extracted from the underground reservoir, performing gas chromatography on the separator discharge fluid to obtain gas molar composition, performing oil characterization on the separator discharge fluid to obtain oil density and oil molecular weight, performing a first simulation using the gas molar composition, the oil density, the oil molecular weight, and a gas oil ratio (GOR) of the separator discharge fluid to obtain a simulated composition of separator inlet fluid, wherein the first simulation is performed using a simulator, performing a second simulation using the simulated composition of separator inlet fluid to obtain a simulated composition of separator outlet fluid, wherein the second simulation is performed using the simulator, comparing the simulated composition of separator outlet fluid to an actual composition of separator outlet fluid, wherein the actual composition of the separator outlet fluid is obtained from the sample, and presenting the simulated composition of separator inlet fluid, when the difference between the actual composition of separator outlet fluid and the simulated composition of separator outlet fluid is less than a threshold value. | 02-05-2009 |
20120325463 | Device for Intervention in a Well Comprising a Pyrotechnic System, Installation and Method Associated Therewith - A device including a lower assembly ( | 12-27-2012 |
20120325460 | Well Watchman Pumping And Control System - A well watchman pumping and control system capable of operating in a wide range of ambient conditions is described. The system automatically maintains water level in a water storage vessel, while protecting the pump and generator from operating in conditions outside preset operating parameters to prevent premature failure and reduce repair. By operating to pump water only when preset operating conditions exist, e.g. low water level, ambient temperature, etc., the system reduces labor, fuel, and maintenance operating costs to the owner, improves well pumping reliability and production, reduces generator fuel consumption, reduces emissions, and conserves ground water. | 12-27-2012 |
20120090834 | Method For Seismic Interpretation Using Seismic Texture Attributes - Method for generating a new family of seismic attributes sensitive to seismic texture that can be used for classification and grouping of seismic data into seismically similar regions. A 2D or 3D data analysis window size is selected ( | 04-19-2012 |
20100181065 | Fluid Loss Additive and Breaking Agent - A system includes a hydraulic fracturing fluid including a polymeric constituent and an additive having particles including poly-vinyl acetate in an amount sufficient to control fluid loss. The system includes a formation of interest having a downhole temperature, and the particles including poly-vinyl acetate have a size and/or shape such that the poly-vinyl acetate hydrolyses at the downhole temperature. The particles may have a size and/or shape such that the particles are deformable at the downhole temperature. The poly-vinyl acetate in the particles may be a part of the particle substrate, a coating on the particles, and/or the entire particle may be poly-vinyl acetate. The poly-vinyl acetate may be included in any portion of the hydraulic fracturing fluid, or only the portion of the hydraulic fracturing fluid that is not proppant laden. | 07-22-2010 |
20130008647 | Apparatus and Method for Well Operations - A method for modifying a return fluid in a wellbore comprising disposing at least one valve along a drill pipe section of a drill string in the wellbore. At least one parameter of interest is determined at at least one location along the wellbore. At least one valve is controllably actuated to discharge at least a portion of at least one fluid from inside the drill string to an annulus in the wellbore to modify a local property of the return fluid in the annulus based at least in part on the measured parameter of interest. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008648 | Apparatus and Method for Well Operations - A method for modifying a return fluid in a wellbore comprises disposing at least one controllable flow restrictor along a drill string in the wellbore. At least one parameter of interest is determined at at least one location along an annulus in the wellbore. Controllably actuating the at least one flow restrictor to modify a local property of a return fluid in the annulus based at least in part on the measured parameter of interest. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008644 | Tongs triggering method - A method for controlling and coordinating the operation of a lifting device and a tongs device in removing and disassembling and/or installing and assembling a series of elongate members disposed within a wellbore involves sequentially sensing the presence of a series of joints and automatically triggering the lifting device and tongs device in response thereto. In some examples, the method senses the location of an upper joint to determine when the lifting device should begin decelerating prior to stopping the ascent of a lower joint at a target elevation. In some examples, the method includes control means for automatically skipping various joints. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008646 | DEPTH/ORIENTATION DETECTION TOOL AND METHODS THEREOF - Methods and systems for depth and radial orientation detection are provided. Methods for determining the depth or radial orientation of one or more downhole components include the steps of providing a target mass and a using a detection device for detecting the depth and/or orientation of the target mass. In some cases, the target mass is initially nonradioactive and then, after installing the target mass downhole, it may be irradiated to form a relatively short-lived radioactive target mass, which may then be detected with a radiation detector. In this way, the target mass acts as a depth or radial orientation marker. Where the target mass is situated downhole in a known radial relationship to another downhole component, the radial orientation of the other downhole component may be deduced once the radial orientation of the target mass is determined Advantages include higher accuracies and reduced health, safety, and environmental risks. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008645 | Intelligent Well System And Method - An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines. 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. | 01-10-2013 |
20130020074 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FILTERING DATA INFLUENCED BY A DOWNHOLE PUMP - Disclosed is a method for transmitting data from a tool disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth to a receiver. The method includes disposing the tool in a borehole and receiving a series of measurements using a processor disposed at the tool. A telemetry system transmits a latest received measurement that meets acceptance criteria to the receiver after completion of transmission of a previously transmitted measurement. | 01-24-2013 |
20080236814 | USE OF MICRO-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEMS (MEMS) IN WELL TREATMENTS - A method comprising placing a sealant composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors in a wellbore and allowing the sealant composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a MEMS interrogator tool in the wellbore, beginning placement of a sealant composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors into the wellbore, and terminating placement of the sealant composition into the wellbore upon the interrogator tool coming into close proximity with the one or more MEMS sensors. A method comprising placing a plurality of MEMS sensors in a wellbore servicing fluid. A wellbore composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors, wherein the wellbore composition is a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid, a sealant, or combinations thereof. | 10-02-2008 |
20130168083 | Release Assembly for a Downhole Tool String and Method for Use Thereof - A release assembly ( | 07-04-2013 |
20130168085 | ACTIVE DRILLING MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR EXTENDED REACH AND COMPLEX WELLS - A dynamically controlled drill string includes a communications sub, a circulation sub and a measurement sub. The communications sub is operable to receive a wireless signals and retransmit the signals wirelessly. The measurement sub is operable to detect a downhole condition and transmit wirelessly a corresponding data signal. The circulation sub is operable to selectively permit fluid communication between the interior fluid conduit and the exterior of the dynamically controlled drill string at the circulation sub. The circulation sub is operable to selectively permit fluid communication through the internal fluid conduit at the circulation sub. A method for using the dynamically controlled drill string in a well bore includes the steps of introducing the dynamically controlled drill string into the well bore and introducing fluid operable to modify a detected downhole conditions into the well bore. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168086 | PRESSURE BALANCING PROPPANT ADDITION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling the flow of proppant into frac fluid during a frac. A first pressure source pressurizes fluid within a proppant addition unit. Process piping receives proppant through a proppant supply passage for supply to a frac pressure pump. A second pressure source pressurizes fluid within the process piping. A first sensor senses pressure on a first side of the proppant supply passage and outputs a first signal. A second sensor senses pressure on the process piping on a second side of the proppant supply passage and outputs a second signal. A processor receives the first signal and the second signal, and outputs a control signal to at least one of the first pressure source and the second pressure source in response to the first signal and the second signal to control proppant flow into the process piping. | 07-04-2013 |
20080217005 | AUTOMATED OIL WELL TEST CLASSIFICATION - The subject mater herein relates to oil well testing and, more particularly, automated oil well test classification. Various embodiments described herein provide systems, methods, and software for statistical analysis and classification of oil well tests. Some embodiments include receiving a first set of oil well test results from one or more measurement devices of a well test separator, storing the first set of oil well test results in a database, and annotating one or more tests of the first set oil well test results. The annotated test results are then used to build one or more classification models to enable automated oil well test classification as new oil well tests are performed. | 09-11-2008 |
20130112405 | Consolidating Spacer Fluids and Methods of Use - 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. | 05-09-2013 |
20130112404 | PREEMPTIVE SETPOINT PRESSURE OFFSET FOR FLOW DIVERSION IN DRILLING OPERATIONS - A method of controlling pressure in a well can include transmitting an instruction to change flow through an annulus formed radially between a drill string and a wellbore, and adjusting a pressure setpoint in response to the transmitting. A well drilling system can include a flow control device which varies flow through a drill string, and a control system which changes a pressure setpoint in response to an instruction for the flow control device to change the flow through the drill string. A method of controlling pressure in a well can include transmitting an instruction to divert flow from a drill string, and adjusting a pressure setpoint in response to the transmitting. | 05-09-2013 |
20130092371 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISTRIBUTED INTERFEROMETRIC ACCOUSTIC MONITORING - This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for acoustic monitoring using a fibre optic cable. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide for using an optical fiber as a distributed interferometer that may be used to monitor a conduit, wellbore or reservoir. In certain aspects, the distributed interferometric monitoring provides for accurate detection of acoustic occurrences along the fibre optic cable and these acoustic occurrences may include fluid flow in a pipeline or wellbore, processes taking place in a wellbore or pipeline, fracturing, gravel packing, production logging and/or the like. | 04-18-2013 |
20130098604 | DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF ISOLATION DEFECTS IN CEMENT - A method for evaluating wellbore integrity including introducing a drill to a surface of a casing encompassing an annulus, enclosing the drill in a housing hydraulically isolating the surface, drilling through the casing and into cement surrounding the casing, observing a pressure of the fluid, and using the pressure observation and a drill position to evaluate a presence of a defect and a location of the defect. Apparatus for evaluating wellbore integrity including a probe comprising a drill, wherein the probe is hydraulically isolated from the wellbore, a valve that encompasses the drill, a pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the fluid within the housing, a pressure gauge to measure the pressure in the system outside the housing, and equipment to compare the pressure measurements and the position of the drill and to evaluate a presence and a location of the defect. | 04-25-2013 |
20130133882 | Modular Downhole Tools and Methods - An apparatus includes a downhole tool for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool includes a modular cartridge assembly that includes a chassis assembly within a housing and that includes a flow line and an electrical pathway. The modular cartridge assembly includes a first connector at a first end and a second connector at a second end. The first connector and the second connector are in fluid communication with the flow line and are further in electrical communication with the electrical pathway. | 05-30-2013 |
20080196887 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ACTIVE CIRCUIT PROTECTION OF DOWNHOLE ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE PUMP MONITORING GAUGES - Embodiments of the present invention beneficially provide circuits and methods which isolate downhole electronics of a well pump assembly from a power surge. The pump assembly includes a motor and a housing, including head, base, and manifold plate. The head has a hollow interior and a shoulder. The head is mounted to the motor so that, in operation, oil from the motor fills the interior of the head. The base has an outside diameter to fit snugly inside the head. The manifold plate is located between an upper end of the base and the shoulder of the head so that the axis of the manifold plate is perpendicular to the axis of housing. A gauge circuit and an isolation circuit are mounted to the manifold plate. The isolation circuit includes active semiconductor elements to detect excessive voltage and to protect the gauge circuit from the excessive voltage. | 08-21-2008 |
20080196886 | Casing Vent Security Device - A casing vent security device is disclosed and illustrated. The device includes an in-line section in communication with a casing vent, the in-line section having an ambient air passageway for selectively allowing ambient air to pass through the in-line section and into the vent; a plurality of sensors disposed within the in-line section for monitoring the ambient air passing through the in-line section; occlusion means positioned in the in-line section for selectively occluding the passage of ambient air into the vent upon receiving a signal from the sensors; and signaling means for providing information on the plurality of sensors and the vent. | 08-21-2008 |
20100288492 | Intelligent Debris Removal Tool - A debris removal tool uses a screen to separate the debris coming into the tool from the moving fluid. The fluid that gets through the screen then operates a flow sensing device that is preferably a turbine whose speed of rotation or other characteristics of its movement generates a signal that is picked up by the measurement while drilling tool and conveyed to the surface. The surface personnel first respond by turning off surface pumps to allow debris to fall by gravity off the clogged screen. If that fails, the tool is pulled through the well fluid inducing a reverse flow through the screen to get the debris blocking it to go back into the well through the debris removal tool inlet. | 11-18-2010 |
20100307742 | METHOD OF DETERMINING AND UTILIZING HIGH FIDELITY WELLBORE TRAJECTORY - Various methods are disclosed, comprising obtaining a plurality of raw depth measurements for a wellbore; obtaining survey data about a bottom hole assembly; obtaining depth compensation information; calculating a plurality of compensated depth measurements from the raw depth measurements and the depth compensation information and one or more additional corrections for residual pipe compliance, tide, and rig heave; calculating sag angle and correcting the survey data with the sag angle; determining a high fidelity wellbore trajectory from the compensated depth measurements and the survey data; and then employing the high fidelity wellbore trajectory in various drilling, formation evaluation, and production and reservoir analysis applications. Depth compensation information may comprise at least one of weight on bit, a friction factor, temperature profile, borehole profile, drill string mechanical properties, hookload, and drilling fluid property. The surveys may include both static and continuous surveys. | 12-09-2010 |
20100307740 | METHODS FOR ALLOCATING COMMINGLED OIL PRODUCTION - Methods and related systems are described for real-time wellsite production allocation analysis. Spectroscopic in-situ measurements are made in the vicinity of a wellsite of a produced fluid from one or more boreholes. The produced fluid includes in a co-mingled state, at least a first fluid component from a first production zone and a second fluid component from a second production zone. An allocation is estimated in real-time for at least the first fluid component in the produced fluid based at least in part on the spectroscopic in-situ measurements. The in-situ measurements can be several types, for example: (1) absorption of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths in the range of ultraviolet, visible and/or infrared light, (2) X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy measurements, (3) electromagnetic scattering spectroscopic measurements such as Raman spectroscopy measurements, (4) NMR spectroscopy measurements, and (5) terahertz time-domain spectroscopy measurements. | 12-09-2010 |
20120273194 | METHODS OF CALCULATING A FLUID COMPOSITION N A WELLBORE - The subject disclosure relates to methods for passively measuring a composition of a wellbore. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273193 | NMR ANALYSIS OF UNCONVENTIONAL RESERVOIR ROCK SAMPLES - Systems and methods for magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of samples from unconventional reservoirs are described. Fast and inexpensive methods are described that can provide reliable information on TOC content, type, and maturity (via the relative abundances of different hydrocarbons, for example) without the need for more extensive sample preparation or destruction. If care is taken during sample recovery and storage, NMR can also yield an estimate of gas-in-place, including detailed typing (e.g. methane vs. ethane). The described MAS NMR analysis is used to determine various properties of unconventional reservoirs, including gas and oil shales, which are useful in evaluating their worth and producibility. | 11-01-2012 |
20130153213 | WEAR SENSOR FOR A PIPE GUIDE - The present disclosure relates to a system and a method to grip a tubular member and sense wear for a pipe handling apparatus. The system includes a pipe handling apparatus having a bore formed therein with an axis defined therethrough, a pipe guide disposed adjacent to an opening of the bore of the pipe handling apparatus, and a wear sensor coupled to the pipe guide. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153214 | Compositions Containing Kiln Dust and/or Biowaste Ash and Methods of Use - An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a kiln dust, biowaste ash, and water; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of cementing comprising: introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises a kiln dust, biowaste ash, and water; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method comprising: providing a spacer fluid comprising biowaste ash and water; introducing the spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid from the well bore; and introducing a cement composition into the well bore, wherein the spacer fluid separates the cement composition and the first fluid. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153212 | SPEED ACTIVATED CLOSURE ASSEMBLY IN A TUBULAR AND METHOD THEREOF - A tubular closure assembly responsive to speed or velocity of an object. The tubular closure assembly includes at least one sensor in operable communication with an interior of a tubular. The at least one sensor sensing an object passing a first point and then a second point within the tubular. A processor receiving an output from the at least one sensor and calculating speed of the object from the first point to the second point. A control panel receiving information from the processor and a closure system movable between an open condition and a closed condition. Activatable to the closed condition by the control panel in response to the object moving from the first point to the second point at speed faster than a preset value or at a velocity outside a preset range. Also included is a method of closing a tubular of a borehole. | 06-20-2013 |
20100314107 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING SIGNALS WITHIN A WELL - A method and device for a running tool for drilling or cleaning and setting a lining and a completion string in an underground borehole, The running tool comprising a drilling tool, an expandable casing, an expansion tool, a packer arranged to seal against the wall of the borehole, and at least one conduit extending up to the surface. The drilling tool is releasably connected to the lower portion of the expanding casing, and the expansion tool and the packer are releasably connected to the upper portion of the expanding casing. The running tool is arranged to communicate with the surface through at least one pipe conduit. | 12-16-2010 |
20100314102 | Method of investigation of oil and gas-producing wells - A method of determination of oil- and gas-productive layers in a well, includes performing a first logging in a well having a casing over a potentially promising depth of a well from a space inside the casing radially outwardly through the casing by sending transmitting signals into layers near the well and receiving reflected signals, with perforations in the casing and in the layers in condition of presence of a filtrate in the layers in the near-well zone, insulating the perforations in the layers from an interior of the well, maintaining the perforations of the layers insulated from the interior of the well over a time sufficient for migration of the filtrate away from the near-well zone and accumulating in the near-well zone of the layers oil or gas, performing a second logging in condition when the near-well zone of the layers no longer contains the filtrate but can contain oil or gas, and comparing the reflected signals obtained from the second logging with the reflected signals obtained from the first logging to determine the presence or absence of oil or gas in the layers within the potentially promising depths. | 12-16-2010 |
20110232902 | ESTIMATING RESERVOIR PROPERTIES FROM 4D SEISMIC DATA - Method for deriving a reservoir property change data volume from time shifts used to time-align 4D seismic survey data ( | 09-29-2011 |
20130180711 | Wellbore Pressure Actuation of Downhole Valves - Methods and systems for operating a valve control system to control a valve in a wellbore include identifying a differential pressure arrangement of a plurality of differential pressure arrangements for actuating the valve to a desired state based on a differential pressure of at least two pressure sources of the wellbore and a present state of the valve. Once identified, the differential pressure arrangement of the at least two pressure sources are utilized to initiate actuation of the valve from the present state to the desired state. | 07-18-2013 |
20110315376 | Gradient-Based Workflows For Conditioning Of Process-Based Geologic Models - A method for correlating predicted data describing a subsurface region with obtained data describing the subsurface region is provided. Data is obtained describing an initial state of the subsurface region. Data describing a subsequent state of the subsurface region is predicted. A likelihood measure that determines whether the predicted data is within an acceptable range of the obtained data is dynamically and/or interactively updated. The predicted data is compared with the obtained data using the likelihood measure and determining a sensitivity of the predicted data if the predicted data is not within an acceptable range of the obtained data as measured by the likelihood measure. Data describing the initial state of the subsurface region is adjusted based on the sensitivity before performing a subsequent iteration of predicting data describing the subsequent state of the subsurface region. The predicted data is outputted. | 12-29-2011 |
20120018148 | Real-time field friction reduction meter and method of use - A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising communicating a servicing fluid comprising a hydratable friction reducer and a base fluid to the subterranean formation via a route of fluid communication, determining an actual percent by which the friction reducer reduces a pipe friction pressure, comparing the actual percent by which the friction reducer reduces the pipe friction pressure to an ideal percent by which the friction reducer should reduce pipe friction pressure to determine an effectiveness of the friction reducer, and determining if the effectiveness of the friction reducer is within an acceptable range. A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising communicating a servicing fluid comprising a hydratable friction reducer and a base fluid to the subterranean formation via a route of fluid communication, measuring a wellhead pressure, determining a pipe friction pressure independent from the wellhead pressure, calculating a formation response pressure, and monitoring the formation response pressure. | 01-26-2012 |
20120018147 | VALVE ASSEMBLY EMPLOYABLE WITH A DOWNHOLE TOOL - A valve assembly employable with a downhole tool configured for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the valve assembly includes an actuator and a sensing apparatus configured to provide a first signal based on an environment associated with the valve assembly and a second signal based on a characteristic of the valve assembly. The valve assembly also includes a controller configured to provide a third signal to the actuator to alter the characteristic in response to the first and second signals. | 01-26-2012 |
20130192822 | Mine Dewatering System And Method - A system and method for efficiently and effectively removing water from mine areas is presented. In one embodiment, one or more directionally drilled dewatering wells are drilled into the geologic formation such that at least a portion of the dewatering well is positioned underneath the mine. In one embodiment, one or more of the dewatering wells may originate outside the perimeter of the mine so as not to interfere with mine operations. In one embodiment, a hydrogeologic assessment along with mine dewatering requirements may be used to generate a mine dewatering plan. In one embodiment, a hydrogeologic assessment along with a determination of the dewatering requirements of the mine and surrounding areas may be used to create a mine dewatering plan. In one embodiment, the mine dewatering plan provides design information pertaining to each dewatering well. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192823 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR MONITORING WELLBORE CONDITIONS - A method includes releasing a flow device into a wellbore to travel towards a target device that is positioned in the wellbore and that is actuated by the flow device, monitoring for communications transmitted by the flow device. The method further includes identifying a condition of the wellbore from the communications. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192824 | COMPACT CABLE SUSPENDED PUMPING SYSTEM FOR DEWATERING GAS WELLS - A motor includes two or more sections. Each section includes a submersible tubular housing and a stator core disposed within the housing. The stator core has one or more lobes and each lobe has a winding wrapped therearound. The motor further includes a rotor disposed within the housing and including a shaft and a rotor core. The rotor core has two or more lobes. Each section is incrementally oriented so that the sections may be operated to mimic a multi-phase motor. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192821 | MONITORING FIBER FOR A MACHINE AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION - An electric machine assembly and a method of installing an electric machine assembly, the electric machine including a downhole electric machine; and a fiber operatively arranged at least partially through a housing of the electric machine for sensing at least one parameter of the electric machine assembly. | 08-01-2013 |
20120043079 | SAND CONTROL WELL COMPLETION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A technique includes running a sand control completion system into a well, where the system includes at least one sensor, a gravel packing service tool and a sand control section. The sand control completion system is used to perform a gravel packing-related operation in the well in which a slurry is communicated downhole through the service tool to deposit gravel near the completion section. The technique includes regulating the gravel packing-related operation based at least in part on data acquired by said at least one sensor and communicated to an Earth surface of the well while the operation is being performed. | 02-23-2012 |
20130199775 | Monitoring Flow Past Submersible Well Pump Motor with Sail Switch - An electric submersible well pumping system (ESP) has a sail switch to measure fluid speed within the wellbore in the areas surrounding the motor to thereby determine fluid speed adjacent the motor. A controller controls the operation of the motor based on the inputs of the sail switch to thereby avoid overheating the motor to preserve motor longevity. The sail switch has a paddle that switches from a first toggle position to a second toggle position in response to a selected fluid speed. | 08-08-2013 |
20130206397 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING AND ORIENTING A BOREHOLE TOOL - A downhole positioning apparatus includes: a carrier configured to be disposed in a borehole in an earth formation, the carrier including at least one measurement tool and an extendable member configured to be actuated between a first position in which the extendable member is disposed at the carrier and a second position in which the member is extended from an outer surface of the carrier; and a receiving element fixedly disposed at a borehole casing, the receiving element configured to receive the elongated member when the member is in the second position and guide the carrier to a selected orientation as the carrier is moved axially through the borehole. | 08-15-2013 |
20130206398 | PROCESS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING WITH pH CONTROL - A process for hydraulic fracturing including the steps of (a) providing a fracturing fluid by combining water, proppant, an oxidizing biocide, and a friction reducer; (b) introducing the fracturing fluid into a well; and (c) controlling the pH of the fracturing fluid to a pH of at least about 4.5. | 08-15-2013 |
20130206399 | METHOD FOR PREHEATING AN OIL-SATURATED FORMATION - Method for preheating an oil reservoir comprises injecting saturated or superheated steam at an initial injection pressure into a tubing placed inside a well drilled in the oil reservoir. Steam temperature at an outlet of the tubing is measured and a heat flow from the well to the oil reservoir is calculated. An optimal steam injection rate when steam quality of the injected steam at the tubing outlet becomes greater than zero, is calculated, the optimal steam injection rate ensuring compensation of the heat flow from the well to the oil reservoir with the heat of steam condensation. A steam injection rate is decreased to the calculated optimal steam injection rate value by decreasing the initial injection pressure providing constant temperature at the outlet of the tubing. | 08-15-2013 |
20130206400 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THERMALLY TREATING AN OIL RESERVOIR - It is provided a method and an apparatus for continuously thermally treating an oil reservoir, in particular a method and an apparatus for thermally treating an oil reservoir by separately introducing a first and a second composition into an oil well and contacting the first and second compositions in a pay zone of the oil reservoir to initiate a chemical reaction producing heat and gases. With the method and apparatus according to the present invention it becomes possible to simultaneously introduce the compositions into the oil well and to extract the resultant oil or oil containing mixture through the same oil well. For this a sealing device like a packer, and at least one tubing are arranged in the oil well such that the sealing device is positioned in the pay zone of the oil reservoir and that openings in the casing of the oil well are located above and below the sealing device and the tubing extends through the packer and comprises at least one opening below the packer, wherein the packer seals the annular space between the outside of the tubing and the inside of the casing of the oil well so that two fluid passages are provided having no fluid connection inside the oil well. Thermal treatment is achieved by separately introducing the first and second compositions into the oil well through the resultant fluid passages, initiating a chemical reaction by contacting the compositions in the pay zone of the oil reservoir. The chemical reaction can be maintained by introducing at least one of the two compositions and the resultant oil or oil containing mixture can be extracted at the same time through the oil well. | 08-15-2013 |