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|SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Patent applications
|Patent application number
|Composition-Matched Inelastic or Capture Spectroscopy Tool - Composition-matched downhole tools and methods for using such tools are provided. One such method includes emitting neutrons using a neutron source in the downhole tool to generate formation gamma rays in a surrounding formation. At the same time, however, some of the neutrons may interact with different parts of the downhole tool to form tool gamma rays. The gamma ray spectra of at least some of the formation gamma rays and the tool gamma rays may be detected using a gamma ray detector. The tool gamma rays from the different parts of the tool may have a substantially similar spectral shape. As such, a processor may be used to analyze the spectra of the tool gamma rays using a single tool background standard, thereby simplifying the analysis and improving the precision of the results.
|Neutron Generator - A neutron generator includes a sealed envelope providing a low pressure environment for a gas of hydrogen isotope(s). One end of the envelope defines an ion source chamber. A target electrode is disposed at the other end of the envelope. An extraction electrode is spaced apart from the target electrode by an accelerating gap. The extraction electrode bounds the ion source chamber. An RF antenna is disposed external to the sealed envelope in the vicinity of the ion source chamber. The RF antenna is used to transmit time-varying electromagnetic fields within the ion source chamber for producing plasma therein. The extraction electrode operates at a positive high voltage potential and the target electrode operates at or near ground potential in order to provide an electric field gradient that accelerates ions of the plasma towards the target electrode to induce collisions of ions with target material, thereby causing fusion reactions that generate and emit neutrons from the target material. High voltage insulation is disposed between the RF antenna and both the ion source chamber and the extraction electrode for electrically insulating the RF antenna operating at or near ground potential from the high voltages of the ion source chamber and the extraction electrode.
|Method And Apparatus To Generate A Crosswell Data Set - Systems, methods, and apparatuses to generate a crosswell data set are described. In certain aspects, a method includes producing a first electromagnetic field at the earth's surface with a transmitter at a first location, detecting in a first borehole a first field signal induced by the first electromagnetic field, detecting in a second borehole a second field signal induced by the first electromagnetic field, and generating a crosswell data set from the first field signal and the second field signal. A formation model may be created from the crosswell data set.
|VIBRATION CONTROL FOR A CEMENT EVALUATION TOOL - Systems and methods for evaluating a cement installation are provided. In one example, the cement may be evaluated using a casing arrival measurement sensor that measures casing arrival signals resulting from firing a signal from a cement bond logging acoustic source. External signals (e.g., signals other than the casing arrival signals) may be attenuated by firing an attenuation firing signal.
|METHODS OF INVESTIGATING FORMATION SAMPLES USING NMR DATA - A methods are provided for investigating a sample containing hydrocarbons by subjecting the sample to a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sequence using NMR equipment, using the NMR equipment to detect signals from the sample in response to the NMR sequence, analyzing the signals to extract a distribution of relaxation times (or diffusions), and computing a value for a parameter of the sample as a function of at least one of the relaxation times (or diffusions), wherein the computing utilizes a correction factor that modifies the value for the parameter as a function of relaxation time for at least short relaxation times (or as a function of diffusion for at least large diffusion coefficients).
|Method of Obtaining Asphaltene Content of Crude Oils - A method for measuring asphaltene content of a crude oil is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring an optical density of a live crude oil within a well and calculating a formation volume factor of the live crude oil based on the measured optical density. The method also includes determining asphaltene content of the live crude oil based on the measured optical density and the calculated formation volume factor of the live crude oil. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.
|Perforating Packer Sampling Apparatus and Methods - Packers may be inflated within the wellbore to engage and isolate a portion of the wellbore wall. Charges included within the packers may then be fired to perforate the formation. According to certain embodiments, the charges may be located within drains in the packers that can be subsequently employed to sample the surrounding formation.
|Packer Tool Including Multiple Ports For Selective Guarding And Sampling - A tool may be used within a wellbore, the wellbore including a wall and extending in a formation with formation fluid. The tool may include a packer expandable against the wellbore wall and ports included within the packer and selectively openable to enable formation fluid to flow into the tool from the formation. The ports include a sample port to sample formation fluid from the formation, and include a guard port to guard the sample port from contamination. At least one of the ports is configurable between a sample port and a guard port.
|Perforating Packer Casing Evaluation Methods - Packers may be inflated within the wellbore to engage and isolate a portion of the wellbore casing. Charges included within the packers may then be fired to perforate the casing. According to certain embodiments, the charges may be located within drains in the packers that can be subsequently employed to induce and measure pressure changes within the casing and surrounding formation. The pressure measurements in turn can be used to determine the integrity and/or permeability of the casing.
|Detection And Identification Of Fluid Pumping Anomalies - A method for monitoring operation of a pumping system for pumping anomalies is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes operating a pump of a downhole tool to pump fluid through the downhole tool and continually measuring an operational parameter of the downhole tool over a period of time during pumping of the fluid through the downhole tool. The measurements of the operational parameter can be filtered, and the filtered measurements can be monitored to enable detection of pumping anomalies in the downhole tool. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
|Packer Tool Including Multiple Ports - A tool to be used within a wellbore including a wall, the wellbore extending through a formation including formation fluid, includes a first packer and a second packer. The first packer includes a packer port to enable formation fluid flow through the first packer, with the second packer spaced from the first packer. The first packer and the second packer are expandable to abut the wellbore wall to form an interval within the wellbore between the first packer and the second packer, in which the tool further includes an interval port in fluid communication with the interval.
|Packer Tool Including Multiple Port Configurations - A tool is to be used within a wellbore including a wall and extending into a formation with formation fluid. The tool includes a packer expandable against the wellbore wall with ports included within the packer to enable formation fluid to flow into the tool from the formation. The ports are arranged in a first port configuration optimized based upon a first predetermined formation property.
|Sample Capture Assurance For Sample Bottles - An arrangement for determining a state of a sample bottle, having an external housing, a fluid chamber configured to hold a fluid obtained from an environment, the fluid chamber within the external housing, a separation piston positioned at one end of the fluid chamber, the separation piston configured to move from a first position to a second position; a closure device configured to establish a closure; a protrusion extending from the control rod, the protrusion extending into a flowline; a central rod positioned within the external housing, the central rod configured to interface with the separation piston and move the separation piston from the first position to the second position and a limit switch located at a peripheral end of the protrusion, the limit switch configured to limit movement of the central rod when the limit switch is activated.
|METHOD OF TREATING A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION - A method of treating a subterranean formation, involving performing a fracturing operation and performing a shut in. At a time before or after the shut in is commenced, changes in properties at or near a fracture are estimated based upon monitored data. A plugging agent is injected taking into consideration the estimated changes in properties.
|METHODS FOR MINIMIZING OVERDISPLACEMENT OF PROPPANT IN FRACTURE TREATMENTS - A method of treating a subterranean formation includes generating a fracture in the subterranean formation, introducing a predetermined amount of proppant into a treatment fluid, and subsequently introducing a plugging agent into the treatment fluid before the entire predetermined amount of proppant reaches the fracture, minimizing overdisplacement of the proppant from the fracture.
|COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR TREATING SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION - A composition and method for performing a treatment of a subterranean formation. The composition includes an emulsified acid and a sulfobetaine surfactant. The emulsified acid and the sulfobetaine surfactant may be mixed to form a treatment composition, which may be injected into a subterranean formation as part of an acid fracturing or hydraulic fracturing treatment.
|Cables And Methods Of Making Cables - A cable that includes outer cable jacketing located about a conductor layer. The conductor layer includes cable elements that are resistant to compression and a plurality of compression-resistant members.
|METHOD FOR CONSTRAINED HISTORY MATCHING COUPLED WITH OPTIMIZATION - Apparatus and methods for hydrocarbon reservoir characterization and recovery including collecting geological data relating to a subteranean formation, forming initial parameters using the data, performing a pricipal component analysis of the parameters to create a model, and performing history matching using the model. In some embodiments, the principal component analysis is linear principal component analysis or kernal principal component analysis.
|Fast Field Mud Gas Analyzer - A fast field mud gas analyzer is presented. The fast field mud gas analyzer has a splitter system; a plurality of analytical lines composed of a micro chromatographic column and one or more detector; one or more heating element; and a computer system. The splitter system selectively applies a portion of an effluent sample flow through one or more outlets. The analytical lines are in fluid communication with the splitter system and receive at least a portion of the effluent sample flow. The micro chromatographic column separates portions of the effluent sample flow. The detector analyzes the separated portions and generates information indicative of analysis of the separated portions. The heating element heats the portion of the effluent sample flow within the analytical line. The computer system controls the splitter system and the one or more heating element and receives the information from the detectors.
|Method And Apparatus For Tool Retrieval - The present disclosure is directed towards, in general, retrieval tools operable for conveyance within a wellbore extending below a wellsite surface, and methods of using such retrieval tools. One such retrieval tool comprises an annular member operable to receive a conveyance terminating at a downhole tool lodged within the wellbore. The annular member may subsequently receive and engage a portion of the downhole tool. The retrieval tool also comprises a flapper selectively operable to sever the conveyance if the downhole tool cannot be dislodged from the wellbore.
|Flow Rate From Displacement Unit Piston Position - A method to detect flow rate from a displacement unit entailing locating the displacement unit in a fluid path, monitoring a piston position in the displacement unit for a stroke direction change, starting a timer upon a stroke direction change, monitoring at least one check valve position for an alteration of position, stopping the timer upon the alteration of position, calculating a time between the stroke direction change and the alternation of position, calculating a volume of the displacement unit and calculating the flow rate from the displacement unit by dividing the volume of the displacement unit by the calculated time.
|Method And Apparatus For Consistent And Robust Fitting In Oil Based Mud Filtrate Contamination Monitoring From Multiple Downhole Sensors - A method for performing contamination monitoring through estimation wherein measured data for optical density, gas to oil ratio, mass density and composition of fluid components are used to obtain plotting data and the plotting data is extrapolated to obtain contamination levels.
|Assessing Reservoir Connectivity In Hydrocarbon Reservoirs - A method is disclosed for assessing connectivity between sections in a hydrocarbon reservoir. Samples of hydrocarbons are collected over different depths in at least one wellbore. Fluorescence intensity determines the actual heavy end concentrations of hydrocarbons for the corresponding COLLECT GAS CONDENSATE different depths. Estimated heavy end concentrations of hydrocarbons for corresponding different depths are determined and the actual heavy end concentrations of hydrocarbons are compared with the estimated heavy end concentrations to assess connectivity between sections of the hydrocarbon reservoir.
|Water Line Control For Sample Bottle Filling - An arrangement for sampling a fluid, having a sample bottle with an associated piston, wherein the piston separates the sample bottle into an inlet side and a water side, a fluid sample line connected to the sample bottle at the inlet side, the fluid sample line transporting a fluid, a solenoid connected to the sample bottle on the water side of the sample bottle and a check valve connected to the sample bottle on the water side of sample bottle, wherein fluid enters the sample bottle on the inlet side upon actuation of at least one of the solenoid and the check valve on the water side of the sample bottle.
|Method And Apparatus For Water-Based Mud Filtrate Contamination Monitoring In Real Time Downhole Water Sampling - A method and apparatus for performing water based mud-filtrate contamination monitoring in real time through evaluation of downhole water sampling.
|Intervention Operations With High Rate Telemetry - A technique facilitates an improved operation of a tool, such as a downhole tool. The tool is operated in a manner which provides a dynamic or cyclical loading. The dynamic or cyclical loading of the tool is sampled by a suitable sensing system at a frequency greater than the frequency of the dynamic or cyclical loading to collect detailed data on the dynamic or cyclical loading. The data is used to adjust the tool in a manner which improves operation of the tool. One technique for adjusting the tool is changing the dynamic or cyclical loading of the tool by adjusting the frequency of the dynamic or cyclical loading.
|High Density Microelectronics Packaging - Example packaging of microelectronics and example methods of manufacturing the same are provided herein. The packaging can enable and/or improve the use of the microelectronics in a downhole, high temperature and/or high pressure setting. The microelectronics packaging can include double-sided active components, heat sinks, and/or three-dimensional stacking of dies.
|PUMP ACTUATED JAR FOR DOWNHOLE SAMPLING TOOLS - An apparatus configured to impart a force on a downhole component, having a piston configured to expand from a movement of a drilling fluid in a downhole environment, a weight configured to move from a first position to a second position, wherein the weight contacts the piston and the piston is configured to move the weight from the first position to the second position when the piston expands from movement of the drilling fluid, a spring configured to contact a bearing surface and the weight, wherein movement of the weight toward the second position compresses the spring, a return spring configured to impart a force on the weight to return the weight to the first position from the second position and a trigger mechanism configured to actuate a return of the weight from the second position to the first position by the return spring.
|OILFIELD SURFACE EQUIPMENT COOLING SYSTEM - Systems and methods for cooling process equipment are provided. The system includes a process fluid source, and a heat exchanger fluidly coupled with the process equipment and the process fluid source. The heat exchanger is configured to receive a process fluid from the process fluid source and transfer heat from the process equipment to the process fluid. The system also includes a control system fluidly coupled with the heat exchanger. The control system is configured to vary a temperature of the process fluid heated in the heat exchanger. Further, at least a portion of the process fluid heated in the heat exchanger is delivered into a wellbore at a temperature below a boiling point of the process fluid.
|Downhole Gamma Ray Source Using Neutron Activation - A method is for creating a gamma ray source downhole by creating a radioactive material through irradiation of an inert material by high energy neutrons, wherein the material to be activated may surround the neutron source in close proximity to form a compact gamma ray source. The gamma rays generated by the activation may be used to perform nuclear measurements downhole.
|Wellbore Signal Monitor with Tangential Seismic Sensors for Tube-Wave Noise Reduction - A sensor array is positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The sensor array includes a plurality of seismic sensors disposable about a perimeter of the wellbore and coupleable to a signal measurer with a configuration to provide three component seismic signal measurement within the wellbore. At least two of the seismic sensors are located at different azimuthal angles relative to one another and oriented tangentially to a longitudinal axis of the wellbore so as to receive tangential components of wellbore seismic signals to the exclusion of longitudinal and radial components of the wellbore seismic signals.
|Conductor Component - A conductor having a first half and a second half. The first half has a first solid conductor. A first insulating layer is disposed about the first solid conductor. The second half has a second solid conductor. A second insulating layer is disposed about the second solid conductor. The first half and second half are engaged with one another, and an outer insulating layer is disposed about the first half and the second half.
|AQUEOUS SOLUTION AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF - Oilfield treatment compositions contain water, hydrochloric acid at a concentration between 15 wt % and 45.7 wt % and a first fixing agent. The first fixing agent comprises urea, a urea derivative or both. The molar ratio between the first fixing agent and water may be higher than or equal to 0.5, and urea is the dominant solvent species in the compositions. In these compositions the first fixing agent provides corrosion inhibition when exposed to steel. The compositions may also contain a second fixing agent and an inhibitor aid.
|APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING AN INLINE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY MONITOR - A method is disclosed in which an electrical conductivity of a treatment fluid is measured with one or more sensor at various instants of time. The method is further performed by generating one or more signals indicative of the electrical conductivity of the treatment fluid and transmitting the one or more signals to a computer system. The method is further performed by analyzing the one or more signals to determine a phase change in the treatment fluid based upon a positive or negative change in the electrical conductivity of the treatment fluid from a predetermined electrical conductivity range.
|Downhole Electrochemical Sensor and Method of Using Same - An electrochemical sensor of a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The downhole tool has a flowline to receive downhole fluid. The electrochemical sensor includes a bulkhead carried by the downhole tool, a membrane exposed to the downhole fluid in the flowline, and an electrochemical cell supported by the bulkhead about the membrane. The electrochemical cell includes a plurality of cell sensors, at least one cell electrode, and a sensing solution. The plurality cell sensors include an analyte sensor, a temperature sensor, and a pH sensor. The sensing solution is reactive to certain analytes in the downhole fluid to generate electrical signals measurable by the plurality of cell sensors whereby parameters of chemicals in the downhole fluid may be measured.
|AQUEOUS SOLUTION AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF - Oilfield treatment compositions contain water, hydrochloric acid at a concentration between 15 wt % and 45.7 wt % and a first and second fixing agent. The first fixing agent comprises urea, a urea derivative or both. The second fixing agent may be a mixture or amines and alcohols. These compositions provide corrosion inhibition when exposed to steel. The compositions may also contain an inhibitor aid.
|NON-RESONANT MAGNETIC RESONANCE TRANSMITTER WITH POWER FACTOR CORRECTION - A non-resonant transmitter for a magnetic resonance (MR) system, such as a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system, is described herein. The transmitter includes a coil for applying NMR pulse sequences to a substance. The coil is coupled to a circuit that includes a capacitor, a number of switches, and a power source. The transmitter operates in two modes. In a charging mode, the switches decouple the coil from the capacitor and the capacitor is charged by the power source. In a discharging mode, a radio frequency pulse is generated and the switches couple and decouple the coil from the capacitor so that the capacitor provides power to the coil. The addition of the capacitor improves the power factor of the circuit and reduces power draw from the power source.
|METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING MUD CONTAMINATION OF FORMATION FLUID - A formation fluid sample is analyzed using NMR spectroscopy to obtain a NMR spectrum. The NMR spectrum is then analyzed to find evidence of the amount of olefins present in the sample. The amount of olefins present in the sample can then be correlated to the level of contamination of the sample. In one embodiment, a
|Multi-Angle Rotary Steerable Drilling - Rotary steerable drilling apparatus and methods utilizing apparatus comprising a shaft, a multi-angle strike ring axially repositionable along the shaft, an articulated member coupled to the shaft, and a steering member carried by the articulated member. An actuator is operable to maintain an angular offset of the articulated member relative to the shaft by maintaining azimuthally-dependent contact between the multi-angle strike ring and the steering member.
|DOWNHOLE FRACTURING SYSTEM AND TECHNIQUE - A system that is usable with a well includes a first tubing string and a plurality of tubing segments. The first tubing string is deployed in the well and includes a plurality of valve assemblies, which span a segment of the first tubing string. The tubing segments are adapted to be deployed in the well inside the first tubing string and attach together in the segment of the first tubing string in a sequence to form a second tubing string in a manner that allows sequential operation of the valve assemblies of the first tubing string.
|PARYLENE COATED CHEMICAL ENTITIES FOR DOWNHOLE TREATMENT APPLICATIONS - Fluids including a parylene-coated chemical entity and methods of treating a subterranean formation with such fluids are disclosed. The methods may include introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid containing a parylene-coated particle having a chemical entity encapsulated therein.
|AQUEOUS SOLUTION AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF - Aqueous compositions contain hydrochloric acid at a concentration between 8 wt % and 28 wt % inclusive. The amino acid; hydrochloric acid mole ratio may be between 0.2 and 1.5. Sufficient water is present to dissolve the hydrochloric acid and the amino acid. Such compositions have utility as retarders for acid compositions employed in the stimulation of subterranean formations. Slowing the reaction between the acid and formation helps maximize formation permeability and productivity.
|Compression-Actuated Multi-Cycle Circulation Valve - A downhole tool conveyed via tubing within a wellbore at a wellsite comprises a hydraulic tool driven by fluid pumped to the hydraulic tool via the tubing. The downhole tool further comprises a valve in fluid communication between the tubing and the hydraulic tool. The valve is configurable in the wellbore between an expanded position, establishing a bypass diverting at least a portion of the pumped fluid away from the hydraulic tool, and a compressed position, closing the bypass.
|Methods and Systems for Downhole Fluid Analysis - Example systems described herein to perform downhole fluid analysis include a depressurizer to be positioned downhole in a geological formation to depressurize a formation fluid in the geological formation. In such example systems, the depressurization of the formation fluid is to cause bubbles to nucleate in the formation fluid. Such example systems also include an imaging processor to be positioned downhole in the geological formation. In such example systems, the imaging processor is to capture imaging data associated with the formation fluid and to detect nucleation of the bubbles in the formation fluid based on the imaging data. Such example systems further include a controller to report measurement data via a telemetry communication link to a receiver to be located outside the geological formation. In such example systems, the measurement data includes a bubble point of the formation fluid calculated based on the detected nucleation of the bubbles.
|Method of Acquiring Viscosity of A Downhole Fluid - Methods of acquiring viscosity of a downhole fluid in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The downhole fluid is measurable by a vibrating wire viscometer positionable in the wellbore. The method involves acquiring a signal of the downhole fluid from the viscometer, generating an initial estimate of the viscosity parameter based on measured viscosity signal parameters and by selectively adjusting the viscosity signal, and generating final estimates of the viscosity parameters by performing Kalman filtering on the initial estimates.
|Processing Seismic Data by Nonlinear Stacking - Seismic data processing using one or more non-linear stacking enabling detection of weak signals relative to noise levels. The non-linear stacking includes a double phase, a double phase-weighted, a real phasor, a squared real phasor, a phase and an N-th root stack. Microseismic signals as recorded by one or more seismic detectors and transformed by transforming the signal to enhance detection of arrivals. The transforms enable the generation of an image, or map, representative of the likelihood that there was a source of seismic energy occurring at a given point in time at a particular point in space, which may be used, for example, in monitoring operations such as hydraulic fracturing, fluid production, water flooding, steam flooding, gas flooding, and formation compaction.
|Compression and Timely Delivery of Well-Test Data - A modem is described having a transceiver assembly, a non-transitory processor readable medium coupled to the transceiver assembly, transceiver electronics coupled to the transceiver and the non-transitory processor readable medium, and a power supply supplying power to the transceiver assembly and the transceiver electronics. The transceiver electronics are configured to calculate a size of an output bit stream based on an encoding scheme to encode for transmission data stored in the non-transitory processor readable medium, decimate the data if the size of the output bit stream exceeds a predetermined size, recalculate the size of the output bit stream, after decimation of the data, based on the encoding scheme to encode for transmission the decimated data, and encode the data using the encoding scheme.
|Mud Actuated Drilling System - A technique facilitates drilling of a variety of a wellbores. The technique comprises providing a directional drilling system with a drill bit mounted at the end of a collar having an internal flow passage for drilling fluid. The collar is rotatably positioned in a steering structure to which a plurality of steering members is mounted for lateral motion with respect to the steering structure. The design allows the steering structure to remain rotationally stationary with respect to the surrounding borehole wall as the collar and drill bit are rotated to perform a drilling operation. The drilling orientation of the collar and the drill bit may be adjusted by routing drilling fluid from the internal flow passage to at least one of the steering members to cause lateral displacement of the steering member while the steering structure remains in the rotationally stationary position.
|Tool Health Evaluation System and Methodology - A technique facilitates evaluation of a tool, such as a drill tool. The technique comprises collecting tool data via a sensor on a given tool during use of that tool in a given operation, e.g. drilling operation. Additional data related to the tool is accumulated from a plurality of sources external to the tool. For example, data may be collected from both downhole sources and surface sources. Upon completion of the operation, the tool data is transmitted to the surface for processing on a processor system in combination with the data cumulated from sources external to the tool. The processing may be performed in real time as the tool data is received from downhole to enable a comprehensive diagnosis of tool health prior to retrieval of the tool to the surface.
|Compositions and Methods for Completing Subterranean Wells - Spacer fluids that are stable at temperatures up to at least 300° C. comprise water, polystyrene sulfonate and a mixture of particulate materials. The particulate materials may be chosen such that the mixture has at least a trimodal particle-size distribution. The fluids may further comprise inorganic clays, mutual solvents and surfactants.
|WELL TREATMENT WITH SHAPESHIFTING PARTICLES - Well treatment with shapeshifting particles. Methods, treatment fluids and systems utilizing shapeshifting particles are disclosed. One method relates to the injection of the shapeshifting particles into a fracture, and changing a conformation of the shapeshifting particles to improve conductivity. A treatment fluid comprises the shapeshifting particles dispersed in a carrier fluid, and a system comprises a unit to supply the treatment fluid, a pump system to inject the treatment fluid into the fracture and a triggering system to change the conformation of the shapeshifting particles.
|MUD LOGGING DEPTH AND COMPOSITION MEASUREMENTS - A sample that includes formation content from a subsurface formation and other sample constituents is obtained while the sample is in close proximity to the subsurface formation. While downhole, the formation content is separated from the other sample constituents by passing the sample through an oil-wet porous plate, a water-wet porous plate, or through both plates, and analyzed. Various petrophysical properties of the formation content may be determined. To further separate the formation content, one may pass the sample through a mesh, pass the sample into an expansion chamber, or draw the sample into a chamber using a moveable piston. The formation content may be analyzed downhole using, for example, a mass spectrometer, FTIR, or chromatograph. The hydrocarbon contribution from oil based drilling fluid can be accounted for. Alternatively, a capsule may be charged with "live" formation content and conveyed uphole to be analyzed.
|Computer-Based Method for 3D Simulation of Oil and Gas Operations - The present disclosure relates to a computer-based method for 3D simulation of oil and gas operations. According to an aspect, the method comprises:—selecting from a database comprising data related to a plurality of equipments and a plurality of environments, one environment and at least one equipment;—loading, using a processor, core data and 3D models related to the selected environment and equipment(s), wherein the core data and 3D models are stored in the database;—determining, using the processor, the position of the selected equipment(s) in the selected environment, based on the core data of the equipment(s) and environment;—generating, using the 3D models and the determined position of the equipment(s), a 3D representation of a scene comprising the selected environment and equipment(s);—displaying views and/or animations related to the equipment(s) and/or environment upon request of a user, wherein the views and/or animations are derived from the 3D models.
|Tube Forming Device - A technique facilitates the plastic deformation of tubing to a desired size and shape. The technique enables deformation of tubing, such as a coiled tubing end, in a manner which facilitates installation of a tubing connector. A tubing forming device is used in cooperation with a tubing injector. The tubing injector moves the tubing through a die of the tubing forming device in a linear direction so as to deform the tubing to a desired shape and/or size.
|METHOD AND SYSTEM TO AVOID PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF LINER HANGER - A technique facilitates avoidance of premature actuation of a liner hanger in a wellbore. The technique utilizes a running string which may be coupled to a liner having a liner hanger. The running string extends into the liner in a manner which creates an inner pressure region within the running string, an intermediate pressure region between the running string and the liner, and an outer or annulus pressure region surrounding the liner. The inner pressure region is initially isolated from the intermediate pressure region by a closure mechanism during, for example, movement downhole. The closure mechanism selectively closes off a port used to actuate the liner hanger.
|SEGMENTED SEAT ASSEMBLY - An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first plurality of segments, and the second portion includes a second plurality of segments. The apparatus is deployable in a tubing string that is installed in the well, and the second plurality of segments is adapted to engage the tubing string and exert a force on the first plurality of segments. The first plurality of segments is adapted to expand to form a seat in the tubing string to receive an untethered object in response to the force, and the second plurality of segments is adapted to be released from the first plurality of segments downhole in the well.
|HIGH INTERNAL PHASE RATIO INVERT EMULSION - A water-in-oil type emulsion having a dispersed particle volume fraction of greater than about 60 volume percent, based on the based on the total volume of the emulsion. Methods to produce the emulsion, treatment fluids comprising the emulsion, and uses thereof are also disclosed.
|FORMATION IMAGING USING NEUTRON ACTIVATION - A method for determining azimuthal formation information using neutron activation, wherein the formation is activated by a neutron source and the activation signal is measured by at least one detector trailing the neutron source during the logging operation. The number of detected gamma rays as a function of the detector azimuth may be used to provide azimuthal information for determining an image of the formation surrounding the borehole.
|SHOCK MITIGATOR - An assembly with a shock inducing tool and shock sensitive components. The assembly includes a shock mitigator that is constructed in a manner that allows a communication line to stretch across an interface of the mitigator between a housing for the components and the shock inducing tool. So, for example, where the tool is a perforating gun, power and/or communication with the tool need not be sacrificed for in exchange for safeguarding electronic components of the housing with the mitigator.
|Downhole Sampling Probe with Penetrating Inlet and Method of Using Same - A probe of a downhole tool deployable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The downhole tool has at least one flowline extendable therein. The formation has a clean fluid therein. The probe includes a base carried by the downhole tool and positionable adjacent a wall of the wellbore, a penetrating inlet carried by the base and having a tip about a sampling end thereof to receive the clean fluid, and an inlet packer. The penetrating inlet is in fluid communication with the at least one flowline, and extendable through the wall of the wellbore a distance into the formation. The inlet packer is inflatably positionable about the penetrating inlet to form a seal with the formation and isolate the tip therein whereby the clean fluid may be drawn from the formation and into the downhole tool.
|POWER SYSTEMS FOR WIRELINE WELL SERVICE USING WIRED PIPE STRING - A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface to a selected depth in a wellbore. The pipe string includes at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber signal channel. A power sub including an electric power source is coupled proximate a lower end of the pipe string. At least one electrically powered wireline configurable wellbore instrument is coupled to the power source in the sub.
|IDENTIFYING GEOLOGICAL FORMATION DEPTH STRUCTURE USING WELL LOG DATA - A method for performing a field operation of a field having a subterranean formation. The method includes analyzing, by a computer processor, a plurality of training well logs of a plurality of training wells in the field to generate a plurality of training well markers, wherein the plurality of training well markers identify where the plurality of training wells intercept a plurality of geologic interval boundaries in the subterranean formation, propagating, by the computer processor and onto a target well log of a target well in the field, the plurality of training well markers to generate a plurality of target well markers, wherein the plurality of target well markers identify where the target well intercepts the plurality of geologic interval boundaries, and performing the field operation based at least on identifying where the target well intercepts the plurality of geologic interval boundaries.
|Drill Bit Assembly Imaging Systems and Methods - Drill bit assembly imaging systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes directing light conveying an image of a target through a portion of a drill bit assembly and capturing the image via an image sensor disposed inside the drill bit assembly. The example method also include determining drilling information based on the image via an image processor disposed inside the drill bit assembly.
|GEOREFERENCED BOOKMARK DATA - A method, apparatus, and program product manage georeferenced bookmarks. Responsive to receiving a request to store a bookmark for a visualization of geological and geophysical data, an affine transformation that maintains an aspect ratio of the visualization is determined. A georeferenced image for the visualization is generated based at least in part on the affine transformation, and a georeferenced bookmark including the georeferenced image is generated.
|Method And Systems For Stick Mitigation Of Cable - A system for stick mitigation of a cable in a well includes a derrick operatively aligned with a well. The derrick supports a cable and a cable injector. The cable injector is operatively aligned with the well and the cable, and the cable injector is disengaged during normal operations.
|Method And Apparatus To Enable Toolstring To Negotiate Obstructions Downhole - An apparatus to allow a toolstring to negotiate obstructions in a well includes an elongated body, a centralizer connected with the elongated body; and a nose connected with an end of the elongated body. The nose actuates the centralizer when moved towards the centralizer.
|SOLIDS DELIVERY APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A WELL - A method that is usable with a well includes introducing solids into a pneumatic stream to produce a solids-containing pneumatic stream; communicating the solids-containing pneumatic stream to a blender assembly to mix the solids with at least one other material to produce a flow; and pumping the flow into the well.
|High Voltage Resistor And Methods Of Fabrication - A high voltage resistor includes a ceramic substrate having a surface and defining a groove, and a resistive film deposited in the groove such that the resistive film is recessed relative to the surface of the ceramic substrate.
|Systems and Methods for Detecting Movement of Drilling/Logging Equipment - Remote sensing systems and methods for analyzing characteristics of moving drilling equipment, for example, rotational movement rate, longitudinal movement rate, geometry or combinations thereof, are provided. The sensing systems may include a detectable substance, marking equipment for marking the drilling equipment with the detectable substance, detection equipment for detecting the detectable substance and capturing data from which drilling equipment movement and/or geometry may be estimated, and processing equipment for estimating movement and/or geometry information from the captured data. The methods include marking the drilling equipment with a detectable substance, detecting the detectable substance, and using data captured during the detection to analyze movement and geometry of the drilling equipment.
|SEGMENTED RING ASSEMBLY - A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a segmented ring assembly in the well; and disposing the segmented ring assembly between a first element fixed in place in the well and a second unfixed element. The technique includes using the second element to compress the assembly to produce radially and tangentially acting forces on segments of the assembly.
|WELL TREATMENT - Rapidly pulsed injection fracture acidizing. A method comprises rapidly pulsed injection of a high reactivity fracture treatment fluid mode or substage alternated with one or more low reactivity treatment fluid modes or substages.
|WELLSITE HANDLING SYSTEM FOR PACKAGED WELLSITE MATERIALS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - Systems and methods for handling wellsite packets for a wellsite are provided. The wellsite packets include soluble packaging with wellsite materials therein. The wellsite has surface equipment and downhole equipment positioned about a wellbore. The handling system includes at least one feeder, at least one mixer, at least one metering device, and a pump. The feeder moves the wellsite packets directly or indirectly into the mixer. The mixer stimulates dissolution of the soluble packaging so as to mix the wellsite materials with a fluid to form a wellsite mixture. The metering device selectively controls the number of wellsite packets moving to the mixer. The pump is operatively coupled to the mixer to pump the wellsite mixture at the wellsite.
|Nozzle Assembly - A nozzle assembly including a nozzle. The nozzle has an elongated body. The elongated body has a nozzle end at one end and a connection portion at another end. A joint section is connected with the connection portion. The joint section allows the nozzle to move axially and radially when an axial force is applied to the nozzle end.
|OILFIELD BIOCIDE - A well treatment fluid comprising a 2-oxo-aldehyde having 3 or more carbon atoms is disclosed herein. Methods to prepare and to utilize the fluid, and to inhibit biological degradation of a well treatment fluid, are also disclosed.
|Cleaning Mechanisms for Optical Elements - Cleaning mechanisms for optical elements are disclosed herein. Example apparatus disclosed herein to clean an optical element can include a cover positionable over a first side of the optical element. In some examples, the cover is controllable to transition between a first position and a second position. For example, the cover can form a gap between a first side of the optical element and the cover when the cover is in the first position, and the cover can provide the optical element with access to a field-of-view when the cover is in the second position. Such example apparatus can also include a flushing assembly controllable to inject cleaning fluid into the gap when the cover is in the first position. In some examples, the flushing assembly also includes a valve that is controllable to permit the cleaning fluid to exit the gap after having been injected into the gap.
|EVALUATION OF FLUID-PARTICLE MIXTURES BASED ON DIELECTRIC MEASUREMENTS - A system is described for evaluating coagulation of particles in a downhole fluid-particle mixture based on dielectric measurements. An example downhole treatment is one in which flocs are used to plug a high-permeability subterranean formation zone as part of a stimulation procedure. An injection tube is positioned within the wellbore to the high-permeability zone. An instrumented section of tubing includes one or more dielectric probes that are positioned and configured to make dielectric measurements of the particle-fluid mixture flowing in the tubing or in the annulus. The downhole dielectric measurements are used to indicate whether or not the particle-fluid mixture has the desired structural properties. An operator on the surface can make adjustments in real-time according to the received dielectric measurements.
|Dual-Flow Valve Assembly - A valve assembly connectable between first and second downhole components that each have first and second internal flowpaths. The valve assembly comprises a first valve operable to selectively fluidly couple the first internal flowpaths of the first and second downhole components, as well as a second valve operable to selectively fluidly couple the second internal flowpaths of the first and second downhole components.
|Method of Formation Evaluation with Cleanup Confirmation - Methods of evaluating a downhole fluid with a downhole tool. The downhole tool is positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, and has a probe positionable adjacent a wall of the wellbore and pumps, the probe having a sampling inlet and a contamination inlet to draw fluid from the formation into the downhole tool with the pumps. The methods involve pumping fluid into the downhole tool through the sampling inlet and the contamination inlet, varying the pumping of the fluid through the sampling inlet and the contamination inlet at a plurality of flow rates, measuring parameters of the fluid passing through the sampling inlet and the contamination inlet (the fluid parameters comprising optical density), and determining cleanup of contamination during sampling by examining changes in optical density of the fluid entering the sampling inlet at the flow rates.
|NMR Analysis of A Core Sample Employing An Open Permanent Magnet Removable from A Core Holder - An apparatus and method for NMR analysis of a plurality of core samples includes a core holder (
|SWELLABLE BALL SEALERS - Swellable ball sealers comprising swellable material are described. A swellable ball sealer may be used as a diversion agent by being suspended in a fluid injected into a wellbore and swelling once seated on a perforation such that the swellable ball sealer adapts to the shape of a perforation opening on which the swellable ball sealer has seated.
|WELL TREATMENT WITH UNTETHERED AND/OR AUTONOMOUS DEVICE - Well treatment with an untethered and/or autonomous device. In situ channelization treatment fluids used in multistage well treatment with an untethered and/or autonomous device is also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and/or systems for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, relating to in situ channelization treatment fluids, which may optionally be energized, and untethered and/or autonomous devices.
|Well Treatment - Using in situ channelization treatment fluids in multistage well treatment is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods, fluids, equipment and/or systems for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, relating to in situ channelization treatment fluids.
|METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE OPTIMIZING OF HETEROGENEOUS PROPPANT PLACEMENT UNDER UNCERTAINTY - Apparatus and methods for delivering and placing proppant to a subterranean formation fracture including identifying control variables and uncertain parameters of the proppant delivery and placement, optimizing a performance metric of the proppant delivery and placement under uncertainty, calculating sensitivity indices and ranking parameters according to a relative contribution in total variance for an optimized control variable, and updating a probability distribution for parameters, repeating optimizing comprising the probability distribution, and evaluating a risk profile of the optimized performance metric using a processor. Some embodiments may deliver proppant to the fracture using updated optimized values of control variables.
|PRESSURE BALANCED FLOW THROUGH LOAD MEASUREMENT - A technique facilitates measuring loads while compensating for the effects of differential pressure. The technique utilizes a load cell comprising a chassis and a sensing element mounted on the chassis. A housing encloses the sensing element in a chamber formed between the chassis and the housing. The housing is connected to the chassis in a manner to transfer loading, e.g. compressive, tensile, and/or torque loading. A pressure compensating piston is positioned within an interior of the chassis and the housing. A plurality of seal points is located in a manner which isolates the sensing element from the effects of differential pressures between the interior and an exterior of the load cell.
|Energy Radiation Generator With Uni-Polar Voltage Ladder - A well-logging tool may include a sonde housing and a radiation generator carried by the sonde housing. The radiation generator may include a generator housing, a target carried by the generator housing, a charged particle source carried by the generator housing to direct charged particles at the target, and at least one voltage source coupled to the charged particle source. The at least one voltage source may include a voltage ladder comprising a plurality of voltage multiplication stages coupled in a uni-polar configuration, and at least one loading coil coupled at at least one intermediate position along the voltage ladder. The well-logging tool may further include at least one radiation detector carried by the sonde housing.
|Energy Radiation Generator With Bi-Polar Voltage Ladder - A well-logging tool may include a sonde housing, and a radiation generator carried by the sonde housing. The radiation generator may include a generator housing, a target carried by the generator housing, a charged particle source carried by the generator housing to direct charged particles at the target, and at least one voltage source coupled to the charged particle source. The at least one voltage source may include a voltage ladder comprising a plurality of voltage multiplication stages coupled in a bi-polar configuration, and at least one loading coil coupled at at least one intermediate position along the voltage ladder. The well-logging tool may further include at least one radiation detector carried by the sonde housing.
|WELLBORE ANNULAR SAFETY VALVE AND METHOD - A well system includes an annular barrier separating the tubing-casing annulus into an upper annulus and a lower annulus and a barrier valve coupled with the annular barrier, the barrier valve permitting one-way fluid communication from the upper annulus to the lower annulus. The annular barrier may include dual cup packers.
|WELLBORE ANNULAR SAFETY VALVE AND METHOD - A well system includes an annular barrier separating the tubing-casing annulus into an upper annulus and a lower annulus and a barrier valve coupled with the annular barrier, the barrier valve permitting one-way fluid communication from the upper annulus to the lower annulus. The annular barrier may include a female polished bore receptacle integrated in the casing and a male seal assembly integrated in the tubing. The tubing bore and an annular fluid conduit extend through the male seal assembly substantially parallel to one another and the barrier valve is connected in the annular fluid conduit.
|IN SITU CHANNELIZATION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INCREASING FRACTURE CONDUCTIVITY - A method and system for increasing fracture conductivity. A treatment slurry stage has a continuous first solid particulate concentration and a discontinuous anchorant concentration between anchorant-rich substages and anchorant-lean substages within the treatment slurry stage.
|CO2 CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENT IN DRY GAS MIXTURES - Described herein is an apparatus and methods for characterizing a fluid composition including exposing electrolyte to one fluid mixture, collecting a signal from an electrode in contact with the electrolyte, and simultaneously exposing the electrolyte to a second fluid, collecting a signal from a second electrode in contact with the electrolyte exposed to the second fluid, and comparing the signal difference between the electrodes with the Nerst equation wherein the temperature of the electrolyte is above 488° C. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and/or oxygen may be present in the fluid and/or the second fluid.
|Capillary Electrophoresis For Subterranean Applications - A method of fluid testing includes pressurizing a fluid testing system, disposed at a subterranean location under high pressure compared to a surface pressure, to achieve a desired pressure differential between the high pressure and an internal pressure of the fluid testing system. The fluid testing system includes a capillary electrophoresis system and one or more test fluid reservoirs. The method also includes directing test fluid from the one or more test fluid reservoirs into capillaries to condition the capillaries. The method further includes directing sample fluid into the capillaries for testing while at the subterranean location.
|SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR MECHANICALLY RELEASING A RUNNING STRING - A technique facilitates selectively disengaging a running string from a lateral tube assembly. The running string comprises a running sub which is engageable with the lateral tube assembly. The running string further comprises a window finder which is positioned to extend into a main bore casing window when the running string is deployed downhole with the lateral tube assembly. Additionally, the running string comprises an extension sub which is coupled to the window finder. The extension sub is selectively extensible to disengage the window finder from the main bore casing prior to release of the running sub from the lateral tube assembly via a release force applied through the running string.
|SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR LOCATING A DEFLECTOR - A technique facilitates deflecting a tubing string into a desired branch of a surrounding tubular structure. A deflector assembly is provided with a deflector tube, an orienting member, and a latching feature, such as latch dogs which are circumferentially disposed on the deflector tube in an asymmetrical pattern. The deflector assembly may be moved within the outer tubular structure, e.g. wellbore tubing, to a desired junction. The deflector tube and the latching feature are then oriented in an alignment sleeve of the surrounding tubular structure by moving the orienting member along a profile within the outer tubular structure. The latching feature is able to securely latch at the selected junction. The latching feature may use a pattern of latch dogs which matches a corresponding asymmetrical pattern of latch openings in the alignment sleeve.
|TECHNIQUE AND APPARATUS TO FORM A DOWNHOLE FLUID BARRIER - A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating a stabilized treatment slurry downhole into the well and dehydrating a portion of the slurry to form a barrier in the well.
|MAGNETIC RESONANCE TRANSMITTER - A transmitter for a magnetic resonance (MR) system, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system, is described herein. The transmitter includes a coil for applying NMR pulse sequences to a substance. The coil includes a first coil section and a second coil section. The first coil section and second coil section pass current in opposite polarity. The transmitter may also include a transmitter circuit for generating the NMR pulse sequences and providing the NMR pulse sequences to the coil. The transmitter circuit includes a first switch that selectively powers the first coil section and a second switch that selectively powers the second coil section. Operation of the first switch and the second switch generates the NMR pulse sequences.
|GAS INJECTION WHILE DRILLING - Injection of gas into a managed pressure drilling system to provide for operation of the drilling system in a downhole pressure window defined by the pore pressure of a formation being drilled and a fracture pressure of the formation. Gas injection being controlled so as to produce the desired downhole pressure without causing large oscillations in borehole pressure.
|Multiphase Flowmeter and a Correction Method for such a Multiphase Flowmeter - A reference measurement apparatus for a multiphase flow meter comprising: a sampling and measuring chamber coupled to a sampling port via a sample transfer line for extracting the sample having at least one of the gas phase and the liquid phase from the multiphase fluid mixture flowing through the pipe section; a pressure and temperature regulation arrangement arranged to maintain the sample from the sampling port to the sampling and measuring chamber at a pressure/temperature substantially similar to the pressure/temperature of the multiphase fluid mixture flowing through the pipe section; and a second fraction measurement device arranged to estimate a linear attenuation related to the at least one of the gas phase and the liquid phase extracted from the sample, said linear attenuation being used to correct the estimated representative fraction for the at least one of the gas phase and the liquid phase of the multiphase fluid mixture.
|CABLE HAVING STRENGTH MEMBER WITH BONDED POLYMER COATINGS TO CREATE CONTINUOUSLY BONDED JACKETED STRENGTH MEMBER SYSTEM - The present disclosure comprises providing a cable core encased in a polymeric layer, cabling a first armor wire layer about the cable core, cabling a second armor wire layer about the first armor wire layer to form the cable, each of the armor wire layers comprising a plurality of strength members, at least one of the armor wire layers comprising a plurality of strength members having a polymeric layer bonded thereto.
|AQUEOUS SOLUTION AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF - An aqueous solution includes HCl present in an amount exceeding 37% by weight. The solution further includes a fixing agent that is urea and/or a urea derivative. The fixing agent is present in the solution in a molar ratio of between 0.25 and 2.0 of fixing agent to HCl, inclusive.
|VALVE ASSEMBLY - A system that is usable with a well includes a string and valve assemblies that are disposed on the string. The valve assembly includes at least one control port and at least one radial fluid communication port. The valve assembly is adapted to serially receive an untethered object deployed in the string such that receipt of the object by a valve assembly of the plurality of valve assemblies creates a fluid obstruction to cause the valve assembly to expose the at least one control port of the valve assembly; serially release the untethered object; and jointly respond to pressurization of the string to open the radial fluid communication ports.
|AQUEOUS SOLUTION AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF - A method of treating a formation includes preparing an aqueous solution having HCl in an amount between greater than 15% and 45.7% by weight, inclusive. The prepared aqueous solution includes a fixing agent (FA) present in a molar ratio of FA:HCl between 0.15 and 2.5 inclusive, where the FA is urea and/or a urea derivative, and further includes water present in an amount sufficient to dissolve the HCl and the FA. The aqueous solution includes substantially no polysaccharides.
|VISCOSIFIED ACID FLUID AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF - A method includes providing an oilfield treatment fluid including an aqueous HCl solution having greater than 15% HCl by weight, and a fixing agent (FA) in a molar ratio of FA:HCl of between 0.5 and 2.5 inclusive. The FA is urea and/or a urea derivative. The oilfield treatment fluid further includes a viscosifying agent that is not a plant-based polysaccharide gum. The method further includes providing the oilfield treatment fluid to a high pressure pump, and operating the high pressure pump to treat a formation fluidly coupled to a wellbore.
|Magnetic Latching Device For Downhole Wellbore Intercept Operations - A downhole magnetic latching tool includes at least one permanent magnet deployed on a non-magnetic tool body. A magnetically permeable housing is deployed about the permanent magnet. The magnetic latching tool provides an attractive magnetic force between a drill string and a cased target wellbore.
|Submersible Electrical Machine and Method - A submersible electrical machine includes a first magnetic package spaced axially from a second magnetic package, a first stator displaced axially from the first magnetic package by a first air gap, a second stator displaced axially from the second magnetic package by a second air gap. The electrical machine can be operated as a generator or as a motor. When operating as a generator, a turbine can rotate the magnetic packages relative to the stators in response to fluid flowing axially across the electrical machine.
|METHODS OF ANALYZING SEISMIC DATA - A method of analysing seismic data from a geological volume is provided. The geological volume is divided into a plurality of voxels. For each voxel a respective neighbourhood is defined which includes that voxel and a predetermined arrangement of neighbouring voxels. For each voxel, the respective normal vectors of a seismic attribute vector field derived from the seismic data are calculated. For each voxel, a respective local structure tensor based on the normal vectors of the voxels of the respective neighbourhood is calculated. For each voxel, the value of an expression which includes one or more of the eigenvalues (λ
|Systems and Methods for Identifying Sanding in Production Wells Using Time-Lapse Sonic Data - Systems and methods for identifying sanding in production wells using time-lapse sonic data. Formation anisotropy can be characterized in terms of shear moduli in a vertical wellbore, e.g., vertical shear moduli C
|SOLID STATE DISPERSION - A composition comprising, and methods of producing a solid state dispersion comprising particles dispersed in a water soluble polymer. Treatment fluids comprising, and methods of using the solid state dispersion are also disclosed.
|PICKERING EMULSION TREATMENT FLUID - A well treatment fluid comprising a Pickering particle emulsion comprising particles of a first liquid phase dispersed in a continuous second liquid phase, and comprising a plurality of colloidal particles adsorbed to a liquid-liquid interface between the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase. Methods, equipment and/or systems for treating a subterranean formation utilizing such treatment fluids are also disclosed.
|CONFINING PRESSURE MEASUREMENT FOR ZONAL ISOLATION EVALUATION - Apparatus and methods for measuring confining pressure, axial strain and radial strain of zonal isolation materials are described. This information is useful for evaluating these materials and predicting seal performance and potential failures of these materials.
|Cathode Assembly For Use In A Radiation Generator - A cathode assembly is for use in a radiation generator and includes an ohmically heated cathode, and a support having formed therein a hole and a recess at least partially surrounding the hole. In addition, there is a mount coupled to the support. The mount includes a larger outer frame positioned within the recess, a smaller inner frame carrying the ohmically heated cathode and spaced apart from the larger outer frame, and a plurality of members coupling the smaller inner frame to the larger outer frame.
|Zonal Compositional Production Rates in Commingled Gas Wells - A production logging tool (PLT) is conveyed within production tubing containing production fluid flow established by zonal fluid flow from formation zones. The PLT measures a flow rate of the production fluid flow at each of a plurality of depths associated with a corresponding one of the zones. A flow rate of the zonal fluid flow from each zone is determined based on the flow rates of the production fluid flow measured at each of the depths. The PLT measures proportions of compositional components of the production fluid flow at each of the depths. A flow rate of each compositional component of the zonal fluid flow from each zone is determined based on the determined flow rate of the zonal fluid flow from each zone and the proportions of compositional components of the production fluid flow measured at each of the depths.
|Look Ahead Logging System - A technique utilizes the acquisition of data from desired subterranean regions via a logging system. The logging system is constructed for use in a wellbore and comprises a transmitter module having a transmitter antenna. Additionally, the logging system utilizes a receiver module spaced from the transmitter module and having a receiver antenna. The transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna are oriented to enable sensitivity in desired directions, such as ahead of the logging system.
|Integrated Coupling Of Scintillation Crystal With Photomultiplier In A Detector Apparatus - A scintillator type radiation detector package is provided including a scintillation crystal directly coupled to the window of a photomultiplier. A scintillator package is also provided having a longer life at wellbore temperature with minimal deterioration of a hygroscopic scintillation crystal(s). Direct optical coupling of the scintillator to the photomultiplier reduces the amount of light lost at coupling interfaces and improved detection resolution over the conventional structures having separate packages for crystal and photomultiplier.
|Multi-Well Anisotropy Inversion - A method can include providing compressional and shear-wave slowness data for a homogeneous, anisotropic formation at deviated borehole angles greater than 40 degrees and less than 90 degrees as defined by a vertical transverse isotropy (VTI) symmetry axis; providing a relationship for normal and tangential compliances (e.g., B
|GENERATING A 3D IMAGE FOR GEOLOGICAL MODELING - Generating a 3D image for geological modeling includes receiving a two dimensional (2D) facies map of the surface of a geographic region. 2D objects are extracted from the 2D facies map and combined into an object group. The 2D object group is edited to adjust for spatial distribution in 3D space to obtain edited 2D object group. Further, a depth is assigned to the edited 2D object group to obtain a 3D object group. A facies characteristic is assigned to the 3D object group to obtain the 3D compound model, which is stored.
|METHOD FOR 3D MINERAL MAPPING OF A ROCK SAMPLE - The method for 3D mineral mapping of a rock sample comprises the steps of defining a total mineral content of a sample and calculating X-ray attenuation coefficients for the defined minerals. X-ray micro/nanoCT scanning of the sample is performed and its three-dimensional microstructure image in gray scale is obtained. Characteristic grayscale levels in the image corresponding to calculated X-ray attenuation coefficients and accordingly to the minerals are allocated and the 3D mineral map of the interior of the sample is provided.
|Optical Fiber Well Deployment for Seismic Surveying - Disclosed are a system, apparatus, and method for optical fiber well deployment in seismic optical surveying. Embodiments of this disclosure may include methods of deploying a spooled optical fiber distributed sensor into the wellbore integrated in a ballast or weight for a seismic optic tool, to achieve deployment of a lightweight disposable fiber optic cable against the wellbore walls via gravity. The method may further include unspooling the spooled optical fiber distributed sensor and using the optical fiber as a distributed seismic receiver. Once the fiber optic distributed sensor is deployed according to methods of the present disclosure, surveys may be obtained and processed by various methods.
|METHOD OF CALIBRATING FRACTURE GEOMETRY TO MICROSEISMIC EVENTS - A method of performing a fracture operation at a wellsite about a subterranean formation having a fracture network with natural fractures is provided. The wellsite is stimulated by injection of fluid into the fracture network. The method involves generating wellsite data including natural fracture parameters and obtaining measurements of micro seismic events, modeling hydraulic fractures of the fracture network based on the wellsite data and defining a hydraulic fracture geometry of the hydraulic fractures, generating a stress field of the hydraulic fractures using a geomechanical model, determining shear failure parameters comprising a failure envelope and a stress state about the fracture network, determining a location of shear failure of the fracture network from the failure envelope and the stress state, and calibrating the hydraulic fracture geometry by comparing the modeled hydraulic fractures and the locations of shear failure against the measured microseismic events.
|Adaptive Inversion For Vertical Resistivity Logs From Multiaxial Induction Measurements - A method for logging a formation or sample includes obtaining a plurality of multiaxial conductivity measurements from the formation or sample. A horizontal resistivity measurement, a dip measurement and a dip azimuth measurement are derived from the plurality of multiaxial conductivity measurements. A sharp vertical resistivity measurement is derived from a subset of the plurality of multiaxial conductivity measurements.
|Electrical Power Wet-Mate Assembly - An electrical power wet-mate assembly includes a compliant-insulated pin assembly and a ceramic-insulated pin assembly. Those pin assemblies are physically and electrically engaged to one another. The compliant-insulating material may be a thermoplastic, and the ceramic-insulating material may be alumina. The electrical power wet-mateable assembly may be used in conjunction with a pressure containing device such as a subsea tree to form a wet-mateable connection system. The electrical power wet-mate assembly is capable of operating in high pressure differential and high temperature environments. A plurality of ceramic-insulated pin assemblies may be welded to a connector body to form a pressure barrier system. The cavities created by the ceramic-insulated pin assemblies and the compliant-insulated pin assemblies may be filled with a dielectric oil. Individual pressure compensators may be dispersed equally between the pin assemblies.
|Apparatus and System for Measuring Asphaltene Content of Crude Oil - A system for measuring asphaltene content of crude oil, includes a microfluidic chip, the microfluidic chip having a crude oil sample inlet port, a solvent port, a mixer and reactor section in fluid communication with the crude oil sample inlet port and the solvent port, and a filter in fluid communication with the mixer and reactor section, the filter having an inlet side and an outlet side, a waste port in fluid communication with the inlet side of the filter, and a product port in fluid communication with the outlet side of the filter. The system further includes an optical cell in fluid communication with the product port.
|Compositions and Methods for Completing Subterranean Wells - High-specific-gravity micronized particulates, added to cement slurries in conjunction with certain high-molecular-weight water-soluble polymers, improve fluid-loss control of cement slurries during placement in subterranean wells. The particulates may have a specific gravity higher than 3, and a median particle size smaller than 3 μm. The particulates may include barite, manganese tetraoxide, titanium oxide, iron titanium oxide and aluminum oxide.
|DEGRADABLE COMPOSITIONS, APPARATUS COMPRISING SAME, AND METHODS OF USE - Compositions, apparatus incorporating a composition, and methods of use are described, one composition embodiment consisting essentially of one or more reactive metals in major proportion, and one or more alloying elements in minor proportion, with the provisos that the composition is high-strength, controllably reactive, and degradable under defined conditions. Compositions of the invention may exist in a variety of morphologies, including a reactive metal or degradable alloy processed into an alloy of crystalline, amorphous or mixed structure that may constitute the matrix of other composition, for instance a composite. Methods of using apparatus comprising a composition, particularly in oilfield operations are also described (e.g. flow and displacement control, sensors, actuators). This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
|COMBINED MIGRATION METHOD FOR BASIN MODELING - A method for modeling a migration of hydrocarbon fluids. The method may include decomposing, by operation of a processor, a domain of a basin model to produce a first plurality of cells having a permeability below a threshold value and a second plurality of cells having a permeability above the threshold value. A first migration analysis may be performed to analyze a relatively slow migration starting in the first plurality of cells. A second migration analysis may be performed to analyze a relatively faster migration starting m the second plurality of cells.
|Apparatus and Method for Fluid Phase Fraction Determination Using X-Rays - An apparatus for determining fluid phase fraction of a multiphase fluid mixture (
|Cable Telemetry Synchronization System and Method - Cable telemetry synchronization systems and methods. The synchronization can involve positioning downhole equipment into a wellbore via a cable operatively coupled to a surface module that can include a telemetry system master clock. The downhole equipment can include a toolbus master node and at least one slave node module having a node clock operatively coupled to the toolbus master node. The synchronization can also involve sending a frame start command to the at least one slave node module from the toolbus master node at predetermined intervals, receiving a clock value from each of the at least one slave node module, calculating a clock offset for each of the at least one slave node module, and sending an absolute clock value and the calculated clock offset for each of the at least one slave node module via a downlink synchronization command to the at least one slave node module.
|Thermal Switch for Downhole Device - Systems, methods, and devices to protect electronics of a downhole device from overheating in high-temperature wells are provided. In one example, a method includes, while a downhole device is disposed in a wellbore, providing power to first electronics of the downhole device through a switch and providing power to switch control circuitry that controls the switch. The switch may be disposed on a first substrate and the switch control circuitry may be disposed on a second substrate. The method may also include receiving a measurement of a temperature of the downhole device and, when the temperature exceeds a threshold, using the switch control circuitry to open the switch to prevent power from being provided to the first electronics of the downhole device
|Target Assembly Including Temperature Activated Coupler And Related Methods - A target assembly for a radiation generator may include a target body and a beam dump. The target assembly may also include a temperature activated coupler between the target body and the beam dump to move the beam dump between a non-contact position with the target body and a contact position with the target body based upon temperature.
|Determining Correct Drill Pipe Length And Formation Depth Using Measurements From Repeater Subs Of A Wired Drill Pipe System - A method includes accepting as input to a processor measurements of a characteristic of a subsurface formation made at a plurality of spaced apart positions along a pipe string moved along a wellbore. Measurements are made of pipe string depth in the wellbore from the Earth's surface. The measurements of pipe string depth include measurements of apparent depth of each of the spaced apart locations. The subsurface formation is identified from the measurements of the characteristic. A true depth of the subsurface formation is made using the measurements of pipe string depth and apparent depth of the formation from each of the spaced apart positions. A record of measurements of the characteristic with respect to depth corrected for changes in length of the pipe string caused by axial forces along the pipe string is generated.
|SYNCHRONIZING PULSES IN HETEROGENEOUS FRACTURING PLACEMENT - A technique facilitates a fracturing operation by maintaining the heterogeneity of proppant fluid as it is injected into reservoir fractures. The technique comprises using a blender to deliver proppant material in a pulsating manner to create pulses of proppant. The pulses of proppant are mixed with a fluid to create a proppant slurry having the pulses of proppant material separated by a second fluid. The proppant slurry is then split between a plurality of pumps which are operated to pump the slurry to a well. To maintain heterogeneity, the pump rates of the pumps are individually adjusted to control dispersion of the pulses of proppant downstream of the pumps and to substantially maintain the separated pulses of proppant material in the slurry. A wide variety of other system adjustments also may be made for enhancing the ability of the overall fracturing system to maintain separated pulses of concentrated proppant material.
|Apparatuses and Methods for Testing Wellbore Fluids - An apparatus may be used to test the ability of a first fluid to remove a second fluid from a surface. The apparatus comprises a reservoir that contains the first fluid and a testing cell that contains the second fluid. The testing cell also contains a rotor within. The first fluid is pumped into the testing cell, thereby displacing the second fluid. The displaced second fluid flows to a collection vessel. The apparatus is particularly useful for determining the ability of a chemical wash or a spacer fluid to remove non-aqueous drilling fluids from a metallic surface.
|Method Of Mapping A Subterranean Formation Based Upon Wellbore Position And Seismic Data And Related System - A method of mapping a subterranean formation having at least one wellbore therein may include operating an electromagnetic (EM) signal source and an EM receiver to generate wellbore position data. The method may also include operating a seismic signal source and a seismic receiver to generate seismic data, and generating subterranean formation data based upon the wellbore position data and the seismic data.
|Method Of Borehole Seismic Surveying Using An Optical Fiber - A method of detecting seismic waves traveling through a subsurface formation includes lowering a cable into a borehole in the subsurface formation, the cable having at least one optical fiber associated therewith, and causing descent of a remote end of the cable to be arrested. The method further includes feeding a further length of the cable into the borehole such that the cable is slack and in contact with at least part of a wall of the borehole, and using an interrogator coupled to the at least one optical fiber to detect seismic waves traveling through the subsurface formation and into the cable.
|Method and System for Calibrating a Downhole Imaging Tool - System and methods of generating calibrated downhole images of a subterranean formation (
|Target Extender In Radiation Generator - A radiation generator may include a generator housing, a target electrode carried by the generator housing, a charged particle source carried by the generator housing to direct charged particles at the target electrode based upon an accelerating potential, and a suppressor electrode carried by the generator housing having an opening therein to permit passage of charged particles to the target electrode. A target extender electrode may be between the suppressor electrode and the target electrode and have an opening therein to permit passage of charged particles to the target. At least one voltage source may be coupled to the target electrode, the suppressor electrode, and the target extender electrode to cause the target electrode to have a voltage greater than a voltage of the suppressor electrode and to cause the target extender electrode to have a voltage greater than the voltage of the suppressor electrode
|Well-Logging Tool With First And Second Azimuthal Radiation Detectors And Related Methods - A well-logging tool may be positioned within a borehole of a subterranean formation. The well-logging tool may include a housing having an interior defining a dual-detector receiving chamber extending longitudinally, and having first and second portions, and a first azimuthal radiation detector carried by the first portion of the dual-detector receiving chamber. The first azimuthal radiation detector may include a first gamma-ray detector and a first photodetector associated with the first gamma-ray detector. The well-logging tool may include a second azimuthal radiation detector carried by the second portion of the dual-detector receiving chamber. The second azimuthal radiation detector may include a second gamma-ray detector and a second photodetector associated with the second gamma-ray detector.
|ELECTROMAGNETICALLY ACTIVE SLURRIES AND METHODS - Electromagnetically active slurries comprising stabilized fluids and methods of using the stabilized, electromagnetically active slurries in fluid flow control and detection. Also, methods, fluids, equipment and/or systems for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, relating to treatment fluids based on the stabilized, electromagnetically active slurries.
|Method For Measuring Formation Water Salinity From Within A Borehole - Methods and systems are described for using pulsed neutron ?-ray spectroscopy to measure formation water salinity from within a bore-hole. Through generating a cross-plot of database values of ratios of spectroscopically determined yields of hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl) from two detectors, deriving apparent salinities therefrom, formation and borehole water salinities can be determined.
|Borehole Fluid Effect Correction For Pulsed Neutron Porosity Measurements - A method for determining formation hydrogen index includes using as input to a computer measurements of numbers of burst gamma rays (gamma rays detected during operation of a pulsed neutron source) and numbers of thermal neutron capture gamma rays made at two different axial spacings from the pulsed neutron source. A ratio of the numbers of burst gamma rays and a ratio of the numbers of thermal neutron capture gamma rays is determined. A corrected ratio of the numbers of thermal neutron capture gamma rays using the ratio of numbers of burst gamma rays is determined. The formation hydrogen index is determined from the corrected ratio.
|Determining Petrophysical Properties Using Sodium Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Logs - The presence of hydrocarbons in a subsurface formation fluid may be inferred from a determined salt concentration. A sodium nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement of a subsurface formation is obtained and a salt concentration of the fluid in the subsurface formation is determined from the sodium NMR measurement. Various operations may be performed using the determined salt concentration such as tracking injected water, monitoring flood fronts, improving reserves estimation, and designing enhanced oil recovery. A sodium index may be determined and used in conjunction with one or more other logs to determine a saturation of the subsurface formation. The one or more other logs may include a resistivity log, a dielectric log, a capture cross section (sigma) log, and a proton NMR log. Differentiation between bound water and free water can also be achieved using the sodium nuclear magnetic resonance measurement.
|AXIALLY STABLE RETENTION MECHANISM FOR PICKS AND CUTTING ELEMENTS - A cutting element assembly includes a cutting element partially disposed within a support and a retention mechanism disposed between the cutting element and the support, both the axial and radial dimensions of the retention mechanism being deformable.
|Borehole Fluid Effect Correction For Pulsed Neutron Porosity Measurements - A method for characterizing wellbore response of a pulsed neutron instrument includes inserting a pulsed neutron instrument into a plurality of simulated wellbores each filled with materials representing gas and liquid and measuring response of the pulsed neutron instrument in the simulated wellbores.
|Scintillation Detector Package Having Radioactive Reflective Material Therein - A scintillator detector package includes a housing, with a scintillator in the housing. There is a radioactive reflective material between at least a portion of the scintillator and the housing. The radioactive reflective material may be a naturally occurring material, such as Lu
|Scintillation Detector Package Having Radioactive Support Apparatus - A radiation detector package includes a support apparatus at least part of which is constructed from a naturally occurring radioactive material. A scintillator is associated with the support apparatus. The support may include a detector housing carrying a photodetector and the scintillator, and the detector housing may be constructed from the naturally occurring radioactive material.
|METHODS FOR DETERMINING ORGANIC MATTER IN SHALE - A method for analyzing a subterranean formation including measuring an electromagnetic spectrum of a rock sample of the subterranean formation using optical spectroscopy, identifying a first kerogen pixel of a plurality of pixels of the electromagnetic spectrum, and analyzing the first kerogen pixel and estimating a property of the first kerogen pixel.
|System and Method for Enhancing Hydraulic Fluids for Down Hole Use - An enhanced hydraulic fluid comprises a conventional hydraulic fluid in combination with a predetermined amount of benzene by volume relative to the conventional hydraulic fluid. The predetermined amount of benzene preferably comprises between about 1.0% to about 20.0% benzene by volume, more preferably between about 1.5% to about 10.0% benzene by volume, and most preferably between about 2.0% to about 5.0% benzene by volume. The conventional hydraulic fluid may comprise electronics coolant liquids and oils. Conventional hydraulic fluids that may be mixed with benzene in the volumes described above include, but are not limited to, FLUORINERTS™ that include FC-43 and FC-70, including any perfluorinated, partially fluorinated, or partially chlorinated alkane with between about 3 to about 18 carbon atoms; mineral oils that include CAPELLA™ brand mineral oil; esther oils (synthetic or natural) that include formidals, and MIDEL™ brand esther oils.
|Smart Drop-Off Tool and Hang-Off Tool for a Logging String - A hang-off tool for supporting a tool inside a tubular member includes a logging string configured to generate logging data, a computing system coupled to the logging string and configured to communicate the logging data to another tool, and a radially expandable member having a retracted position and an expanded position. The radially expandable member is configured to engage a radially-increased profile of an inner surface of the tubular member in the expanded position to support the hang-off tool. The radially expandable member is also configured not to engage the radially-increased profile in the retracted position.
|METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING FLUID FLOW CHARACTERISTICS - A measurement device is configured in a shaped charge package to be utilized in a perforating gun section tool string. The measurement device may include for example thermal conductivity detectors (TCD) configured to measure fluid flow velocity and/or thermal characteristics of the flowing fluid. The measurement device may include for example a pair laterally spaced TCDs each having sensor faces positioned co-planar with a surface across which the fluid flows. The measurement device may include a recessed TCD, having a sensor face recessed below an opening in the exterior surface.
|ESTIMATION OF Q-FACTOR IN TIME DOMAIN - A method can include receiving seismic traces associated with a geologic environment; determining time domain stretch values for individual wavelets in at least a portion of the seismic traces with respect to a spatial dimension of the geologic environment; and estimating at least one Q-factor value for at least a portion of the geologic environment via a comparison of the time domain stretch values to a Q-factor model.
|Neural Network Signal Processing of Microseismic Events - Systems, apparatuses and methods for neural network signal processing of microseismic events. A series of sensors are disposable in at least one first well positioned about a second well disposed in a subterranean formation. The series of sensors obtain a data signal measurement including noise events and microseismic acoustic emission events. A processor includes a first neural network. The processor may remove the noise events from the data signal measurement and determine with the first neural network an arrival time for each microseismic acoustic emission event. An interface can output the arrival time for each microseismic acoustic emission event.
|Neutron-Gamma Density Through Normalized Inelastic Ratio - Systems, methods, and devices for determining neutron-gamma density (NGD) measurement of a subterranean formation that is accurate in both liquid- and gas-filled formations are provided. For example, a downhole tool for obtaining such an NGD measurement may include a neutron generator, neutron detector, two gamma-ray detectors, and data processing circuitry. Neutron generator may emit neutrons into a formation, causing a fast neutron cloud to form. Neutron detector may detect a count of neutrons representing the extent of the neutron cloud. Gamma-ray detectors may detect counts of inelastic gamma-rays caused by neutrons that inelastically scatter off the formation. Since the extent of the fast neutron cloud may vary depending on whether the formation is liquid- or gas-filled, data processing circuitry may determine the density of the formation based at least in part on the counts of inelastic gamma-rays normalized to the count of neutrons.
|ELECTROCHEMICAL pH MEASUREMENT - An electrode for the determination of pH is made by depositing a phenolic compound on a conductive substrate, where the phenolic compound has a phenolic hydroxy group attached to a carbon atom on an aromatic ring and also has an oxygen atom connected through one other atom to an adjacent carbon atom of the aromatic ring such that this oxygen atom can form a hydrogen bond to the phenolic hydroxy group; and then electrochemically oxidising the immobilized phenolic compound in a one electron one proton oxidation so as to form a polymeric, water-insoluble, redox-active deposit on the conductive substrate. The electrode is useful for electrochemical determination of pH and is capable of measuring pH of an unbuffered aqueous liquid.
|Quick Drum Connect - A winch drive assembly includes a drum having a cylindrical spool located axially between a first hollow annular flange and a second substantially circular flange having a central axle. A hydraulic motor has an inner stator and an outer rotor, the outer rotor of which releasably engages the first hollow annular flange of the drum. A braking system is positioned adjacent the outer rotor of the hydraulic motor and a support member releasably engages the central axle of the second flange of the drum.
|SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING RELATIVE GEOCHEMICAL DATA - Systems, media, and methods for determining relative geochemical data are provided. Measurement data may be received that is indicative of relative yields of a plurality of chemical components in a rock formation. First absolute yields of at least a portion of the plurality of chemical components in a presence of 100% of a first volumetric component in the rock formation may be determined. Second absolute yields of at least a portion of the plurality of chemical components in a presence of 100% of a second volumetric component in the rock formation may also be determined. A volume of the first volumetric component, a volume of the second volumetric component, and a sum of yields of the plurality of chemical components may be determined using the first and second absolute yields and the relative yields.
|Seismic Device With Sealed Housing And Related Methods - A seismic generation system may include an electrical source, a conductor coupled to the electrical source and to be positioned in a wellbore in a subterranean formation with a casing therein, and a seismic generation source assembly to be positioned in the wellbore and coupled to the conductor. The seismic generation source assembly may include a source element having a sealed housing, an armature within the sealed housing, source electromagnets coupled to the armature, and electromagnetic clamps coupled to the armature, each electromagnetic clamp having opposite magnetic poles. The sealed housing may include respective ferromagnetic portions adjacent the opposite magnetic poles of each electromagnetic clamp, and non-ferromagnetic portions between the opposite magnetic poles of each electromagnetic clamp.
|Downhole Tool Impact Dissipating Tool - An impact dissipation tool for supporting a downhole tool in downhole applications. The tool includes a base and a housing. The tool also includes a carriage located within the housing and coupled to the base, the carriage being movable relative to the housing upon a predetermined impact force. A dissipator disposed inside the housing is collapsible due to the relative movement of the carriage and the housing. The collapse of the dissipator dissipates the impact force transferred to the downhole tool.
|Downhole Tool Impact Dissipating Tool - An impact dissipation tool for supporting a downhole tool in downhole applications. The tool includes a base and a housing. The tool also includes a carriage located within the housing and coupled to the base, the carriage being movable relative to the housing upon a predetermined impact force. A dissipator disposed inside the housing is collapsible due to the relative movement of the carriage and the housing. The collapse of the dissipator dissipates the impact force transferred to the downhole tool.
|METHOD OF MAKING A WELL-LOGGING RADIATION DETECTOR - A method for making a well-logging tool for positioning in a wellbore of a geologic formation includes forming a radiation detector by securing a scintillator window and a scintillator housing together and joining together opposing ends of a photomultiplier housing and a scintillator housing. The method further includes securing the scintillator window to the scintillator housing with a brazed joint. The radiation detector is positioned within a well-logging housing.
|DEGRADABLE COMPONENT SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY - A technique protects against premature actuation of a tool, such as a downhole well tool. The technique utilizes a degradable material positioned along a hydraulic actuation passage and/or between shiftable components of the tool. In some applications, the tool may comprise a primary flow passage and a hydraulic actuation passage separate from the primary flow passage. Hydraulic actuation of the tool or a corresponding tool is temporarily blocked by placing a degradable material in the hydraulic actuation passage. The degradable material dissolves or otherwise degrades over time via exposure to a degradation fluid. In other applications, the degradable material may be positioned to block movement of a shiftable component of the tool until the degradable material is sufficiently degraded to allow tool actuation.
|RELATIVE PERMEABILITY FROM BOREHOLE RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS - Methods for deriving relative permeability from resistivity measurements in the laboratory and from downhole resistivity measurements are described. Further, systems and methods for determining relative permeability from borehole resistivity measurements made during a water flooding event such as drilling with water-based mud, water injection and/or water invasion are described.
|Method and Apparatus for Characterizing Interfacial Tension between Two Immiscible or Partially Miscible Fluids - An apparatus (and method) for characterizing interfacial tension between a non-wetting phase fluid and a wetting phase fluid of a slug flow employs a capillary structure that is configured to contain a slug of the non-wetting phase fluid of the slug flow. The slug has a leading edge meniscus and a trailing edge meniscus, and the capillary structure has a venturi-like section. A pressure sensor is configured to measure differential pressure between first and second locations of the capillary structure. The first location is disposed upstream of the leading edge meniscus of the slug with the leading edge meniscus of the slug contained within the venturi-like section. The second location is disposed downstream of the trailing edge meniscus of the slug. Data processing means is configured to derive a measure of interfacial tension based upon the differential pressure measured by the pressure sensor and, optionally, geometry of the capillary structure.
|Oil Based Drilling Mud Filtrate Contamination Monitoring Using Gas To Oil Ratio - A method for monitoring oil based mud filtrate contamination is provided including steps of analytically dividing a fluid stream into two parts, determining a gas/oil ratio for a native fluid determining an apparent gas/oil ratio for the contaminated fluid and determining on a volume fraction, an oil based contamination level based upon the gas/oil ratio for the native fluid and the apparent gas/oil ratio for the contaminated fluid.
|Longitudinal Absorber for Downhole Tool Chassis - A chassis assembly is disclosed for housing at least one circuit board. The chassis has a first chassis part, a second chassis part, and at least three shock absorbers. The first chassis part has a first end and a second end, and a first external surface extending between the first end and the second end. The first chassis part also has a first longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end. The second chassis part has a third end and a fourth end and a second external surface extending between the third end and the fourth end. The second chassis pat has a second longitudinal axis extending from the third end to the fourth end. The first and second chassis parts are adapted to cooperate to secure the at least one circuit board within a boundary defined by the first and second external surfaces. The at least three shock absorbers are positioned on the external surfaces of the first and second chassis parts. At least one shock absorber is positioned on the first external surface and extends along the first longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. At least two shock absorbers are positioned on the second external surface and extend along the second longitudinal axis between the third end and the fourth end. The at least three shock absorbers extend beyond the first and second external surfaces.
|Isolation Adapter For Using Multiple Power Sources In A Bottom Hole Assembly - The present disclosure relates to a power isolation adapter which can enable the use of multiple power sources in a bottom hole assembly (BHA) by isolating the power sources on a tool bus while maintaining a communication bus across the BHA. Such power sources may be part of a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) module, such as a mud turbine generator, providing power as a DC signal. The power isolation adapter isolates the power sources by blocking DC signals, but maintains an AC communication bus across the BHA. The ability to use multiple power sources in a BHA thus allows for more complex BHA configurations that normally could not be powered using a single power source.
|Continuously Bonded Small-Diameter Cable With Electrical Return On Outer Wires - A small-diameter, continuously bonded cable and a method for manufacturing the same includes at least one longitudinally extending inner metallic component with a tie layer of an amended polymer material surrounding and bonded thereto in steps of heating and extruding. A longitudinally extending outer metallic component is radially spaced from the at least one inner metallic component and incased in a polymer material jacket layer in heating and extruding steps. The polymer materials insulate the metallic component for conducting electrical power and/or data signals.
|DETERMINATION OF INTERFACIAL OR SURFACE TENSION - A method and apparatus for measuring interfacial or surface tension of a first fluid dispersed in a second fluid, the method involving providing at least one substantially spherical droplet or bubble of the first fluid in a flowing stream of the second fluid in a flow channel, followed by passing the flowing stream comprising the droplet or bubble through a constriction in the flow channel, the constriction being sufficiently constricting so as to cause the droplet or bubble to deform away from its substantially spherical shape and measuring and comparing a physical property of the flowing stream both before and after the constriction, wherein the physical property changes as a result of the deformation of the droplet or bubble, and thereby inferring the interfacial or surface tension from the measured physical property.
|DYNAMIC FLUID BEHAVIOR DISPLAY SYSTEM - A method, apparatus, and program product implement a graphical user interface that includes a production display and a properties display corresponding to an oil and gas production system. The production display includes a simulated model corresponding to the oil and gas production system, and the properties display includes fluid properties corresponding to the oil and gas production system. User input may be received and the graphical user interface dynamically updates the production display or properties display based thereon, such that the fluid properties of the oil and gas production system may be dynamically modeled with the graphical user interface.
|GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) MAPPING WITH LOGICAL AND PHYSICAL VIEWS OF OIL & GAS PRODUCTION NETWORK EQUIPMENT - A method, apparatus, and program product utilize clustering to represent co-located physical components in a production network in a GIS map user interface. A cluster object may be used to represent multiple co-located physical components, and the cluster object may be selectively expanded in place to display a logical view of the multiple co-located physical components in which at least a portion of the equipment objects representing the co-located physical components are offset from one another and interconnected to represent the physical interconnections between the co-located physical components, thereby facilitating selection, visualization and manipulation of the equipment objects representing the co-located physical components.
|High-Speed Image Monitoring of Baseplate Movement in A Vibrator - Systems, sensors, and methods for high-speed image monitoring of baseplate movement in a vibrator. The systems can include a baseplate defined by an area, disposable at a ground surface to direct a seismic force into the ground surface. The system can include a reaction mass coupled to and positioned above the baseplate to generate the seismic force at the baseplate. The system can include an actuator assembly coupled to the reaction mass to vibrate the reaction mass, as well as high-speed image units directed at the area of the baseplate. The high-speed image units can include photo detectors to sense a distribution of acceleration across the area of the baseplate, and a light source emit light to be sensed by the photo detectors. The system can also include a controller coupled to the actuator assembly, that drives the actuator assembly.
|INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTION DESIGN ASSISTANCE - A method can include rendering terrain and equipment locations to a display; assigning one or more domain constraints; analyzing an objective function associated with the terrain and the equipment locations subject to at least one of the one or more domain constraints; and rendering information to the display based at least in part on the analyzing. Various other technologies, techniques, etc., are also disclosed.
|UNIDIRECTIONAL BRANCH EXTENT IN A FLOW NETWORK - A method can include receiving a model of a network of a production system that includes information that specifies branches and pieces of equipment; processing, optionally in parallel, at least a portion of the information for at least a portion of the model of the network; and, based at least in part on the processing, assigning a flow direction to each of the branches in the at least a portion of the model of the network. Various other technologies, techniques, etc., are also disclosed.
|SIMULATION OF PRODUCTION SYSTEMS - A method can include, via an interface of a computing system, receiving information representing a change to a network model of a production system; via the computing system, simulating at least a portion of the production system based at least in part on a portion of the information and at least a portion of the network model to generate simulation results; and, via the interface, transmitting at least a portion of the simulation results. Various other technologies, techniques, etc., are also disclosed.
|Controlled Damping Geophone - Vibration transducers, sensors including the vibration transducers, and methods for manufacturing the same. The vibration transducer may include a magnet. The vibration transducer may include a bobbin disposed about the magnet. The vibration transducer may include a first coil disposed about the bobbin. The vibration transducer may include a controllable damping coil disposed about the bobbin. The first coil is movable relative to the magnet. The magnet is polarized with respect to the axis of the vibration transducer.
|APPLYING WELLBORE LINING - Application of a photocurable lining to a downhole fixed surface surrounding the axis of a wellbore is carried out by skimming an applicator over the downhole surface while delivering a porous tape impregnated with a photocurable liquid composition between the applicator and the downhole surface so that the tape lies on the downhole surface and directing light of wavelength in a range from 100 nm to 1500 nm onto the curable composition impregnating the tape so as to initiate curing of the composition and thereby attach the tape to the downhole surface.
|APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ACTIVATING A PLURALITY OF DOWNHOLE DEVICES - A mechanism for selectively activating a plurality of downhole pathways is disclosed. The method includes a casing segment which includes a plurality of casing ribs, a valve which includes a sleeve coupled for movement between an open and normally closed position, a rocker member mounted to the sleeve, a dart for pumping in hole including a dart profile matched to the rocker member profile such that the dart profile couples to the rocker member profile when in close proximity and, in turn, the sleeve moves from the closed position to the open position.
|LINE PRESSURE TESTING TECHNIQUE - A system and technique for pressure testing a line portion, connection, or other linking piece of unknown leak characteristics. The technique includes applying predetermined pressure to the linking piece to be tested as well as to another of known non-leaking characteristics. Thus, a differential of recorded pressures may be monitored over time and against a predetermined known parameter. For example, an acceptance boundary with a set level of confidence may be established against which the differential may be evaluated. The boundary may be developed by prior testing of known non-leaking characteristics.
|METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SANDBOX VISIBILITY - A method for local data visibility is disclosed. The method includes detecting data items in a local data repository located in a local environment. In response to the detecting, a computer processor of the local environment collects metadata describing the data items in the local data repository. The metadata includes a project identifier. The metadata is then transmitted, separate from the data items, to a data manager of a database, where the database is accessible by multiple local environments. Accordingly, the data manager determines, based on the project identifier, a synchronization status of the data items in the local data repository, where the synchronization status represents a relationship between the data items in the local data repository and exploration and production data in the database. The data manager further generates, according to a pre-determined data management scheme, an alert based on the synchronization status.
|CONTEXT TRANSFER FOR DATA STORAGE - A method for context transfer for data storage is disclosed. The method includes receiving, from an analysis environment, a request to load a data item for analysis, creating, based on the request, a task request including context information of the data item, transmitting the task request to a data manager environment, receiving, from the data manager environment, an approval of the task request based on the context information, and loading the data item in a master data store in response to the approval.
|Rock Classification Based on Texture and Composition - A methodology provides improved rock classification. The rock classification may be based on characteristics such as texture and composition. Initially, data is obtained on rock in a given subterranean region. The data is processed to derive a material behavior and/or material properties in the subterranean region based on texture and/or composition of the rock.
|THERMO-MECHANICAL TREATMENT OF MATERIALS - A thermal mechanical treatment method includes consolidating a powder by a severe plastic deformation process and ageing the consolidated powder at low temperature. The method may include cryomilling the powder before consolidating the powder by a severe plastic deformation process; hot isostatic pressing the consolidated powder into a dense powder before aging the consolidated powder; hot extruding the dense powder into a stock shape before aging the consolidated powder; hot-working the stock shape on a gyrating forge at a predetermined temperature before aging the consolidated powder; or heating the consolidated powder to a predetermined temperature, and maintaining the consolidated powder at the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time.
|Centrifugal Pump Stage with Increased Compressive Load Capacity - A centrifugal pump stage with increased compressive load capacity is provided. In an implementation, a centrifugal pump stage includes a diffuser with outside wall capable of supporting increased axial forces. A mating surface of the outer wall can support axial forces generated by a stack of subsequent pump stages across the entire thickness of the outer wall. The diffuser can be a two-piece assembly including a load bearing module and a flow diffusing module. The load bearing module may be a cylinder of strong tubular alloy while the flow diffusing module can be separately cast in a manner that improves hydraulic efficiency. Various means for radially positioning the pump stages relieve the load bearing module from the task of aligning additional pump stages. A single rigid tube may also be used as the load bearing module for multiple pump stages. The tube may be made with a thin wall to increase pump volume.
|METHODS AND AN APPARATUS FOR HETEROGENEITY CHARACTERIZATION AND DETERMINATION OF THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF MATERIALS - The methods of heterogeneity characterization and determination of thermal conductivity of materials provides for heating a surface of the heterogeneous solid samples during the movement of the samples relative to a heating source and a temperature recording unit. Prior to the measurements the measurement parameters are adjusted so as to provide the best spatial resolution and a required uncertainty of the measurements. Distributions of initial temperature on the surface of the samples before and after heating are measured and heterogeneity of the samples is estimated on the basis of the temperature change along the line of the temperature recording unit movement. Thermal conductivity of homogeneous regions of the samples is determined using solution of the coefficient inversed problem with the measured temperatures.
|Systems and Methods for Hybrid Cable Telemetry - Systems, apparatuses, and methods for hybrid cable telemetry. The methods can include positioning a toolstring in a wellbore. The toolstring can include an uphole telemetry cartridge and a downhole telemetry cartridge respectively adapted to send and receive telemetry data. The toolstring can also include a hybrid logging cable having optical fibers and copper conductors that can operatively couple the uphole telemetry cartridge to the downhole telemetry cartridge. The method can also include transferring data between the uphole telemetry cartridge and the downhole telemetry cartridge across the optical fibers and the copper conductors. The method can further include measuring a data transmission rate on the optical fibers and the copper conductors. The method can also include comparing the data transmission rate to a predetermined threshold. The method can further include detecting a data transmission failure when the data transmission rate falls below the predetermined threshold.
|MINING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present invention provides systems and methods capable of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize a coiled tubing directional drilling system capable of treating interior portions of the heap/formation. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize a system and method capable of capturing real time temperature and resistivity data pertaining to pregnant solution characteristics in the heap/formation. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize one or more wire line deployed X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers capable of quantitatively measuring concentrations of desired metals in the heap/formation during leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes multiple passes of elemental capture spectroscopy logs acquired at regular time intervals to monitor metal concentrations during leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides one or more subsurface barriers capable of optimizing leaching operations.
|Closed-Loop Geosteering Device and Method - A closed-loop method for geosteering a subterranean borehole includes rotating a roll-stabilized control unit in the borehole, obtaining formation evaluation sensor measurements via sensors located in the control unit, and processing downhole the sensor measurements to obtain a corrective steering tool setting that may be applied to a steering tool to control a direction of drilling. A logging while drilling method includes obtaining sensor measurements via sensors located on a rotating roll-stabilized control unit and processing the sensor measurements to obtain an LWD image. A downhole tool includes a downhole tool body and a roll-stabilized control unit. The roll-stabilized control unit is deployed in a through bore of the tool body such that it is free to rotate with respect to the tool body. A tool face sensor and a partially shielded gamma ray sensor are deployed in the roll-stabilized control unit.
|AMORPHOUS SHAPED CHARGE COMPONENT AND MANUFACTURE - A shaped charge incorporating an amorphous-based material component. The amorphous-based material component may be a liner for the shaped charge to enhance a jet for a perforating application. Other components of the shaped charge and/or perforating gun that accommodates the shaped charge may be of amorphous-based materials. Further, the liner and other components of the shaped charge may be manufactured by way of three dimensional printing. Indeed, a multi-material three dimensional print application may be utilized to form shaped charge components simultaneously along with an entire perforating gun system. Thus, tailored morphology and material gradient characteristics may be readily incorporated into the gun and shaped charge components with a considerable degree of precision.
|Stabilized Fluids In Well Treatment - Proppant pillar placement in a fracture with a stabilized slurry treatment fluid. A method of placing a proppant pack by injecting a well treatment fluid comprising proppant and a stabilized slurry, and a slurry destabilizing system to consolidate solids from the slurry, and placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters forming pillars spaced apart by fluid flow channels from the formation through the fracture toward the wellbore. Also, a system for implementing the method, and the propped fracture system obtained as a result of placing the proppant pack into the fracture according to the method.
|Sample Capture Prioritization - A method for determining formation fluid sample quality includes analyzing sample capture data to identify distinguishing features indicative of whether a successful sample capture has occurred within a downhole tool. The method further includes prioritizing, based on the analysis, the sample capture data for transmission to a surface system.
|High Temperature Solder For Downhole Components - A downhole tool conveyable within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a first component, a second component, and a solder electrically and mechanically coupling the first and second components, wherein the solder comprises or consists of: from 0.001 to 1.0 weight % of copper; from 2.5 to 4.0 weight % of silver; from 0.01 to 0.25 weight % of manganese; and tin.
|METHODS OF MANUFACTURING OILFIELD DEGRADABLE ALLOYS AND RELATED PRODUCTS - A method of making a degradable alloy includes adding one or more alloying products to an aluminum or aluminum alloy melt; dissolving the alloying products in the aluminum or aluminum alloy melt, thereby forming a degradable alloy melt; and solidifying the degradable alloy melt to form the degradable alloy. A method for manufacturing a product made of a degradable alloy includes adding one or more alloying products to an aluminum or aluminum alloy melt in a mould; dissolving the one or more alloying products in the aluminum or aluminum alloy melt to form a degradable alloy melt; and solidifying the degradable alloy melt to form the product. A method for manufacturing a product made of a degradable alloy includes placing powders of a base metal or a base alloy and powders of one or more alloying products in a mould; and pressing and sintering the powders to form the product.
|LWD Real-Time Borehole Image Transmission - Data transmission from a bottom hole assembly (BHA) includes obtaining a scan from multiple scans forming a downhole data log of a borehole within a subterranean formation. The scan includes a sequence of data items from a sensor in the BHA located in the borehole. Each data item corresponds to an azimuth angle of the sensor. Further, compressed scan data is generated from the sequence of data items on a per-scan basis, and transmitted, using a pre-determined borehole telemetry, to a surface unit.
|ACOUSTIC DETECTION SYSTEM - A technique facilitates detection of an event in a subterranean environment, e.g. in a wellbore. A tool may be deployed to a desired wellbore location or other subterranean location for actuation between operational positions. An acoustic system also is deployed to detect a unique acoustic signature associated with an event related to operation of the tool. Upon detection of the unique acoustic signature, the acoustic system transmits data to a surface location or other suitable location to indicate occurrence of the event. An example of such an event is transition of the tool between operational positions.
|IN-LINE MAGNETIC PARTICLE FILTER - A magnetic particle filter for a hydraulic control line is disclosed. A filter array is positioned to surround a portion of the hydraulic control line and includes alternating magnets and spacers having different interior diameters forming a ribbed interior surface. The corners between the spacers and magnets trap particles, magnetic and non-magnetic, thus removing them from the hydraulic control line.
|Compositions and Methods for Servicing Subterranean Wells - Cement compositions comprising an inorganic cement, water, polymer particles and a water immiscible fluid are useful for reducing the torque necessary to rotate casing during a cementing operation. Such casing movement promotes efficient removal of drilling fluid from the annulus between the casing and the formation or the casing and another casing string. The compositions are particularly useful for cementing operations involving deviated and horizontal wells.
|Natural Resource Reservoir Modeling - A method, apparatus, and program product determine an effective trap size for reservoir traps of an oil and gas reservoir. Geological data is analyzed to determine structural spill points. Based on the structural spill points and the geological data reservoir traps are identified. An effective trap size for at least some of the reservoir traps of the reservoir is determined based on the structural spill points and the geological data.
|MESHLESS REPRESENTATION OF A GEOLOGIC ENVIRONMENT - A method can include sampling points for at least a portion of a model of a geologic environment; generating a meshless model based at least in part on the points where the points correspond to nodes having respective domains of influence; and, based at least in part on the meshless model, computing a tensor field associated with forces experienced by at least a portion of the nodes. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
|TARGETED SURVEY DESIGN UNDER UNCERTAINTY - A method, apparatus, and program product utilize global sensitivity analysis (GSA) based on variance decomposition to calculate and apportion the contributions to a total variance of a measurement signal from uncertain input parameters of a subsurface model in connection with designing targeted surveys. Through the use of global sensitivity analysis in this manner, the geometry for a survey may be determined based on a desired target of the design, e.g., based on spatial properties (e.g., reservoir zone of interest) and/or physical properties (e.g., porosity, fluid density, rock physics properties) to select locations (e.g., source-receiver pairs) with greater uncertainty contributions from parameter group(s) of interest.
|FRACTURING PUMP IDENTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATION - A manifold trailer and pairing system are disclosed. The pairing system has a non-transitory computer readable medium storing processor executable code. The processor executable code causes a processor to receive identification data indicative of a first low pressure valve and a second low pressure valve connected to a low pressure manifold of a manifold trailer; receive identification data indicative of a first high pressure valve and a second high pressure valve connected to a high pressure manifold of the manifold trailer; and receive identification data indicative of a plurality of pumps. The processor determines a first association indicative of a first fluid connection between the first low pressure valve and a selected pump and a second association indicative of a second fluid connection between the selected pump and a selected high pressure valve. The processor populates the non-transitory computer readable medium with information indicative of the first and second associations.
|PRESSURE TESTING OF WELL SERVICING SYSTEMS - An apparatus and methods for testing and pumping through a well servicing system are provided. The apparatus includes a drive mechanism and an actuation system. The actuation system is coupled to the drive mechanism for selectively engaging the drive mechanism to a drive train of the well servicing system's pumping equipment for pressure testing and low rate pumping of the well servicing system without using the primary mover of the pumping equipment. A method for hydrostatic pressure testing of the well servicing system includes putting a transmission of the drive train into neutral and containing the well servicing system, then engaging the drive mechanism to the drive train and activating the drive mechanism to drive the drive train for pumping and compressing test fluid into the well servicing system without using the primary mover. And a method for low rate pumping of an open well servicing system includes putting the transmission of the drive train into neutral, engaging the drive mechanism to the drive train, and activating the drive mechanism to drive the drive train for pumping fluid into the well servicing system at a predetermined flow rate without using the primary mover.
|Using Higher Order Harmonics to Determine Acoustic Impedance of Material Behind Borehole Casings - An acoustic logging tool emits a wideband acoustic pulse toward an inside surface of a borehole casing and an acoustic response is received. The acoustic response is analyzed at one or more higher order harmonics of the thickness mode resonance of the casing to determine the acoustic impedance of the material behind the casing.
Patent applications by SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION