A tubular handling assembly includes an elevator and a tubular compensator assembly. The tubular compensator assembly includes a housing; a lift member coupled to the housing; a support member; and an actuator for moving the housing and the lift member relative to the support member and the elevator.
E21B 19/086 - Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables; Apparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling tool; Apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods with a fluid-actuated cylinder
E21B 19/06 - Elevators, i.e. rod- or tube-gripping devices
E21B 19/16 - Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints
2.
SAFETY CLUTCH SYSTEM FOR CIRCULATION/FILL-UP/FLOWBACK TOOL
A flowback tool (100) is used on a top drive for delivering fluid flow to a tubular (60), such as drillpipe or casing. A mechanical stroke (110) on the tool has a barrel (140) and a mandrel (120), which has a mud saver valve (130). The mandrel connects to a quill (40) of the top drive and has a coupling that can be threaded with the tubular's box connection (124a). The barrel disposed on the mandrel can be moved by a cam engagement as the mandrel is rotated. When prevented from rotating with the mandrel, the barrel can thereby move in a stroke direction along an axis. An annular seal (150) on the barrel is configured to sealably engage with the tubular. A clutch (160) disposed on the barrel can prevent rotation of the barrel when the clutch is engaged with a portion (bail) of the top drive. However, a toque threshold of the clutch allows for slippage during operations.
A flowback tool is used on a top drive for delivering fluid flow to a tubular, such as a drillpipe or casing. A mechanical stroke on the tool has a mandrel with a mud saver valve and has a barrel. The mandrel connects to a quill of the top drive and has a coupling that can be threaded with the tubular's box connection. The barrel disposed on the mandrel can be moved by a cam engagement as the mandrel is rotated. When prevented from rotating with the mandrel, the barrel can thereby move in a stroke direction along an axis. An annular seal on the barrel is configured to sealably engage with the tubular. A clutch disposed on the barrel can prevent rotation of the barrel when the clutch is engaged with a portion (bail) of the top drive. However, a toque threshold of the clutch allows for slippage during operations.
A gravel pack system includes a liner assembly and a deployment assembly. The liner assembly includes a sand control screen. The deployment assembly facilitates rotation of the liner assembly and circulation through the liner assembly while running the liner assembly into a wellbore using a work string. The deployment assembly includes a crossover tool that is operated to facilitate gravel packing without manipulation of the work string. The deployment assembly also includes a setting tool for setting a packer and/or a sand barrier at the top of the liner assembly.
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for making armored cables. An example method for making an armored cable includes forming a strip stock into an armor tubing; welding a seam of the armor tubing in a welding zone; inserting at least one of a first optical fiber or a first wire into a first end of a first guide tube, wherein: the first guide tube extends through the welding zone; the first guide tube protects the at least one of the first optical fiber or the first wire during the welding of the seam; and the first guide tube is not part of the armored cable after the making of the armored cable; and supporting the first guide tube within the armor tubing by a plurality of support legs such that the first guide tube does not contact the armor tubing.
A cementing operation cements casing in a borehole. A bottom plug pumped down the casing ahead of cement lands at a float valve. Circulation of the cement is established through the bottom plug to a shoe track downhole from the float valve. A top plug pumped down the casing behind the cement lands on the bottom plug. An internal component of the float valve is released by building-up pressure in the casing behind the internal component up to a release threshold. The internal component can latch at the shoe. At least some of the cement in the shoe track is displaced from the casing's shoe to the borehole by pumping the plugs and the internal component to the shoe. With the cement displaced out of the shoe track, the time required to drill out the assembly can be greatly reduced.
E21B 33/16 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes using plugs for isolating cement charge; Plugs therefor
7.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DEPLOYING A SENSOR IN A DOWNHOLE TOOL
A downhole assembly includes a tubular body having a bore and a downhole tool connected to the tubular body. The downhole assembly also includes a sensor assembly having a carrier and a sensor. A sensor adapter is used to couple the sensor assembly to the tubular body. The sensor adapter includes an adapter body disposed in the bore of the tubular body; an adapter shaft for connection with the carrier; and a plurality of channels formed between the adapter shaft and the adapter body.
E21B 47/01 - Devices for supporting measuring instruments on drill bits, pipes, rods or wirelines; Protecting measuring instruments in boreholes against heat, shock, pressure or the like
E21B 23/03 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for setting the tools into, or removing the tools from, laterally offset landing nipples or pockets
8.
REDUCTION OF EQUIVALENT CIRCULATING DENSITY IN WELL OPERATIONS
An equivalent circulating density (ECD) reduction tool can include a positive displacement fluid motor, and a fluid pump configured to be driven by the fluid motor. The fluid pump can include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on respective opposite sides of an external flow restriction. A method of controlling equivalent circulating density (ECD) in a well can include connecting an ECD reduction tool in a tubular string, deploying the tubular string with the ECD reduction tool into the well, thereby forming an annulus between the tubular string and a well surface surrounding the tubular string, and flowing a fluid into the well through the tubular string, the fluid returning from the well via the annulus. The flowing step can include operating a positive displacement fluid motor of the ECD reduction tool, the fluid motor thereby rotating an impeller shaft of a fluid pump.
F04C 2/107 - Rotary-piston machines or pumps of intermeshing-engagement type, i.e. with engagement of co-operating members similar to that of toothed gearing of internal-axis type with the outer member having more teeth or tooth-equivalents, e.g. rollers, than the inner member with helical teeth
A cementing operation cements casing in a borehole. A bottom plug pumped down the casing ahead of cement lands at a float valve. Circulation of the cement is established through the bottom plug to a shoe track downhole from the float valve. A top plug pumped down the casing behind the cement lands on the bottom plug. An internal component of the float valve is released by building-up pressure in the casing behind the internal component up to a release threshold. The internal component can latch at the shoe. At least some of the cement in the shoe track is displaced from the casing's shoe to the borehole by pumping the plugs and the internal component to the shoe. With the cement displaced out of the shoe track, the time required to drill out the assembly can be greatly reduced.
An equivalent circulating density (ECD) reduction tool can include a positive displacement fluid motor, and a fluid pump configured to be driven by the fluid motor. The fluid pump can include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on respective opposite sides of an external flow restriction. A method of controlling equivalent circulating density (ECD) in a well can include connecting an ECD reduction tool in a tubular string, deploying the tubular string with the ECD reduction tool into the well, thereby forming an annulus between the tubular string and a well surface surrounding the tubular string, and flowing a fluid into the well through the tubular string, the fluid returning from the well via the annulus. The flowing step can include operating a positive displacement fluid motor of the ECD reduction tool, the fluid motor thereby rotating an impeller shaft of a fluid pump.
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
F04C 2/107 - Rotary-piston machines or pumps of intermeshing-engagement type, i.e. with engagement of co-operating members similar to that of toothed gearing of internal-axis type with the outer member having more teeth or tooth-equivalents, e.g. rollers, than the inner member with helical teeth
A wellbore isolation assembly includes an outer component and an inner component. The outer component is disposed at a first location in a wellbore. The inner component is disposed at a second location in the wellbore. The inner component is moved from the second location into engagement with the outer component at the first location to form a barrier within the wellbore. The wellbore isolation assembly is retrievable from the wellbore.
A gravel pack system includes a liner assembly for positioning in a wellbore. A deployment assembly includes a cross-over tool to facilitate gravel packing without manipulation of the work string. The system includes an isolation packer assembly which is deployed at the upper end of the liner assembly upon exit of the workstring from the wellbore.
A tubular gripping assembly for handling a tubular includes a housing; a plurality of gripping members for gripping the tubular; a first fluid line for opening the gripping members, the first fluid line having a one-way valve; and second fluid line for closing the gripping members. The tubular gripping assembly also includes an indicator assembly attached to the housing. The indicator assembly has an indicator movable relative to the housing. The indicator assembly also includes a sensor valve configured to open the check valve for fluid communication through the first fluid line in response to relative axial movement between the indicator and the housing.
A tubular gripping assembly for handling a tubular includes a housing; a plurality of gripping members for gripping the tubular; a first fluid line for opening the gripping members, the first fluid line having a one-way valve; and second fluid line for closing the gripping members. The tubular gripping assembly also includes an indicator assembly attached to the housing. The indicator assembly has an indicator movable relative to the housing. The indicator assembly also includes a sensor valve configured to open the check valve for fluid communication through the first fluid line in response to relative axial movement between the indicator and the housing.
An apparatus can include a telescoping arm having a guiding means and a pivot at opposite ends, the telescoping arm being rotatable about the pivot relative to a spider, and the pivot being secured to the spider. A method can include extending a telescoping arm upward relative to a rig floor, pivoting an upper end of the telescoping arm toward a tubular string, then clamping an umbilical to the tubular string, then lowering the tubular string, then retracting the telescoping arm and pivoting the upper end of the telescoping arm away from the tubular string, and then applying torque to a connection in the tubular string. A system can include an actuator operative to rotate a telescoping arm about a pivot, an upper end the actuator is connected to the telescoping arm, and a lower end of the actuator is positioned within an outer circumference of a spider.
E21B 19/087 - Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables; Apparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling tool; Apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods by means of a swinging arm
A multistage cementing assembly (20) is used for cementing casing in a borehole. A subsurface tool (60) on the casing holds a subsurface plug (110) therein using a temporary retainer. The subsurface plug is located in a subsurface location below one or more stage tools (60) or cementing collars on the casing. First stage cement passing down the casing can pass through a passage of the subsurface plug to flow out of a float valve (30). A wiper plug (120) passed through the casing behind the cement is then engaged with the subsurface plug. Pressure buildup can release the two plugs as a unit from the temporary retainer. Before reaching the float valve, a deformable ring on the subsurface plug can engage in a locator ring on the casing to indicate the plug unit's location during operations. Eventually, additional stages can be cemented using the one or more stage tools uphole on the casing.
E21B 33/05 - Cementing-heads, e.g. having provision for introducing cementing plugs
E21B 33/14 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes
E21B 33/16 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes using plugs for isolating cement charge; Plugs therefor
A multistage cementing assembly is used for cementing casing in a borehole. A subsurface tool on the casing holds a subsurface plug therein using a temporary retainer. The subsurface plug is located in a subsurface location below one or more stage tools or cementing collars on the casing. First stage cement passing down the casing can pass through a passage of the subsurface plug to flow out of a float valve. A wiper plug passed through the casing behind the cement is then engaged with the subsurface plug. Pressure buildup can release the two plugs as a unit from the temporary retainer. Before reaching the float valve, a deformable ring on the subsurface plug can engage in a locator ring on the casing to indicate the plug unit's location during operations. Eventually, additional stages can be cemented using the one or more stage tools uphole on the casing.
E21B 33/16 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes using plugs for isolating cement charge; Plugs therefor
A long-stroke pumping unit includes a tower; a counterweight assembly movable along the tower; a crown mounted atop the tower; a sprocket supported by the crown and rotatable relative thereto; and a belt. The unit further includes a motor having a stator mounted to the crown and a rotor torsionally connected to the sprocket; and a sensor for detecting position of the counterweight assembly. The pumping unit may include a dynamic control system for controlling a speed of a motor.
F04B 49/20 - Control of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups by changing the driving speed
E21B 43/12 - Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
An anchor catcher tool can support tubing in casing. The tool is a slimline tool that can be set and unset with a partial (quarter) turn of a mandrel using a setting mechanism, such as a J-slot and pin arrangement. Uphole and downhole cages of the tool carry opposing slips. When set, the slips engage opposing cone faces to wedge against the casing and prevent movement of the tool. Excluded gas can flow up the annulus to the surface through aligned longitudinal flow paths on the exterior of the tool's components. To do this, a sleeve floating on the mandrel has the cone faces thereon and is longitudinally engaged with cages, which float on the mandrel and carry the slips. The sleeve keeps longitudinal channels on the cages and longitudinal divisions of the cone faces aligned with one another to produce the flow paths for annular flow.
E21B 23/01 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for anchoring the tools or the like
E21B 23/00 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
20.
QUARTER-TURN ANCHOR CATCHER HAVING ANTI-ROTATION SLEEVE AND ALLOWING FOR HIGH ANNULAR FLOW
An anchor catcher tool can support tubing in casing. The tool is a slimline tool that can be set and unset with a partial (quarter) turn of a mandrel using a setting mechanism, such as a J-slot and pin arrangement. Uphole and downhole cages of the tool carry opposing slips. When set, the slips engage opposing cone faces to wedge against the casing and prevent movement of the tool. Excluded gas can flow up the annulus to the surface through aligned longitudinal flow paths on the exterior of the tool's components. To do this, a sleeve floating on the mandrel has the cone faces thereon and is longitudinally engaged with cages, which float on the mandrel and carry the slips. The sleeve keeps longitudinal channels on the cages and longitudinal divisions of the cone faces aligned with one another to produce the flow paths for annular flow.
E21B 23/01 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for anchoring the tools or the like
E21B 43/10 - Setting of casings, screens or liners in wells
An isolation valve (10) comprises a valve body (12) mountable on or integrally formed with a tubular (26) and defining a valve pocket (30); a first flow path portion (28) extending within the valve body (12) between a tube inlet (14a) and a valve inlet port (24a), the tube inlet (14a) being connectable to an inlet tube and the valve inlet port (24a) being in communication with the valve pocket (30); a second flow path portion (29) extending within the valve body (12) between a valve outlet port (24b) and a tube outlet (14b), the valve outlet port (24b) being in communication with the valve pocket (30) and the tube outlet (14b) being connectable to an outlet tube; and a valve rod (24) disposed within the valve pocket (30) of the valve body (12), the valve rod (24) being moveable within the valve pocket (30) between an open position in which the valve inlet port (24a) and valve outlet port (24b) are in communication with each other, and a closed position in which the valve inlet port (24a) and the valve outlet port (24b) are isolated from each other.
E21B 34/06 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
F16K 11/07 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves; Arrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
F16K 11/078 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves; Arrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves with pivoted and linearly movable closure members
22.
FLOAT VALVE PRODUCING TURBULENT FLOW FOR WET SHOE TRACK
A float tool is used for controlling flow in tubing. The float tool comprises a housing, at least one valve, and at least one inset. The housing is configured to install on the tubing and has a longitudinal bore therethrough. The at least one valve is disposed in the longitudinal bore. The at least one valve is configured to allow the flow in a downbore direction through the longitudinal bore and is configured to prevent flow in a upbore direction through the longitudinal bore. The at least one inset is disposed in the longitudinal bore and is disposed downbore of the at least one valve. The at least one inset defines an orifice therethrough. The orifice has one or more vanes angled relative to the longitudinal bore. The one or more vanes are configured to produce turbulence in the flow in the downbore direction through the longitudinal bore.
A method can include determining that measured outputs of first and second sensors are correlated, calculating a second sensor output based on the measured first sensor output, and in response to a loss of the measured second sensor output or a failure of an item of equipment, controlling a drilling operation based on the calculated second sensor output. A control system can include a statistical model that determines a correlation between measured outputs of first and second sensors, and calculates a calculated second sensor output based on the measured first sensor output, a controller that controls the drilling operation, and a hydraulics model that determines how the drilling operation should be controlled to achieve a desired objective, and determines, based on the calculated second sensor output, how the drilling operation should be controlled, in response to a loss of the measured second sensor output or an equipment failure.
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for making armored cables. An example method for making an armored cable includes forming a strip stock into an armor tubing; welding a seam of the armor tubing in a welding zone; inserting at least one of a first optical fiber or a first wire into a first end of a first guide tube, wherein: the first guide tube extends through the welding zone; the first guide tube protects the at least one of the first optical fiber or the first wire during the welding of the seam; and the first guide tube is not part of the armored cable after the making of the armored cable; and supporting the first guide tube within the armor tubing by a plurality of support legs such that the first guide tube does not contact the armor tubing.
A method that includes determining that measured outputs of first and second sensors are correlated, calculating a second sensor output based on the measured first sensor output, and in response to a loss of the measured second sensor output or a failure of an item of equipment, controlling a drilling operation based on the calculated second sensor output. A drilling operation control system that includes a statistical model that determines a correlation between measured outputs of first and second sensors, and calculates a calculated second sensor output based on the measured first sensor output, a controller that controls the drilling operation, and a hydraulics model that determines how the drilling operation should be controlled to achieve a desired objective, and determines, based on the calculated second sensor output, how the drilling operation should be controlled, in response to a loss of the measured second sensor output or an equipment failure.
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systems; Systems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
26.
Method and Apparatus for Riding through Power Disruptions of a Drive Circuit
An electrical ride-through (ERT) unit is configured to apply a voltage to a drive circuit during disruptions of line voltage to the drive circuit. The ERT unit includes a capacitor on an ERT circuit that is prevented from applying the voltage to the drive circuit during normal operation of the drive circuit and applies the voltage to the drive circuit during a voltage drop on the drive circuit.
H02P 27/06 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using dc to ac converters or inverters
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
27.
DEBRIS EXCLUSIVE-PRESSURE INTENSIFIED-PRESSURE BALANCED SETTING TOOL FOR LINER HANGER
A system and method set a liner hanger in a borehole by actuating a hydraulic setting mechanism on the hanger to engage slips in the borehole. A setting tool runs the hanger into position. A reserve volume of the tool holds a clean fluid separate from the borehole. A piston of the tool has a tool volume for the fluid. During run in, pressure in the tool volume is balanced to hydrostatic pressure by drawing actuation fluid from the reserve volume to the tool volume through a check valve. To set the hanger, a plug is engaged on a seat in the tool, tubing pressure is applied behind the engaged plug, and the seat is unlocked. With more applied pressure, the piston moves, reduces the tool volume, and intensifies pressure of the clean fluid communicated to the hanger's setting mechanism. Over-pressure can be handled by a venting valve.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 43/10 - Setting of casings, screens or liners in wells
28.
DOWNHOLE 3-PHASE FLOW MEASUREMENT USING SPEED OF SOUND ABOVE AND BELOW THE BUBBLE-POINT PRESSURE
Methods and apparatus for hydrocarbon monitoring are provided. An example method (e.g., performed by a monitoring system) includes receiving one or more first downhole measurements including a first speed of sound (SoS) measurement of a flowing fluid at a first location. A pressure of the flowing fluid at the first location is greater than a bubble-point pressure of the flowing fluid. One or more second downhole measurements including a second SoS measurement of the flowing fluid at a second location are received. A pressure of the flowing fluid at the second location is less than the bubble-point pressure of the flowing fluid, and the flowing fluid is a 3-phase fluid mixture at the second location. One or more phase flow rates of the 3-phase fluid mixture are calculated based on the first SoS measurement, the second SoS measurement, and a measurement of a bulk velocity of the flowing fluid.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
E21B 43/12 - Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
E21B 47/14 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves
E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells
G01F 1/661 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters using light
G01F 1/667 - Arrangements of transducers for ultrasonic flowmeters; Circuits for operating ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 1/74 - Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
G01N 29/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
An acoustic telemetry tool can include string connectors at respective opposite ends of the acoustic telemetry tool, a tubular outer housing extending longitudinally between the connectors, an inner mandrel extending longitudinally between the connectors, an annular chamber formed radially between the outer housing and the inner mandrel, and an acoustic telemetry assembly positioned in the annular chamber. In one acoustic telemetry tool, the outer housing is configured to transmit mechanical loads between the connectors, but the inner mandrel is configured to not transmit mechanical loads between the connectors. In another acoustic telemetry tool, the outer housing and the inner mandrel are configured to transmit mechanical loads between the connectors. In another tool, there may be multiple sets of outer housings, inner mandrels and acoustic telemetry assemblies.
E21B 47/16 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the drill string or casing
E21B 17/18 - Pipes provided with plural fluid passages
E21B 17/042 - Couplings; Joints between rod and bit, or between rod and rod threaded
E21B 47/01 - Devices for supporting measuring instruments on drill bits, pipes, rods or wirelines; Protecting measuring instruments in boreholes against heat, shock, pressure or the like
Methods and systems for logging a wellbore having a casing using ultrasonic logging are described. Traditional ultrasonic logging involves using a piezoelectric transducer that is spaced from the inner surface of the casing by a least a distance referred to as the “far-field” distance. Logging in the “far-field,” as traditionally done, avoids destructive interference. The methods and systems described herein allow logging in the “near-field.” Logging in the near-field using the described methods and systems overcomes several difficulties associated with acoustic logging, particularly in attenuative, dispersive, and deviated environments.
G01V 1/44 - Seismology; Seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting specially adapted for well-logging using generators and receivers in the same well
E21B 47/16 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the drill string or casing
31.
Downhole 3-phase flow measurement using speed of sound above and below the bubble-point pressure
Methods and apparatus for hydrocarbon monitoring are provided. An example method (e.g., performed by a monitoring system) includes receiving one or more first downhole measurements including a first speed of sound (SoS) measurement of a flowing fluid at a first location, wherein a pressure of the flowing fluid at the first location is greater than a bubble-point pressure of the flowing fluid; receiving one or more second downhole measurements including a second SoS measurement of the flowing fluid at a second location, wherein a pressure of the flowing fluid at the second location is less than the bubble-point pressure of the flowing fluid and wherein the flowing fluid is a 3-phase fluid mixture at the second location; and calculating one or more phase flow rates of the 3-phase fluid mixture, based on the first SoS measurement, the second SoS measurement, and a measurement of a bulk velocity of the flowing fluid.
E21B 47/107 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements using acoustic means
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 1/74 - Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
A rotating control device (40) can include a bearing housing (52), an inner mandrel (50) rotatably supported in the bearing housing, and a barrier (60) having upper (62) and lower portions (64), the upper portion being secured against rotation relative to the inner mandrel, the lower portion being secured against rotation relative to the bearing housing, the lower portion including annular recesses (72), the recesses being progressively deeper in a radially outward direction. Another barrier can include upper and lower portions, the lower portion including multiple annular walls (66), an upper surface of each wall (70) being inclined downward in a radially outward direction. Another barrier can include upper and lower portions, the upper and lower portions having annular walls, the upper portion walls being interdigitated with the lower portion walls, and the upper and lower portion walls being circumferentially discontinuous, whereby gaps are formed between circumferential ends of the upper and lower portion walls.
An acoustic telemetry tool can include string connectors at respective opposite ends of the acoustic telemetry tool, a tubular outer housing extending longitudinally between the connectors, an inner mandrel extending longitudinally between the connectors, an annular chamber formed radially between the outer housing and the inner mandrel, and an acoustic telemetry assembly positioned in the annular chamber. In one acoustic telemetry tool, the outer housing is configured to transmit mechanical loads between the connectors, but the inner mandrel is configured to not transmit mechanical loads between the connectors. In another acoustic telemetry tool, the outer housing and the inner mandrel are configured to transmit mechanical loads between the connectors. In another tool, there may be multiple sets of outer housings, inner mandrels and acoustic telemetry assemblies.
E21B 47/16 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the drill string or casing
Methods and systems for logging a wellbore having a casing using ultrasonic logging are described. Traditional ultrasonic logging involves using a piezoelectric transducer that is spaced from the inner surface of the casing by a least a distance referred to as the "far-field" distance. Logging in the "far-field," as traditionally done, avoids destructive interference. The methods and systems described herein allow logging in the "near-field." Logging in the near- field using the described methods and systems overcomes several difficulties associated with acoustic logging, particularly in attenuative, dispersive, and deviated environments.
E21B 47/005 - Monitoring or checking of cementation quality or level
G01V 1/44 - Seismology; Seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting specially adapted for well-logging using generators and receivers in the same well
A methane leak remediation system can include at least one methane sensor, equipment configured for at least one of methane production, methane transport and methane processing, and a control system configured to receive output from the methane sensor and to operate the equipment in response to the sensor output. A method of remediating a methane leak can include transmitting an output of at least one methane sensor to a control system, identifying the methane leak as represented in the sensor output, remediating the methane leak, and optimizing at least one of methane production, methane transport and methane processing. The optimizing is performed during the remediating.
A methane leak remediation system can include at least one methane sensor, equipment configured for at least one of methane production, methane transport and methane processing, and a control system configured to receive output from the methane sensor and to operate the equipment in response to the sensor output. A method of remediating a methane leak can include transmitting an output of at least one methane sensor to a control system, identifying the methane leak as represented in the sensor output, remediating the methane leak, and optimizing at least one of methane production, methane transport and methane processing. The optimizing is performed during the remediating.
A valve assembly can include a housing having multiple longitudinally spaced apart ports, a sleeve longitudinally displaceable in the housing, and at least one deflector ring configured to block flow through an annular space formed between the housing and an outer surface of the sleeve. The deflector ring is positioned longitudinally between an adjacent pair of the ports. Another valve assembly can include a housing having a port, a sleeve longitudinally displaceable in the housing, and a nozzle having an orifice in communication with the port. The nozzle is secured to the housing.
F16K 11/07 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves; Arrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
E21B 34/02 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in well heads
E21B 34/14 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
F16K 25/04 - Arrangements for preventing erosion, not otherwise provided for
A valve assembly can include a housing having multiple longitudinally spaced apart ports, a sleeve longitudinally displaceable in the housing, and at least one deflector ring configured to block flow through an annular space formed between the housing and an outer surface of the sleeve. The deflector ring is positioned longitudinally between an adjacent pair of the ports. Another valve assembly can include a housing having a port, a sleeve longitudinally displaceable in the housing, and a nozzle having an orifice in communication with the port. The nozzle is secured to the housing.
E21B 34/14 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
A subsea assembly can include a pressure control device having an annular seal configured to seal off an annulus formed between an outer housing and a tubular string, a connector, and a guide configured to guide the tubular string into an internal flow passage extending through the subsea assembly, the pressure control device being connected between the connector and the guide. A method can include assembling a subsea assembly with a pressure control device and a connector, the pressure control device including an outer housing and an annular seal, lowering the subsea assembly through water from a rig to a subsea wellhead installation, connecting the subsea assembly to the subsea wellhead installation, and positioning a tubular string in the subsea assembly, so that the annular seal seals against an external surface of the tubular string, the tubular string being exposed to the water between the rig and the subsea assembly.
A flow measurement apparatus can include a main flow passage, a bypass flow passage having an inlet and an outlet connected with the main flow passage, a mass flowmeter connected in the bypass flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, and a flow restrictor connected in the bypass flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A method can include connecting the flow measurement apparatus, so that a fluid flow in the well also flows through the flow measurement apparatus, and determining at least one rheological parameter of a non-Newtonian fluid, based on an output of the flow measurement apparatus.
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
G01F 1/88 - Indirect mass flowmeters, e.g. measuring volume flow and density, temperature, or pressure with differential-pressure measurement to determine the volume flow
G01N 11/04 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticity; Analysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture
41.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE TESTING IN WET SHOE APPLICATIONS
When cementing tubing in a borehole, a wet shoe track is created, and pressure testing of the tubing is performed. To do this, a wiper plug seats in a seat of an insert disposed in a first position in a flow bore of a tool. The insert is released and moved toward a second position in the flow bore in response to the first pressure applied against the seated wiper plug. A collar disposed on the wiper plug seats on a second seat disposed uphole of the first seat. The tubing is pressure tested by applying pressure down the tubing against the wiper plug with the collar seated in the second seat. Fluid communication is then established through the flow bore downhole of the wiper plug, the first seat, and the second seat by removing the collar from the wiper plug. This can create the wet shoe track.
E21B 33/16 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes using plugs for isolating cement charge; Plugs therefor
E21B 34/06 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
E21B 47/117 - Detecting leaks, e.g. from tubing, by pressure testing
42.
Apparatus and method for pressure testing in wet shoe applications
When cementing tubing in a borehole, a wet shoe track is created, and pressure testing of the tubing is performed. To do this, a wiper plug seats in a seat of an insert disposed in a first position in a flow bore of a tool. The insert is released and moved toward a second position in the flow bore in response to the first pressure applied against the seated wiper plug. A collar disposed on the wiper plug seats on a second seat disposed uphole of the first seat. The tubing is pressure tested by applying pressure down the tubing against the wiper plug with the collar seated in the second seat. Fluid communication is then established through the flow bore downhole of the wiper plug, the first seat, and the second seat by removing the collar from the wiper plug. This can create the wet shoe track.
A long-stroke pumping unit includes a tower; a counterweight assembly movable along the tower; a crown mounted atop the tower; a sprocket supported by the crown and rotatable relative thereto; and a belt. The unit further includes a motor having a stator mounted to the crown and a rotor torsionally connected to the sprocket; and a sensor for detecting position of the counterweight assembly. The pumping unit may include a dynamic control system for controlling a speed of a motor.
E21B 43/12 - Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
F04B 49/20 - Control of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups by changing the driving speed
A pressure control device can include an outer housing, a bearing assembly with bearings to rotatably support an inner barrel in the outer housing, a heat exchanger, and fluid passages that communicate between the bearings and the heat exchanger, and a latch assembly configured to releasably secure the bearing assembly in the outer housing. The latch assembly can include a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the bearing assembly heat exchanger. Another pressure control device can include a bearing assembly with bearings to rotatably support an inner barrel in the outer housing, fluid passages that communicate with space adjacent the bearings, a pump in communication with the fluid passages, and a gear train connected between the pump and a ring gear secured to the inner barrel.
A pressure control device can include an outer housing, a bearing assembly with bearings to rotatably support an inner barrel in the outer housing, a heat exchanger, and fluid passages that communicate between the bearings and the heat exchanger, and a latch assembly configured to releasably secure the bearing assembly in the outer housing. The latch assembly can include a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the bearing assembly heat exchanger. Another pressure control device can include a bearing assembly with bearings to rotatably support an inner barrel in the outer housing, fluid passages that communicate with space adjacent the bearings, a pump in communication with the fluid passages, and a gear train connected between the pump and a ring gear secured to the inner barrel.
An integrated hydraulic fracture design model that utilizes elastic fluids with high proppant suspension and low required power for injection into a hydrocarbon-bearing, subterranean formation. The integrated physics-based approach utilizes a hybrid friction model to compute viscous and elastic behavior to estimate pressure losses at different pumping conditions coupled with a novel geomechanical model capable of modeling proppant transport with elastic fluids in planar hydraulic fractures and natural fractures. An integrated process to optimize hydraulic fracture design evaluates and quantifies the proppant-carrying capacity of elastic fluids and its impact on the proppant transport process, and low water requirements.
E21B 43/26 - Methods for stimulating production by forming crevices or fractures
E21B 43/267 - Methods for stimulating production by forming crevices or fractures reinforcing fractures by propping
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
G01N 11/16 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticity; Analysing materials by determining flow properties by moving a body within the material by measuring damping effect upon oscillatory body
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
47.
Controlled Deformation and Shape Recovery of Packing Elements
A packer assembly includes a mandrel and a packing element disposed about the mandrel. Upper and lower recovery sleeves are disposed about the mandrel and extend between the mandrel and respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The upper and lower recovery sleeves each have a recovery profile embedded within the packing element. Upper and lower backup assemblies are movably disposed about the respective upper and lower recovery sleeves, adjacent to the respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The packer assembly includes at least one release mechanism. When setting the packer assembly in a bore, the packing element is axially compressed between the upper and lower backup assemblies to contact the bore wall, and the upper and lower backup assemblies splay outwards. Upon release, the packing element and backup assemblies retract, thereby facilitating retrieval of the packer assembly from the bore.
A downhole pump for a reciprocating system includes a barrel and a plunger. The barrel couples to a tubing string and has a standing valve. The plunger couples to a rod string and has a traveling valve. Either valve can include a housing, an insert, a ball, and a seat. The insert defines a ball stop and has a ball passage. The insert positions in the flow passage of the housing, and one of the ends engages a shoulder in the passage. The insert is secured with metallic material metallurgically affixed between at least a portion of the insert and the flow passage. Brazing material can be brazed at the end of the insert to metallurgically affix the insert in the passage. The ball is positioned in the insert, and the seat is positioned adjacent an end of the insert. The valve then incorporates into components of the pump.
E21B 34/06 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
E21B 43/12 - Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
F04B 53/12 - Valves; Arrangement of valves arranged in or on pistons
F16K 15/04 - Check valves with guided rigid valve members shaped as balls
E21B 34/14 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
A tong for handling a tubular includes a jaw carrier having an active jaw movable from a retracted position to an extended position relative to the jaw carrier; a cam body disposed about the jaw carrier and rotatable relative to the cam body; and a brake assembly including an first brake member for engaging an upper surface coupled to the jaw carrier.
A downhole pump used for a reciprocating pump system includes a barrel and a plunger. The barrel couples to a tubing string and has a standing valve. The plunger couples to a rod string and has a traveling valve. One or both of the valves can include an assembly comprising a housing, an insert, a ball, and a seat. The insert allowing for flow therethrough defines a ball stop at one end has a ball passage at the other end. The insert positions in flow passage of the housing, and one of the ends engages a shoulder in the passage. The insert is secured in the flow passage with metallic material metallurgically affixed between at least a portion of the insert and the flow passage. For example, brazing material can be brazed at the end of the insert to metallurgically affix the insert in the passage. The ball is positioned in the insert, and the seat is positioned adjacent an end of the insert. The assembly is then incorporated into components of the pump.
A pressure isolation assembly can include multiple pressure isolation modules arranged in series and isolating a pressure actuated downhole tool from a downhole fluid pressure. Each of the modules may be configured to open in response to a single pressure cycle comprising an increase in the downhole fluid pressure followed by a decrease in the downhole fluid pressure. A method can include determining a number of fluid pressure cycles to apply to enable actuation of a downhole tool; installing a number of pressure isolation modules in a pressure isolation assembly, the number corresponding to the number of pressure cycles; deploying the downhole tool and the pressure isolation assembly while the pressure isolation assembly isolates a fluid passage of the downhole tool from downhole fluid pressure; and applying the number of pressure cycles, thereby permitting communication of at least a fraction of the downhole fluid pressure to the fluid passage.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 34/06 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
A bottom hole assembly (BHA) includes a whipstock having a latch release mechanism and a milling tool having a plurality of blades and a lock mechanism. The BHA also includes a collar coupled to the whipstock and disposed about a portion of the milling tool, wherein the blades of the milling tool abut the collar. The milling tool is releasably coupled to the whipstock by the interaction of the latch release mechanism and the lock mechanism.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
A liner string for a wellbore includes a liner hanger assembly (LHA) and a liner hanger deployment assembly (LHDA) releasably attached to the LHA. The LHDA includes a central bore and a running tool moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position, the running tool including a flow path in communication with the central bore. The liner string further includes a chamber disposed between the LHDA and LHA, wherein the chamber is in selective fluid communication with the flow path. Wherein, when the flow path is closed, the chamber is isolated from the central bore, and when the flow path is open, the flow path provides fluid communication between central bore and chamber.
E21B 43/10 - Setting of casings, screens or liners in wells
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
A running tool sets and cements a liner in a borehole. While the tool's bypass section is closed, a plug deployed to the tool diverts hydraulic pressure to set a liner hanger in the borehole. The setting plug is unseated, and the bypass section is switched opened by deploying another plug to an opening seat and shifting a control sleeve open relative to a bypass port. While the tool's packoff remains sealed in the hanger, cement pumped out the bypass port is bullheaded into a lap of the liner and borehole. When cementing is complete, the bypass section is switched closed by deploying another plug to a closing seat and shifting the control sleeve closed relative to the bypass port. The bypass section is then placed in a flow-through condition where fluid communication is reestablished through the tool to the liner by allowing fluid to flow past the plugs in the tool.
E21B 43/10 - Setting of casings, screens or liners in wells
E21B 33/16 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes using plugs for isolating cement charge; Plugs therefor
56.
Rotating control device with debris-excluding barrier
A rotating control device can include a bearing housing, an inner mandrel rotatably supported in the bearing housing, and a barrier having upper and lower portions, the upper portion being secured against rotation relative to the inner mandrel, the lower portion being secured against rotation relative to the bearing housing, the lower portion including annular recesses, the recesses being progressively deeper in a radially outward direction. Another barrier can include upper and lower portions, the lower portion including multiple annular walls, an upper surface of each wall being inclined downward in a radially outward direction. Another barrier can include upper and lower portions, the upper and lower portions having annular walls, the upper portion walls being interdigitated with the lower portion walls, and the upper and lower portion walls being circumferentially discontinuous, whereby gaps are formed between circumferential ends of the upper and lower portion walls.
A packer assembly includes a packer mandrel and a packing element disposed about the packer mandrel. An upper recovery sleeve is disposed about the packer mandrel and extending between the packer mandrel and an upper end of the packing element, and a lower recovery sleeve is disposed about the packer mandrel and extending between the packer mandrel and a lower end of the packing element. An upper backup assembly is movably disposed about the upper recovery sleeve and adjacent to the upper end of the packing element. A lower backup assembly is movably disposed about the lower recovery sleeve. The lower backup assembly has a lower backup ring assembly configured to enclose an outer surface of the lower end of the packing element. A retrieval sleeve is selectively movable relative to the lower backup ring assembly and configured to at least partially retract the lower backup ring assembly.
A packer assembly includes a packer mandrel and a packing element disposed about the packer mandrel. An upper recovery sleeve is disposed about the packer mandrel and extending between the packer mandrel and an upper end of the packing element, and a lower recovery sleeve is disposed about the packer mandrel and extending between the packer mandrel and a lower end of the packing element. An upper backup assembly is movably disposed about the upper recovery sleeve and adjacent to the upper end of the packing element. A lower backup assembly is movably disposed about the lower recovery sleeve. The lower backup assembly has a lower backup ring assembly configured to enclose an outer surface of the lower end of the packing element. A retrieval sleeve is selectively movable relative to the lower backup ring assembly and configured to at least partially retract the lower backup ring assembly.
An assembly is used for chemical injection through a wellhead (10) to a capillary line (102) in a well. A capillary hanger (150) installs in the wellhead to support the capillary line (102). A no-return valve (160) of the capillary hanger prevents fluid communication uphole from the supported capillary line (102). An injection module (104) mounts above a gate valve (50) on the wellhead and includes a movable mandrel (120) disposed therein. Hydraulic pressure applied to a piston chamber (121) in the module extends the mandrel through the open gate valve (50) so that a distal end (134) of the mandrel (120) can open the no-return valve (160). At this point, chemical injection introduced into the module can communicate through a flow bore (122) of the extended mandrel, through the open non-return valve (160), and on through the supported capillary line (102) in the well.
A float valve is used in a tubular having a through-bore for flow. The tubular can be a casing joint, a casing pup joint, a housing or a shell of a float collar/shoe, or other tubular element. A sleeve of drillable material is expanded inside the tubular. Sealing and/or anchor elements on the exterior of the sleeve can engage inside the tubular. Caps composed of drillable material are disposed on ends of the sleeve and have passages connected to ends of a flow tube. The flow tub is also composed of drillable material and has a bore therethrough for flow. A valve composed of drillable material is disposed in the passage of one of the caps and is configured to control the flow in the tubing through the flow tube.
E21B 21/10 - Valves arrangements in drilling-fluid circulation systems
E21B 34/08 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells responsive to flow or pressure of the fluid obtained
E21B 34/04 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in well heads in underwater well heads
E21B 34/06 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
E21B 43/10 - Setting of casings, screens or liners in wells
E21B 34/14 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
A wiper plug is used in an operation to cement tubing in a borehole. The wiper plug is pumped down the tubing to separate an advancing fluid from a following fluid of the cementing operation, and an internal pressure chamber is maintained in a throughbore of the wiper plug between uphole and downhole barriers. The wiper plug eventually lands in the tubing, and the uphole barrier is removed by applying a first predetermined pressure against the uphole barrier. Removal of the uphole barrier is facilitated by the known and controlled internal pressure of the plug's chamber. The downhole barrier is also removed so that flow is permitted through the throughbore of the wiper plug. To perform a tubing pressure test, the downhole barrier can be removed due to pressure, and the chamber may have a temporary valve to hold applied pressure to a test level. Alternatively, the downhole barrier can hold the applied pressure. The temporary valve and the downhole barrier can then be self-removing in response to a stimulus.
E21B 33/16 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes using plugs for isolating cement charge; Plugs therefor
E21B 34/14 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
62.
MANAGED PRESSURE DRILLING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
An apparatus can include a choke with a flow restrictor member having at least two positions, a flow coefficient Cv of the choke with the flow restrictor member in one position being less than with the flow restrictor member in the other position, and an operational device that displaces the flow restrictor member at a variable actuation rate, the actuation rate with the flow restrictor member in one position being less than with the flow restrictor in the other position. A method can include displacing a flow restrictor member, thereby decreasing a flow coefficient Cv of a choke, and decreasing a rate of change of the flow coefficient Cv in response to decreasing the flow coefficient Cv. A drilling system can include a choke with a flow restrictor member, and a continuously variable transmission which causes an actuation rate to vary based on a position of the flow restrictor member.
Fail-safe methods for deactivating the pulsed neutron generator (PNG) of a logging tool are described herein, as are logging tools configured to execute the fail-safe methods. The fail- safe methods deactivate the PNG if the logging tool is disposed in air outside of a borehole. Measurements taken using one or more gamma ray detectors of the logging tool are used to calculate a value for a parameter that is indicative of the tool being disposed in an air environment. Examples of such parameters include ratios of capture gamma rays and burst gamma rays. The disclosed methods operate without reference to sensors and/or control from outside the tool. The methods do not inadvertently deactivate the tool when it encounters an air-filled borehole.
G01V 5/10 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of nuclear radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using neutron sources
A method of making-up tubular string components can include inputting to an image processor image data output from at least one camera, the image processor in response detecting positions of a tubular and a mark on another tubular, threading the tubulars with each other while inputting position data from the image processor to a controller, and the controller terminating the threading in response to the position of the mark relative to the position of the first tubular being within a predetermined range. Another method of making-up tubular string components can include, in response to inputting image data to an image processor, the image processor detecting longitudinal positions of two tubulars, threading the tubulars with each other, and a controller terminating the threading in response to the longitudinal position of one tubular relative to the longitudinal position of the other tubular being within a predetermined range.
Fail-safe methods for deactivating the pulsed neutron generator (PNG) of a logging tool are described herein, as are logging tools configured to execute the fail-safe methods. The fail- safe methods deactivate the PNG if the logging tool is disposed in air outside of a borehole. Measurements taken using one or more gamma ray detectors of the logging tool are used to calculate a value for a parameter that is indicative of the tool being disposed in an air environment. Examples of such parameters include ratios of capture gamma rays and burst gamma rays. The disclosed methods operate without reference to sensors and/or control from outside the tool. The methods do not inadvertently deactivate the tool when it encounters an air-filled borehole.
G01V 5/10 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of nuclear radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using neutron sources
Methods, tools, and systems for determining the lithium concentration of a formation traversed by a wellbore using pulsed neutron logging are described. Since determining lithium directly using pulsed neutron logging is problematic, this disclosure provides ways of determining lithium concentration indirectly using models that relate lithium concentration with concentrations of other elements that are predicted to be associated with lithium.
G01V 5/10 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of nuclear radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using neutron sources
A wellbore isolation assembly includes an outer component and an inner component. The outer component is disposed at a first location in a wellbore. The inner component is disposed at a second location in the wellbore. The inner component is moved from the second location into engagement with the outer component at the first location to form a barrier within the wellbore. When deployed in the wellbore, the barrier inhibits passage of fluids. The wellbore isolation assembly is then retrieved from the wellbore.
A gravel pack system includes a liner assembly and a deployment assembly. The liner assembly includes a sand control screen. The deployment assembly facilitates rotation of the liner assembly and circulation through the liner assembly while running the liner assembly into a wellbore using a work string. The deployment assembly includes a crossover tool that is operated to facilitate gravel packing without manipulation of the work string. The deployment assembly also includes a setting tool for setting a packer and/or a sand barrier at the top of the liner assembly.
A spider for handling/gripping well components of various sizes can include multiple slip assemblies distributed circumferentially about a central axis, each slip assembly including a slip carrier radially displaceable relative to the central axis, a slip displaceable relative to the slip carrier, and a slip actuator operable to displace the slip relative to the slip carrier, the slip actuator being disposed at least partially internal to the slip carrier. Each slip assembly may include a slip carrier actuator that radially displaces the slip carrier. A table assembly may mount to a well rig with an upper surface of the table assembly being flush with a rig floor of the well rig. Another spider can include a pipe guide assembly with multiple guides and guide actuators. Each guide actuator rotates a respective one of the pipe guides about a respective guide axis that is parallel to the central axis.
A gravel pack system includes a liner assembly and a deployment assembly. The liner assembly includes a sand control screen. The deployment assembly facilitates rotation of the liner assembly and circulation through the liner assembly while running the liner assembly into a wellbore using a work string. The deployment assembly includes a crossover tool that is operated to facilitate gravel packing without manipulation of the work string. The deployment assembly also includes a setting tool for setting a packer and/or a sand barrier at the top of the liner assembly.
E21B 34/14 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 23/06 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for setting packers
A wellbore isolation assembly includes an outer component and an inner component. The outer component is disposed at a first location in a wellbore. The inner component is disposed at a second location in the wellbore. The inner component is moved from the second location into engagement with the outer component at the first location to form a barrier within the wellbore. When deployed in the wellbore, the barrier inhibits passage of fluids. The wellbore isolation assembly is then retrieved from the wellbore.
Methods, tools, and systems for determining the lithium concentration of a formation traversed by a wellbore using pulsed neutron logging are described. Since determining lithium directly using pulsed neutron logging is problematic, this disclosure provides ways of determining lithium concentration indirectly using models that relate lithium concentration with concentrations of other elements that are predicted to be associated with lithium.
G01V 5/10 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of nuclear radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using neutron sources
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Oil and gas well logging services, namely, providing the service of collecting downhole data from a survey tool, namely, testing static formation pressure while drilling using a formation testing tool and reporting the pressure data to a customer
An elevator can include an elevator body, a set of ears on the elevator body configured for cooperative engagement with a set of bails, and another set of ears configured for cooperative engagement with another set of bails. A method of operating an elevator can include connecting a set of bails to a set of ears on an elevator body, and connecting another set of bails to another set of ears on the elevator body, the sets of bails being different from each other. A well system can include a lifting apparatus, an elevator including an elevator body, and one of two sets of bails connected between the lifting apparatus and the elevator. One set of ears on the elevator body being configured to cooperatively engage one set of bails, and another set of ears on the elevator body being configured to cooperatively engage the other set of bails.
A flow measurement apparatus can include a main flow passage, a bypass flow passage having an inlet and an outlet connected with the main flow passage, a mass flowmeter connected in the bypass flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, and a flow restrictor connected in the bypass flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A method can include connecting the flow measurement apparatus, so that a fluid flow in the well also flows through the flow measurement apparatus, and determining at least one rheological parameter of a non-Newtonian fluid, based on an output of the flow measurement apparatus.
A flow measurement apparatus can include a main flow passage, a bypass flow passage having an inlet and an outlet connected with the main flow passage, a mass flowmeter connected in the bypass flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, and a flow restrictor connected in the bypass flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A method can include connecting the flow measurement apparatus, so that a fluid flow in the well also flows through the flow measurement apparatus, and determining at least one rheological parameter of a non-Newtonian fluid, based on an output of the flow measurement apparatus.
G01F 1/76 - Devices for measuring mass flow of a fluid or a fluent solid material
G01F 5/00 - Measuring a proportion of the volume flow
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
G01F 15/00 - MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW, OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
G01F 15/02 - Compensating or correcting for variations in pressure, density, or temperature
G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
77.
Pulsed neutron logging tool with in-air automatic shutdown
Fail-safe methods for deactivating the pulsed neutron generator (PNG) of a logging tool are described herein, as are logging tools configured to execute the fail-safe methods. The fail-safe methods deactivate the PNG if the logging tool is disposed in air outside of a borehole. Measurements taken using one or more gamma ray detectors of the logging tool are used to calculate a value for a parameter that is indicative of the tool being disposed in an air environment. Examples of such parameters include ratios of capture gamma rays and burst gamma rays. The disclosed methods operate without reference to sensors and/or control from outside the tool. The methods do not inadvertently deactivate the tool when it encounters an air-filled borehole.
G01V 5/10 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of nuclear radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using neutron sources
78.
Debris exclusive-pressure intensified-pressure balanced setting tool for liner hanger
A system and method set a liner hanger in a borehole by actuating a hydraulic setting mechanism on the hanger to engage slips in the borehole. A setting tool runs the hanger into position. A reserve volume of the tool holds a clean fluid separate from the borehole. A piston of the tool has a tool volume for the fluid. During run in, pressure in the tool volume is balanced to hydrostatic pressure by drawing actuation fluid from the reserve volume to the tool volume through a check valve. To set the hanger, a plug is engaged on a seat in the tool, tubing pressure is applied behind the engaged plug, and the seat is unlocked. With more applied pressure, the piston moves, reduces the tool volume, and intensifies pressure of the clean fluid communicated to the hanger's setting mechanism. Over-pressure can be handled by a venting valve.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 43/10 - Setting of casings, screens or liners in wells
A flow measurement apparatus can include a main flow passage, a bypass flow passage having an inlet and an outlet connected with the main flow passage, a mass flowmeter connected in the bypass flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, and a flow restrictor connected in the bypass flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A method can include connecting the flow measurement apparatus, so that a fluid flow in the well also flows through the flow measurement apparatus, and determining at least one rheological parameter of a non-Newtonian fluid, based on an output of the flow measurement apparatus.
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
G01F 1/88 - Indirect mass flowmeters, e.g. measuring volume flow and density, temperature, or pressure with differential-pressure measurement to determine the volume flow
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
G01N 11/04 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticity; Analysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture
G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
80.
DEBRIS EXCLUSIVE-PRESSURE INTENSIFIED-PRESSURE BALANCED SETTING TOOL FOR LINER HANGER
A system and method set a liner hanger in a borehole by actuating a hydraulic setting mechanism on the hanger to engage slips in the borehole. A setting tool runs the hanger into position. A reserve volume of the tool holds a clean fluid separate from the borehole. A piston of the tool has a tool volume for the fluid. During run in, pressure in the tool volume is balanced to hydrostatic pressure by drawing actuation fluid from the reserve volume to the tool volume through a check valve. To set the hanger, a plug is engaged on a seat in the tool, tubing pressure is applied behind the engaged plug, and the seat is unlocked. With more applied pressure, the piston moves, reduces the tool volume, and intensifies pressure of the clean fluid communicated to the hanger's setting mechanism. Over-pressure can be handled by a venting valve.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 33/04 - Casing heads; Suspending casings or tubings in well heads
E21B 43/10 - Setting of casings, screens or liners in wells
81.
DEBRIS EXCLUSIVE-PRESSURE INTENSIFIED-PRESSURE BALANCED SETTING TOOL FOR LINER HANGER
A system and method set a liner hanger in a borehole by actuating a hydraulic setting mechanism on the hanger to engage slips in the borehole. A setting tool runs the hanger into position. A reserve volume of the tool holds a clean fluid separate from the borehole. A piston of the tool has a tool volume for the fluid. During run in, pressure in the tool volume is balanced to hydrostatic pressure by drawing actuation fluid from the reserve volume to the tool volume through a check valve. To set the hanger, a plug is engaged on a seat in the tool, tubing pressure is applied behind the engaged plug, and the seat is unlocked. With more applied pressure, the piston moves, reduces the tool volume, and intensifies pressure of the clean fluid communicated to the hanger's setting mechanism. Over-pressure can be handled by a venting valve.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 33/04 - Casing heads; Suspending casings or tubings in well heads
E21B 43/10 - Setting of casings, screens or liners in wells
82.
Assembly method for communicating with line in wellhead
An assembly is used for chemical injection through a wellhead to a capillary line in a well. A capillary hanger installs in the wellhead to support the capillary line. A no-return valve of the capillary hanger prevents fluid communication uphole from the supported capillary line. An injection module mounts above a gate valve on the wellhead and includes a movable mandrel disposed therein. Hydraulic pressure applied to a piston chamber in the module extends the mandrel through the open gate valve so that a distal end of the mandrel can open the no-return valve. At this point, chemical injection introduced into the module can communicate through a flow bore of the extended mandrel, through the open non-return valve, and on through the supported capillary line in the well.
Methods, tools, and systems for determining the lithium concentration of a formation traversed by a wellbore using pulsed neutron logging are described. Since determining lithium directly using pulsed neutron logging is problematic, this disclosure provides ways of determining lithium concentration indirectly using models that relate lithium concentration with concentrations of other elements that are predicted to be associated with lithium.
G01V 5/10 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of nuclear radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using neutron sources
84.
Measuring component concentrations of nonhomogeneous immiscible mixtures in multiphase flows using near-infrared (NIR) filter photometry
Near-Infrared (NIR) filter photometry is used to calculate component concentrations in multiphase flows. The disclosed methodology adapts the Beer-Lambert law for nonhomogeneous immiscible mixtures (such as oil and water) by modeling the fluid layer as a nonhomogeneous distribution of its components and deriving a mathematical relationship between measured absorbances, component path lengths, and non-homogeneity factors. The methodology is integrated into a multi-channel filter photometer to measure phase concentrations in oil-and-gas pipelines. The system is proven more accurate than current state of the art based on data from simulations, multiphase flow laboratories and field trials.
G01F 1/661 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters using light
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01J 1/02 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter - Details
A downhole assembly includes a tubular body having a bore and a downhole tool connected to the tubular body. The downhole assembly also includes a sensor assembly having a carrier and a sensor. A sensor adapter is used to couple the sensor assembly to the tubular body. The sensor adapter includes an adapter body disposed in the bore of the tubular body; an adapter shaft for connection with the carrier; and a plurality of channels formed between the adapter shaft and the adapter body.
Systems and methods for predicting and optimizing the effects of acidizing treatment of carbonate rock are disclosed. The disclosed methods predict the conflicting effects of increased production (i.e., wormhole creation) and reduced rock compressive strength due to acid rock reactions. The mechanical stability of stimulated wellbores, such as horizontal wellbores, can be determined under different acidizing conditions, such as acid type and volume. The acidizing conditions can be optimized to maximize short and long-term production.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Providing logging services for oil and gas wells, namely, the operation of downhole survey and measurement equipment and the provision of data from said equipment
A system can include a completion string with a tubing and a dip tube secured in the tubing. A gas is injected into an annulus between the tubing and the dip tube, and the gas and well liquids flow into the dip tube. A method can include installing a completion string including a tubing, a dip tube in the tubing, and a packer downhole of a gas lift valve, and flowing a gas into the tubing via the gas lift valve, into an annulus between the tubing and the dip tube, and then into the dip tube. Another system can include a tubular connector connected between adjacent sections of the tubing, with the dip tube secured in the tubing and connected to the tubular connector. A gas flows from the gas lift valve to the annulus via a gas flow path formed in the tubular connector.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Oilfield well logging services, namely, the provision of data from the operation of a power operated wireline tool, namely, high resolution computerized detector for use in oil and gas drilling that provides cement evaluation, casing inspection, casing wear, corrosion, and fluid properties through the use of ultrasonic transducers
90.
System and Method for Controlling Artificial Lift Units
A system and method controls a plurality of artificial lift units at a plurality of wellsites. Processing equipment installs at a plurality of the wellsites. Operating parameters of each of the artificial lift units are obtained with sensing equipment at the wellsites and are communicated in real-time from the wellsites to the installed processing equipment at the plurality of the wellsites. A modelling function of the processing equipment analyzes a trend of the operating parameters of the artificial lift units, and automated machine learning of the processing equipment predicts a condition of at least one of the artificial lift units based on the analyzed trend. The processing equipment determines at least one automated control for the determined condition of the at least one artificial lift unit and counters the determined condition by implementing the at least one automated control at the at least one artificial lift unit.
E21B 43/12 - Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
91.
Method and apparatus for riding through power disruptions of a drive circuit
An electrical ride-through (ERT) unit is configured to apply a voltage to a drive circuit during disruptions of line voltage to the drive circuit. The ERT unit includes a capacitor on an ERT circuit that is prevented from applying the voltage to the drive circuit during normal operation of the drive circuit, and applies the voltage to the drive circuit during a voltage drop on the drive circuit.
H02P 6/30 - Arrangements for controlling the direction of rotation
H02P 27/06 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using dc to ac converters or inverters
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
A stage tool used in a wellbore has two sub-housings that couple together. A first sleeve is movably disposed in the tool and is held closed with a temporary connection relative to a side port. The first sleeve has a first seat of millable material. A second sleeve is also movably disposed in the tool and is held open with a temporary connection relative to the side port. The second sleeve has a second seat of millable material. An opening plug lands on the first seat so pressure can break the connection and shift the first sleeve open relative to the side port. After pumping cement out of the tool, a closing plug pumped to the second seat allows pressure to break the connection and shift the second sleeve closed. The first sleeve includes a bypass that allows for fluid to pass beyond the seated plug.
E21B 33/14 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes
E21B 34/14 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
A stage tool used in a wellbore has two sub-housings that couple together. A first sleeve is movably disposed in the tool and is held closed with a temporary connection relative to a side port. The first sleeve has a first seat of millable material. A second sleeve is also movably disposed in the tool and is held open with a temporary connection relative to the side port. The second sleeve has a second seat of millable material. An opening plug lands on the first seat so pressure can break the connection and shift the first sleeve open relative to the side port. After pumping cement out of the tool, a closing plug pumped to the second seat allows pressure to break the connection and shift the second sleeve closed. The first sleeve includes a bypass that allows for fluid to pass beyond the seated plug.
E21B 33/14 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes
E21B 34/14 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
A well barrier can include an inner mandrel, a flow passage, and a releasably secured plug. The plug blocks fluid flow through the flow passage, and includes a shoulder that prevents the plug from displacing completely through the inner mandrel. A method of treating a subterranean well can include treating a deeper zone, setting a well barrier in the well between the deeper zone and a shallower zone, then treating the shallower zone, and then applying a pressure differential from the deeper to the shallower zone, thereby displacing a plug out of the well barrier. A well treatment system can include a well barrier with a plug releasably secured to an inner mandrel. The plug is released by application of a pressure differential in a longitudinal direction, and fluid communication is unblocked by application of a pressure differential in an opposite longitudinal direction.
A method (80) of making-up a threaded connection can include rotating a tubular (12), measuring torque (44) applied to the tubular during the rotating, thereby generating data (82) including measured torque values, detecting (84) an anomalous occurrence (70) in the data during the rotating, and ceasing (88) application of the torque to the tubular in response to detection of the anomalous occurrence. A threaded connection make-up system (10) can include a rotary clamp (24) to apply torque to a tubular, a torque sensor (44) to produce measurements of the applied torque, and a control system (52) including a neural network, an artificial intelligence device, machine learning and/or genetic algorithms trained to detect an anomalous occurrence in data input to the control system. The data may include the applied torque and turns of the tubular as measured by a turn sensor.
A method (80) of making-up a threaded connection can include rotating a tubular (12), measuring torque (44) applied to the tubular during the rotating, thereby generating data (82) including measured torque values, detecting (84) an anomalous occurrence (70) in the data during the rotating, and ceasing (88) application of the torque to the tubular in response to detection of the anomalous occurrence. A threaded connection make-up system (10) can include a rotary clamp (24) to apply torque to a tubular, a torque sensor (44) to produce measurements of the applied torque, and a control system (52) including a neural network, an artificial intelligence device, machine learning and/or genetic algorithms trained to detect an anomalous occurrence in data input to the control system. The data may include the applied torque and turns of the tubular as measured by a turn sensor.
An anchor for securing a well tool can include a longitudinally extending central axis, an outwardly extendable grip member, and a mechanical linkage including multiple pivotably connected links. The links pivot relative to each other in a plane laterally offset from the central axis. A method of anchoring a well tool can include flowing a fluid through an anchor connected to the well tool, thereby outwardly extending a grip member into contact with a well surface, and applying a tensile force to the anchor, thereby increasingly biasing the grip member against the well surface and securing the well tool relative to the well surface. A method of anchoring a tubing cutter in a tubular string can include applying a tensile force from an anchor to the tubular string, and cutting the tubular string while the tensile force is applied from the anchor to the tubular string.
E21B 29/00 - Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs, or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windows; Deforming of pipes in boreholes or wells; Reconditioning of well casings while in the ground
E21B 23/01 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for anchoring the tools or the like
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
98.
REAL TIME DETECTION AND REACTION TO ANOMALIES IN THREADED CONNECTION MAKE-UP
A method of making-up a threaded connection can include rotating a tubular, measuring torque applied to the tubular during the rotating, thereby generating data including measured torque values, detecting an anomalous occurrence in the data during the rotating, and ceasing application of the torque to the tubular in response to detection of the anomalous occurrence. A threaded connection make-up system can include a rotary clamp to apply torque to a tubular, a torque sensor to produce measurements of the applied torque, and a control system including a neural network, an artificial intelligence device, machine learning and/or genetic algorithms trained to detect an anomalous occurrence in data input to the control system. The data may include the applied torque and turns of the tubular as measured by a turn sensor.
G05B 19/18 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
99.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICAL CONTROL OF DOWNHOLE WELL TOOLS
A system for use with a subterranean well can include a system controller with a computer, a power supply and at least one current sensor, multiple downhole well tools, each of the downhole well tools including a motor and a member displaceable by the motor; and an umbilical connected between the system controller and the downhole well tools, at least one conductor of the umbilical being connected to the motor of each of the downhole well tools. A downhole well tool example can include an actuator assembly configured to displace a member of the downhole well tool, the actuator assembly including a motor, a load yoke displaceable by the motor, and an elongated position indicator bar having at least one profile formed thereon. Friction between the load yoke and the position indicator bar varies as the load yoke displaces relative to the position indicator bar.
A tubular gripping apparatus includes a housing having a bore and a plurality of gripping members movable between a gripping position and a release position. The apparatus may also include a shield having a tubular inner body movable relative to an outer body. The tubular inner body is movable between a retracted position, in which the tubular inner body is positioned above the plurality of gripping members, and an extended position, in which the inner body is at least partially positioned interiorly of the plurality of gripping members.
