| BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20130150272 | Copolymers for use as Paraffin Behavior Modifiers - Lactone/alkylene oxide polymers are useful as additives to inhibit or prevent the deposition of paraffin in hydrocarbon fluids, particularly crude oil produced from a subterranean formation. These polymers are random or block polymers made from addition reactions of a hydroxyl- and/or amine-containing base compound with at least one lactone monomer and at least one alkylene oxide monomer. In one non-limiting embodiment the lactone monomer is optional. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130149447 | METHOD OF FORMING CARBONACEOUS PARTICLES AND ARTICLES THEREFROM - A method of growing carbonaceous particles comprises depositing carbon from a carbon source, onto a particle nucleus, the particle nucleus being a carbon-containing material, an inorganic material, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, and the carbon source comprising a saturated or unsaturated compound of C | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130148127 | Fiber Optic Measurement of Parameters for Downhole Pump Diffuser Section - A system for monitoring operating parameters for the pump section of an electrical submersible pump. The system includes an optic fiber associated with the pump section of an electrical submersible pump and having a sensor to detect at least one operating parameter within the pump section. The system also includes a signal analyzer operably associated with the optic fiber to receive an optical signal representative of the detected operating parameter. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130147121 | Backup System for Packer Sealing Element - Backup rings are disposed on opposed sides of a sealing element. The backup rings are initially bow shaped in the run in position. Opposed ends of the bow shape are brought together to extend the extrusion barriers and compress the sealing element. The relative axial movement that brings the opposed ends of the bow shape together results in radially extending the bow shape. The bow shape is reformed into a teardrop shape that extends radially beyond a pinch location created by relative axial movement of adjacent support members coming closer together. A sealing element extends radially during the deployment of the extrusion barriers and is contained between them. The extension of the extrusion barriers allows conformance to surface irregularities in the surrounding tubular or wellbore wall. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130147120 | Continuous Backup Assembly for High Pressure Seals - An extrusion barrier assembly for high pressure and temperature applications for a sealing element incorporates a backing member between the sealing element and a multi-row petal type backup ring assembly. The surface irregularities of the offset petals are distributed through the backing member so that stress concentration locations at the petal transitions between rows are diffused through the backing member to avoid or minimize the tendency of the petals to stress crack at row to row transitions. The backing member is formed from spirally wound strip of sheet material that can be coated to promote relative sliding of overlapping layers. The assembly can be temporarily bonded to retain its shape with adhesive that releases under expected well conditions when the packer or bridge plug is set. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146370 | EARTH-BORING TOOLS AND METHODS OF FORMING EARTH-BORING TOOLS - A fixed-cutter earth-boring tool includes a first blade carrying a first plurality of cutting elements and having a first stiffness and a second blade configured to have a second stiffness different from the first stiffness. A method of forming an earth-boring tool includes forming a bit body having a plurality of blades, and providing at least one cutting element on at least one of the plurality of blades. At least one blade of the plurality has a stiffness different from a stiffness of another blade of the plurality. A fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bit includes a first blade having a first aggressiveness, and at least one additional blade having a second aggressiveness. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146366 | EARTH-BORING TOOLS, METHODS OF FORMING EARTH-BORING TOOLS, AND METHODS OF REPAIRING EARTH-BORING TOOLS - A method of forming an earth-boring tool includes introducing metal into a die, rotating the die to generate centrifugal forces on the metal, and cooling the metal in the rotating die. A rotary drill bit may include a unitary, centrifugally cast bit body including an integral shank, at least one blade, and at least one cutting element on the blade. A rotary drill bit or a roller cone may include a first centrifugally cast material and a second centrifugally cast material. Another rotary drill bit includes a bit body comprising a maraging steel alloy. A method of forming a rotary drill bit may include disposing cutting elements on a rotary drill bit comprising maraging steel and aging the rotary drill bit to form at least one intermetallic precipitate phase. Methods of repairing a rotary drill bit include annealing and aging at least a portion of a rotary drill bit. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146312 | SELF-INHIBITED SWELL PACKER COMPOUND - A downhole sealant includes a composition that includes a polymer; an absorbent material; a primary crosslink network including primary bonds between chains of the polymer; and a secondary crosslink network which is transient. A method of regulating the swell rate of the downhole sealant includes disposing a downhole sealant comprising a polymer and an absorbent material in a borehole; maintaining a primary crosslink network of the polymer; and decomposing a secondary crosslink network of the absorbent material in response to a condition to regulate the swell rate of the downhole sealant. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146307 | TREATMENT PLUG AND METHOD OF ANCHORING A TREATMENT PLUG AND THEN REMOVING A PORTION THEREOF - A treatment plug includes, a metal tubular expandable into sealing and anchoring engagement with a surrounding structure, the metal tubular having a shoulder at an inner radial surface thereof, and a composite plug sealable with the metal tubular and anchorable to the shoulder | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146302 | CONTROLLED ELECTROLYTIC DEGREDATION OF DOWNHOLE TOOLS - A downhole assembly with controlled degradation including a body having a cavity therein and is formed from a first material having a first electrode potential. An insert is disposed in the cavity, the insert electrically coupled to the body and formed from a second material having a second electrode potential, with the first electrode potential being more negative than the second electrode potential. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146291 | Ball Seat Milling and Re-fracturing Method - A well that has a plurality of sliding sleeves used to originally fracture multiple zones with balls of increasing size dropped on balls seats to sequentially open ports for fracturing in a direction toward the well surface is refractured. The method involves using a bottom hole assembly (BHA) that has a fluid motor driven mill that mills out ball seats and has with it a ported sub and a resettable packer. Once the lowermost ball seat is milled out a ball is dropped into the BHA to isolate the fluid motor and open a ported sub below a resettable packer. The dropped ball also enables a collet to latch an open sleeve to give a surface signal that the BHA is located properly for packer deployment so that the refracturing can begin through the coiled tubing string that can support the BHA or in a surrounding annular space. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146277 | Multi-component Anti-extrusion Barrier for a Compression Set Subterranean Barrier - A backup ring assembly is disposed between opposed cones. The assembly rides up a wedge ring to contact a surrounding tubular when the opposed cones are pressed axially together to also compress the sealing element. The backup ring assembly has nested split rings that are slant cut for the split. The split for the nested rings can be circumferentially aligned or offset. Another ring is stacked axially adjacent the nested rings and has a slant cut for a split that is preferably rotated from the slant cuts of the nested rings. The interface of the nested rings can be along a line that is parallel to the mandrel axis or askew to the mandrel axis. The preferred material is a non-metallic composite material. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130145838 | ENCAPSULATED DOWNHOLE SENSOR AND METHOD OF APPLYING A METALLIC LAYER TO A DOWNHOLE SENSOR - A downhole sensor to detect characteristics in a borehole comprises at least one sensing unit to sense a characteristic in the borehole and a metallic layer covering at least a portion of the sensing unit exposed to an interior of the borehole. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130145590 | POSITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED ALIGNMENT AND CONNECTION OF COMPONENTS - A system for aligning and connecting components including a support structure and a measuring apparatus coupled to the support structure. The measuring apparatus is arranged to spatially analyze a first tubular component with respect to a second tubular component for determining an adjustment vector therebetween. An alignment apparatus is coupled to the support structure and in data communication with the measuring apparatus. The alignment apparatus includes a plurality of actuators operatively arranged in parallel for moving at least one of the first or second tubular components relative to the other for coaxially arranging the first and second tubular components in accordance with the adjustment vector. A connection apparatus is coupled to the support structure and operatively arranged for connecting the first and second tubular components together. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130142678 | MINI-SURGE CYCLING METHOD FOR PUMPING LIQUID FROM A BOREHOLE TO REMOVE MATERIAL IN CONTACT WITH THE LIQUID - An apparatus for removing a liquid and a material that is not a liquid in contact with the liquid from a borehole penetrating the earth includes a mechanical pump configured to pump the liquid and material from the borehole and a motor configured to be coupled to the mechanical pump. The apparatus further includes a variable speed motor drive configured to be coupled to the motor. The variable speed motor drive is configured to energize the motor in continuous cycles to operate the pump, each cycle comprising operating the pump at a first speed for a first time interval to remove the liquid and not the material and operating the pump at a second speed greater than the first speed for a second time interval to remove the liquid and the material. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130140240 | MAGNETIC MICRO- OR NANOPARTICLE ASSISTED FLUID SEPARATION - A fluid separation system including a fluid mixture including a first fluid component dispersed in a second fluid component. A plurality of micro- or nanoparticles is operatively arranged in the fluid mixture to stabilize the fluid mixture by adhering to interfaces of the first fluid component. A magnetic element is operatively arranged for forming a magnetic field through the fluid mixture. The micro- or nanoparticles are magnetically responsive to the magnetic field for urging the first fluid component in a direction defined by the magnetic field. A method of separating fluids is also included. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130140096 | CUTTING STRUCTURES, EARTH-BORING TOOLS INCLUDING SUCH CUTTING STRUCTURES, AND RELATED METHODS - Earth-boring tools comprise a body comprising at least one pocket extending into the body. A first discrete cutting element segment is secured within the at least one pocket. At least another discrete cutting element segment is secured within the at least one pocket. Methods of forming a cutting structure secured to an earth-boring tool comprise disposing at least one discrete cutting element or at least one cutting element segment within a pocket or recess formed in a blade extending longitudinally and radially over a face of a body. At least one discrete wearable element or at least another discrete cutting element segment is disposed within the pocket or recess. The at least one discrete cutting element or at least one discrete cutting element segment and the at least one discrete wearable element or at least another discrete cutting element segment are secured to the blade within the pocket or recess. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130140090 | Cutting Element, Cutter Tool and Method of Cutting Within a Borehole - A cutting element includes a modified gilmoid having two planes defining a plurality of cutting edges thereon, and a first support extending from a central area of a first of the two planes and a second support extending from a central area of a second of the two planes. The supports are sized and positioned such that when the cutting element is resting against a planar surface such that one of the plurality of cutting edges and the first support are in contact with the planar surface the first plane forms an acute angle with the planar surface. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130140043 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTAINING BOREHOLE FLUID - Embodiments of the disclosure relate to directing a flow from a borehole termination structure. Embodiments include a device for containing fluid flow from a borehole. The device includes an engagement body and a sealing member located within a cavity of the engagement body. The cavity is configured to receive a portion of a borehole termination structure extending from the borehole and to direct fluid from the borehole into a fluid conduit. The sealing member has a changeable shape configured to surround the borehole termination structure and to form a seal between an outer surface of the borehole termination structure and an inner surface of the body of the containment assembly based on the borehole termination structure being positioned within the cavity. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130140041 | SELECTIVELY DISENGAGABLE SEALING SYSTEM - A seal assembly including a first tubular having a sealing surface and a seal element run with the first tubular and displaced from the surface. The seal element initially has a radial dimension that forms a radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular for enabling the first tubular to be sealed with a second tubular radially disposed with the first tubular. A mechanism is included that is triggerable for reconfiguring the radial dimension of the seal element. The sealing surface of the first tubular operative forms the radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular when the radial dimension of the seal element has been reconfigured for enabling the sealing surface of the first tubular to receive a second seal element. A method of sealing tubulars is also disclosed. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130138405 | Use of Monte Carlo Simulations for Establishing Correlations and Their Uncertainties - A method and computer-readable medium for establishing an uncertainty for obtained values of a one-dimensional logging parameter mapped to a three-dimensional volume is disclosed. A relation is formed between the obtained values of the logging parameter and a volumetric parameter of the three-dimensional volume. A set of representative data points is obtained that relates the obtained values of the logging parameter to the volumetric parameter by binning the obtained values. A plurality of regression curves are then determined, wherein each regression curve is obtained by adding a random error to the set of representative data points to obtain a set of randomized data points and performing a regression analysis using the set of randomized data points. The plurality of regression curves are used to establish the uncertainty for the values of the logging parameter in the three-dimensional volume. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130137610 | Dual-Functional Breaker for Hybrid Fluids of Viscoelastic Surfactant and Polymer - Incorporating water-based polymer breakers, such as oxidizers, enzymes and/or acids, into a mixture of an oil and oil-soluble surfactants creates an emulsion that can then perform as a dual-functional breaker for reducing the viscosity of hybrid fluids gelled with both a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) and a polymer. The outer phase of the dual-functional breaker emulsion is oil, e.g. a mineral oil, containing an oil-soluble surfactant that will, over time and with heat, break the VES portion of the gel. As it does so, the polymer breaker in the internal aqueous phase will be released to then break the polymer portion of the gel. The polymer breaker will not start to break the polymer gel before the oil-soluble surfactant starts to break the VES gel. The overall breaking using the emulsion is slower as compared to introducing the polymer breaker and the oil-soluble surfactant in a non-emulsified form. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130134981 | CRYSTAL SENSOR MADE BY ION IMPLANTATION - Disclosed is a method for producing a crystal sensor. The method includes selecting a crystal configured to sense a property of interest. The method further includes implanting ions in the crystal using ion-implantation to produce a conductive region within the crystal where the conductive region is capable of providing a signal to sense the property of interest. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for estimating a property of interest using the crystal sensor in a borehole penetrating the earth. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130134971 | MEDIA DISPLACEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD OF IMPROVING TRANSFER OF ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY BETWEEN A TOOL AND AN EARTH FORMATION - A media displacement device has a body configured to be positioned radially outwards of a tool having an antenna for transmitting electromagnetic energy to or receiving electromagnetic energy from an earth formation. The body is made of materials causing less power loss to electromagnetic energy transmitted or received by the tool than the media the body is configured to displace. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130133950 | Apparatus and Methods Utilizing Progressive Cavity Motors and Pumps with Rotors and/or Stators with Hybrid Liners - An apparatus for use downhole is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a rotor having an outer lobed surface disposed in a stator having an inner lobed surface, wherein the inner lobed-surface or the outer-lobed surface includes a sealing material on a first section thereof and a metallic surface on a second section thereof. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130133893 | DEBRIS REMOVAL SYSTEM FOR DOWNHOLE CLOSURE MECHANISM, AND METHOD THEREOF - A debris removal system includes a tubular. A closure mechanism arranged to at least partially close an interior of the tubular. An injector mechanism having an exit arranged downhole of the closure mechanism; wherein debris removing material ejected from the injector mechanism is directable towards the closure mechanism. Also included is a method of removing debris in a downhole tubular. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130133886 | Time-delay Fluids for Wellbore Cleanup - A method for delaying the removal of a majority of an oil-based mud (OBM) filter cake from a hydrocarbon reservoir wellbore that utilizes a multiple phase composition is described. The use of the multiple phase composition allows for a microemulsion, a miniemulsion, or a nanoemulsion to form in situ downhole at a controllable time. The method includes pumping the multiple phase composition comprising an additive into the wellbore. The multiple phase composition may be broken thereby releasing the additive. The broken multiple phase composition and the additive may contact the OBM filter cake particles to form an in situ emulsion selected from the group consisting of a nanoemulsion, a miniemulsion, a microemulsion, a multiple emulsion, a water-continuous emulsion and mixtures thereof. The in situ emulsion may incorporate more of the external oil from the OBM filter cake in order to more easily remove the OBM filter cake. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130133879 | Debris Barrier for Packer Setting Sleeve - An annular seal for a setting tool in a packer tieback extension comprises a downhole oriented packer cup assembly. As the tool is run in the hole the packer cup flexes as the rising hydrostatic pressure equalizes across the cup into what started as a zone with atmospheric pressure inside the packer tieback extension. Once the pressure is equalized the self energizing feature of the packer cup maintains grit and debris in the mud from entering the tieback extension where the spring loaded dogs of the setting tool are held in a retracted position. If the seal fails to equalize and allows a large differential across the setting sleeve from the surrounding annulus, the rupture disc breaks inwardly into the tieback extension so that pressure is equalized. If the packer is never set after being lowered to depth and the pressure from the tieback extension is equalized into the annulus. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130133878 | Setting Subterranean Tools with Flow Generated Shock Wave - A circulation sub is provided that has a ball seat and a circulation port that is closed when a ball is landed on the seat. An axial passage directs the pressure surge created with the landing of the ball on the seat to the port with the actuation piston for the tool. The surge in pressure operates the actuation piston to set the tool, which is preferably a packer. In an alternative embodiment raising the circulation rate through a constriction in a circulation sub breaks a shear device and allows the restriction to shift to cover a circulation port. The pressure surge that ensues continues through the restriction to the actuating piston for the tool to set the tool. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130133877 | Differential Pressure Control Device for Packer Tieback Extension or Polished Bore Receptacle - An annular seal for a setting tool in a packer tieback extension comprises a downhole oriented packer cup assembly. As the tool is run in the hole the packer cup flexes as the rising hydrostatic pressure equalizes across the cup into what started as a zone with atmospheric pressure inside the packer tieback extension. Once the pressure is equalized the self energizing feature of the packer cup maintains grit and debris in the mud from entering the tieback extension where the spring loaded dogs of the setting tool are held in a retracted position. If the seal fails to equalize and allows a large differential across the setting sleeve from the surrounding annulus, the rupture disc breaks inwardly into the tieback extension so that pressure is equalized. If the packer is never set after being lowered to depth and the pressure from the tieback extension is equalized into the annulus. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130131210 | CROSSLINKED BLENDS OF POLYPHENYLENE SULFIDE AND POLYPHENYLSULFONE FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE, AND USES THEREOF - A composition includes a crosslinked product of a polyphenylene sulfide and a polyphenylsulfone. A method for the manufacture of the crosslinked product of a polyphenylene sulfide and a polyphenylsulfone includes heating the polyphenylene sulfide and the polyphenylsulfone in presence of a crosslinking agent at a temperature and for a time effective to form the crosslinked product of polyphenylene sulfide and polyphenylsulfone. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130130948 | METALLIC PARTICLE ACTIVATED OXIDATIVE BREAKING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method for breaking the viscosity of an aqueous fluid gelled with a water soluble polymer or a VES is disclosed. The method includes providing an aqueous fluid. The method also includes adding to the aqueous fluid, in any order: a water soluble polymer in an amount sufficient to form a gelled aqueous fluid having a viscosity, a water soluble oxidizing agent configured to generate free radicals and a plurality of metallic particles to produce a mixture comprising dispersed metallic particles dispersed within the gelled aqueous fluid, the metallic particles configured to dissolve in the gelled aqueous fluid and provide a reducing agent to accelerate the generation of free radicals. The method further includes dissolving the metallic particles in the gelled aqueous fluid to provide a source of at least one transition metal ion in an amount effective accelerate the generation of free radicals and reduce the viscosity. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130130943 | MONO- AND POLYENOIC ACID AND METAL PARTICLE MIXTURES FOR BREAKING VES-GELLED FLUIDS - A method for breaking the viscosity of an aqueous fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) includes: providing an aqueous fluid; adding to the aqueous fluid, in any order, components comprising: a VES comprising a non-ionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant or zwitterionic surfactant, or a combination thereof, in an amount sufficient to form a gelled aqueous fluid comprising a plurality of elongated micelles, an unsaturated fatty acid comprising a monoenoic acid or a polyenoic acid; or a combination thereof; and a plurality of metallic particles to produce a mixture comprising dispersed metallic particles in the gelled aqueous fluid. The method also includes dissolving the metallic particles in the gelled aqueous fluid to provide a source of metal ions and heating the gelled aqueous fluid to a temperature sufficient to cause the unsaturated fatty acid to auto-oxidize to products present in an amount effective to reduce the viscosity. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130130941 | Lubricity Agents to Increase Pump Efficiency in Hydrate Inhibitor Applications - Saturated and unsaturated carboxylic fatty acids and alkylamine salts, alkyl esters and alkyl amide derivatives of these fatty acids are effective in improving the lubricity of hydrate inhibitor formulations, thereby effectively reducing the level of wear on moving parts of a pump under a load during pumping of the hydrate inhibitor formulation, for instance into an umbilical for a subsea hydrocarbon production operation. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130129543 | STACKED LABYRINTH CHAMBERS FOR USE WITH AN ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE PUMP - A labyrinth type seal section for use with an electrical submersible pump assembly having a guide tube with an axial bore to port wellbore fluid to a lower end of the seal section. Lubricating fluid fills substantially all of the seal section above an interface between the lubricating fluid and the wellbore fluid. The guide tube circumscribes a drive shaft that extends between a motor and a pump. The guide tube and shaft form an annulus filled with lubricating fluid that communicates to the well fluid and to the motor, so that pressure in the motor can be equalized to pressure of the ambient well fluid. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130126190 | ION EXCHANGE METHOD OF SWELLABLE PACKER DEPLOYMENT - A downhole article includes an ion exchange polymer; and a composition that includes an elastomer and an absorbent material. A method of maintaining expandability of a downhole article includes disposing a downhole article comprising an elastomer, absorbent material, and an ion exchange material in a borehole, the ion exchange material comprising host ions; and exchanging fluid ions in a fluid with host ions from the ion exchange material to maintain the expandability of the downhole article. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130126170 | Prevention, Actuation and Control of Deployment of Memory-Shape Polymer Foam-Based Expandables - Actuation and control of the deployment of a polymeric memory-shape material on a wellbore device on a downhole tool may be accomplished by treating a compacted or compressed polymeric memory-shape material with an optional deployment fluid to lower its T | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130126158 | METHOD OF USING CONTROLLED RELEASE TRACERS - Fluids produced from a fractured subterranean formation may be monitored by pumping into the well a fracturing fluid which contains a tracer. The method may be used to monitor produced hydrocarbons as well as produced water. The tracer may also be used in a sand control, frac pack or acid fracturing operation. The tracer is a component of a composite where it may be immobilized within a matrix (such as an emulsion) or porous particulate, onto a support or compressed with a binder into a solid particulate. The tracer may be slowly released from the composite. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130126151 | Apparatus for Isolating and Completing Multi-Zone Frac Packs - A plurality of zones is gravel packed together and then isolated from each other in the gravel annulus by formation of a barrier in the gravel annulus. The screen assembly carries a series of chambers internally that are located between the producing zones generally in the area of blank pipe between the zones. The wash pipe has a shifter associated with it so that extraction of the wash pipe after gravel packing will serially shift pistons that reduce chamber volume where the chemical is stored. The chemical will exit through a rupture disc and nozzle and will commingle with the gravel and make an impervious annular barrier. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130123151 | METALLIC PARTICLE MEDIATED VISCOSITY REDUCTION OF VISCOELASTIC SURFACTANTS - A method for breaking the viscosity of an aqueous fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) is disclosed. The method includes providing an aqueous fluid and adding to the aqueous fluid, in any order: at least one VES comprising a non-ionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant or zwitterionic surfactant, or a combination thereof, in an amount sufficient to form a gelled aqueous fluid comprising a plurality of elongated micelles and having a viscosity, and a plurality of metallic particles to produce a mixture comprising dispersed metallic particles dispersed within the gelled aqueous fluid. The method also includes dissolving the metallic particles in the gelled aqueous fluid to provide a source of at least one transition metal ion in an amount effective to reduce the viscosity. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130123150 | METALLIC PARTICLE INDUCED SAPONIFICATION OF FATTY ACIDS AS BREAKERS FOR VISCOELASTIC SURFACTANT-GELLED FLUIDS - A method for affecting the viscosity of an aqueous fluid gelled with a VES includes providing an aqueous fluid and adding to the aqueous fluid, in any order: at least one VES comprising a non-ionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant or zwitterionic surfactant, or a combination thereof, in an amount sufficient to form a gelled aqueous fluid comprising a plurality of elongated micelles, a glyceride oil comprising a fatty acid, and a plurality of metallic particles to produce a mixture comprising dispersed metallic particles. The method also includes dissolving at least a portion of the metallic particles in the aqueous fluid to provide a compound comprising a metallic base and forming in situ a soap reaction product of the fatty acid with the compound, wherein the soap reaction product is present in an amount effective to increase, decrease, or increase and then decrease a viscosity of the gelled aqueous fluid. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130119994 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING A PROPERTY OF A DOWNHOLE FLUID - An apparatus is disclosed for estimating a property of a downhole fluid, the apparatus including but not limited to a test cell that receives the downhole fluid; a swept frequency electromagnetic energy source that emits electromagnetic energy toward the downhole fluid in the test cell; an electromagnetic/mechanical device that is immersed in the fluid and receives the emitted electromagnetic energy, wherein the emitted electromagnetic energy being emitted is swept about a resonant frequency for the electromagnetic/mechanical device; and an electromagnetic energy detector in electromagnetic communication with the electromagnetic/mechanical device immersed in the fluid, the electromagnetic energy detector producing an output signal indicative of the downhole fluid property. A system and method for estimating a property of a downhole fluid are also disclosed. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130119245 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING A DOWNHOLE FLUID PROPERTY USING A CHARGED PARTICLE DENSITOMETER - An apparatus, system and method are disclosed for estimating a property of a fluid downhole, the apparatus including but not limited to a carrier that is conveyable in a borehole; a test cell carried by the carrier for capturing a fluid downhole; a fluid channel immersed in the fluid downhole, the fluid channel having a first wall and a second wall, wherein the first wall faces the second wall; at least on charged particle source placed at location along the first wall of the fluid channel; and at least one charged particle detector placed at a location along the second wall of the fluid channel, wherein the at least one radioactive detector is in positioned to be in particle communication with the at least one of the charged particle source. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118813 | CUTTING ELEMENTS HAVING LATERALLY ELONGATED SHAPES FOR USE WITH EARTH-BORING TOOLS, EARTH-BORING TOOLS INCLUDING SUCH CUTTING ELEMENTS, AND RELATED METHODS - A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes a volume of superabrasive material on a substrate. The cutting element has an elongated shape in a lateral dimension parallel to a front cutting face of the cutting element, and has a maximum lateral width in a first direction parallel to the front cutting face of the cutting element and a maximum lateral length in a second perpendicular direction parallel to the front cutting face of the cutting element. The maximum lateral length is significantly greater than the maximum lateral width. An earth-boring tool includes one or more such cutting elements mounted to a body of the earth-boring tool. A method of forming such an earth-boring tool includes selecting at least one such cutting element and mounting the cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118811 | Drilling Apparatus Including Milling Devices Configured to Rotate at Different Speeds - In one aspect, an apparatus for forming a borehole is provided that in one embodiment may include a first milling device configured to rotate at a first rotational speed in a first direction, and a second milling device around the first milling device configured to rotate at a second rotational speed in a second direction, wherein the rotational first speed is greater than the second rotational speed. In another aspect, the first and the second milling devices may be configured to rotate in the same direction at different speeds. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118762 | Wireline supported bi-directional shifting tool with pumpdown feature - A shifting tool for sleeves is supported on wireline or slickline and is pumped to the desired location by pressure from above delivered against the tool and passing around its periphery or against an articulated peripheral extending member that can optionally seal. Once in the vicinity of the desired sleeve to be shifted the shifting key is engaged to the sleeve and further applied pressure on the articulated peripheral seal shifts the sleeve in a downhole direction. The sleeve can also be shifted in an uphole direction with an anchor that grabs near the sleeve and a latch key that grabs the sleeve and is configured to retain grip as a motor moves the latch key uphole. Power can come from a wireline or can be locally provided if using slickline. The seal or extending member is retractable for tool removal or relocation. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118759 | AGENTS FOR ENHANCED DEGRADATION OF CONTROLLED ELECTROLYTIC MATERIAL - A method for degrading a downhole article includes exposing the downhole article comprising a controlled electrolytic material to a composition that comprises a reducing agent. The method also includes contacting the downhole article with the reducing agent to degrade the downhole article. Additionally, a composition for degrading a downhole article includes water, chelant, metal ions, and a reducing agent that includes ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, a derivative thereof, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118739 | Real Time Downhole Sensor Data for Controlling Surface Stimulation Equipment - A system, method and apparatus for stimulating a reservoir is disclosed. A slurry is supplied to the work string at the surface, which work string extends from the surface location to a downhole location adjacent the reservoir. A parameter of the slurry is measured at the downhole location and transmitted to the surface location. A control unit at the surface location receives the measured parameter of the slurry and estimates a fracture conductivity of the reservoir using the measured parameter of the slurry. The control unit may alter the parameter of the slurry at the surface location to obtain a selected fracture conductivity to stimulate the reservoir. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118734 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING A DOWNHOLE FLUID PROPERTY USING A RARE EARTH DOPED LASER - A method and apparatus are disclosed for estimating a property of a downhole fluid, the apparatus including but not limited to a carrier that is conveyable in a borehole; a test cell carried by the carrier for capturing the downhole fluid; a rare earth doped electromagnetic energy source in electromagnetic energy communication with the downhole fluid in the test cell; and an electromagnetic energy detector in electromagnetic energy communication with electromagnetic energy emitted by the rare earth doped electromagnetic energy source that has interacted with the fluid for estimating the property of the downhole fluid. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118733 | WELLBORE CONDITION MONITORING SENSORS - Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a downhole property of interest. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed in a borehole penetrating an earth formation and carry a releasable sensor. The sensor is configured to be released by the carrier into drilling fluid and to sense the property. The sensor includes a memory to store sensed property data. The data can be downloaded from the memory wirelessly with the sensor in the drilling fluid or by retrieving the sensor from the drilling fluid. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118730 | DOWNHOLE TOOLS INCLUDING ANOMALOUS STRENGTHENING MATERIALS AND RELATED METHODS - Downhole tools for use in wellbores in subterranean formations comprise a body comprising at least one anomalous strengthening material. Methods of forming downhole tools for use in wellbores in subterranean formations comprise forming a body comprising at least one anomalous strengthening material. Methods of using downhole tools in wellbores in subterranean formations comprise disposing a body comprising at least one anomalous strengthening material in a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The at least one anomalous strengthening material may be exposed to a temperature within the wellbore higher than a temperature at a surface of the subterranean formation and a yield strength of the at least one anomalous strengthening material may increase. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130115462 | POLARIZABLE NANOPARTICLES AND ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUID COMPRISING SAME - A nanoparticle composition includes a metal nanoparticle, and a continuous dielectric coating on a surface of the metal nanoparticle, the nanoparticle composition being a dielectric material. A nanoparticle is in addition the reaction product of an organometallic compound. An electrorheological fluid comprises the nanoparticle composition and a dielectric fluid, and a method of making an electrorheological fluid is also disclosed. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130115047 | IMPELLER VANE WITH LEADING EDGE ENHANCEMENT - A centrifugal pumping system having a stack of impellers and diffusers for pressurizing fluid. The impellers are rotated by a motor for pressurizing and lifting fluid from within a wellbore. Undulating profiles are provided on leading edges of the impellers for inducing turbulence in the fluid being pumped. Increasing turbulence better homogenizes the fluid, so that choked flow is avoided when different density components are present in the fluid. Reducing the possibility of choked flow increases pump efficiency and lift capacity. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130113479 | METHOD FOR CORRECTING NMR AND NUCLEAR LOGS IN FORMATE MUD FILTRATE INVADED FORMATONS - A method of calculating a porosity of a geological formation includes determining a bulk pore volume and a movable fluid pore volume in the geological formation in which drilling mud including a mud filtrate is introduced, calculating a porosity of the formation based on a bulk pore volume, and correcting the porosity based on the movable fluid volume in the geological formation. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130112911 | MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES AND MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL FLUID COMPRISING SAME - A nanoparticle composition comprises a ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic metal nanoparticle, and a functionalized carbonaceous coating on a surface of the ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic metal nanoparticle. A magnetorheological fluid comprises the nanoparticle composition. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130112485 | PLOW-SHAPED CUTTING ELEMENTS FOR EARTH-BORING TOOLS, EARTH-BORING TOOLS INCLUDING SUCH CUTTING ELEMENTS, AND RELATED METHODS - A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes at least one volume of superabrasive material on a substrate. The volume of superabrasive material includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the first planar surface and intersecting the first planar surface along an apex. The first planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a first maximum diameter, and the second planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a second maximum diameter. The apex has a length less than the first maximum diameter and the second maximum diameter. Earth-boring tools includes such a cutting element attached to a body. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include the attachment of such a cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130112429 | ENHANCED ELECTROLYTIC DEGRADATION OF CONTROLLED ELECTROLYTIC MATERIAL - A method for degrading a downhole article includes exposing the downhole article to a composition comprising a corrosive agent selected from a reducing sugar, ester, aminocarboxylic acid, or a combination thereof. The method also includes contacting the downhole article with the corrosive agent to degrade the downhole article. Additionally, a composition for degrading a downhole article includes water, salt, and a corrosive agent selected from a reducing sugar, ester, aminocarboxylic acid, or a combination thereof. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130112397 | Spiral Whipstock for Low-Side Casing Exits - A whipstock features a spiral ramp so that, in a horizontal run, access to a milled window with other tools is not impeded because such tools can traverse onto the ramp and still be directed to the window. Angular rotation of the ramp can be at 180° or more and the pitch is selected to avoid getting the equipment being advanced into a bind. Optionally, a guide track can be configured into the whipstock ramp to help the mill follow the spiral path until the proper orientation is obtained and the track ends to allow separation of the mill from the track. A slot can be provided near the ramp upper end to aid in retrieval operations. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130112227 | Elimination of hydraulic fluid contamination through internal bright annealing - A method and apparatus for cleaning a tubular member is disclosed. A storage device holds the tubular member in a finished form and a translation device passes the tubular member from the first storage device. A gas is supplied through the tubular member. A heating device heats the drawn tubular member and the gas passing through the tubular member to clean debris from inside the tubular member. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130102719 | DISPERSION OF CARBONACEOUS NANOPARTICLES AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A dispersion includes a carbonaceous nanoparticle, a dispersant including a graft polymer having a poly(alkylene glycol) side chain, and a polar solvent. An article coated with the dispersion and a method of making the dispersion are disclosed. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130101460 | INHIBITING CORROSION IN AQUEOUS FILMS - In a process for the exploration for or the production of crude oil and/or natural gas, wherein metal objects are exposed to a gas for period of time sufficient to produce an aqueous film, a method including introducing a corrosion inhibitor into a fluid in contact with the subject metal under conditions sufficient to introduce the corrosion inhibitor into the aqueous film can be used to prevent excessive corrosion. Useful as the corrosion inhibitor is 2-sulfanylpropan-1-ol, also known as 2-mercapto-ethanol, and 2-mercapto-ethanol substituted with one or two methyl groups, and combinations thereof. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130101447 | CENTERING COUPLING FOR SPLINED SHAFTS SUBMERSIBLE PUMPING SYSTEMS AND ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS - A submersible pumping system, electrical submersible pump, and method of providing enhanced alignment of motor and driven shafts of submersible pumping systems and electrical submersible pumps, are provided. An example of an electrical submersible pump system includes a pump, a pump motor, and a seal section. The motor drives the pump via motor and driven shafts rotatingly coupled with a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly maintains the shaft ends in coaxial alignment with an alignment device. The alignment device is profiled on opposite ends for mating engagement with the centering profiles extending into the shaft ends. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130101446 | HIGH EFFICIENCY IMPELLER - An impeller vane includes at least one groove on a high pressure or working surface of the impeller vane to increase pump efficiency and reduce pump power requirements. The impeller vane includes a groove or a plurality of grooves formed on the high pressure surface of the vane. The grooves extend from a leading end of the vane to a trailing end of the vane. The grooves define ridges on either side of each groove that extend the length of the groove. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130100447 | OPTICAL SENSING UTILIZING OPTICAL CRYSTAL AND POLARIZATION MEASUREMENTS - An apparatus for measuring a parameter includes: an optical crystal having an optical axis and configured to be disposed at a selected location; an optical signal source in optical communication with a surface of the crystal and configured to transmit an optical signal having an initial polarization to the surface, the surface configured to reflect at least a portion of the signal as a reflected signal; a detector configured to receive the reflected signal; and a processor configured to determine a polarization of the reflected signal and estimate the parameter at the location based on the polarization of the reflected signal. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130099791 | Methodologies to Improve Reliability of Transducer Electrical Interconnections - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses measuring a property of a material. The apparatus may include a transducer comprising a first electrical conductor, a second electrical conductor, and a piezoelectric component configured to receive the two conductors. The piezoelectric component may include a cavity dimensioned to improve the strength of or reduce stress on an interconnection between piezoelectric component and at least one of the conductors. The method may include using one or more transducers measuring a property of a material. In some embodiments, the material may be an earth formation. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098972 | METHODS FOR ATTACHING CUTTING ELEMENTS TO EARTH-BORING TOOLS AND RESULTING PRODUCTS - Methods of attaching cutting elements to earth-boring tools, comprising abutting a portion a cutting element against at least one surface of an earth-boring tool with a braze material disposed therebetween; and brazing the cutting element to the earth-boring tool by applying high-frequency vibrations to cause the braze material to become flowable. Methods of securing cutting elements to earth-boring tools may comprise at least partially coating a cutting element with a braze material. The cutting element may be at least partially disposed in a pocket formed in a body of an earth-boring tool with the braze material adjacent surfaces defining the pocket. The cutting element and the braze material may be ultrasonically torsionally oscillated to braze the cutting element within the pocket. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098634 | MONOBORE EXPANSION SYSTEM - ANCHORED LINER - Methods for forming a wellbore may include placing an upper section of inside a lower section of a parent liner; positioning an upper sealing member and a lower sealing member in the wellbore to form a pressure chamber, and expanding the second liner using the pressure chamber. The sealing members move axially relative to one another and the second liner has an inner bore that is hydraulically isolated from the pressure chamber. A related apparatus may include upper and lower sealing members that cooperate to form a pressure chamber that is hydraulically isolated from an inner bore of the second liner. A work string may include the sealing members, a connector that extends through the pressure chamber and the second liner; and an expander. The expander expands the second liner in response to the axial separation of the sealing members. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098630 | DOWNHOLE FLOW CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD - A flow control device, including a first member defining a first portion of a flow path and a second member defining a second portion of the flow path. The flow path has a cross sectional flow area defined at least partially by the first member and the second member. A length of the flow path is greater than a largest dimension of the cross sectional flow area, and the cross sectional flow area is adjustable by movement of at least a portion of the first member relative to the second member. A crush zone arranged with at least one of the first member and the second member that can change in length due to loading thereof A method of adjusting restriction of a flow path is also included. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098623 | Low Dosage Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors for Natural Gas Production Systems - Copolymers containing acryloylmorpholine and vinylimidazole, and optionally vinylcaprolactam and/or n-vinyl pyrrolidone, have shown superior results in hydrate inhibition tests at conditions of 7° C. subcooling dosed at 1 vol % based on the water cut of the system fluids. The copolymer product has also passed high TDS (total dissolved solids) brine compatibility tests and secondary property tests including foaming and hot injection tests which make it useful as a kinetic hydrate inhibitor in gas production systems susceptible to the formation of natural gas hydrates. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098616 | FLOW ISOLATION SUB FOR TUBING OPERATED DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE FIRING HEAD - An isolation sub for use in a perforating system that includes a pressure activated firing head. The isolation sub is set between the pressure source that is used to initiate the firing head. A pressure regulator in the sub is responsive to fluctuations in pressure difference between the pressure source and wellbore and isolates the firing head when the pressure difference is at or approaches a designated pressure difference that could initiate the firing head. The pressure regulator includes a spring loaded piston that seals the firing head from the source pressure before the pressure difference activates the firing head. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130096043 | Additive to Improve Flow, Reduce Power Consumption and Pressure Drop in Heavy Oil Pipelines - A drag reducing additive for heavy oil, such as crude oil, includes a polymeric alkyl-substituted phenol formaldehyde resin and a solvent having at least one of an ester (e.g. ethyl acetate), an aldehyde (e.g. butyraldehyde), and an aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g. toluene, xylene, and the like), or mixtures thereof. When used together with a diluent (e.g. condensate, naphtha, or the like), the additive may reduce viscosity of the combined oil, diluent, and additive by at least 20%, increase throughput by at least 6%, reduce power consumption by at least 3%, reduce the diluent proportion by at least 3%, or some combination of these effects, as compared with an otherwise identical heavy oil without the additive. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096036 | NANOEMULSIONS - Nanoemulsions have been discovered to be useful to the oil field. More particularly water-in-oil (W/O), oil-in-water (O/W) and other classes of nanoemulsions have found beneficial application in drilling, completion, well remediation and other oil and gas industry related operations. Additionally, nanoemulsions may reduce friction pressure losses, as well as reduce subsidence of solid weight material during oil and gas operations. New preparation methods for nanoemulsions have also been discovered. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130094812 | Conduit Tube Assembly and Manufacturing Method for Subterranean Use - A support system for fiber optic cable adjacent a bottom hole assembly is fabricated from flat sheet that has a capillary tube attached with the assembly spirally wound into a tube shape and the spiral seal being welded. Male and female end connections that comprise timed threads are then oriented at each tube end with respect to where the capillary tube terminates so that there will be a reduced or no misalignment of fiber optic cable ends when timed threads are fully made up. A predetermined tightening torque range also allows some fine tuning of the desired alignment to reduce any offset of fiber optic cable ends. The capillary can run inside or outside the assembled tube shape. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130094808 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING A COATED FIBER BRAGG GRATING OPTICAL FIBER - A method of producing a coated FBG optical fiber involves coating the optical fiber prior to writing the Bragg grating. A system for producing the coated FBG optical fibers includes a high temperature furnace from which to draw the fiber, a coating applicator that may be a carbon coating applicator, a cooling station, and a grating writing station. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130094798 | Monitoring Structural Shape or Deformations with Helical-Core Optical Fiber - A method, apparatus and system for determine a parameter of a structure is disclosed. A fiber optic cable is coupled to a member. The fiber optic cable includes at least a first core helically arranged in the fiber optic cable that includes at least a first sensor and a second sensor. A first measurement related to the parameter is obtained at the first sensor, and a second measurement at the second sensor related to the parameter is obtained at the second sensor. A difference between the first and second measurements is used to determine the parameter. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130094011 | DISTANCE MEASUREMENT USING INCOHERENT OPTICAL REFLECTOMETRY - A method for estimating a distance includes: generating an optical signal having a wavelength that is within a wavelength range, the optical signal modulated via a modulation signal having a modulation frequency; transmitting the modulated optical signal from a light source into the optical fiber, the optical fiber in contact with a moveable strain inducing element located at the position along the optical fiber, the optical fiber including a plurality of sensing locations configured to reflect light within the wavelength range when under strain from the strain inducing element and transmit light within the wavelength range when not under strain from the strain inducing element; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from at least one of the sensing locations; demodulating the reflected signal with a reference signal to generate reflected signal data; and determining the distance to the position along the optical fiber based on the reflected signal data. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130093599 | INCOHERENT REFLECTOMETRY UTILIZING CHAOTIC EXCITATION OF LIGHT SOURCES - A method for estimating a parameter includes: transmitting a control signal to a coherent optical source, the control signal configured to chaotically vary an output of the optical source and generate a chaotically excited optical signal; transmitting the optical signal from the optical source into an optical fiber, the optical fiber including at least one sensing location; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from the at least one sensing location; and estimating a value of the parameter using the reflected signal. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130093598 | ENHANCING FUNCTIONALITY OF REFLECTOMETRY BASED SYSTEMS USING PARALLEL MIXING OPERATIONS - A method for estimating a parameter includes: generating an optical signal, the optical signal modulated via a modulation signal; transmitting the modulated optical signal from a light source into an optical fiber, the optical fiber including a plurality of sensing locations disposed along the optical fiber and configured to reflect light; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from the plurality of sensing locations; and combining, in parallel, each of a plurality of reference signals with the reflected signal to estimate a value of the parameter. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092597 | METHOD FOR REDUCING HYDROGEN SULFIDE EVOLUTION FROM ASPHALT AND HEAVY FUEL OILS - Hydrogen sulfide evolution from asphalt or heavy fuel oil may be reduced or eliminated using an additive to act as a scavenger. Zinc, in conjunction with an additional metal selected from Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Zr, when present in the form of nano-particles of an oxide, borate or carboxylate is an effective component is preventing or mitigating the evolution of hydrogen sulfide. The nano-particles may be used neat or as a dispersion. These metals may also be complexed and used in the form of a solution. Molybdenum, when used with one or both of Fe and Zn is also a useful in any of these forms for the same purpose. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092455 | OBLIQUE FACE POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CUTTER AND DRILLING TOOLS SO EQUIPPED - A superabrasive cutter including a superabrasive table having a cutting face in non-perpendicular orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cutter. A superabrasive cutter having a cutting face of a superabrasive table in non-parallel orientation to a back surface thereof. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092454 | POLYCRYSTALLINE COMPACTS INCLUDING GRAINS OF HARD MATERIAL, EARTH-BORING TOOLS INCLUDING SUCH COMPACTS, AND METHODS OF FORMING SUCH COMPACTS AND TOOLS - Polycrystalline compacts include a polycrystalline superabrasive material comprising a first plurality of grains of superabrasive material having a first average grain size and a second plurality of grains of superabrasive material having a second average grain size smaller than the first average grain size. The first plurality of grains is dispersed within a substantially continuous matrix of the second plurality of grains. Earth-boring tools may include a body and at least one polycrystalline compact attached thereto. Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts may include coating relatively larger grains of superabrasive material with relatively smaller grains of superabrasive material, forming a green structure comprising the coated grains, and sintering the green structure. Other methods include mixing diamond grains with a catalyst and subjecting the mixture to a pressure greater than about five gigapascals (5.0 GPa) and a temperature greater than about 1,300° C. to form a polycrystalline diamond compact. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092446 | STABILIZER SUBS FOR USE WITH EXPANDABLE REAMER APPARATUS, EXPANDABLE REAMER APPARATUS INCLUDING STABILIZER SUBS AND RELATED METHODS - An expandable reamer apparatus and stabilizer sub having at least one rib thereon attached thereto for drilling a subterranean formation. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092441 | Steering Head with Integrated Drilling Dynamics Control - A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for reducing a vibration of a drill string in a borehole. A sensor of the drill string obtains one or more measurements of a parameter of the vibration. A processor determines at least one force for controlling the measured vibration from the measured parameter. At least one actuator applies the determined at least one force against the borehole wall to control the vibration of the drill string. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092398 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING SHIFTING TOOLS AND PROVIDING WELLBORE ISOLATION - A system for performing a downhole operation including a tubular string having a locking profile non-movably located therewith. At least one member is movably mounted with the string and includes an engagement profile. A tool is runnable with the string and has at least one sub with a key. The key is selectively engagable and disengagable with the engagement profile for enabling the tool to control movement of the member with respect to the string when engaged therewith. The key is engagable with the locking profile for restricting relative movement between the string and the tool when engaged therewith. A method of performing a downhole operation is also included. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092395 | Venting System and Method to Reduce Adiabatic Heating of Pressure Control Equipment - A system and method for control of adiabatic heating within a pressure control device that is associated with a well valve. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092378 | SELECTIVELY FIRED HIGH PRESSURE HIGH TEMPERATURE BACK-OFF TOOL - A method for unseating a threaded connection of wellbore tubing within the wellbore. The method utilizes a back-off tool which consists of a tubular metal housing, a shaped charge and HNS detonating cord within the housing, and an explosive material attached to the housing. The back-off tool is detonated near the threaded connection, creating a shockwave that strikes the threaded connection with sufficient force to unseat the connection. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092369 | Hydraulically Set Resettable Liner Hanger - A liner hanger is locked for run in to prevent accidental setting using a trapped collet assembly. The liner is internally pressurized to push a ring from which the collet extends. The collet heads leave a mandrel groove and compress a return spring while at the same time shouldering against an outer assembly that ramps the slips out on cones for a grip of the surrounding casing. Weight is released and the slips prevent the assembly attached to them from moving to hold the return spring compressed. Picking up weight releases the load on the slips of the hanger and allows the spring to retract the slips and return the collet assembly to the run in position in an exterior mandrel groove. This can be used with a relative rotation feature incorporated into the liner hanger to allow liner rotation during cementing, if desired. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130091956 | SENSING ASSEMBLY - A sensing assembly including a fiber for monitoring at least one condition or parameter and a strip formed from a pair of laminae disposed with the fiber. The laminae are arranged parallel to each other and engaged longitudinally along the fiber for enabling the strip to secure the fiber in place. A method of monitoring a parameter or condition with a sensing assembly is also included. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130091716 | Apparatus and Method for Determining the Direction East - In one aspect a method of determining direction east is provided that in one embodiment includes dropping objects under influence of gravity, determining locations where the objects drop, and determining the direction east from the locations where the objects drop. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130090271 | INHIBITING CORROSION CAUSED BY AQUEOUS ALDEHYDE SOLUTIONS - Aldehydes useful as H | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130090270 | Method to Complex Metals in Aqueous Treating Fluids for Ves-Gelled Fluids - Aqueous treating fluids may include a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) and an aqueous base fluid, e.g. a drilling fluid, whereby the VES may increase and/or maintain the viscosity of the aqueous treating fluid. Metal ions may be present within the aqueous treating fluid that break, reduce, and/or digest the VES within the aqueous treating fluid. An effective amount of complexation particles may be added to the aqueous treating fluid for complexing at least a portion of these metal ions and thereby disallowing the metal ions from breaking, reducing, and/or altering the VES within the aqueous treating fluid. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130089460 | INHIBITING CORROSION CAUSED BY AQUEOUS ALDEHYDE SOLUTIONS - Aldehydes useful as H | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130087937 | Phase Mask Period Control - A method, apparatus and system for forming a fiber optic cable is disclosed. A first pattern of a phase mark is formed at a first location in the fiber optic cable. A relational parameter between the fiber optic cable and the phase mask is changed and a second pattern of the phase mask is formed at a second location in the fiber optic cable. The second pattern is related to the first pattern via the change in the relational parameter between the fiber optic cable and the phase mask. A controller can be used to control the relational parameter. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130087480 | Removing Amines from Hydrocarbon Streams - Corrosive amine salts in hydrocarbon streams such as desalted crude oil streams can be prevented or avoided by adding certain amine scavenging chemicals to the streams to remove the amines therefrom. Suitable amine scavengers include, but are not necessarily limited to, carboxylic anhydrides and copolymers of carboxylic anhydrides, aromatic anhydrides, isocyanates, polyisocyanates, and epoxides. The non-corrosive reaction products of the amines and/or ammonia with these scavengers are preferably oil-soluble, non-basic and thermally stable. The amine scavengers bind up and react with the amines and/or ammonia to keep them from reacting with materials such as acids (e.g. HCl) to form corrosive amine salts. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130087386 | EXPANDABLE APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS - An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130087338 | WELLBORE OPERATIONS USING CONTROLLED VARIABLE DENSITY FLUID - Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130087333 | Apparatus and Method for Cementing a Borehole - In aspects, the disclosure provides a method for cementing a borehole that includes selecting a location in the borehole for cementing. The method further includes providing a cement slurry comprising a cement and shape memory members having a first shape, the shape memory members configured to expand from the first shape to a second shape upon application of heat to the shape memory members, placing the cement slurry in the selected space and heating the shape memory members in the selected space to attain the second shape. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130086847 | COMBINED FIELD ASSISTED SINTERING TECHNIQUES AND HTHP SINTERING TECHNIQUES FOR FORMING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS AND EARTH-BORING TOOLS, AND SINTERING SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING SUCH METHODS - Methods of forming polycrystalline diamond compacts include employing field assisted sintering techniques with high temperature and high pressure sintering techniques. For example, a particle mixture that includes diamond particles may be sintered by subjecting the particle mixture to a high temperature and high pressure sintering cycle, and pulsing direct electrical current through the particle mixture during at least a portion of the high temperature and high pressure sintering cycle. The polycrystalline diamond compacts may be used to form cutting elements for earth-boring tools. Sintering systems are configured to perform such sintering processes. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130081880 | DRILL BIT DESIGN FOR MITIGATION OF STICK SLIP - A method of designing an earth-boring rotary drill bit includes designing a bit body and cutting elements of the drill bit such that features of the drill bit other than cutting elements engage and rub against the subterranean formation being drilled by the drill bit at depths-of-cut beyond, but close to, an intended median depth-of-cut, and such that the amount of rubbing area between such features and the formation increases at a relatively rapid rate as the depth-of-cut increases beyond the intended median depth-of-cut. Such methods may be employed to mitigate the occurrence of the stick-slip phenomenon during drilling. A method of fabricating a drill bit includes configuring a bit body and cutting elements in accordance with such a design. Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body and cutting elements so configured. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081825 | Apparatus and Methods Utilizing Nonexplosive Energetic Materials for Downhole Applications - In one aspect, a method of method of performing a wellbore operation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: providing a device that includes a non-explosive energetic material configured to disintegrate when subjected to a selected energy; placing the device at a selected location in the wellbore to perform a selected function; and subjecting the device to the selected energy to disintegrate the device in the wellbore after the device has performed the selected function. In another aspect an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a device placed in the wellbore at a selected location, wherein the device includes a non-explosive energetic material configured to disintegrate when subjected to a selected energy, and a source of the selected energy configured to subject the device to the selected energy in the wellbore to disintegrate the device. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081816 | Thermothickener Polymer and Surfactant Composition and Methods of Employing the Composition - The present disclosure is directed to a thermothickening composition comprising: a surfactant; and a thermothickening polymer that is the product of at least the following monomers: a non-ionic hydrosoluble unsaturated amide monomer; an ionic monomer; and an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid half ester having a heat sensitive functional group. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081815 | Enhancing Swelling Rate for Subterranean Packers and Screens - The swelling rate of a swelling packer element or a conforming foam screen material is accelerated with heat. In one variation reactants that create an exothermic reaction plus a catalyst, if needed, are allowed to come into contact upon placement at the desired location. The heat accelerates the swelling process and cuts the time to when the next operation can commence downhole. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081814 | Apparatus and Method for Galvanically Removing From or Depositing Onto a Device a Metallic Material Downhole - In one aspect, a method of performing a wellbore operation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: deploying a device in the wellbore containing a conductive fluid, wherein the device is configured to disintegrate upon application of electrical current thereto; and applying current to the device in the wellbore using a tool to controllably disintegrate the device. In another aspect, an apparatus for use downhole is provided that in one embodiment may include a device placed at a selected location in a wellbore, wherein the device is made from a material that disintegrates when electric current is induced in to device and a tool placed proximate to the device configured to induce electric current into the device to cause the device to disintegrate. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081459 | PRODUCTION LOGGING IN HORIZONTAL WELLS - An apparatus for production logging includes a conveyance device configured to traverse a wellbore, a multicapacitance flow meter positioned on the conveyance device and configured to estimate at least one parameter relating to holdup; and a spinner flow meter positioned on the conveyance device and configured to estimate at least one parameter relating to a flow velocity of at least one fluid phase. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081335 | GRAPHITE COATED METAL NANOPARTICLES FOR POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT SYNTHESIS - A method of forming polycrystalline diamond includes forming metal nanoparticles having a carbon coating from an organometallic material; combining a diamond material with the metal nanoparticles having the carbon coating; and processing the diamond material and the metal nanoparticles having the carbon coating to form the polycrystalline diamond. Processing includes catalyzing formation of the polycrystalline diamond by the metal nanoparticles; and forming interparticle bonds that bridge the diamond material by carbon from the carbon coating. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130080064 | USE OF ATOMIC OPTICAL CLOCKS FOR GRAVITATIONAL SURVEYS - A method of estimating a parameter of an anomaly in an earth formation includes: disposing a measurement device at at least one measurement location, the measurement device including a frequency standard; estimating a frequency shift of a frequency standard due to a gravitational potential at at least one measurement location; and deriving a relationship between a mass and a depth of a formation anomaly at a distance to the at least one measurement location using the frequency shift. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079432 | POLYARYLENE COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE, AND ARTICLES THEREOF - A crosslinked product of a polyarylene is disclosed, having high-temperature elastomeric properties and excellent chemical resistance. The crosslinked materials are useful in oil and gas downhole applications in the form of either solids or foams. Methods for the manufacture of the crosslinked product and articles comprising the product are also disclosed. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079427 | POLYARYLENE COMPOSITIONS FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE, AND USES THEREOF - A crosslinked product of a polyarylene is disclosed, having high-temperature elastomeric properties and excellent chemical resistance. The crosslinked materials are useful in oil and gas downhole applications in the form of either solids or foams. Methods for the manufacture of the crosslinked product and articles comprising the product are also disclosed. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130076526 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CORRECTION OF DOWNHOLE MEASUREMENTS - A system for estimating downhole parameters includes: at least one parameter sensor disposed along a downhole component and configured to measure a parameter of one or more of a borehole and an earth formation and generate parameter data; and a processor in operable communication with the at least one parameter sensor, the processor configured to receive the parameter data and deformation data relating to deformation of the downhole component. The processor is configured to: generate a mathematical model of the downhole component deformation in real time based on pre-selected geometrical data representing the downhole component and the received deformation data; estimate, in real time, an alignment of the at least one parameter sensor relative to at least one of another parameter sensor and a desired alignment; and in response to estimating a misalignment of the at least one parameter sensor, correct the parameter data based on the misalignment. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130075600 | NANOSTRUCTURED NEUTRON SENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR WELL LOGGING APPLICATIONS - Disclosed is an apparatus for detecting a neutron. The apparatus includes: a neutron interaction material configured to emit a charged particle upon absorbing a neutron; a plurality of nanoparticles distributed in the neutron interaction material, each nanoparticle in the plurality being configured to scintillate upon interacting with the charged particle to emit a pulse of light; a photodetector coupled to the neutron interaction material and configured to receive the pulse of light and generate a signal based on the received pulse of light; and a processor configured to receive the signal in order to detect the neutron. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130075109 | BARRIER VALVE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME WITH TUBING PRESSURE - A completion system including a barrier valve operatively arranged in a tubing string to selectively impede fluid flow through a lower completion. At least one control line is included for supplying a control line pressure for controlling operation of the barrier valve. The at least one control line is operatively arranged with the tubing string for enabling tubing pressure in the tubing string to determine the control line pressure. A method of operating a barrier valve is also included. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130075108 | BARRIER VALVE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CLOSING SAME BY WITHDRAWING UPPER COMPLETION - A completion system, including a barrier valve transitionable between an open position and a closed position. An upper completion is operatively coupled with the barrier valve for mechanically transitioning the barrier valve to the closed position when the upper completion is withdrawn. A method of operating a completion system is also included. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130075097 | BOREHOLE TOOL HEAT TRANSFER ALTERING SYSTEM AND METHOD, AND METHOD OF HEATING BOREHOLE FLUID - A borehole tool heat transfer altering system includes, a borehole tool, and a thermoelectric material in operable communication with the borehole tool configured to alter heat transfer between the borehole tool and an environment surrounding the borehole tool. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130070560 | Arranging Source-Receiver Orientations to Reduce High-Order Modes in Acoustic Monopole Logging - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for estimating a parameter of interest of an earth formation. The method may include using an acoustic sensor azimuthally positioned relative to a monopole acoustic source to reduce at least one high-order mode due to the monopole acoustic source. The monopole acoustic source may include one or more acoustic elements. The method may include generating a monopole acoustic pulse. The apparatus may include at least one acoustic source element and at least one acoustic sensor disposed on a housing configured for conveyance in a borehole. The at least one acoustic sensor may be azimuthally positioned relative to the at least one acoustic source to reduce at least one high-order mode. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130069022 | POLARIZABLE NANOPARTICLES AND ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUID COMPRISING SAME - An electrorheological fluid comprises a nanoparticle composition comprising a nanoparticle, uncoated or coated with a polymeric or metallic coating and covalently bonded to or coated on a surface of a polymeric or inorganic particle; and a dielectric fluid having a dielectric constant lower than that of the nanoparticle composition. A nanoparticle composition also comprises a carbon-based nanoparticle, covalently bonded to or coated on a surface of a conjugated polymer particle or inorganic particle, wherein the nanoparticle composition is a dielectric material. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068941 | BORON LINER FOR NEUTRON DECTECTORS FOR WELL LOGGING APPLICATIONS - Disclosed is an apparatus for detecting neutrons. The apparatus includes a plurality of neutron detector cells, each detector cell comprising a cathode surrounding an anode wherein the cathode of each cell is common to an adjacent detector cell. A neutron interaction material covers an interior surface of the cathode in each neutron detector cell, the neutron interaction material being configured to emit a charged particle between the cathode and the anode upon interacting with a neutron. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068541 | METHODS OF FABRICATING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND, AND CUTTING ELEMENTS AND EARTH-BORING TOOLS COMPRISING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND - Methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond include functionalizing surfaces of carbon-free nanoparticles with one or more functional groups, combining the functionalized nanoparticles with diamond nanoparticles and diamond grit to form a particle mixture, and subjecting the particle mixture to high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) conditions to form inter-granular bonds between the diamond nanoparticles and the diamond grit. Cutting elements for use in an earth-boring tool includes a polycrystalline diamond material formed by such processes. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068540 | METHODS OF FABRICATING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND, AND CUTTING ELEMENTS AND EARTH-BORING TOOLS COMPRISING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND - Methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond include encapsulating diamond particles and a hydrocarbon substance in a canister, and subjecting the encapsulated diamond particles and hydrocarbon substance to a pressure of at least 5.0 GPa and a temperature of at least 1400° C. to form inter-granular bonds between the diamond particles. Cutting elements for use in an earth-boring tool includes a polycrystalline diamond material formed by such processes. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068539 | METHODS OF ATTACHING A POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT TO A SUBSTRATE AND CUTTING ELEMENTS FORMED USING SUCH METHODS - Methods of attaching a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) element to a substrate include maintaining a gap between the PDC element and an adjacent substrate, and at least substantially filling the gap with a deposition process. Methods of forming a cutting element for an earth-boring tool include forming a PDC element by pressing diamond crystals together, forming a substrate including a particulate carbide material and a matrix material, leaving a gap between at least portions of the PDC element and the substrate, masking surfaces of the PDC element and of the substrate that do not face the gap, and forming an adhesion material on surfaces of the PDC element and of the substrate that face the gap. Cutting elements for earth-boring tools include a PDC element attached to a substrate with at least one of diamond, diamond-like carbon, a carbide material, a nitride material, and a cubic boron nitride material. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068538 | CUTTING ELEMENTS FOR EARTH-BORING TOOLS, EARTH-BORING TOOLS INCLUDING SUCH CUTTING ELEMENTS, AND RELATED METHODS - Cutting elements for earth-boring tools include one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions in a cutting face of a volume of superabrasive material. The superabrasive material may be disposed on a substrate. The cutting face may be non-planar. The recesses and/or protrusions may include one or more linear segments. The recesses and/or protrusions may comprise discrete features that are laterally isolated from one another. The recesses and/or protrusions may have a helical configuration. The volume of superabrasive material may comprise a plurality of thin layers, at least two of which may differ in at least one characteristic. Methods of forming cutting elements include the formation of such recesses and/or protrusions in and/or on a cutting face of a volume of superabrasive material. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements, and methods of forming earth-boring tools include attaching such a cutting element to a tool body. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068537 | CUTTING ELEMENTS FOR EARTH-BORING TOOLS, EARTH-BORING TOOLS INCLUDING SUCH CUTTING ELEMENTS AND RELATED METHODS - Cutting elements include a superabrasive table, at least one indentation in a cutting face of the superabrasive table, and at least one spoke extending radially across at least a portion of the at least one indentation. Earth-boring drill bits include such a cutting element. Methods of forming a cutting element include forming a superabrasive table having at least one such indentation and at least one such spoke, and positioning the superabrasive table on a substrate. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068536 | METHODS OF FORMING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS AND RESULTING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS AND CUTTING ELEMENTS - Methods for forming cutting elements comprising polycrystalline materials, methods for forming polycrystalline compacts for cutting elements of a drilling tool, method for forming polycrystalline diamond compacts, and resulting polycrystalline compacts and cutting elements are disclosed. Grains of a hard material are introduced to a press and subjected to a high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) process to sinter the grains. The system conditions (i.e., temperature and pressure) are then adjusted past a phase or state change point, after which, at least one of the system conditions is held during an anneal stage before the system conditions are adjusted to final levels. The resulting compacts and cutting elements may therefore include inter-granularly bonded hard material grains with a more stable microstructure (e.g., less stressed microstructure) than a polycrystalline compact and cutting element formed without an anneal stage during the HPHT process. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068535 | METHODS OF FORMING A CUTTING ELEMENT FOR AN EARTH-BORING TOOL, A RELATED CUTTING ELEMENT, AND AN EARTH-BORING TOOL INCLUDING SUCH A CUTTING ELEMENT - A method of forming a cutting element for an earth-boring tool. The method includes providing diamond particles on a supporting substrate, the volume of diamond particles comprising a plurality of diamond nanoparticles. A catalyst-containing layer is provided on exposed surfaces of the volume of diamond nanoparticles and the supporting substrate. The diamond particles are processed under high temperature and high pressure conditions to form a sintered nanoparticle-enhanced polycrystalline compact. A cutting element and an earth-boring tool including a cutting element are also disclosed. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068534 | CUTTING ELEMENTS FOR EARTH-BORING TOOLS, EARTH-BORING TOOLS INCLUDING SUCH CUTTING ELEMENTS AND RELATED METHODS - Cutting elements, earth-boring drill bits having such cutting elements and related methods are described herein. In some embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may include a superabrasive table having a recessed surface in a cutting face thereof and a shaped feature in a substrate at the interface between the superabrasive table and the substrate, the shaped feature corresponding to the recessed surface in the cutting face of the superabrasive table. In further embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may comprise a superabrasive table positioned on a substrate, and at least one substantially planar recessed surface in a cutting face of the superabrasive table. In yet additional embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may comprise a superabrasive table positioned on a substrate, and at least one non-planar recessed surface in a cutting face of the superabrasive table. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068525 | SENSOR-ENABLED CUTTING ELEMENTS FOR EARTH-BORING TOOLS, EARTH-BORING TOOLS SO EQUIPPED, AND RELATED METHODS - Sensor-enabled cutting elements for an earth-boring drilling tool may comprise a substrate base, and a cutting tip at an end of the substrate base. The cutting tip may comprise a tapered surface extending from the substrate base and tapering to an apex of the cutting tip, and a sensor coupled with the cutting tip. The sensor may be configured to obtain data relating to at least one parameter related to at least one of a drilling condition, a wellbore condition, a formation condition, and a condition of the earth-boring drilling tool. The sensor-enabled cutting elements may be included on at least one of an earth-boring drill bit, a drilling tool, a bottom hole assembly, and a drill string. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068482 | Drop In Completion Method - A string is equipped with a braking device to regulate its speed into the wellbore through an existing tubular. When the targeted amount of overlap with an existing tubular is accomplished the two tubulars are then joined together. The braking system can take many forms such as externally mounted mechanisms that are speed responsive to vary the braking force. The inside of the tubular can have trapped gas to provide buoyancy and reduce the dropping speed. The braking can be accomplished hydraulically through regulated flow through the tubular or by a combination of a hydraulic and mechanical device. The momentum of the dropped string can also be controlled with a swage device that at the appropriate location lands on a taper and wedges or fuses itself to the surrounding tubular to gain support from the surrounding tubular. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068472 | Hydraulic Three Position Stroker Tool - A stroker tool operates a subterranean tool between three operating positions. The stroker tool includes an outer housing defining a piston chamber within. A piston assembly having first and second piston members is moveable within the piston chamber between a first position, a second position, and a third position. A shifting member is operably connected with the piston assembly and is moved to an uppermost axial position when the piston assembly is in the first position, an intermediate axial position when the piston assembly is in the second position, and a lowermost axial position when the piston assembly is in the third position. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068455 | Shroud Having Separate Upper and Lower Portions for Submersible Pump Assembly and Gas Separator - A downhole well pumping assembly has a shroud with an upper section and a lower section sealed from one another. A submersible pump and a gas separator are housed within the upper section of the shroud. The gas separator has a liquid outlet in fluid communication with an intake of the pump, and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas outlet in the shroud. A motor is housed within the lower section of the shroud, the motor being coupled to the gas separator for rotating the gas Separator and the pump. A well fluid lower inlet is in the shroud below the motor and a well fluid lower outlet is in the shroud above the motor. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068008 | HIGH TEMPERATURE PIEZORESISTIVE STRAIN GAUGES MADE OF SILICON-ON-INSULATOR - Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring a parameter in a borehole penetrating the earth. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to be disposed in the borehole and having a piezo-resistor fabricated from a semiconductor on an insulator wherein a portion of the semiconductor is etched to the insulator to form the piezo-resistor, the piezo-resistor being responsive to the parameter. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130067825 | METHODS OF FORMING POLYCRSTALLINE COMPACTS AND RESULTING COMPACTS - Methods for forming cutting elements, methods for forming polycrystalline compacts, and related polycrystalline compacts are disclosed. Grains of a hard material are subjected to a high pressure, high temperature process to form a polycrystalline compact. Inclusion of at least one relatively quick spike in system pressure or temperature during an otherwise plateaued temperature or pressure stage accommodates formation of inter-granular bonds between the grains. The brevity of the peak stage may avoid undesirable grain growth. Embodiments of the methods may also include at least one of oscillating at least one system condition (e.g., pressure, temperature) and subjecting the grains to ultrasonic or mechanical vibrations. A resulting polycrystalline compact may include a high density of inter-granularly bonded hard material with a minimized amount of catalyst material, and may provide improved thermal stability, wear resistance, toughness, and behavior during use of a cutting element incorporating the polycrystalline compact. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130066605 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING FORMATION LITHOLOGY USING X-RAY FLOURESCENCE - An apparatus for estimating properties of an earth formation includes a carrier configured to be disposed in a borehole in the earth formation, and a sample retriever configured to remove a sample of the earth formation, the sample including solid components of the earth formation. The apparatus also includes an analysis assembly including a chamber disposed with the carrier and configured to hold the sample, an X-ray source configured to irradiate the sample with X-ray radiation while the sample is disposed in the chamber, and one or more X-ray detectors configured to detect radiation emitted from the sample in response to irradiation from the X-ray source. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066560 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING GEOLOGIC BOUNDARIES - A method of estimating a geology of an earth formation includes: receiving gravity measurements from each of a plurality of gravity sensors n | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066559 | INTERPRETING BOREHOLE TRANSIENT ELECTROMAGNETIC DATA USING TWO THIN-SHEET CONDUCTORS - An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest of an earth formation involving an electromagnetic transient response of an earth formation and a two thin-sheet conductor model of the earth formation. The method may include generating an electromagnetic transient response in the earth formation, generating a signal indicative of the response, and estimating the at least one parameter of interest using the signal. The method may also include estimating a boundary distance using the at least one parameter of interest. The apparatus may include at least one antenna configured to generate the electromagnetic response in the earth formation and at least one processor configured to estimate the at least one processor based on the electromagnetic transient response. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066558 | METHOD TO ESTIMATE PORE PRESSURE UNCERTAINTY FORM TRENDLINE VARIATIONS - Disclosed is a method for estimating a pore pressure of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole and an associated uncertainty. The method includes: conveying a carrier through the borehole; performing formation measurements relating to porosity at a plurality of depths in the borehole using a downhole tool coupled to the carrier; defining a first depth interval and a second depth interval deeper than the first depth interval, the first depth interval comprising a first set of formation measurement points and the second depth interval comprising a second set of formation measurement points; establishing a plurality of trendlines of depth versus porosity-related measurements using a processor with each trendline in the plurality of trendlines extending from a point in the first depth interval through a point in the second depth interval; and calculating a pore pressure line and associated uncertainty using the plurality of trendlines. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066557 | METHOD OF PHASE SYNCHRONIZATION OF MWD OR WIRELINE APPARATUS SEPARATED IN THE STRING - The present disclosure is related to apparatuses and methods for estimating a phase offset in earth formations. The method may include estimating the phase offset by comparing signals generated and received by a first sub, the second signal being transmitted by a second sub that has been synchronized by the signal generated by the first sub. The signals may be exchanged using a first antenna on the first sub and a second antenna on the second sub. The signals may use a selected frequency. Synchronization may take place without electrical communication between the first and second subs. The method may include compensating for a propagation delay in the signals using the phase offset. The method may include using a time stamp during the synchronization. The apparatus may include a first antenna and a second antenna on first and second subs, respectively, both configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066556 | Pore Parameters and Hydraulic Parameters From Electric Impedance Spectra - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for estimating electrical impedance spectra and pore parameters. The method may include estimating electrical impedance spectra using an estimated average ion concentration in pores within an earth formation. The method may also include estimating electrical impedance information about the earth formation; and estimating at least one parameter of interest by comparing the electrical impedance information with the estimated electrical impedance spectra. The apparatus may include at least one processor. The apparatus may also include an electrical impedance tool configured for use in a borehole. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130064702 | Downhole Motors and Pumps with Asymmetric Lobes - In an aspect, the disclosure provides an apparatus for use downhole. In one aspect the apparatus includes a rotor with lobes disposed in stator with lobes, wherein at least one of the contours of the rotor lobe and the contour of the stator lobe is asymmetric. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130063150 | CONNECTION METHOD OF REPLACEABLE SENSORS FOR RESISTIVITY ARRAYS - An apparatus and method for conducting resistivity logging in a borehole. The apparatus may include a housing configured for fluid isolation, an electrical conductor penetrating the housing and a sealing interface. The apparatus may also include at least one of: an electrical component inside the housing and an electrode disposed on the exterior of the housing. The apparatus is configured to allow the electrical conductor to be moved, while maintaining the sealing interface, between an electrically connected state and an electrically disconnected state with at least one of: the electrical component and the electrode. The method may include using the apparatus for resistivity logging operations. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130063149 | REDUCING FLUID CAPACITANCE AND CONDUCTANCE EFFECTS ON PIEZOELECTRIC RESONATOR MEASUREMENTS - An apparatus for estimating a property of a fluid in a borehole penetrating the earth includes a piezoelectric material configured to be at least partially immersed in the fluid and embedded with a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair. An electronic unit is coupled to the first electrode pair and the second electrode pair and configured to measure motion impedance of the fluid caused by motion of the piezoelectric material by applying a first electrical stimulus to the first electrode pair and a second electrical stimulus to the second electrode pair and by receiving a first electrical signal from the first pair of electrodes and a second electrical signal from the second pair of electrodes to estimate the property. The resulting motion impedance measurement has a reduced influence from electrical properties of the fluid. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130063000 | PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER FOR MEASURING FLUID PROPERTIES - A transducer includes a preload adapter having a sleeve portion and an end and a housing including a seating portion and a shaft portion that extends from the seating portion. The transducer also includes a piezoelectric element contained at least partially within a chamber that is at least partially defined by the sleeve portion and shaft portion and a diaphragm coupled to an external side of the end such that motion of the piezoelectric element causes motion of the diaphragm. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130062514 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING A DOWNHOLE FLUID PROPERTY USING A MINIATURE INTEGRATED CIRCUIT SPECTROMETER - An apparatus for estimating a property of a downhole fluid includes a carrier that is conveyable in a borehole, a test cell carried by the carrier for capturing the downhole fluid, an integrated circuit positioned inside of the test cell, and an electromagnetic energy source that emits an electromagnetic energy beam having a first bandwidth. A first filter is formed on the integrated circuit in electromagnetic energy communication with the first electromagnetic energy beam. A flow path is formed in the integrated circuit wherein the flow path contains the downhole fluid in the test cell and is in electromagnetic energy communication with a portion of the electromagnetic energy beam. An electromagnetic energy detector is in electromagnetic energy communication with a portion of the electromagnetic energy beam that has interacted with the downhole fluid for estimating the property of the downhole fluid. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130062124 | Drilling Apparatus Including a Fluid Bypass Device and Methods of Using Same - In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of drilling a wellbore, which method, in one embodiment, includes the features of drilling the wellbore with a drill string that includes a bypass device having a fluid passage therethrough by supplying a fluid through the bypass device, wherein the drilling fluid circulates to the surface via an annulus between the drill string and the wellbore; defining a time period (locking time); initiating a selected drilling parameter; detecting downhole the selected drilling parameter and one of the second flow rate and a differential pressure; and activating the bypass device when the selected drilling parameter and one of the second flow rate and the differential pressure are present during the defined time period to divert a portion of the drilling fluid from the bypass device to the annuls. In one aspect, the selected drilling parameter is rotation of a member associated with the bypass device. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130062067 | METHOD OF DEPLOYING NANOENHANCED DOWNHOLE ARTICLE - A method of deploying a downhole article comprising a shape memory material, the shape memory material comprising a nanoparticle having greater thermal conductivity than an identical shape memory material but without the nanoparticle; the method comprising heating the article while in a compacted state to change the article to a non-compacted state. A method of deploying the downhole article where the article is a packer element is also disclosed. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130062054 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING FRACTURE SPACING AND WELL FRACTURING USING THE METHOD - A method for determining the fracture spacing for a first set of fractures of a wellbore. A first fracture dimension is chosen from the smaller of the length or height of a first fracture and an expected second fracture dimension is chosen from the smaller of the expected length or expected height of a second fracture to be formed. An approximate position of the second fracture is determined from a percentage of the average of the first fracture dimension and the second fracture dimension. An approximate position of a third fracture is determined so that ratio of the distances from the first fracture and the second fracture are about equal to a ratio of the first fracture dimension and the second fracture dimension. The well may then be fractured at the approximate position of the second fracture and may be fractured at the approximate position of the third fracture. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130062049 | SHAPED MEMORY POLYPHENYLENE SULFIDE (PPS) FOR DOWNHOLE PACKER APPLICATIONS - A downhole element to isolate or complete a wellbore includes a shape memory material including polyphenylene sulfide. The polyphenylene sulfide is the cure product of being cured at a temperature of about 200° C. to about 400° C., for a total time of less than or equal to 200 hours. The shape memory material is thermally activated between an actuated and unactuated shape, and the polyphenylene sulfide in the shape memory material is a closed cell foam, open cell foam, or solid. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130061771 | ACTIVE WAVESHAPER FOR DEEP PENETRATING OIL-FIELD CHARGES - A shaped charge having a liner, a shaped charge case, high explosive between the ilner and the case, and an active wave shaping element that is made of an energetic material that reacts at a rate different from the high explosive. The wave shaping element is disposed in the high explosive between an apex of the liner and base of the shaped charge case. Example materials of the wave shaping element include HMX, RDX, PBX types, PETN, HNS, TATB, and combinations thereof. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130059074 | METHOD TO GENERATE AND DISPERSE NANOSTRUCTURES IN A COMPOSITE MATERIAL - A method of making a nanostructure-reinforced composite comprises providing matrix particles in a reactor; fluidizing the matrix particles; introducing a nanostructure material into the reactor; homogeneously dispersing the nanostructure material; uniformly depositing the nanostructure material on the matrix particles to form a composite powder; generating a nanostructure on the matrix particles from the nanostructure material; and processing the composite powder to form the nanostructure-reinforced composite having a matrix formed from the matrix particles. The nanostructures are evenly distributed in the matrix of the nanostructure-reinforced composite. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130058797 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATTENUATION OF ESP MOTOR VIBRATION - Vibration of a rotor positioned within a stator of an electric motor of an electric submersible pump assembly is attenuated in a first embodiment by adjusting the length of the rotor to position rotor bearings supporting the rotor within the stator at locations of low amplitude vibration. In a second embodiment, hydraulic pressure is applied to a fluid chamber supporting a thrust bearing that supports the rotor. When hydraulic fluid pressure is applied, the thrust bearing and the rotor move axially. Thus, moving the rotor bearings away from areas of high amplitude vibration of the rotor. In a third embodiment, a sliding mass affixed to the motor is moved in response to vibration of the motor. Movement of the sliding mass changes the vibration profile of the motor. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130057411 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OF DOWNHOLE TOOL WITH REMOTE TRANSMITTERS AND SENSORS - The present disclosure includes an apparatus and method for operating a downhole tool in a borehole. The apparatus may include a downhole tool that may include at least one second clock, which may be synchronized to a first clock by way of a modulator/demodulator device. The downhole tool may be configured to estimate a parameter of interest of an underground feature. The underground feature may relate to one or more of: a borehole, a casing, or an earth formation. The downhole tool may comprise two or more sections that are configured to operate synchronously when the one or more second clocks are synchronized with the first clock. The modulator/demodulator may include a modem associated with the first clock, a modem associated with the at least one second clock, and a low frequency conductor between the two modems. The method includes using the apparatus. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130057287 | Method and Apparatus for Well-Bore Proximity Measurement While Drilling - An apparatus for determining a distance between a first borehole and a second borehole is provided that in one embodiment includes a rotating magnet on a tool configured for placement in the second borehole for inducing magnetization in a magnetic object in the first borehole, a first coil and a second coil placed radially symmetrically with respect to an axis of the tool, the first coil providing a first signal and second coil providing a second signal responsive to a magnetic flux resulting from the magnetization in the magnetic object in the first borehole, and a controller configured to combine the first signal and the second signal and determining distance between the first borehole and the second borehole using the combined signal. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056269 | DEGRADABLE SHAPED CHARGE AND PERFORATING GUN SYSTEM - A selectively corrodible perforating gun system is disclosed. The perforating gun system includes a shaped charge comprising a charge case having a charge cavity, a liner disposed within the charge cavity and an explosive disposed within the charge cavity between the liner and the charge case, wherein the charge case and liner are each formed from selectively corrodible powder compact material. The perforating gun system also includes a shaped charge housing configured to house the shaped charge. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056228 | Annular Seal for Expanded Pipe with One Way Flow Feature - The seal has a base ring that expands with the underlying supporting tubular. Extending from the base ring is a pleated structure with segments folded over each other so that the run in shape is small and up against the supporting tubular for run in. The pleated segments can have internal stiffeners that also add a bias radially outwardly when the structure is freed to move in that direction. A retaining band keeps the assembly retracted until tubular expansion defeats the band to allow the unitary structure to move out radially to the wellbore or surrounding tubular. The pleated portion unfolds and spans outwardly from the base ring to retain pressure differential in one direction while allowing fluid flow in the opposite direction. The assembly can be attached to a swage device so that pressure from above into the set seal can drive one or more swage members to expand a tubular. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056216 | Dynamic Self-Cleaning Downhole Debris Reducer - A debris reducer for reducing debris within a fluid flow line having a lower screen that is secured within the flow line, the lower screen having a lower screen cage with a lower cutting portion. A debris reducer element is retained within the flow line and is moveably disposed with respect to the lower screen. The debris reducer element has an upper screen cage with an upper cutting portion. The upper and lower screen cages overlap and move the upper and lower cutting portions with respect to each other to reduce debris within fluid flowing through the flow line. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056215 | Disintegrative Particles to Release Agglomeration Agent for Water Shut-Off Downhole - Disintegrative particles having a disintegrative coating surrounding a disintegrative core may be pumped within an aqueous treatment fluid downhole to a subterranean formation. With time and/or change in wellbore or environmental condition, these particles will either disintegrate partially or completely, in non-limiting examples, by contact with downhole wellbore fluid, formation water, or a stimulation fluid (e.g. acid or brine). Once disintegrated, metals or compounds are released which raises the fluid pH and forms a structure that selectively inhibits or shuts-off the production of water from water-producing zones. The disintegrative particles may be made by compacting and/or sintering metal powder particles, for instance magnesium or other reactive metal or their alloys. Alternatively, particles coated with nanometer-sized or micrometer sized coatings may be designed where the coatings disintegrate faster or slower than the core in a changed downhole environment. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056212 | PERFORATING STIMULATING BULLET - A method and device for fracturing a subterranean formation by projecting a bullet assembly into the formation and then reacting energetic material within the bullet assembly. The bullet assembly can be part of a charge device that is in a perforating gun. A delay fuse can be included so the energetic material reaction begins after the bullet assembly reaches the end of its travel in the formation. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056209 | Swelling Acceleration Using Inductively Heated and Embedded Particles in a Subterranean Tool - The swelling rate of a swelling packer element or a conforming foam screen material is accelerated with heat. In another technique ferromagnetic particles or electrically conductive resins or polymers are interspersed in the swelling material and heat is generated at the particles by an inductive heater. A dielectric mandrel or base pipe can be used to focus the heating effect on the ferromagnetic particles or the electrically conductive resins or polymers in the sealing element or swelling foam screen element to focus the heating there without heating the base pipe. The heat accelerates the swelling process and cuts the time to when the next operation can commence downhole. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056208 | METHOD OF USING A DEGRADABLE SHAPED CHARGE AND PERFORATING GUN SYSTEM - A method for perforating a formation interval in a well is disclosed. The method includes disposing a perforation gun comprising a shaped charge in the well proximate the formation interval, wherein the shaped charge comprises a charge case having a charge cavity, a liner disposed within the charge cavity and an explosive disposed within the charge cavity between the liner and the charge case, wherein the charge case and liner are each formed from a selectively corrodible powder compact material. The method also includes detonating the shaped charge to form a perforation tunnel in the formation interval and deposit a liner residue in the perforation tunnel The method further includes exposing the perforation gun and perforation tunnel to a predetermined wellbore fluid after detonating the shaped charge to remove a liner residue from the perforation tunnel and the charge case from the well. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056207 | DOWNHOLE SEALING SYSTEM USING CEMENT ACTIVATED MATERIAL AND METHOD OF DOWNHOLE SEALING - A downhole sealing system includes a reactive material provided on a tubular and including an oxidizable substance; and a sealing material, wherein the oxidizable substance oxidizes when in contact with the sealing material. Also included is a method of providing a seal in a downhole system. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130055852 | DEGRADABLE HIGH SHOCK IMPEDANCE MATERIAL - A selectively corrodible powder compact that may be used to make the components of a selectively corrodible perforating system is disclosed. The selectively corrodible powder compact includes a cellular nanomatrix comprising a nanomatrix material. The selectively corrodible powder compact also includes a plurality of dispersed particles comprising a particle core material having a density of about 7.5 g/cm | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130054203 | MODELING AND SIMULATION OF COMPLETE DRILL STRINGS - A method of predicting behavior of a drilling assembly includes: generating a mathematical representation of a geometry of each of a plurality of components of a drilling assembly, the plurality of components including a plurality of cutters and one or more additional components configured to at least one of: support the plurality of cutters and operably connect the plurality of cutters to the drill string, the one or more additional components including a drill bit crown; simulating one or more operating conditions incident on the drilling assembly representation, and simulating an interaction between the plurality of components and an earth formation; and predicting physical responses of the drilling assembly representation to the one or more conditions. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130052067 | Downhole Motors and Pumps with Improved Stators and Methods of Making and Using Same - In one aspect, the disclosure provides an apparatus for use downhole that in one configuration includes a stator including a housing having an inner contour and a liner lining the inner contour of the stator housing, wherein thickness of the liner is non-equidistant around the inner contour of the housing. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130051977 | ADJUSTABLE VANE DIFFUSER INSERT FOR ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE PUMP - A pump having an insert between an impeller and diffuser, where the insert includes an annulus that is in communication with fluid flow passages in the impeller and diffuser. The passages and annulus define a fluid flow path through the pump. Vanes are provided in the annulus that can pivot and vary the cross sectional area of the fluid flow path. Regulating the fluid flow path area alters the flow rate where the pump operates at its maximum efficiency. Thus by monitoring flow through the pump, the vanes can be adjusted so the flow rate of maximum efficiency corresponds to the actual flow rate. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130048849 | METHODS FOR SOURCELESS DENSITY DOWNHOLE MEASUREMENT USING PULSED NEUTRON GENERATOR - Disclosed is a method for estimating a density of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole. The method includes: emitting a pulse of fast neutrons into the formation during a neutron-pulse time interval; detecting gamma-rays due to inelastic scattering and thermal capture of the emitted neutrons in the formation to provide a gamma-ray energy spectrum due to the inelastic scattering and the thermal capture during a first time interval within the neutron-pulse time interval and to provide a time spectrum of counts or count rates due to thermal capture during a second time interval occurring after the neutron-pulse time interval; determining a macroscopic capture cross section of the formation from a decay in the time spectrum of counts or count rates; determining an elemental weight fraction from the gamma-ray energy spectrum; and estimating the density of the formation using the macroscopic capture cross section and the elemental weight fraction. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130048308 | Integrated Continuous Liner Expansion Method - An additional string is run through an existing string using a running string. With the strings overlapping an upper inflatable secures them together leaving gaps. The upper inflatable creates an upper expanded zone where the swage assembly is then built. The swage assembly has a seal and upon pressure being applied between the upper inflatable and the seal the swage assembly releases the running string and is pushed to expand the additional string until tagging a cement shoe. The running string is rejoined to the swage assembly and after cementing a lower inflatable is deployed to make a bell and to set an external packer if used. If there is an external packer the shoe releases and on the way out of the hole the upper inflatable sets a seal in the lap. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130048305 | DEGRADABLE SLIP ELEMENT - A slip element, including a substrate at least partially formed from a material degradable upon exposure to a fluid; and an outer surface disposed on the substrate. A method of removing a slip element including exposing a substrate of the slip element to a downhole fluid for degrading the substrate. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130048289 | SEALING SYSTEM, METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF AND ARTICLES COMPRISING THE SAME - Disclosed herein is an apparatus for use downhole comprising an expandable component; a support member that has a selected corrosion rate; wherein the support member is disposed on the expandable component; where the support member comprises a plurality of particles fused together; the particles comprising a core comprising a first metal; and a first layer disposed upon the core; the first layer comprising a second metal; the first metal having a different corrosion potential from the second metal; the first layer comprising a third metal having a different corrosion potential from the first metal. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130048273 | Resettable Lock for a Subterranean Tool - A lock can hold a movable member in position to a stationary member for holding the set position of the tool while being configured to release and still be capable of being reset in the same trip to lock a set position of the tool in the same or a new location. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130048129 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW - A flow control device and a method of controlling a flow, the flow control device including a flow path for a fluid therethrough and a material at least partially defining the flow path, the material operatively arranged with a surface energy less than that of the fluid for passively impeding an undesirable component of the fluid more than a desirable component of the fluid. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130046048 | Use of a BTEX-Free Solvent to Prepare Stimulation and Oilfield Production Additives - Preparing a demulsifier, an oil soluble imidazoline corrosion inhibitor, an alkylphenolic resin, an alkylphenolic resin oxyalkylate, a paraffin inhibitor, a defoamer, an oil soluble scavenger, an oil soluble cleaner, a wetting agent, a surfactant, a foamer, and combinations thereof, in a non-limiting embodiment, in the absence of a BTEX solvent would be more beneficial to the environment than the same products prepared with BTEX solvent(s). The method may include adding an organic solvent to a mixture to form the aforementioned material(s). The organic solvent may be or include propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA currently marketed as DOWANOL PMA™), dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate (currently marketed as DOWANOL DPMA™), diisobutyl ketone (DIBK), methyl isobutylketone (MIBK), and mixtures thereof. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130045897 | AMPHIPHILIC NANOPARTICLE, COMPOSITION COMPRISING SAME AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING OIL SPILL USING AMPHIPHILIC NANOPARTICLE - An amphiphilic nanoparticle comprises a nanoparticle having a hydrophilic region comprising a hydrophilic functional group bonded to a first portion of a surface of the nanoparticle, and a hydrophobic region of a surface of the nanoparticle. A downhole fluid comprises the amphiphilic nanoparticle, and a method of controlling an oil spill using the downhole fluid are also disclosed. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130043884 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATING DEEP-READING MULTI-COMPONENT INDUCTION TOOLS WITH MINIMAL GROUND EFFECTS - An apparatus and method for calibrating a multi-component induction logging tool. The method may include orienting a Z-transmitter coil to be substantially orthogonal to at least one Z-receiver coil, positioning an X-transmitter coil disposed on the logging tool so that the X-transmitter coil is substantially parallel to a conducting surface; encompassing the Z-transmitter coil, the X-transmitter coil, and at least one Z-receiver coil of the logging tool with at least one conducting loop of a calibrator; and calibrating the logging tool using the calibrator. The apparatus may include a calibrator configured to receive the logging tool. The Z-transmitter coil and the Z-receiver coil may be located on separate subs that are detachable from one another. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130043047 | DEGRADABLE NO-GO COMPONENT - A system for setting and retrieving a tool including a tubular having a first profile and a tool haing a second profile, the first and second profiles complementarily formed and engagable together for enabling the tool to be located in a borehole with respect to the tubular, the first profile or the second profile at least partially formed from a degradable material, the degradable material degradable upon exposure to a downhole fluid. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130043041 | SELECTIVELY DEGRADABLE PASSAGE RESTRICTION - An actuation system and method, the system including a tubular defining a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular, the assembly including a restriction operatively arranged to receive a restrictor for enabling actuation of the assembly, the restriction including a degradable material with a protective layer thereon, the degradable material degrading upon exposure to a fluid in the passage and the protective layer isolating the degradable material from the fluid. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130043040 | SYSTEM FOR ENABLING SELECTIVE OPENING OF PORTS - A system and method for selectively enabling fluid communication between two volumes, the system including a tubular having a port housing with at least one port, a member disposed with the tubular and movable between a closed position in which the port is closed and an open position in which the port is open, a lock element positively engaged with both the member and the tubular for maintaining the member in the closed position, and an actuator in keyed engagement with the lock element for biasing the lock element, wherein actuation of the actuator releases the lock element to resiliently spring into engagement with solely one of the member or the tubular for enabling the member to move relative to the tubular to the open position for opening the port. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130043039 | TUBING PRESSURE INSENSITIVE PRESSURE COMPENSATED ACTUATOR FOR A DOWNHOLE TOOL AND METHOD - A tubing pressure insensitive, pressure compensated actuator system includes a housing having a bore therein. A force transmitter sealingly moveable within the bore. The force transmitter defining with the bore two fluid chambers. The two fluid chambers being in fluid communication with each other, one at each longitudinal end of the force transmitter. An activator in one or both of the two fluid chambers and operatively connected to the force transmitter. At least two seals sealingly positioned between the housing and the force transmitter. One of the seals disposed near one end of the force transmitter and another of the seals disposed near another end of the force transmitter. A separate compensation piston disposed in the housing so as to expose one end of the compensation piston to tubing pressure and to expose the other end of the compensation piston to a fluid volume including the fluid chambers. Also included is a method for reducing force requirements of an actuator. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130043028 | METHOD OF COOLING DOWNHOLE ELEMENT USING NANOENHANCED DOWNHOLE FLUID - A method of transferring heat to or from a downhole element comprising contacting a downhole fluid comprising a fluid medium, and a nanoparticle, the nanoparticle being uniformly dispersed in the downhole fluid, to a downhole element inserted in a downhole environment. A method of cooling a downhole element, and a method of drilling a borehole are also disclosed. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130043021 | Subterranean Vibrator with Lateral Vibration Feature - A vibratory tool for use in a tubular string to prevent sticking or to release a stuck string features a fluid operated dart valve working in conjunction with an impact sleeve to deliver continuous axial jarring blows in opposed directions as long as flow is maintained. Movement of one of those components axially in opposed directions opens and closes access to opposed lateral ports so that a lateral vibration is also established as flow cyclically occurs and stops sequentially at opposed lateral outlets. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130042761 | AIR / CUTTINGS SEPARATOR - An apparatus for separating a return material generated while drilling a borehole into a gas stream and a non-gas stream includes a chamber having an open upper end and an open lower end and a cap. The chamber may be oriented to allow gravity to pull the non-gas stream through the lower end. An inlet associated with the chamber may be oriented to flow the return material into the chamber at a substantially tangential angle. The cap partially encloses the upper end and includes a vent for venting the gas stream. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130041587 | Using polymer elasticity to scale up the lab characteristics to field application of friction reducers - A method of determining the friction pressure drop gradient of at least one drag-reducing polymer passing through a tubing in an underground well includes determining the pressure drop, velocity and relaxation time of the drag-reducing polymer as it passes through a length of small diameter straight tubing at multiple injection rates in the lab. For each data set, the variables x=(Relaxation Time×Velocity) and y=(Pressure Drop Gradient×Diameter | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041586 | REALTIME DOGLEG SEVERITY PREDICTION - A method for estimating an inclination and azimuth at a bottom of a borehole includes forming a last survey point including a last inclination and a last azimuth; receiving at a computing device bending moment and at least one of a bending toolface measurement and a near bit inclination measurement from one or more sensors in the borehole; and forming the estimate by comparing possible dogleg severity (DLS) values with the bending moment value. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130040480 | Isolated Pressure Compensating Electric Motor Connection and Related Methods - Isolated pressure compensating electrical motor connections and related methods are provided. According to an example of a sealed motor electrical connection, the connection incorporates a sealed female motor connection positioned to receive a male motor connector. The female motor connector has one or more independent dielectric oil chambers each pressure compensated by a bellow or similar device interfaced with the motorhead oil and/or well annulus fluid to thereby pressure compensate the chamber pressure of the female motor connection with that of the internal motor and/or well annulus. This configuration locates the electrical connection point of the motor lead extension with the motor lead wires to a separate area outside the motor to thereby prevent the occurrence of phase to phase or phase to ground shorts occurring in this critical area due to conductive element contamination that may reside in the motor oil or the well bore fluids. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130039782 | GAS SEPARATOR WITH IMPROVED FLOW PATH EFFICIENCY - A gas separator having an improved flowpath for lighter fluids having a higher concentration of gas decreases total pumping head for an ESP assembly. The ESP assembly includes a rotary primary pump, a motor coupled to the primary pump for driving the pump, a seal assembly between the primary pump and the motor, and a gas separator between the seal assembly and the primary pump. An outlet of the gas separator feeds an intake of the primary pump, and a rotating shaft operationally couples the primary pump to the motor and passes through the seal assembly and the gas separator. The gas separator contains a venting portion, and a diverter positioned within the venting portion having diverter guide vanes formed in a flowpath of the lighter fluid for aiding in a directional change of fluid momentum. A slinger is positioned within the diverter for impelling fluid through the venting port. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130037274 | Electrolytic Composition for Degrading Polymeric Filter Cake - An aqueous breaking fluid having an aqueous fluid, powder particles, and at least one reducing sugar may be helpful in degrading a polymeric filter cake downhole. The aqueous breaking fluid may be introduced through a wellbore. The aqueous fluid may be or include water, brine, acid, alcohol, a mutual solvent, and mixtures thereof. A coating material of each metallic powder particle may be disintegrated such that the particle core may be released from the powder particle. The aqueous breaking fluid, which may include the reducing sugar and the released particle core, may contact and degrade the polymeric filter cake. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130037270 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INJECTING A FLUID INTO A FORMATION DOWNHOLE - A method is disclosed, including but not limited to positioning a tool containing an injection liquid in a well bore formed in a formation; injecting the injection liquid through a probe into the formation; and withdrawing formation fluid from the formation through the probe. A system is disclosed for performing functions useful in positioning a tool containing an injection liquid in a well bore formed in a formation; injecting the injection liquid through a probe into the formation; and withdrawing formation fluid from the formation through the probe. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130037269 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELEASING A COILED TUBING INTERNAL CONDUIT FROM A BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLY - A method and apparatus for releasing a coiled tubing internal line from a bottom hole assembly. The internal line may not have strength sufficient to permit the application of a tension force at the surface to disconnect the internal line from the bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly may include a ball seat adapted to retain a ball permitting the application of a pressure differential above and below the ball seat. An anchor assembly connected to the internal line may be adapted to disconnect from the bottom hole assembly upon the application of predetermined pressure differential. A predetermined pressure differential may be used to shear a portion of the internal line releasing an upper portion of the internal line from the bottom hole assembly. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130037261 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCTION OF AN EFFECT OF A TUBE WAVE - A tube wave reduction system for a borehole includes a tubular member; one or more openings in the tubular member, the one or more openings having a through-passage and a deformation region surrounding the through-passage; and an absorber in fluid communication with the one or more openings. Also included is a method for reducing an effect of a tube wave | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130037256 | Rotary Shoe Direct Fluid Flow System - The circulation system for a rotary shoe features a fluid diversion to a peripheral zone from which the flow is directed by tubes or housing bores to the vicinity of the cutting structure to improve cooling and removal of debris. Some of the fluid is directed straight through into the mandrel of the tool being milled. If the formation below is at low pressure a packer cup is added to the grip tool attached to the shoe at one end and to the fish at the other end. A swivel is used to prevent the packer cup rotation. Fluid diverted by the packer cup comes up out of the mandrel and into an annular space between the mandrel and the inner wall of the shoe and out from under the shoe by flowing past the cutters. Fluid loss to the formation is minimized and cooling and cutting removal is enhanced. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130037057 | MINIMAL ENTRY METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING FLUID CONTAINERS - A system for cleaning a container that includes a cleaner positioned inside the container that includes a spray nozzle, an arm configured to move the nozzle, and a fluid recovery device positioned inside the container. The fluid recovery device may include a return line configured to convey a waste fluid from the container and an injection line. The injection line may add a flow additive internal or external to the return line. The system may also include a supply pump positioned outside the container; and a retrieval pump positioned outside the container. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130035903 | METHODS OF DESIGNING EARTH-BORING TOOLS USING A PLURALITY OF DEPTH OF CUT VALUES AND RELATED METHODS OF FORMING EARTH-BORING TOOLS - Methods of designing an earth-boring tool are described, including calculating one or more performance parameters of the tool based on drilling conditions, a plurality of depth of cut values, and a set of values of other design variables. Methods of enhancing a performance parameter in the design of an earth-boring tool are also described, including calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on a plurality of depth of cut values and a first set of values of other design variables, calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on a second set of values of the other design variables different than the first set, and comparing the calculated performance parameters to determine which of the first and the second set is closer to a target range or value across a range of the plurality of depths of cut. Related methods of forming an earth-boring tool are also described. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035902 | METHODS OF DESIGNING EARTH-BORING TOOLS USING A PLURALITY OF WEAR STATE VALUES AND RELATED METHODS OF FORMING EARTH-BORING TOOLS - Methods of designing an earth-boring tool are described, including calculating one or more performance parameters based on drilling conditions, a plurality of wear state values, and a set of values of other design variables. Methods of enhancing a performance parameter in the design of an earth-boring tool are also described, including calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on a plurality of wear state values and a first set of values of other design variables, calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on the plurality of wear state values and a second set of values of design variables different than the first set, and comparing the calculated performance parameters to determine which of the first and the second set is closer to a target range or value across a range of the plurality of wear state values. Related methods of forming an earth-boring tool are also described. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035862 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CORRECTING TEMPERATURE EFFECTS FOR AZIMUTHAL DIRECTIONAL RESISTIVITY TOOLS - An apparatus and method for estimating a resistivity property of an earth formation involving electric current induced in an earth formation. The method may include reducing an error in a voltage received by a receiver coil due to excitation of a transmitter coil due to temperature effects. The voltage may include amplitude and/or phase errors. The method may modify the measured voltage by multiplying/dividing the voltage by a reduction factor. The reduction factor may be determined using polynomic curve fitting. The apparatus may be configured to perform the method. The apparatus may include at least one transmitter coil, at least one receiver coil, and at least one processes configured to perform the error reduction. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035500 | METHOD OF PREPARING FUNCTIONALIZED GRAPHENE - A method of preparing functionalized graphene, comprises treating graphene with an alkali metal in the presence of an electron transfer agent and coordinating solvent, and adding a functionalizing compound. The method further includes quenching unreacted alkali metal by addition of a protic medium, and isolating the functionalized graphene. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130034324 | OPTICAL FIBER SENSOR AND METHOD FOR ADHERING AN OPTICAL FIBER TO A SUBSTRATE - An optical fiber sensing apparatus includes: a substrate configured to deform in response to an environmental parameter; an optical fiber sensor including a core having at least one measurement location disposed therein and a protective coating surrounding the optical fiber sensor, the protective coating made from a polyimide material; and an adhesive configured to adhere the optical fiber sensor to the substrate, the adhesive made from the polyimide material. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032974 | PERMEABLE MATERIAL COMPACTING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A permeable material compacting method includes, forming a cavity between a membrane and a structure, porting fluid to or from the cavity, positioning permeable material adjacent the membrane, generating a differential pressure across the membrane, deforming the membrane, and decreasing volume of the permeable material | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032969 | PERMEABLE MATERIAL COMPACTING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A permeable material compacting method includes positioning permeable material around a mandrel, rotating the permeable material about an axis of the mandrel, longitudinally moving at least one tapered surface against the permeable material and reducing a radial thickness of the permeable material between a surface of the mandrel and the at least one tapered surface. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032431 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISSIPATION OF AN EFFECT OF A TUBE WAVE - A tube wave reduction system for a borehole includes a tubular member. One or more openings in the tubular member. A dissipater in fluid communication with the one or more openings. Also included is a method for reducing an effect of a tube wave. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032411 | COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF COATING WELLBORE TOOLS WITH SUCH COMPOSITIONS, AND WELLBORE TOOLS COATED WITH SUCH COMPOSITIONS - A composition including a high temperature thermoplastic polymer and a filler material is disclosed. A method for forming a coating upon a wellbore tool includes forming a powder composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a filler material and applying the composition on the body surface. Wellbore tools having components coated with such compositions are also disclosed. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032402 | ADAPTIVE DRILLING CONTROL SYSTEM - A system for optimizing a rate-of-penetration of a drill string includes a plurality of sensors in operable communication with the drill string and a controller in operable communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller is connectable to a downhole active vibration control device and capable of outputting a signal to the downhole active vibration control device for optimizing the rate-of-penetration of the drill string. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032357 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING CORROSION RATE IN DOWNHOLE ARTICLE, AND DOWNHOLE ARTICLE HAVING CONTROLLED CORROSION RATE - A method of removing a downhole assembly comprises contacting, in the presence of an electrolyte, a first article comprising a first material and acting as an anode, and a second article comprising a second material having a lower reactivity than the first material and acting as a cathode, the downhole assembly comprising the first article in electrical contact with the second article, wherein at least a portion of the first article is corroded in the electrolyte. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032343 | PERMEABLE MATERIAL COMPACTING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A permeable material compacting method includes, positioning a portion of at least one elongated member within the interior of a tubular, moving a portion of the at least one elongated member through the interior of the tubular, moving a permeable material through the interior of the tubular with the portion of the at least one elongated member, and radially compacting the permeable material as the permeable material passes through the interior of the tubular. | 02-07-2013 |
