| HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120136576 | EVALUATING SURFACE DATA - Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to evaluating surface data. Geodetic data for a plurality of surface locations are received. The geodetic data may include surface gradient information and/or surface elevation information for multiple surface locations. A set of constraining relationships is generated based on the geodetic data. The set of constraining relationships relates undetermined values of surface elevation movement and/or undetermined values of surface gradient movement to measured surface elevation changes and/or measured surface gradient changes. Some or all of the constraining relationships include multiple undetermined values. Particular values for surface elevation movements and/or particular values for surface gradient movements are calculated for multiple surface locations based on determining a solution to the set of constraining relationships. In some implementations, a minimum curvature surface may be generated deterministically based on the geodetic data and the particular values identified using the constraining relationships. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120135895 | Compositions and Methods Relating to the Stabilization of Hydrophobically Modified Hydrophilic Polymer Treatment Fluids Under Alkaline Conditions - The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating a water- and hydrocarbon-producing subterranean formation with a relative permeability modifier, and more specifically, to improved treatment fluids, methods for preparing treatment fluids, and methods for use thereof in a subterranean formation. Methods of the present invention comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising a relative permeability modifier, at least one surfactant, and an aqueous phase base fluid; and placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation. The relative permeability modifier comprises a hydrophobically modified hydrophilic polymer. The at least one surfactant is operable to maintain the relative permeability modifier in a dissolved state in the treatment fluid above a pH of about 8. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120133367 | Fracture Characterization Using Directional Electromagnetic Resistivity Measurements - A disclosed fracture characterization method includes: collecting three-dimensional resistivity measurements of a volume surrounding an open borehole; analyzing the measurements to determine parameters describing fractures in the volume; and providing a report to a user based at least in part on said parameters. A fluid with a contrasting resistivity is employed to make the fractures detectable by a directional electromagnetic logging tool in the borehole. illustrative parameters include fracture direction, height, extent, length, and thickness. The resistivity measurements can be augmented using a borehole wall image logging tool. Also disclosed are fracturing methods that include: positioning a directional electromagnetic logging tool proximate to a formation; fracturing the formation; monitoring fracture progression with said tool; and halting the fracturing when measurements by said tool indicate that a predetermined set of criteria have been satisfied. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120132427 | Pressure Relieving Transition Joint - A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided. The method comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120132423 | Compositions and Methods for Treatment of Well Bore Tar - Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes a method comprising: contacting tar resident in a well bore with a tar stabilizing polymer comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene polymer, an acrylate polymer, a styrene-acrylate polymer, and any combination thereof; and allowing the tar stabilizing polymer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120128449 | Proppant Transfer System - A transfer system includes a conduit, a support, and a conveyor. The conduit has a first end and a second end and is configured to transfer dry material from the first end to the second end. The support is in contact with at least a portion of the conduit and is configured to maintain the second end of the conduit in a desired position relative to the first end of the conduit during transfer of the dry material from the first end to the second end. The conveyor is adjacent to the conduit and is configured to deliver the dry material to the first end of the conduit from a floating vessel configured to transport the dry material. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120127829 | GENERATING FLUID TELEMETRY - A downhole tool includes a tool body, stator, and rotor. The tool body is aligned along a tool centerline and includes an aperture therethrough operable to pass a fluid to an exterior of the body. The stator is fixed relative to the tool body and includes a fluid flow restriction operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the stator to the exterior of the body at an adjustable flow rate. The rotor is disposed within the tool body and rotatable relative to the stator and includes an exhaust port selectively aligned with at least one aperture through the tool body by rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. The exhaust port is operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the rotor to the exterior of the body when aligned with the aperture. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126993 | Near-Field Electromagnetic Communications Network for Downhole Telemetry - A disclosed downhole telemetry system employs an array of near-field electromagnetic communication devices to relay information along a tubular in a borehole. In some embodiments, the devices are permanently attached to pipe joints without requiring any structural modification of the pipe joints. As the pipe joints are strung together in the normal fashion to form a tubular, the devices automatically establish a wireless communications path between an uphole terminus device and any downhole sensors or tools. The devices can include built-in sensors to provide distributed sensing of parameters such as temperature and pressure. In some embodiments the device array incorporates redundancy to minimize the chance of a communications network failure. The device array has applications for logging-while-drilling, production testing, well completion, reservoir monitoring, and well control. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126992 | Exploitation Of Sea Floor Rig Structures To Enhance Measurement While Drilling Telemetry Data - A method for communicating data in an offshore data communication system comprises measuring L/MWD data with a sensor disposed in a bottomhole assembly positioned in a subsea borehole. The bottomhole assembly is disposed along a drillstring extending through the subsea borehole. In addition, the method comprises communicating the L/MWD data from the bottomhole assembly to the seafloor with a telemetry signal. Further, the method comprises receiving the telemetry signal with at least one telemetry transducer positioned proximal the sea floor. Still further, the method comprises processing the telemetry signal at the seafloor to produce a processed signal. Moreover, the method comprises transmitting the processed signal from the sea floor to the sea surface. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125640 | SWELLABLE PACKER HAVING THERMAL COMPENSATION - A swellable packer for use in a subterranean well can include a seal element with a swellable material which contracts in response to temperature decrease, and a temperature compensator which applies increased force to the seal element in response to temperature decrease. A method of compensating for thermal contraction of a swellable material in a subterranean well can include a temperature of the swellable material increasing in response to installing the swellable material in the well, and a temperature compensator applying an increased force in response to a temperature decrease occurring after the temperature increasing step. A well tool for use in a subterranean well can include a swellable material and a temperature compensator which applies an increased force when the swellable material contracts. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125636 | REMOTE OPERATION OF A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE BEARING CLAMP - An RCD can include a housing assembly containing a bearing assembly and a rotating seal which seals an annulus between a tubular string and a body of the RCD, and a remotely operable clamp device which selectively permits and prevents displacement of the housing assembly relative to the body. A method of remotely operating a clamp device can include rotating a threaded member which is secured relative to an RCD body, and displacing a clamp section in response to the threaded member rotation, thereby selectively securing and releasing a bearing assembly and an annular seal relative to the body. Another RCD can include a rotating seal which seals an annulus between a tubular string and a body of the RCD, and a remotely operable clamp device which selectively permits and prevents access to an interior of the body, the clamp device including a motor which rotates a threaded member. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125635 | ENTRY GUIDE FORMATION ON A WELL LINER HANGER - A method of forming an entry guide at an end of a tubular string in a wellbore can include conveying a forming device into the wellbore, and deforming the end of the tubular string from a cylindrical shape to an outwardly widening shape with the forming device. A method of forming an entry guide at an end of an expanded liner hanger in a wellbore can include outwardly expanding the liner hanger, thereby sealingly securing a tubular string in the wellbore, and deforming the end of the liner hanger from a cylindrical shape to an outwardly widening shape with a forming device. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125633 | REMOTE OPERATION OF A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE BEARING CLAMP AND SAFETY LATCH - An RCD can include a housing assembly which contains a bearing assembly and an annular seal which rotates and seals off an annulus between a tubular string and an RCD body, a remotely operable clamp device which selectively permits and prevents relative displacement between the housing assembly and the body, and a remotely operable safety latch which selectively permits and prevents unclamping of the clamp device. A method of remotely operating an RCD clamp device can include remotely operating a safety latch which selectively permits and prevents unclamping of the clamp device, and remotely operating the clamp device while the safety latch is in an unlatched position, thereby unclamping a bearing housing assembly from the RCD body. Another RCD can include a remotely operable clamp device which selectively permits access to an RCD body interior, and a remotely operable safety latch which selectively prevents unclamping of the clamp device. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125630 | RETRIEVABLE SWELLABLE PACKER - A well tool can include a swellable material, and a degradable material which supports the swellable material, but which degrades in response to contact with a selected fluid in a well. A packer for use in a subterranean well can include a swellable material, and a degradable material which supports the swellable material. A method of unsetting a packer in a subterranean well can include the steps of, after the packer has been set in the well, exposing a degradable material of the packer to a selected fluid, thereby degrading the degradable material, and a seal element of the packer being unsupported by the degradable material in response to the exposing step. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125598 | REMOTE OPERATION OF A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE BEARING CLAMP - A rotating control device can include a housing assembly, a body and a clamp device which releasably secures the housing assembly to the body. The clamp device can include a piston which radially displaces a clamp section. A well system can include a rotating control device which includes at least one seal which seals off an annulus between a body of the rotating control device and a tubular string which extends longitudinally through the rotating control device. The rotating control device can also include a piston which displaces longitudinally and selectively clamps and unclamps a housing assembly to the body. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125597 | ECCENTRIC SAFETY VALVE - A safety valve for use in a subterranean well can include a housing assembly having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the housing assembly. An outer diameter of the housing assembly is eccentric relative to the flow passage. A well tool can include a magnetic coupling between magnet devices. One magnet device includes a series of magnets which are unequally spaced circumferentially about the other magnet device. Another safety valve can include a longitudinally extending flow passage, a closure device which selectively permits and prevents flow through the flow passage, and an outer diameter which is eccentric relative to the flow passage. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125120 | SERIES CONFIGURED VARIABLE FLOW RESTRICTORS FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A well device can include a fluid diode having an interior surface that defines an interior chamber, and an outlet from the interior chamber, with the interior surface operable to direct fluid to rotate in a rotational direction through the outlet, and another fluid diode having an interior surface that defines an interior chamber in fluid communication with the outlet, the second interior surface operable to direct fluid to rotate in the rotational direction in response to receiving the fluid rotating in the rotational direction through the outlet. A method of controlling flow in a well can include communicating fluid through two or more fluid diodes in a flow path between an interior and an exterior of a well device in the well. Communicating the fluid through the fluid diodes can cause the fluid to rotate within the fluid diodes in a same rotational direction. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125077 | DOWNHOLE INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION DURING FORMATION SURVEY - A downhole sensor calibration apparatus includes a rotational or gimbaling mechanism for guiding a sensing axis of an orientation responsive sensor through a three-dimensional orbit about three orthogonal axes. A method includes using measurements taken over the three-dimensional orbit to calibrate the sensor and determine other characteristics of the sensor or tool. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120118568 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WELLBORE PERFORATION - A method for wellbore perforation in which a section of the wellbore to be perforated is isolated and purged of wellbore fluid to provide a clear path for laser beam transmittal. A laser beam emitter in the purged wellbore section transmits a laser beam pulse from the laser beam emitter to a target area of a sidewall and formation lithology of the purged wellbore section, thereby altering a mechanical property of a material of the sidewall and formation lithology and producing material debris. A liquid jet pulse of a liquid is transmitted immediately following termination of the laser beam pulse to the target area, thereby removing the material debris from the target area. This cycle is then repeated until the desired perforation depth has been achieved. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118447 | Deflagration to Detonation Transition Device - A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118191 | Deflagration to Detonation Transition Device - A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120115759 | TREATMENT FLUIDS CONTAINING A BORON TRIFLUORIDE COMPLEX AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF - Treatment fluids for use in subterranean formations, particularly sandstone and other siliceous formations, may contain a source of fluoride ions to aid in mineral dissolution. In some cases, it may be desirable to generate the fluoride ions from a fluoride ion precursor, particularly a hydrofluoric acid precursor, such as a boron trifluoride complex. Methods described herein can comprise providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a boron trifluoride complex, and a chelating agent composition, and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111640 | DOWNHOLE DRILLING ASSEMBLY - A downhole stabiliser ( | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111639 | DRILL BIT WITH EXTENDED LIFE SEAL - Systems and methods are provided for swellable material activation and monitoring in a subterranean well. A sensor system for use in a subterranean well includes a swellable material, and at least one sensor which is displaced to a wellbore surface in response to swelling of the swellable material. Another sensor system includes a sensor which detects swelling of a swellable material. A swellable well tool system includes a base pipe, a swellable material on an exterior of the base pipe, and eccentric weighting for inducing rotation of the swellable material about a longitudinal axis of the base pipe. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111636 | COMBINATION WHIPSTOCK AND COMPLETION DEFLECTOR - Assemblies can be disposed in a subterranean bore. An assembly can include a surface that can divert a cutting tool for creating a branch wellbore and that can divert a completion component for completing the branch wellbore without requiring the assembly or part of the assembly from being removed from a parent wellbore prior to the completion component being diverted. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111632 | FORMATION TESTER PAD - A formation tester seal pad includes a support member and a deformable seal pad element including an outer sealing surface having a plurality of raised portions and adjacent spaces. In some embodiments, the raised portions are deformable into the adjacent spaces in response to a compressive load on the outer sealing surface. In some embodiments, the support member includes an inner raised edge and an outer raised edge to capture the deformable seal pad element. In some embodiments, a deformable seal pad element includes a volume of seal pad material above a support member outer profile and a volume of space below the outer profile. In some embodiments, the space volume receives a portion of the seal pad volume in response to a compressive load. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111577 | VARIABLE FLOW RESISTANCE SYSTEM WITH CIRCULATION INDUCING STRUCTURE THEREIN TO VARIABLY RESIST FLOW IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A flow control device can include a surface that defines a chamber and includes a side perimeter and opposing end surfaces, a greatest distance between the opposing end surfaces being smaller than a largest dimension of the opposing end surfaces, a first port through one of the end surfaces, and a second port through the surface and apart from the first port, the side perimeter surface being operable to direct flow from the second port to rotate about the first port. Another device can include a cylindroidal chamber for receiving flow through an inlet and directing the flow to an outlet, a greatest axial dimension of the cylindroidal chamber being smaller than a greatest diametric dimension of the cylindroidal chamber, the cylindroidal chamber promoting rotation of the flow based on a characteristic of the inflow through the inlet. The device can have a flow path structure in the cylindroidal chamber. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111564 | Methods and Compositions for Altering the Viscosity of Treatment Fluids Used in Subterranean Operations - Methods of decreasing the viscosity of a treatment fluid through contact with a cyclodextrin modifier. Such methods include providing a cyclodextrin modifier; providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a viscosifying agent wherein the viscosifying agent is selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobically modified polymer, a viscoelastic surfactant, a phosphonate surfactant, or a combination thereof; and, introducing the cyclodextrin modifier and the treatment fluid into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation wherein the viscosity of the treatment fluid is decreased due to the combination of the hydrophobically modified polymer and the cyclodextrin modifier. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120109604 | Estimating Mineral Content Using Geochemical Data - A model is disclosed that includes an intelligent ligent linear programming (“ILP”) member to produce a ILP result, a member selected from the group consisting of a feed-forward neural network (“FNN”) to produce a FNN result and a geochemical normative analysis (“GNA”) model to produce a GNA result. The model also includes a result generator to combine the ILP result with the result from the other member to produce the estimates of the mineral content of the sample. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103687 | Redundant Position Reference System for Multilateral Exit Construction and Method for Use of Same - A position reference system ( | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103630 | ALIGNMENT OF BOP STACK TO FACILITATE USE OF A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE - An alignment system can include at least one alignment device positioned between two flanges, the alignment device having a greater thickness on one side of the alignment device than on an opposite side of the alignment device. A method of producing a relative angular offset between a first flange and a second flange can include positioning at least one alignment device between the first and second flanges, and securing the alignment device between the first and second flanges, thereby producing the angular offset. A method of aligning an axis of a blowout preventer stack with a rig floor can include positioning at least one alignment device between a first flange, and a second flange of the blowout preventer stack; and securing the alignment device between the first and second flanges, thereby producing an angular offset of the second flange relative to the first flange. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103616 | Methods of Fracturing Subterranean Formations Using Sulfonated Synthetic Gelling Agent Polymers - Methods of forming one or more fractures in a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore. The methods generally include providing a treating fluid that comprises water and one or more sulfonated gelling agent polymers, wherein the one or more sulfonated gelling agent polymers comprise a sulfonated synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol, sulfonated polyacrylate, sulfonated polyacrylamide/acrylic acid copolymers, and any combination thereof; and introducing the treating fluid into the subterranean formation. The treating fluid may be placed at a pressure sufficient to create or extend fractures within the subterranean formation. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103612 | System and Method for Opening a Window in a Casing String for Multilateral Wellbore Construction - A system for opening a window in a casing string ( | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103610 | SEGREGATING FLOWABLE MATERIALS IN A WELL - A method of segregating flowable materials in conjunction with a subterranean well can include segregating flowable cement from a fluid by placing a flowable barrier substance between the cement and the fluid, and the barrier substance substantially preventing displacement of the cement by force of gravity through the barrier substance and into the fluid. Another method of segregating flowable materials can include flowing a barrier substance into a wellbore above a fluid already in the wellbore, and then flowing cement into the wellbore above the barrier substance. A system for use in conjunction with a subterranean well can include a flowable cement isolated from a fluid by a flowable barrier substance positioned between the cement and the fluid, whereby the barrier substance substantially prevents displacement of the cement by force of gravity through the barrier substance and into the fluid. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103223 | Surface Safe Explosive Tool - An explosive tool is disclosed. The explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120097403 | Invert Drilling Fluids Having Enhanced Rheology and Methods of Drilling Boreholes - An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method of drilling with such fluid, having improved rheology at low mud weights and high temperatures. The improved rheology is effected with addition of hydrophobic amines, most preferably dimer diamines. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097396 | Bottom hole assembly - A bottom hole assembly is provided. The bottom hole assembly comprises an upper component, a lower component and a telescoping assembly disposed between the upper component and the lower component. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097392 | Treatment Fluids Containing Biodegradable Chelating Agents and Methods for Use Thereof - Treatment fluids containing biodegradable chelating agents and methods for use thereof are described. The methods can comprise providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a chelating agent composition, and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. The treatment fluids can also be used for treatment of pipes or tubing such as, for example, well bore pipes or tubing penetrating a subterranean formation and above-ground pipelines. Illustrative biodegradable chelating agents include, but are not limited to, glutamic acid diacetic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid, β-alanine diacetic acid, S,S-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, iminodisuccinic acid, hydroxyiminodisuccinic acid, any salt thereof, any derivative thereof, and any combination thereof. The treatment fluids can optionally comprise an acid, which can include hydrofluoric acid or a hydrofluoric acid generating compound. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096935 | DOWNHOLE SENSOR TOOL WITH A SEALED SENSOR OUTSERT - A downhole sensor tool includes a sensor outsert coupled into an exterior pocket of the tool body. The sensor outsert is a pressure vessel with an exterior electrical connector coupled to the interior sensor. The sensor outsert contains a sensor, and is pressure-sealed about the sensor. The outsert includes an electrical connector coupled to the sensor. The electrical connector maintains the pressure seal of the outsert. The electrical connector may be a hermetic connector. The electrical connector can be coupled to an electrical connector or a hermetic connector of the tool body while maintaining the sealing of the pressure vessel. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120091328 | DOWNHOLE CARBON LOGGING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - In some embodiments, apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to emit radiation into an earth formation from a source positioned below a surface of the earth, collect resulting radiation that is a result of the radiation emitted and interacting with the formation, and to determine the total carbon yield from the resulting radiation. Further activities may include determining the amount of inorganic carbon content from carbonate minerals in the formation based on a carbon-calcium ratio derived from the resulting radiation, as well as from iron-carbon based minerals in the formation based on a carbon-iron ratio derived from the resulting radiation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090854 | PRESSURE BEARING WALL AND SUPPORT STRUCTURE THEREFOR - A method of supporting a pressure bearing wall against a pressure differential applied across the wall can include positioning a support structure proximate the pressure bearing wall, the support structure having a support surface formed thereon, and the support surface contacting the pressure bearing wall and supporting the wall against the pressure differential. A pressure bearing housing assembly can include a pressure bearing wall and a support structure which supports the pressure bearing wall against a pressure differential applied across the wall. A well system can comprise a well tool including a pressure bearing housing assembly exposed to pressure in a wellbore, whereby a pressure differential is applied across a pressure bearing wall of the housing assembly, the pressure bearing wall being supported against the pressure differential by a support structure. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090846 | MODIFICATION OF SOLID POLYSACCHARIDE WITH TRANSESTERIFICATION AGENT - Polysaccharides, for example xanthan, diutan, scleroglucan, gums, celluloses, and starches, and derivatives of the foregoing, are reacted with organic carbonates forming products that: (1) have increased viscosifying efficiency, i.e., higher viscosities at reduced concentrations compared to the unmodified polysaccharide; or (2) are insolubilized at temperature ranges for which the unmodified polysaccharide would hydrate fully; or (3) both properties. In some cases, the insolubilized polysaccharides can be activated to dissolve and viscosify at specific temperature ranges by using pH modifiers. A method of treating a well is provided, including the steps of: (a) obtaining a modified polysaccharide characterized by having been made by the process of combining: (i) a water-soluble polysaccharide, wherein the polysaccharide is in a solid form during the combining step; and (ii) a transesterification agent, wherein the transesterification agent is in liquid form; wherein the step of combining is in the presence of less than 10% by weight water relative to the water-soluble polysaccharide and wherein any water present is at a pH of 8 or less; (b) forming a treatment fluid comprising the modified polysaccharide and water; and (c) introducing the treatment fluid into the well. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090841 | Wellbore cementing compositions and methods of making and using same - A method of cementing a wellbore comprising preparing a wellbore cementing composition comprising a cementitious materials and a modified biopolymer additive wherein the modified biopolymer additive is the reaction product of a process comprising contacting a biopolymer and an organic carbonate to form a reaction mixture and subjecting the reaction mixture to a temperature of from about 100° F. to about 250° F. and placing the wellbore cementing fluid in the wellbore. A method of cementing a wellbore comprising contacting a modified biopolymer additive with a cementitious slurry to produce a wellbore cementing composition having an initial viscosity, v | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120089379 | Systems and Methods for Enhancing Images of Log Data - Systems and methods are provided to enhance logging data images. Some system embodiments include a dowhole tool, at least one sensor, and a processing system. The downhole tool gathers two-dimensional logging data while moving through a borehole. The sensor(s) measure at least one characteristic of the downhole tool's operation or environment, such as tool motion, offset distance, borehole geometry, and/or properties of the borehole fluid. Such characteristics can cause smearing or spreading of the tool's logging data measurements. Accordingly the processing system determines a de-spreading function based at least in part on the measured characteristic(s) and applies the de-spreading function to the two-dimensional logging data to obtain an enhanced logging data image, which can be presented to a user via a user interface. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120084021 | Monitoring Flow of Single or Multiple Phase Fluids - Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to monitor flow of single and multiple phase fluids. Sensors of a tool can be dispersed along the tool to collect measurements to be processed using an autocorrelation operation on the collected measurements to provide information relative to the phases of the fluid. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120073808 | Coiled Tubing Deployed Single Phase Fluid Sampling Apparatus and Method for Use of Same - A coiled tubing deployed fluid sampler ( | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073807 | Coiled Tubing Deployed Single Phase Fluid Sampling Apparatus and Method for Use of Same - A coiled tubing deployed fluid sampler ( | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073801 | Sand Control Screen Assembly Having a Mechanically Attached Screen Jacket - A sand control screen assembly ( | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120072128 | Determining Fluid Density - The density of a fluid is determined using a vibratory resonant densitometer in an environment. The densitometer includes a tubular sample cavity and other densitometer parts. The method includes measuring a plurality of parameters characterizing the environment. The method further includes adjusting a model of the sample cavity using the measured parameters. The method further includes receiving a sample fluid into the sample cavity. The method further includes vibrating the sample cavity to obtain a vibration signal. The method further includes calculating the density of the sample fluid using the model and the vibration signal. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067576 | TREATMENT FLUIDS CONTAINING A BIODEGRADABLE CHELATING AGENT AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF - Of the many methods provided herein, an example is a method including: providing a treatment fluid that comprises: an aqueous base fluid; a hydrofluoric acid source selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoric acid, a hydrofluoric acid generating compound, and a combination thereof; and a biodegradable chelating agent comprising one of the following selected from the group consisting of: glutamic acid diacetic acid, a glutamic acid diacetic acid salt, a derivative thereof, and a combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067574 | SELECTIVE CONTROL OF FLOW THROUGH A WELL SCREEN - A method of selectively controlling flow through a well screen can include installing the well screen in a wellbore, and then exposing the well screen to an aqueous fluid, thereby permitting flow through the well screen. A well screen assembly can include a well screen and an acid containing structure which dissolves in response to contact with an aqueous fluid, whereby flow through the well screen is selectively permitted. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067565 | SWELLABLE PACKER WITH ENHANCED SEALING CAPABILITY - A swellable packer with enhanced sealing capability. A packer assembly includes multiple seal elements, each seal element being swellable downhole, each seal element having at least one face inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the assembly, and the inclined faces of adjacent seal elements contacting each other. A method of constructing a packer assembly having a desired differential pressure sealing capability includes: providing a base pipe and multiple seal elements, each seal element being swellable in a downhole environment, and each seal element having a predetermined differential pressure sealing capability less than the desired sealing capability; and after the desired sealing capability is determined, installing a selected number of the seal elements on the base pipe, so that the combined predetermined differential pressure sealing capabilities of the installed seal elements is at least as great as the desired sealing capability. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120061559 | DOWNHOLE SENSOR TOOL FOR NUCLEAR MEASUREMENTS - A downhole measurement apparatus includes a tool body supporting a logging tool. The logging tool includes a detector outsert coupled into and exposed through an exterior pocket of the tool body to position the outer surface of the outsert adjacent or in close proximity to the outer diameter of the tool body. A stabilizer or off-center stabilizer may be provided to further deflect the outsert portion of the logging tool toward an earth formation to increase detector proximity to the formation. The axial distance between the detector and a nuclear source can be calibrated using configurations of the nuclear source holder and the outsert. Retention mechanisms for the source holder and the outsert further enhance proximity and calibration. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061143 | Guide Wire for Ranging and Subsurface Broadcast Telemetry - A managed bulk drilling system that employs a guide wire for ranging and crosswell telemetry. Some system embodiments include multiple drilling assemblies operating in the vicinity of a reference well that contains an electrical cable. The electrical cable is coupled to a surface control system. The control system uses the electrical cable as part of an antenna to receive uplink signals from the drilling assemblies and to broadcast down-link signals to the drilling assemblies. The uplink signals can include position data and the downlink signals can include individual steering commands to adjust the trajectories of each drilling assembly. The cable can also generate a guidance field for the drilling assemblies to detect and follow. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061105 | Single piece packer extrusion limiter ring - An apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus comprises a mandrel, a sealing element carried on the mandrel, the sealing element being radially expandable from a first run-in diameter to a second set diameter in response to application of axial force on the sealing element, and an extrusion limiting assembly carried on the mandrel and proximate the sealing element. The extrusion limiting assembly comprises a plurality of separate segments and a first circumferential band that retains the plurality of segments in a ring shape and substantially covers an outer circumferential surface of the plurality of segments while in a run-in condition of the apparatus. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061102 | ANHYDROUS BORON-BASED TIMED DELAY PLUGS - A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include an elongated passageway and a plug which prevents fluid communication through the passageway for a predetermined period of time. The plug can including an anhydrous boron compound, whereby the predetermined period of time is determined by a length of the anhydrous boron compound. A method of operating a well tool in conjunction with a subterranean well can include exposing an anhydrous boron compound to an aqueous fluid, with the anhydrous boron compound being included in a plug which prevents fluid communication through a passageway of the well tool. The well tool can be operated in response to fluid communication being permitted through the passageway a predetermined period of time after the exposing step. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061088 | SELF-RELEASING PLUG FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A flow control system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a plug which is released in response to an increase in a ratio of undesired fluid to desired fluid in the fluid composition. Another flow control system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, a plug, and a structure which supports the plug, but which releases the plug in response to degrading of the structure by the fluid composition. Yet another flow control system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a plug which is released in response to an increase in a velocity of the fluid composition in the flow chamber. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060624 | SERIES CONFIGURED VARIABLE FLOW RESTRICTORS FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A variable flow resistance system can include a vortex device, with resistance to flow of a fluid composition through the vortex device being dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at an inlet to the vortex device. Another system can include a second vortex device which receives a fluid composition from an outlet of a first vortex device, a resistance to flow of the fluid composition through the second vortex device being dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet. Another system can include a first vortex device which causes increased rotation of a fluid composition at an outlet thereof in response to an increase the fluid composition velocity, and a second vortex device which receives the fluid composition from the outlet, a flow resistance through the second vortex device being dependent on the rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120055710 | Drill String Tubular with a Detection System Mounted Therein - A measurement system for collecting data. In some embodiments, the measurement system includes a tubular suspended downhole, the tubular having an outer surface and a flowbore extending therethrough, the flowbore conveying a fluid, a first recess formed in the outer surface of the tubular, a first detection system mounted in the first recess, a second recess formed in the outer surface of the tubular, and a second detection system mounted in the second recess. The second recess is offset relative to the first recess by at least one of an axial distance and a circumferential distance. The first detection system is operable to measure a portion of the data, and the second detection system operable to measure another portion of the data. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055666 | Consumable downhole tools - A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120038115 | Anti-Extrusion Seal for High Temperature Applications - A sealing system between a tubular and a chassis. In some embodiments, the sealing system includes a sealing member and an outer ring. The sealing member is compressed between the chassis and the tubular. The sealing member has a temperature and comprises a resilient material that is expandable as the temperature increases and contractible as the temperature decreases. The outer ring is displaceable to close an annulus between an outer surface of the outer ring and the inner surface of the tubular by expansion of the sealing element, whereby the sealing member is prevented from extruding into the annulus. Further, the outer ring comprises a compliant material that is deformable under load from the sealing element as the sealing element expands. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120035086 | Methods and Compositions for Inhibiting Metal Corrosion - Methods of inhibiting the corrosion of a metal surface contacted by an aqueous acid solution. The methods combine a corrosion inhibiting composition with the aqueous acid solution, wherein the corrosion inhibiting composition comprises a reaction product of an alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone with a primary or secondary amine. The metal surface is then contacted with the aqueous acid solution comprising the corrosion inhibiting composition, thereby inhibiting corrosion thereon. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034377 | METHOD FOR COATING A FILTER MEDIUM OF A SAND CONTROL SCREEN ASSEMBLY - A method for coating a filter medium ( | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120032099 | MAGNETICALLY COUPLED SAFETY VALVE WITH SATELLITE INNER MAGNETS - A safety valve can include multiple magnetic devices reciprocably disposed in respective longitudinally extending chambers, and a another magnetic device magnetically coupled to the first magnetic devices. The first magnetic devices may be circumferentially spaced apart and encircled by the second magnetic device. Another safety valve can include multiple longitudinally extending chambers and multiple magnetic devices. Each of the magnetic devices may be reciprocably disposed in a respective one of the chambers, and the magnetic devices may be attached to an operating member of the safety valve. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120031626 | Consumable Downhole Tools - A method of removing a downhole tool from a wellbore comprising contacting the tool with a heat source wherein the tool comprises at least one load-bearing component comprising a thermally degradable material. A method of reducing the structural integrity of a downhole tool comprising fabricating the load-bearing components of the tool from a thermally degradable material. A method of removing a downhole tool comprising mechanically milling and/or drilling the tool from a wellbore wherein the tool comprises at least one load bearing component comprising a phenolic resin wherein the phenolic resin comprises a rosole, a novalac or combinations thereof. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120027883 | High Density Powdered Material Liner - A die set for forming explosive charge liners from powdered material is provided. The die set comprises a die block defining a basin and a punch shaped to interact with the basin. The die block and the punch are configured to exclude powdered material from a center axis of the basin. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120026002 | System and Method for Remote Well Monitoring - A system for remote monitoring of a wellsite operation comprises a sensor disposed at a wellsite to measure a parameter of interest. An information handling system in data communication with the sensor acts according to programmed instructions to generate a predetermined screenshot related to the parameter of interest. A radio frequency transceiver is in data communication with the information handling system to transmit the predetermined screenshot. A personal mobile device comprises a radio frequency transceiver and a display wherein the personal mobile device receives and displays the transmitted predetermined screenshot on the personal mobile device display. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024738 | Rotatable Bin or Like Object - A transportable apparatus has a main body configured to be transported in a horizontal orientation, and then raised to a vertical orientation in a working position. A base is mounted on the bottom end of the main body such that the main body rests on the base in the working position, and such that the base is carried at a rear end of the main body when the main body is in a horizontal transport position supported on. The base is rotatable about a vertical base axis such that the main body can be rotated with respect to the base about the base axis. A frame and wheels can be pivotally attached to the main body to transport the main body and then be stored in a vertical orientation along a wall of the man body in the working position. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024545 | INSTALLATION OF TUBULAR STRINGS WITH LINES SECURED THERETO IN SUBTERRANEAN WELLS - A system which attaches at least one line to a tubular string can include at least one clip pivotably secured on one side of a recess. At least one structure is positioned on an opposite side of the recess. Rotation of the clip into engagement with the structure secures the line in the recess. A method of attaching at least one line to a tubular string can include securing the line to a support on the tubular string as the tubular string is being conveyed into a wellbore. The securing step further includes rotating at least one clip into engagement with at least one structure, thereby preventing removal of the line from a recess formed in the support. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024544 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DEPTH REFERENCING DOWNHOLE TUBULAR STRINGS - An apparatus ( | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024530 | Increasing Fracture Complexity in Ultra-Low Permeable Subterranean Formation Using Degradable Particulate - A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%. Similar methods using stepwise fracturing fluids and remedial fracturing treatments are provided. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024527 | CEMENT COMPOSITION CONTAINING A SUBSTITUTED ETHOXYLATED PHENOL SURFACTANT FOR USE IN AN OIL-CONTAMINATED WELL - According to an embodiment, a well treatment composition comprises a surfactant comprising a substituted ethoxylated phenol having at least one substituent, 1 to 14 moles of ethylene oxide, and the substituent being an alkyl, alkene, or alkyne with a carbon chain length in the range of 4 to 25, wherein the substituted ethoxylated phenol is selected from the group consisting of: ortho-, para-, or meta-substituted ethoxylated phenol; cardanol ethoxylate; derivatives thereof; and combinations of any of the foregoing. Preferably, the surfactant comprises cardanol ethoxylate, a substituted cardanol ethoxylate, and derivatives thereof. According to another embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises: (A) cement; (B) water; and (C) the surfactant; and allowing the cement composition to set. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024520 | WELL SCREENS CONSTRUCTED UTILIZING PRE-FORMED ANNULAR ELEMENTS - Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements. Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120018230 | Flasked Pressure Housing - A system for containing electronics positioned in a downhole tubular. In some embodiments, the system includes a pressure housing, a rigid end piece, a compliant end piece, an inner tubular member, one or more annular standoffs, and a chassis. The pressure housing is supported within the downhole tubular. The rigid end piece and the compliant end piece are fixedly coupled within opposing ends of the pressure housing. The inner tubular member is disposed within the pressure housing and has opposing ends. One of the opposing ends is coupled to the rigid end piece, and the other of the opposing ends is free to move relative to the compliant end piece. The chassis is disposed within the inner tubular member and houses the electronics. Each standoff is disposed between the inner tubular member and the pressure housing and includes at least one radially extending portion compressed therebetween. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120018167 | MAXIMIZING HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION WHILE CONTROLLING PHASE BEHAVIOR OR PRECIPITATION OF RESERVOIR IMPAIRING LIQUIDS OR SOLIDS - A method of flowing fluid from a formation, the method comprising: sensing presence of a reservoir impairing substance in the fluid flowed from the formation; and automatically controlling operation of at least one flow control device in response to the sensing of the presence of the substance. A well system, comprising: at least one sensor which senses whether a reservoir impairing substance is present; and at least one flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from a formation in response to indications provided by the sensor. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120018152 | FLUID CONTROL IN RESERVIOR FLUID SAMPLING TOOLS - A pumping system comprising: a probe to suction a fluid from a fluid reservoir; a pump in fluid communication with said probe; a sensor for detecting phase changes in said pumping system, said sensor in fluid communication with said probe or pump, said sensor generating a sensor signal; a fluid exit from said pumping system, said fluid exit being in fluid communication with said pump; and a variable force check valve located between said probe and said fluid exit. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120018148 | Real-time field friction reduction meter and method of use - A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising communicating a servicing fluid comprising a hydratable friction reducer and a base fluid to the subterranean formation via a route of fluid communication, determining an actual percent by which the friction reducer reduces a pipe friction pressure, comparing the actual percent by which the friction reducer reduces the pipe friction pressure to an ideal percent by which the friction reducer should reduce pipe friction pressure to determine an effectiveness of the friction reducer, and determining if the effectiveness of the friction reducer is within an acceptable range. A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising communicating a servicing fluid comprising a hydratable friction reducer and a base fluid to the subterranean formation via a route of fluid communication, measuring a wellhead pressure, determining a pipe friction pressure independent from the wellhead pressure, calculating a formation response pressure, and monitoring the formation response pressure. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120016587 | RESOLUTION ENHANCEMENT FOR SUBTERRANEAN WELL DISTRIBUTED OPTICAL MEASUREMENTS - Enhancing resolution of distributed optical measurements along a wellbore can include acquiring optical signals during an acquisition time period, thereby producing a convolved profile along the wellbore, and deconvolving the profile using a first function corresponding to the acquisition time period, thereby determining a second function. Another method of enhancing resolution of distributed temperature measurements along a wellbore can include acquiring optical backscatter signals during at least first and second acquisition time periods, thereby producing respective first and second convolved temperature profiles along the wellbore; deconvolving the first temperature profile using a first function corresponding to the first time period, thereby determining a second function; and deconvolving the second temperature profile using the second function, thereby determining the first function corresponding to the second time period. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120014211 | MONITORING OF OBJECTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - Objects are monitored in a subterranean well. A well system can include at least one object having a transmitter, and at least one sensing device which monitors displacement of the object along a wellbore. A method of monitoring at least one object in a subterranean well can include positioning at least one sensing device in a wellbore of the well, and then displacing the object through the wellbore, the sensing device monitoring the object as it displaces through the wellbore. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120013893 | COMMUNICATION THROUGH AN ENCLOSURE OF A LINE - A communication system can include a transmitter which transmits a signal, and at least one sensing device which receives the signal, the sensing device including a line contained in an enclosure, and the signal being detected by the line through a material of the enclosure. A sensing system can include at least one sensor which senses a parameter, at least one sensing device which receives an indication of the parameter, the sensing device including a line contained in an enclosure, and a transmitter which transmits the indication of the parameter to the line through a material of the enclosure. Another sensing system can include an object which displaces in a subterranean well. At least one sensing device can receive a signal from the object. The sensing device can include a line contained in an enclosure, and the signal can be detected by the line through a material of the enclosure. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120012320 | POLYMERIZING AND ANCHORING A WATER-SOLUBLE POLYMER TO AN IN-PLACE MINERAL SURFACE OF A WELL - Methods are provided using an anchoring agent for a water-soluble polymer that is in-place polymerized in a subterranean formation. The anchoring agent comprises a hydrolyzable silyl group that reacts with one or more dangling hydroxyl groups of a mineral surface in the subterranean formation to form “hard” bonds, “anchoring” to the mineral surface. The anchoring agent is selected to have another functional group for covalent attachment to the water-soluble polymer. This can help a water-soluble polymer be anchored to a mineral surface in a subterranean formation. Accordingly, it is believed that monomolecular layers of water-soluble polymer will be formed and anchored to the mineral surface, which will provide excellent elastic properties to the matrix. The monomolecular layers are not expected to interfere with the permeability of the matrix. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120010324 | Hybrid Cement Set-On-Command Compositions - The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing two phases. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore where one phase sets upon subjecting the sealant composition to a thermal source followed by the setting of the other phase. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006569 | DRILL STRING/ANNULUS SEALING WITH SWELLABLE MATERIALS - A well system can include a drill string having a drill bit at an end thereof, and a swellable seal exposed to fluid in an annulus external to the drill string. The swellable seal can include a swellable material which swells in response to the fluid comprising a predetermined activating agent. A method of preventing undesired release of fluid from a wellbore can include displacing a drill string through the wellbore, thereby drilling the wellbore, and installing in the wellbore a swellable seal which, in response to the fluid comprising a predetermined activating agent, reduces flow through an annulus formed radially between the drill string and the wellbore. Another well system can include a swellable seal carried into a wellbore on a drill string, with the swellable seal including a swellable material which swells in response to a fluid in the wellbore comprising a predetermined activating agent. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006545 | Hybrid Cement Set-On-Command Compositions and Methods of Use - The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing two phases. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore where one phase sets upon subjecting the sealant composition to a thermal source followed by the setting of the other phase. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006530 | Packing element system with profiled surface - A downhole retrievable dual directional isolation tool, comprising a mandrel, a compressor ring concentric with the mandrel, and a packing element concentric with the mandrel and having an outer surface defining a plurality of grooves. A downhole retrievable dual directional isolation tool, comprising a mandrel, a packing element concentric with the mandrel, a compressor ring concentric with the mandrel and having a first side wall proximate to a second side wall of the packing element, and a stop ring concentric with the mandrel having a third side wall proximate to a fourth side wall of the packing element, wherein the first side wall of the compressor ring or the third side wall of the stop ring have a circumferential land, whereby in a set state of the tool a contact area between the circumferential land and the second side wall of the packing element or the fourth side wall of the packing element achieves higher contact pressure. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120004148 | Multifunctional Boronic Acid Crosslinking Agents and Associated Methods - Treatment of a subterranean formation can be conducted with viscosified treatment fluids that comprise a multifunctional boronic acid crosslinking agent. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a gelling agent, and a multifunctional boronic acid crosslinking agent that comprises a copolymer comprising at least one boronic acid monomer unit and at least one water-soluble monomer unit; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001637 | CORRECTING FOR MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE IN AZIMUTHAL TOOL MEASUREMENTS - Methods and systems that compensate for magnetic interference in azimuthal tool measurements. At least some method embodiments include a downhole logging method that includes taking measurements as a function of orientation from inside a borehole. The measurements are associated with different azimuthal bins, and an azimuthal direction is determined for each azimuthal bin. Because the tool rotates at a constant rate, the relative number of measurements associated which the different bins can be used to measure the effective sizes of the different bins and to redetermine the effective angles of the bins in the presence of magnetic interference. The tool measurements may include, but are not limited to, formation resistivity, magnetic field, and formation density. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120000708 | Surfactant Additives Used to Retain Producibility While Drilling - Of the many embodiments provided herein, one embodiment includes a method comprising: providing a drilling fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; and a surfactant; and drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation comprising an oleaginous fluid using the drilling fluid, wherein the surfactant forms a micelle within the well bore; and removing an oil block in the formation. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120000676 | MITIGATING LEAKS IN PRODUCTION TUBULARS - A well system can include a generally tubular production string extending to a surface location. A production packer seals off an annulus external to the production string. A swellable packer is interconnected in the production string between the production packer and the surface location. A method of mitigating a leak in a generally tubular production string can include interconnecting a swellable packer in the production string, and the swellable packer swelling, and thereby increasingly restricting flow through an annulus surrounding the production string, in response to fluid leakage through a sidewall of the production string. Another method can include interconnecting a swellable packer in the production string, and the swellable packer swelling, and thereby increasingly restricting flow through an annulus surrounding the production string, in response to a flow of hydrocarbons into the annulus from an interior of the production string. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110315405 | WELL TOOLS UTILIZING SWELLABLE MATERIALS ACTIVATED ON DEMAND - A well tool includes a generally tubular mandrel with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the mandrel, and a flow controller which initially prevents a fluid from contacting a swellable material, but which permits the fluid to contact the material in response to manipulation of pressure in the flow passage. Another well tool includes a swellable material, a generally tubular mandrel, and a conduit wrapped circumferentially about the mandrel, the conduit containing a fluid which, upon contact with the swellable material, causes the material to swell. A method of actuating a well tool in a well includes manipulating pressure in a flow passage extending through a tubular string, thereby opening at least one flow control device of the well tool which selectively permits fluid communication between a reservoir of the well tool and a swellable material of the well tool, whereby a fluid in the reservoir contacts the swellable material. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315399 | GASKET FOR INDUCTIVE COUPLING BETWEEN WIRED DRILL PIPE - In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a gasket ( | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315388 | FLOW ENERGY DISSIPATION FOR DOWNHOLE INJECTION FLOW CONTROL DEVICES - A well system can include a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from an interior of the device outwardly through an exit port, and a deflector which outwardly overlies the exit port and provides fluid communication between the exit port and an annulus formed radially between the deflector and a wellbore lining. The deflector can diffuse the flow of the fluid prior to impingement on the wellbore lining. A flow control assembly can include a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from an interior of the device outwardly through an exit port, and a deflector which outwardly overlies the exit port, the deflector including at least one opening, and the opening being circumferentially offset relative to the exit port. A form of an interior surface of the deflector and/or an exterior surface of the flow control device can diffuse the flow of the fluid. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315369 | Apparatus and Method for Fluidically Coupling Tubular Sections and Tubular System Formed Thereby - An apparatus for connecting an outer tubular ( | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315335 | Modified Bentonites for Advanced Foundry Applications - Methods of reducing the permeability of a subterranean formation to aqueous-based fluids using a water-soluble relative permeability modifier that comprises a hydrophobically modified polymer, wherein the hydrophobically modified polymer is a reaction product of: a hydrophilic polymer that comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyvinylamine, a poly(vinylamine/vinyl alcohol), and an alkyl acrylate polymer; and, a hydrophobic compound comprising at least one alkyl chain having a carbon chain length between about 4 and about 22 carbons. The water-soluble relative permeability modifier may be placed within a subterranean drilling operation such that the water-soluble relative permeability modifier attaches onto surfaces within the subterranean formation to effect permeability of aqueous fluids. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110309836 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting Deep Conductive Pipe - Downhole tools and techniques acquire information regarding nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, and conductive formations. At least some method embodiments provide a current flow along a drill string in a borehole. The current flow disperses into the surrounding formation and causes a secondary current flow in the nearby conductor. The magnetic field from the secondary current flow can be detected using one or more azimuthally-sensitive antennas. Direction and distance estimates may be obtainable from the azimuthally-sensitive measurements, and can be used as the basis for steering the drillstring relative to the distant conductor. Possible techniques for providing current flow in the drillstring include imposing a voltage across an insulated gap or using a toroid around the drillstring to induce the current flow. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308859 | System and Method for EM Ranging in Oil-Based Mud - Nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., are detectable from within a borehole filled with an oil-based fluid. At least some method embodiments provide a current flow between axially-spaced conductive bridges on a drillstring. The current flow disperses into the surrounding formation and causes a secondary current flow in the nearby conductor. The magnetic field from the secondary current flow can be detected using one or more azimuthally-sensitive antennas. Direction and distance estimates are obtainable from the azimuthally-sensitive measurements, and can be used as the basis for steering the drillstring relative to the distant conductor. Possible techniques for providing current flow in the drillstring include imposing a voltage across an insulated gap or using a toroid around the drillstring to induce the current flow. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308800 | FLUID LOSS ADDITIVE CONTAINING A BIODEGRADABLE GRAFTED COPOLYMER FOR A CEMENT COMPOSITION - According to an embodiment, a fluid loss additive comprises a biodegradable grafted copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises: (i) a first polymer comprising a monomer or monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, N—N dimethyl acrylamide, N-vinyl-N-methylaceamide, N-vinylformamide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, acrylomorpholine, vinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, and any combination thereof; and (ii) a second polymer, wherein the first polymer is grafted onto the second polymer. According to another embodiment, a method of cementing in a low-temperature subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; and (iii) the fluid loss additive; and allowing the cement composition to set. According to another embodiment, a method of cementing in a high-temperature subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; (iii) a clay; and (iv) the fluid loss additive; and allowing the cement composition to set. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308799 | WATER-BASED FLUID LOSS ADDITIVE CONTAINING AN AMPHIPHILIC DISPERSANT FOR USE IN A WELL - According to an embodiment, a well treatment composition comprises: an aqueous liquid; a fluid loss additive, wherein the fluid loss additive comprises a high molecular weight, water-swellable polymer; and an amphiphilic dispersant, wherein the well treatment composition has an activity of at least 10%. According to another embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, the cement composition comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; and (iii) the well treatment composition; and allowing the cement composition to set. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308794 | Real Time Determination of Casing Location and Distance with Tilted Antenna Measurement - Methods and apparatus for detecting nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., from within a borehole. A nearby casing string can be detected by transmitting an electromagnetic signal from a first antenna on a downhole logging tool and measuring a response signal with a second antenna. As the tool rotates, the transmitting and measuring are repeated to determine the azimuthal dependence of the response signal. The azimuthal dependence is analyzed to determine an diagonal component and a cross component. The amplitude of the diagonal component is indicative of distance to the conductive feature. Direction can be determined based on the diagonal component alone or in combination with the cross component. Sinusoidal curve fitting can be employed to improve accuracy of the distance and direction estimates. At least one of the antennas is preferably tilted. Measurement results are presented for parallel tilted and perpendicular tilted antennas. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308788 | CONTROLLING WELL OPERATIONS BASED ON MONITORED PARAMETERS OF CEMENT HEALTH - A method of controlling a well operation can include monitoring at least one parameter of cement lining a wellbore, the monitoring being performed via at least one optical waveguide, and modifying the well operation in response to the parameter being outside of a predetermined acceptable range. A well monitoring system can include at least one optical waveguide which is used to sense at least one parameter of cement lining a wellbore, an optical interrogation system optically connected to the at least one optical waveguide, and a control system which controls operation of at least one item of well equipment in response to information received from the optical interrogation system. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110305830 | WATER-BASED GROUTING COMPOSITION WITH AN INSULATING MATERIAL - According to an embodiment, a method for thermally insulating a portion of a tubular located inside an enclosed conduit comprises the steps of: (A) introducing a grouting composition into an annulus between the tubular and the enclosed conduit, the grouting composition comprising: (i) a water-swellable binding material comprising water-swellable clay; (ii) an aqueous liquid, wherein the aqueous liquid is the continuous phase of the grouting composition; and (iii) an insulating material; and (B) allowing the grouting composition to set after the step of introducing, wherein after setting the grouting composition has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.3 BTU/hr·ft·° F. According to another embodiment, a grouting composition for use in insulating a portion of a tubular located inside an enclosed conduit comprises: (A) a water-swellable binding material comprising water-swellable clay; (B) an aqueous liquid, wherein the aqueous liquid is the continuous phase of the grouting composition; and (C) an insulating material, wherein after the grouting composition has set, the grouting composition has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.3 BTU/hr·ft·° F. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110303462 | ANNULUS PRESSURE SETPOINT CORRECTION USING REAL TIME PRESSURE WHILE DRILLING MEASUREMENTS - A method of controlling pressure in a wellbore can include determining a real time wellbore pressure Pwb | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110303419 | INSTALLATION OF LINES IN HIGH TEMPERATURE WELLBORE ENVIRONMENTS - An annular restrictor for use in a well can include a body which extends circumferentially about a tubular mandrel, and a section which, in cooperation with the body, restricts fluid flow through an annulus, a line being secured between the body and the section. A method of completing a well can include installing a line in an annular restrictor, and restricting fluid flow through an annulus, with the restricting being performed by the annular restrictor interconnected between steam injection valves. A method of attaching a line to a tubular string for use in a well can include covering the line with a section of an annular restrictor, and securing the section to a body of the annular restrictor, each of the section and the body having a flow restricting surface formed thereon, and the covering and securing steps being performed without splicing or making a connection in the line. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110303412 | OIL-BASED GROUTING COMPOSITION WITH AN INSULATING MATERIAL - According to an embodiment, a method for thermally insulating a portion of a tubular located inside an enclosed conduit comprises the steps of: (A) introducing a grouting composition into an annulus between the tubular and the enclosed conduit, the grouting composition comprising: (i) an oil-swellable binding material; and (ii) a hydrocarbon liquid, wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is the continuous phase of the grouting composition; and (iii) an insulating material comprising a hollow microsphere; and (B) allowing or causing the grouting composition to set after the step of introducing, wherein after setting the grouting composition has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.3 BTU/hr·ft·° F. According to another embodiment, a grouting composition for use in insulating a portion of a tubular located inside an enclosed conduit comprises: (A) an oil-swellable binding material comprising a organophilic clay; and (B) a hydrocarbon liquid, wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is the continuous phase of the grouting composition; and (C) an insulating material comprising a hollow microsphere, wherein after the grouting composition has set, the grouting composition has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.3 BTU/hr·ft·° F. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110303407 | Consumable downhole tools - A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110298461 | DEEP EVALUATION OF RESISTIVE ANOMALIES IN BOREHOLE ENVIRONMENTS - A drill string can include at least one transmit antenna and at least one receive antenna. The transmit antenna transmits at least one electromagnetic signal into a region of an earth formation. The receive antenna receives the signal from the region of the earth formation. The transmit antenna comprises one of a magnetic dipole and an electric dipole, and the receive antenna comprises the other of the magnetic dipole and the electric dipole. At least one characteristic of the region of the earth formation is determined, based at least partially on the signal received by the receive antenna. A homogenous part of the electromagnetic signal may be reduced, to thereby increase a depth of detection of the characteristic. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298457 | DOWNHOLE ORIENTATION SENSING WITH NUCLEAR SPIN GYROSCOPE - Downhole orientation sensing with a nuclear spin gyroscope. A downhole orientation sensing system for use in conjunction with a subterranean well can include a downhole instrument assembly positioned in the well, the instrument assembly including an atomic comagnetometer, and at least one optical waveguide which transmits light between the atomic comagnetometer and a remote location. A method of sensing orientation of an instrument assembly in a subterranean well can include incorporating an atomic comagnetometer into the instrument assembly, and installing the instrument assembly in the well. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297385 | VARIABLE FLOW RESISTANCE SYSTEM WITH CIRCULATION INDUCING STRUCTURE THEREIN TO VARIABLY RESIST FLOW IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber having an outlet and at least one structure which resists a change in a direction of flow of a fluid composition toward the outlet. The fluid composition may enter the chamber in the direction of flow which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and a structure which impedes a change from circular flow about the outlet to radial flow toward the outlet. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297384 | VARIABLE FLOW RESISTANCE SYSTEM FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows in a well, the chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The fluid composition enters via the inlet in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. A well system can include a variable flow resistance system through which a fluid composition flows between a tubular string and a formation, the flow resistance system including a flow chamber through which the fluid composition flows, with only one chamber inlet. The fluid composition flows more directly from the inlet to an outlet as a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition increases. Another flow resistance system can include at least one structure which influences portions of the fluid composition which flow circuitously between the inlet and the outlet to maintain such circuitous flow. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297378 | Wellbore servicing compositions and methods of making and using same - A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising cement, water and a polyuronide polymer, placing the wellbore servicing fluid in the wellbore, and allowing the wellbore servicing fluid to set. A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a highly methylated pectin, cementitious material and water into the wellbore, placing the wellbore servicing fluid in the wellbore, and allowing the wellbore servicing fluid to set. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising cement, water and a polyuronide polymer. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297377 | STABLE ORGANIC-BASED FLUID LOSS ADDITIVE CONTAINING AN ORGANOPHILIC CLAY-BASED SUSPENDING AGENT FOR USE IN A WELL - According to an embodiment, a well treatment composition comprises: a water-soluble, organic liquid, wherein the organic liquid comprises the continuous phase of the well treatment composition, and wherein the organic liquid comprises a polyglycol or a derivative of polyglycol; a fluid loss additive, wherein the fluid loss additive is insoluble in the organic liquid, and wherein the fluid loss additive comprises a high molecular weight, water-swellable polymer; and a suspending agent, wherein the suspending agent comprises an organophilic clay, wherein the well treatment composition has an activity of at least 15%. According to another embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, the cement composition comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; and (iii) the well treatment composition; and allowing the cement composition to set after introduction into the subterranean formation. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297376 | Sand Control Screen Assembly Having Control Line Capture Capability - A sand control screen assembly having control line capture capability is operable for use in a subterranean wellbore. The sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe having a screen jacket positioned therearound for preventing the flow of particulate material of a predetermined size therethrough and allowing the flow of production fluids therethrough. The sand control screen assembly also includes a control line capture assembly. The control line capture assembly includes an axially extending flange that couples to the screen jacket and is operable to protect the control line during installation and operation of the sand control screen in the wellbore. The control line capture assembly also includes an axially extending spring channel that couples to the flange. The channel is operable to receive and retain the control line during installation and operation of the sand control screen in the wellbore. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297372 | DOWNHOLE ORIENTATION SENSING WITH NUCLEAR SPIN GYROSCOPE - Downhole orientation sensing with a nuclear spin gyroscope. A method of sensing orientation of an instrument assembly in a subterranean well can include incorporating an atomic comagnetometer and an optical source into the instrument assembly, and installing the instrument assembly in the well. A downhole orientation sensing system for use in conjunction with a subterranean well can include a downhole instrument assembly positioned in the well, the instrument assembly including an atomic comagnetometer and an optical source which transmits light to the atomic comagnetometer. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110290562 | INTEGRATED GEOMECHANICS DETERMINATIONS AND WELLBORE PRESSURE CONTROL - Well pressure control is integrated in real time with geomechanics determinations made during drilling. A well drilling method includes updating determinations of properties of a formation surrounding a wellbore in real time as the wellbore is being drilled; and controlling wellbore pressure in real time as the wellbore is being drilled, in response to the updated determinations of the formation properties. Another well drilling method includes obtaining sensor measurements in a well drilling system in real time as a wellbore is being drilled; transmitting the sensor measurements to a control system in real time; the control system determining in real time properties of a formation surrounding the wellbore based on the sensor measurements, and the control system transmitting in real time a pressure setpoint to a controller; and the controller controlling operation of at least one flow control device, thereby influencing a well pressure toward the pressure setpoint. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110290505 | Drilling and Completion Deflector and Method of Using - A tool assembly is provided. The tool assembly comprises a drilling deflector and a completion deflector, the completion deflector coupled to the drilling deflector. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110284292 | Apparatus and Method for Steerable Drilling - A method for drilling a wellbore comprises extending a rotatable drill string in the wellbore, where the drill string has a bottom hole assembly coupled to a bottom end thereof. A lower section of the bottom hole assembly comprising a steering apparatus is coupled to an upper section of the bottom hole assembly with a controllably adjustable clutch. A steering apparatus toolface angle is detected. The clutch is controllably adjusted to maintain the steering apparatus toolface angle within a predetermined range about a target steering apparatus toolface angle while rotating the upper section with the drill string. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110282818 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PREDICTING GAS SATURATION OF A FORMATION USING NEURAL NETWORKS - Predicting gas saturation of a formation using neural networks. At least some of the illustrative embodiments include obtaining a gamma count rate decay curve one each for a plurality of gamma detectors of a nuclear logging tool (the gamma count rate decay curves recorded at a particular borehole depth), applying at least a portion of each gamma count rate decay curve to input nodes of a neural network, predicting a value indicative of gas saturation of a formation (the predicting by the neural network in the absence of a formation porosity value supplied to the neural network), and producing a plot of the value indicative of gas saturation of the formation as a function of borehole depth. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110277996 | SUBTERRANEAN FLOW BARRIERS CONTAINING TRACERS - Some aspects of the present disclosure include monitoring fluid flow in a subterranean reservoir. In some implementations, a sealant mixture is injected into a subterranean reservoir to form a flow barrier in the subterranean reservoir. The sealant mixture includes a sealant material and a tracer. The tracer may be stored in the flow barrier, and the tracer may be displaced from the flow barrier, for example, by fluid flow in the subterranean reservoir. The displaced tracer may be detected, for example, in fluid produced into a well bore in the subterranean reservoir. Fluid flow in the subterranean reservoir may be analyzed based on detection of the tracer. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110275736 | Compositions for modifying rheological properties of cement systems - A method of servicing a wellbore comprising contacting a wellbore servicing composition with a rheology modifying additive wherein the rheology modifying additive comprises a gum and a polymeric material. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising providing a sealant composition comprising cement, water, and a rheology modifying additive wherein the rheology modifying additive comprises a gum and an anionic polymer, placing the composition in the subterranean formation, and allowing the cement composition to set therein. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272164 | System and method for maintaining position of a wellbore servicing device within a wellbore - A method of maintaining a location of a wellbore servicing device includes connecting a pressure activated hold-down tool (PAHT) to the wellbore servicing device, delivering the wellbore servicing device and the PAHT into a wellbore, selectively increasing a curvature of the PAHT in response to a change in a fluid pressure, and engaging the PAHT with a feature of a wellbore to prevent longitudinal movement of the wellbore servicing device. A PAHT has pressure actuated elements that selectively provide an unactuated state in which the PAHT lies substantially along a longitudinal axis and the pressure actuated elements selectively lie increasingly deviated from the longitudinal axis in response to a change in pressure applied to the PAHT. At least one of the pressure actuated elements has a tooth configured for selective resistive engagement with a feature of the wellbore. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272158 | High pressure manifold trailer and methods and systems employing the same - A method of servicing a subterranean formation with a servicing fluid, the method comprising providing a first component of the servicing fluid to a first high-pressure pump at a first pressure, providing a second component of the servicing fluid to a second high-pressure pump at a second pressure, increasing the pressure of the first component of the servicing fluid at the first high-pressure pump to a third pressure, wherein the third pressure is greater than the first pressure, increasing the pressure of the second component of the servicing fluid at the second high-pressure pump to a fourth pressure, wherein the fourth pressure is greater than the second pressure, communicating the first component of the servicing fluid to a high-pressure manifold, communicating the second component of the servicing fluid to the high-pressure manifold, communicating the first component of the servicing fluid from a first high-pressure manifold outlet to a wellhead located at a wellbore, communicating the second component of the servicing fluid from a second high-pressure manifold outlet to the wellhead, and mixing the first component of the servicing fluid and the second component of the servicing fluid at the wellhead to form the servicing fluid. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272155 | System and method for fluid treatment - A method of treating a wellbore servicing fluid includes disposing an ultraviolet treatment chamber in fluid communication with an inlet of a pump, operating the pump, and drawing a wellbore servicing fluid through the ultraviolet treatment chamber in response to operating the pump. A wellbore servicing fluid treatment system has a first ultraviolet treatment chamber and a first pump in selective fluid communication with the first ultraviolet treatment chamber. The pump is downstream relative to the first ultraviolet treatment chamber and the pump is configured to selectively draw a wellbore servicing fluid through the first ultraviolet treatment chamber. A method of servicing a wellbore includes connecting an ultraviolet fluid treatment system to a blender, operating a pump of the blender, drawing a wellbore servicing fluid through the ultraviolet treatment system in response to operating the pump of the blender, and delivering the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272145 | MECHANICAL ACTUATOR WITH ELECTRONIC ADJUSTMENT - An actuation apparatus includes an electronics module ( | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272144 | System and method for remote wellbore servicing operations - A method of servicing a wellbore is provided. The method comprises establishing a communication link between a wellsite and a central control site, wherein the communication link carries sensor, audio, and video data to the central control site and carries command parameters to the wellsite to command wellbore servicing equipment on the wellsite. The data transmitted by the wellsite is analyzed at the central control site, stored in a data store at the central control site, and the results of analysis displayed on a display at the central control site. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110271751 | Simulating Downhole Flow Through a Perforation - A method of testing a core sample is provided. The method comprises determining an impedance map, attaching a sleeve to the core sample, and measuring a flow performance of the core sample. An impedance of each of a plurality of portions of the sleeve is based on the impedance map. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110266001 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW USING MOVABLE FLOW DIVERTER ASSEMBLY - Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve. In other embodiments, the fluid diverter moves in response to a change in the fluid to affect fluid flow patterns in a tubular, the change in flow pattern operating a valve assembly. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265990 | Sand Control Screen Assembly Having a Surface-Modified Filter Medium and Method for Making Same - A sand control screen assembly ( | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265987 | Downhole Actuator Apparatus Having a Chemically Activated Trigger - A downhole actuator apparatus that selectively maintains a pressure differential between two pressure regions in a well. The apparatus includes a body defining first and second chambers. A piston is slidably disposed in the body and is selectively moveable between first and second positions. A barrier is disposed in the body to selectively separate the first and second chambers. A fluid is disposed in the first chamber between the barrier and the piston. A control system that is at least partially disposed within the body is operable to generate an output signal responsive to receipt of a predetermined input signal. The output signal is operable to create a failure of the barrier such that at least a portion of the fluid flows from the first chamber to the second chamber and the piston moves from the first position to the second position. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110259612 | WELLBORE PRESSURE CONTROL WITH SEGREGATED FLUID COLUMNS - A method of controlling pressure in a wellbore can include placing a barrier substance in the wellbore while a fluid is present in the wellbore, and flowing another fluid into the wellbore while the first fluid and the barrier substance are in the wellbore. The first and second fluids may have different densities. Another method can include circulating a fluid through a tubular string and an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore, then placing a barrier substance in the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore and then flowing another fluid into the wellbore. A well system can include at least two fluids in a wellbore, the fluids having different densities, and a barrier substance separating the fluids. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259592 | METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR TREATING FLUIDS BEFORE INJECTION INTO SUBTERRANEAN ZONES - The invention relates to methods and compositions for producing or recovering an aqueous-based fluid to be utilized or injected in a wellbore or surrounding subterranean formation. The method comprises the step of contacting an aqueous-based fluid with an aqueous-soluble breaker composition comprising an oxidizing agent and a catalyst for a time sufficient to reduce or eliminate one or more deleterious substances in the aqueous-based fluid to produce a treated aqueous-based fluid suitable for use or injection in a wellbore or surrounding subterranean formation. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110254553 | Electrically conductive oil-based drilling fluids - A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing an oil-based wellbore servicing fluid comprising an electrical conductivity enhancer into the wellbore and logging the wellbore by resistivity imaging. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising introducing an oil-based drilling fluid to a wellbore, identifying a subsection of the wellbore for imaging, introducing to the subsection of the wellbore a oil-based wellbore servicing fluid comprising a carbon nanotube wherein the servicing fluid comprising the electrical conductivity enhancer mixes with the oil-based drilling fluid; and imaging the subsection of the wellbore. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253391 | Sand Control Screen Assembly Having Remotely Disabled Reverse Flow Control Capability - A flow control screen having a fluid flow path between a perforated section of a base pipe and a filter medium positioned around a blank pipe section of the base pipe. A valve assembly, including a piston body and a valve plug, is disposed within the fluid flow path. The piston body has an internal seat and a collet assembly that is radially outwardly constrained in a first operating position of the piston body to retain the valve plug therein and radially outwardly unconstrained in a second operating position of the piston body. Reverse flow is initially prevented as an internal differential pressure seats the valve plug on the internal seat and causes the piston body to shift to the second operating position upon reaching a predetermined threshold. Thereafter, an external differential pressure causes the valve plug to be expelled through the collet assembly, thereby no longer preventing reverse flow. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253383 | System and method for servicing a wellbore - Disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing system, comprising a tubular string, a first sleeve system incorporated within the tubular string, the first sleeve system comprising a first sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a first ported case, the first sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the first ported case by a first restrictor while the first restrictor is enabled, and a first delay system configured to selectively restrict movement of the first sliding sleeve relative to the first ported case while the first restrictor is disabled; a second sleeve system incorporated within the tubular string, the second sleeve system comprising a second sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a second ported case, the second sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the second ported case by a second restrictor while the second restrictor is enabled. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110252643 | CONNECTOR INCLUDING ISOLATED CONDUCTIVE PATHS - An apparatus includes a pair of connectors, two or more conductive paths formed in each connector in the pair of connectors, and a shroud encompassing at least a portion of the pair of connectors. The pair of connectors includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is substantially more flexible than the second connector, and each connector in the pair of connectors includes a bulkhead. Each of the two or more conductive paths in each connector in the pair of connectors is electrically isolated from all other conductive elements in the pair of connectors. The shroud is located between the bulkheads and disposed about the pair of connectors when the pair of connectors are coupled together electrically. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110247835 | Sequenced packing element system - A downhole retrievable dual directional isolation tool is provided. The down hole tool comprises a mandrel, a compressor concentric with the mandrel, and a packing element disposed around the mandrel, wherein a body section of the packing element is asymmetrical. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247833 | HIGH STRENGTH DISSOLVABLE STRUCTURES FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247803 | SIGNAL PROPAGATION ACROSS GAPS - In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to monitor a first condition associated with transmitting or receiving a signal in a formation or on a drill string, or both, over a first selected interval of a drill string located down hole; to monitor a second condition associated with transmitting or receiving the signal in the formation or on the drill string or both, over a second selected interval of the drill string; to compare the first condition to the second condition to provide a comparison result; and based on the comparison result, to select one of the first selected interval or the second selected interval to transmit or receive the signal in the formation or on the drill string, or both. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110245112 | Reconditioning and reuse of wellbore servicing fluids - A method of servicing a wellbore comprising preparing a wellbore servicing composition having a target water content, placing the wellbore servicing composition in the wellbore, recovering from the wellbore a recovered wellbore servicing fluid having a modified water content, wherein the modified water content is greater than the target water content, vacuum stripping water from the recovered wellbore servicing fluid to form a processed wellbore servicing fluid, wherein the processed wellbore servicing fluid has a water content less than the modified water content, and placing the processed wellbore servicing fluid in the same or a different wellbore. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110240299 | SUBTERRANEAN WELL VALVE ACTIVATED WITH DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE - A method of actuating a valve in a well can include storing energy as a result of a differential pressure across a closed closure device of the valve, and releasing at least a portion of the stored energy while opening the closure device. A valve for use in a well can include a closure device, a biasing device, and an actuator which stores energy in the biasing device in response to a pressure differential across the closure device. A well system can include a tubular string, and a valve which controls fluid flow through the tubular string. The valve may include a closure device and an actuator which actuates the valve at least partially in response to a pressure differential across the closure device. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110240284 | Tubular Embedded Nozzle Assembly for Controlling the Flow Rate of Fluids Downhole - An apparatus ( | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110234230 | Azimuthal At-Bit Resistivity and Geosteering Methods and Systems - Logging tools and methods employing an at-bit loop antenna to acquire azimuthal resistivity measurements proximate to the bit enable low-latency geosteering signals to be generated. In some embodiments, the at-bit antenna is part of a bottom hole assembly that includes a drill bit, a mud motor, and a resistivity tool. The mud motor is positioned between the at-bit antenna and the resistivity tool. The resistivity tool includes at least one loop antenna that is not parallel to the at-bit loop antenna. The at-bit antenna is part of an at-bit module that, in some embodiments, transmits periodic electromagnetic signal pulses for the resistivity tool to measure. In other embodiments, the at-bit module measures characteristics of electromagnetic signal pulses sent by the resistivity tool and communicates the measured characteristics to the resistivity tool via a short hop telemetry link. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232970 | COILED TUBING PERCUSSION DRILLING - A method of drilling a subterranean wellbore can include extending coiled tubing into the wellbore, and actuating an impact tool interconnected to the coiled tubing, thereby delivering impacts to a drill bit. A coiled tubing drilling system for drilling a subterranean wellbore can include coiled tubing, a drill bit, and an impact tool which delivers impacts to the drill bit. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232917 | ELECTRICALLY OPERATED ISOLATION VALVE - A method of operating an isolation valve can include transmitting a signal to a detector section of the isolation valve, and a control system of the isolation valve operating an actuator of the isolation valve in response to detection of the signal by the detector section. An isolation valve can include a detector section which detects a presence of an object in the isolation valve, and a control system which operates an actuator of the isolation valve in response to an object presence indication received from the detector section. A well system can include an isolation valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of a wellbore, the isolation valve including a detector section which detects a signal, and the isolation valve further including a control system which operates an actuator of the isolation valve in response to detection of the signal by the detector section. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232916 | BI-DIRECTIONAL FLAPPER/SEALING MECHANISM AND TECHNIQUE - An isolation valve can include a pivot connecting a closure member to an actuator member which displaces when the isolation valve is actuated between open and closed configurations, whereby the pivot displaces with the actuator member. Another isolation valve can include a pivot connecting a closure member to an actuator member which displaces when the isolation valve is actuated between open and closed configurations, and a profile formed in the isolation valve. The profile biases the closure member from an open position to a closed position when the isolation valve is actuated from the open configuration to the closed configuration. A method of actuating an isolation valve includes actuating the isolation valve between open and closed configurations, and wherein actuating the isolation valve comprises simultaneously displacing an actuator member, a closure member, and a pivot which pivotably connects the closure member to the actuator member. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232377 | BI-DIRECTIONAL FLOW AND DISTRIBUTED TEMPERATURE SENSING IN SUBTERRANEAN WELLS - A method of determining characteristics of fluids flowed between a wellbore and multiple zones intersected by the wellbore can include measuring a first distributed temperature profile of the fluids along the wellbore while the fluids flow in one direction through the wellbore, and measuring a second distributed temperature profile of the fluids along the wellbore while the fluids flow in an opposite direction through the wellbore. Another method can include flowing the fluids in a first direction through an annulus formed between tubular strings in the wellbore, measuring a first distributed temperature profile of the fluids while flowing the fluids in the first direction, flowing the fluids in a second, opposite direction through the annulus, and measuring a second distributed temperature profile of the fluids along the wellbore while flowing the fluids flow in the second direction. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232376 | Remote fueling system and process - A remote fueling system is provided. The system comprises a wellbore servicing equipment unit comprising an internal combustion engine, a fuel tank coupled to the internal combustion engine, a fuel distribution channel, a fuel level sensor component, a fuel level indicator, and a fuel level indicator control box. The wellbore servicing equipment is mounted on a trailer upon which the wellbore servicing equipment is transported to the wellbore. The fuel level sensor component senses a fuel level inside the fuel tank. The fuel level indicator indicates a fuel level status of the fuel tank to remote fueling personnel at a standoff distance. The fuel level indicator control box is coupled to the fuel level sensor component and to the fuel level indicator and commands the indication presented by the fuel level indicator based on the fuel level inside the fuel tank sensed by the fuel level sensor component. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110231097 | ACOUSTIC RADIAL PROFILING VIA FREQUENCY DOMAIN PROCESSING - A tool and processing system to provide an acoustic radial profile. A frequency semblance is performed on received time signals obtained from an array of acoustic receivers (FIG. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110226482 | Apparatus and Method for Separating a Tubular String from a Subsea Well Installation - An apparatus for separating a tubular string from a subsea well installation. The apparatus includes a heave compensator tensioning the tubular string, a subsea actuator assembly positioned within the tubular string, a subsea controller in communication with the subsea actuator assembly, a subsea safety tree positioned within the subsea well installation and a fluid delivery subsystem. An output signal generated by the subsea controller responsive to receipt of a predetermined input signal releases a piston of the subsea actuator assembly such that the tension in the tubular string shifts the piston relative to a cylinder energizing fluid in the fluid delivery subsystem to actuate the retainer valve, the shut-in valve assembly, the vent sleeve and the latch assembly, thereby safely separating the tubular string from a subsea well installation. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110221443 | High Frequency Dielectric Measurement Tool - Disclosed dielectric logging tools and methods employ three or more receive horn antennas positioned between at least two transmit antennas, which can also be horn antennas. The logging tools can operate in the range between 100 MHz and 10 GHz to provide logs of formation permittivity, formation conductivity, standoff distance, and electrical properties of material in the standoff gap. Logs of water-saturated porosity and/or oil movability can be readily derived. The presence of additional receive antennas offers a significantly extended operating range, additional depths of investigation, increased measurement accuracy, and further offers compensation for tool standoff and mudcake effects. In both wireline and logging while drilling embodiments, at least some disclosed dielectric logging tools employ a set of three axially-spaced receive antennas positioned between pairs of axially-spaced transmit antennas. At least some disclosed methods employ absolute amplitude and phase measurements in response to alternate firings of the transmit antennas. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110220371 | System and method for fluid treatment - A method of treating a fluid, comprising treating a fluid by adding ozone to the fluid and exposing the fluid to ultraviolet radiation, and producing a wellbore servicing fluid using the treated fluid. A mobile apparatus for treating a wellbore servicing fluid, comprising a fluid flow path comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, the fluid flow path being configured to allow passage of the fluid therethrough, an ozone inlet configured to allow introduction of ozone into the fluid flow path, a source of ultraviolet radiation associated with the fluid flow path so that ultraviolet radiation generated by the source of ultraviolet radiation is introduced into the fluid flow path, and wherein the fluid flow path is configured to treat a fluid at a rate of at least about 25 to about 100 barrels per minute. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110220367 | OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF MULTIPLE VALVES IN A WELL - A method of controlling operation of multiple valves interconnected in a tubular string in a subterranean well can include opening each of the valves, and then closing the valves in response to an application of pressure to the tubular string. A well system can include multiple valves interconnected in a tubular string, each of the valves including an actuator, and a valve control device interconnected in the tubular string. The valve control device may be connected to each of the valve actuators via multiple flow paths, whereby a pressure differential generated between the flow paths is also generated in each of the valve actuators. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110220356 | MULTIPLE STAGE CEMENTING TOOL WITH EXPANDABLE SEALING ELEMENT - A cementing tool for cementing a casing in a well has an inner mandrel that defines a central flow passage and has at least one fluid port defined through a wall thereof. An outer mandrel is disposed about the inner mandrel and the inner and outer mandrels define an annular space therebetween. The outer mandrel has at least one sealing element affixed thereto. An opening sleeve is positioned in the inner mandrel and is movable from a closed position to an open position in which the fluid port is uncovered. An expansion cone is positioned in the annular space. Fluid pressure applied through the central flow passage, and the fluid port will pass into the annular space and will urge the expansion cone through the annular space which will plastically deform the outer mandrel so that sealing elements affixed to the outer mandrel engage a previously installed casing in the well to seal thereagainst. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110219978 | Shaped Charge Liner Comprised of Reactive Materials - A shaped charge liner is provided. The shaped charge liner comprises a first material denser than 10 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc) and a reactive material. The first material is concentrated in a middle of the liner and decreased in at least one of an apex and a skirt of the liner, and the reactive material is concentrated in at least one of the apex and the skirt of the liner and decreased in the middle of the liner. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110219856 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING PROPPANT TRANSPORT AND SUSPENDABILITY OF VISCOELASTIC LIQUIDS - A method of determining one or more minimum rheological properties of a particle laden fluid is disclosed. The method includes determining one or more rheological properties of the fluid at a first shear rate, determining the settling velocity of the particles at the first shear rate, and obtaining a transport index for the fluid, the transport index indicating a relationship between the settling velocity and the one or more rheological properties. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110218736 | FORMATION FLUID PROPERTY DETERMINATION - In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to obtain a formation fluid sample from a formation adjacent to a wellbore disposed in a reservoir, determine the sample saturation pressure of the formation fluid sample, repeat obtaining the formation fluid sample and determining the sample saturation pressure over a selected time period or number of samples, and determine a predicted ultimate formation fluid saturation pressure based on multiple determinations of the sample saturation pressure. The sample saturation pressures measured over selected time periods can be used to determine fluid sample contamination. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214876 | FLOW PATH CONTROL BASED ON FLUID CHARACTERISTICS TO THEREBY VARIABLY RESIST FLOW IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition can include a flow passage and a set of one or more branch passages which intersect the flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the passage to the set of branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the flow passage. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow path selection device that selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Yet another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber, with a majority of the fluid composition entering the chamber in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214867 | LEWIS ACID AS GELATION RETARDER FOR CROSSLINKABLE POLYMER COMPOSITIONS - According to one embodiment, a treatment fluid for a well includes: (a) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (b) an organic crosslinker comprising amine groups, wherein the organic crosslinker is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (c) a Lewis acid; and (d) water; wherein the treatment fluid is a crosslinkable polymer composition. According to another embodiment, a method for blocking the permeability of a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided, the method including the steps of: (a) selecting the portion of the subterranean formation to be treated; (b) selecting estimated treatment conditions, wherein the estimated treatment conditions comprise temperature over a treatment time; (c) forming a treatment fluid that is a crosslinkable polymer composition comprising: (i) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (ii) an organic crosslinker comprising amine groups, wherein the organic crosslinker is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (iii) a Lewis acid; and (iv) water; (d) selecting the water-soluble polymer, the crosslinker, the Lewis acid, and the water, and the proportions thereof, such that the gelation time of the treatment fluid is at least 1 hour when tested under the estimated treatment conditions; and (e) injecting the treatment fluid through the wellbore into the portion of the subterranean formation. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214866 | SALT OF WEAK BRONSTED BASE AND BRONSTED ACID AS GELATION RETARDER FR CROSSLINKABLE POLYMER COMPOSITIONS - According to one embodiment, a treatment fluid for a well includes: (a) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (b) an organic crosslinker comprising amine groups, wherein the organic crosslinker is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (c) a salt of a weak Bronsted base and a Bronsted acid; and (d) water; wherein the treatment fluid is a crosslinkable polymer composition. According to another embodiment, a method for blocking the permeability of a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided, the method including the steps of: (a) selecting the portion of the subterranean formation to be treated; (b) selecting estimated treatment conditions, wherein the estimated treatment conditions comprise temperature over a treatment time; (c) forming a treatment fluid that is a crosslinkable polymer composition comprising: (i) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (ii) an organic crosslinker comprising amine groups, wherein the organic crosslinker is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (iii) a salt of a weak Bronsted base and a Bronsted acid; and (iv) water; (d) selecting the water-soluble polymer, the crosslinker, the salt of a weak Bronsted base and a Bronsted acid, and the water, and the proportions thereof, such that the gelation time of the treatment fluid is at least 1 hour when tested under the estimated treatment conditions; and (e) injecting the treatment fluid through the wellbore into the portion of the subterranean formation. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214865 | WEAK ORGANIC ACID AS GELATION RETARDER FOR CROSSLINKABLE POLYMER COMPOSITIONS - According to one embodiment, a treatment fluid for a well includes: (a) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (b) an organic crosslinker comprising amine groups, wherein the organic crosslinker is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (c) a weak organic acid; and (d) water; wherein the treatment fluid is a crosslinkable polymer composition. According to another embodiment, a method for blocking the permeability of a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided, the method including the steps of: (a) selecting the portion of the subterranean formation to be treated; (b) selecting estimated treatment conditions, wherein the estimated treatment conditions comprise temperature over a treatment time; (c) forming a treatment fluid that is a crosslinkable polymer composition comprising: (i) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (ii) an organic crosslinker comprising amine groups, wherein the organic crosslinker is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (iii) a weak organic acid; and (iv) water; (d) selecting the water-soluble polymer, the crosslinker, the weak organic acid, and the water, and the proportions thereof, such that the gelation time of the treatment fluid is at least 1 hour when tested under the estimated treatment conditions; and (e) injecting the treatment fluid through the wellbore into the portion of the subterranean formation. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214861 | System and method for fluid diversion and fluid isolation - A method of cementing a wellbore, comprising delivering a diversion and movable isolation tool into the wellbore and thereby at least partially isolating a first wellbore volume from a second wellbore volume, the second wellbore volume being uphole relative to the first wellbore volume, passing fluid through the diversion and movable isolation tool into the first wellbore volume, substantially discontinuing the passing of fluid through the diversion and movable isolation tool into the first wellbore volume, passing fluid through the diversion and movable isolation tool into the second wellbore volume. A diversion and movable isolation tool for a wellbore, comprising a body comprising selectively actuated radial flow ports, and a fluid isolation assembly, comprising one or more segments, each segment comprising a central ring and at least one tab extending from the central ring. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214857 | AMMONIUM HALIDE AS GELATION RETARDER FOR CROSSLINKABLE POLYMER COMPOSITIONS - According to one embodiment, a treatment fluid for a well includes: (a) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (b) an organic crosslinker capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (c) an ammonium halide; and (d) water. According to another embodiment, a method for blocking the permeability of a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided, the method including the steps of: (a) selecting the portion of the subterranean formation to be treated, wherein the bottomhole temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation is equal to or greater than 250° F. (121° C.); (b) selecting estimated treatment conditions, wherein the estimated treatment conditions comprise temperature over a treatment time; (c) forming a treatment fluid that is a crosslinkable polymer composition comprising: (i) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (ii) an organic crosslinker capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (iii) an ammonium halide; and (iv) water; (d) selecting the water-soluble polymer, the crosslinker, the ammonium halide, and the water, and the proportions thereof, such that the gelation time of the treatment fluid is at least 2 hours when tested under the estimated treatment conditions; and (e) injecting the treatment fluid through the wellbore into the portion of the subterranean formation. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110209881 | Pressure-Activated Valve for Hybrid Coiled Tubing Jointed Tubing Tool String - Embodiments of the hybrid tool string include coiled tubing and jointed tubing, as well as a means typically located at the connection of the coiled and jointed tubing for sealing the fluid flowpath through the bore of the hybrid tool string. Embodiments of the hybrid tool string may use a pressure-activated valve tool attached in series between the coiled tubing and the jointed tubing, which allows for sealing of the bore by application of pressure. Embodiments of the pressure-activated valve tool may use a flapper in conjunction with a sleeve to seal the bore. The novel hybrid tool string may be used to service a well. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110209871 | Perforating Gun Assembly and Method for Controlling Wellbore Pressure Regimes During Perforating - A downhole tool gun string assembly comprises a first perforating gun operable to generate a first pressure at a first location in a wellbore, wherein the first perforating gun comprises a first plurality of perforating charges; a second perforating gun operable to generate a second pressure at a second location in the wellbore, wherein the second pressure is different from the first pressure and the second perforating gun comprises a second plurality of perforating charges, and wherein at least one of the second plurality of perforating charges is operably associated with a secondary pressure generator, where the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun are configured to maintain a pressure at a selected location in the wellbore below a threshold when the first and second perforating guns are activated substantially concurrently. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110209868 | FRACTURING A STRESS-ALTERED SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION - A well bore in a subterranean formation includes a signaling subsystem communicably coupled to injection tools installed in the well bore. Each injection tool controls a flow of fluid into an interval of the formation based on a state of the injection tool. Stresses in the subterranean formation are altered by creating fractures in the formation. Control signals are sent from the well bore surface through the signaling subsystem to the injection tools to modify the states of one or more of the injection tools. Fluid is injected into the stress-altered subterranean formation through the injection tools to create a fracture network in the subterranean formation. In some implementations, the state of each injection tool can be selectively and repeatedly manipulated based on signals transmitted from the well bore surface. In some implementations, stresses are modified and/or the fracture network is created along a substantial portion and/or the entire length of a horizontal well bore. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110204897 | Method and Apparatus with High Resolution Electrode Configuration for Imaging in Oil-Based Muds - Various disclosed resistivity imaging tools and methods provide a high-resolution electrode configuration for imaging in oil-based imaging in oil-based muds. Some tool embodiments have a sensing surface that comprises: a measurement electrode, a focus electrode surrounding the measurement electrode, and a return electrode surrounding the focus electrode. The sensing surface can be provided on an extendable sensor pad or on the wall-contacting portion of a stabilizer. Some method embodiments include measuring the measurement electrode current while driving a voltage signal between the measurement electrode and the return electrode. The voltage signal may simultaneously or sequentially provide energy at different frequencies. The resistivity measurements are combined with tool position and orientation measurements to form a borehole wall image. Robust and reliable performance is expected in the hostile conditions often experienced by logging while drilling (LWD) tools, coupled with the ability to make micro-resistivity measurements with a resolution approaching that of electrode-grid tool designs. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110204217 | Salt Concentration Logging Systems and Methods - Water salinity and water saturation measurements are enhanced by systems and methods for logging salt concentration in formation fluids. Some tool embodiments augment a neutron porosity logging tool with a gamma ray detector configured to measure the rate at which hydrogen nuclei capture neutrons from a neutron source. The ratio of the hydrogen-capture gamma ray count rate to the neutron flux can be combined with a porosity measurement to derive the salt concentration in the formation fluids. When the salt concentration is further combined with resistivity measurements, the water salinity and water saturation can be derived. Some tool embodiments employ a continuous neutron source, Helium-3 filled neutron detectors, and a gamma ray detector that is the same distance from the source as one of the neutron detectors. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110204216 | GAMMA-GAMMA DENSITY MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR HIGH-PRESSURE, HIGH-TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS - A downhole gamma ray density measurement system is described. The gamma ray density measurement system includes a pressure housing and a gamma ray source within the pressure housing. One or more detectors within the pressure housing detect gamma radiation. One or more low-attenuation inserts may be located in the pressure housing near the gamma ray source and/or one or more of the detectors. One or more high-attenuation inserts may be located in the pressure housing near the gamma ray source and/or one or more of the detectors. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110203845 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING DRILLING SPEED - This invention presents various embodiments, including a system and a method, in which pressure-while-drilling data is gathered at a drilling rig and compared to modeled ECD pressure data related to the bore hole. The actual and modeled data are statistically analyzed to generate standard deviation data, which is used to infer information about how rapid a rate of penetration may safely be employed to optimize drilling results. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110203802 | PRESSURE CONTROL DEVICE WITH REMOTE ORIENTATION RELATIVE TO A RIG - A method of maintaining a substantially fixed orientation of a pressure control device relative to a movable rig can include rotating a body of the pressure control device while the rig rotates. A method of remotely controlling an orientation of a pressure control device relative to a movable rig can include rotating a body of the pressure control device, and controlling the rotation of the body from a location on the rig remote from the body. A pressure control device for use in conjunction with a rig can include a body, a flange, an orientation device which changes a rotational orientation of the body relative to the flange, and an orientation control system which remotely controls the orientation device. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110203798 | Downhole Thermal Component Temperature Management System and Method - A system for temperature management of a downhole thermal component includes a heat exchanger thermally coupled with the thermal component and a heat exhausting temperature management system thermally coupled with the thermal component and the heat exchanger to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger. The system may include an electrical device coupled between the thermal component and the heat exchanger and a power source to provide an energy flow to the electrical device to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger. The system may include a thermoelectric cooler coupled between the thermal component and the heat exchanger. A method includes energizing an electrical device or a thermoelectric cooler to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110202276 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DOWNHOLE FLUID TYPING WITH PULSED NEUTRON LOGGING - Downhole fluid typing with pulsed neutron logging. A method comprises obtaining gamma count rates at a particular borehole depth; calculating a fluid type indicative response value for the borehole depth; determining at least one fluid type based on the response value for the particular borehole depth; and producing a display of the at least one fluid type corresponding to the borehole depth. A system comprises a downhole tool comprising a neutron source and at least one gamma detector; gamma count rates produced due to gamma arrivals at the gamma detector(s); and a processor coupled to a memory, wherein the memory stores a program that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: calculate a fluid type indicative response value for a particular borehole depth based on the gamma count rates; and determine at least one fluid type based on the response value for the particular borehole depth. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110202275 | DETERMINING FLUID PRESSURE - A wellbore fluid pressure measurement system includes a densometer adapted to measure a fluid density of a fluid flowing in a tubing system; and a monitoring unit communicably coupled to the densometer. The monitoring unit is adapted to receive a plurality of values representative of the fluid density from the densometer and includes a memory adapted to store the plurality of values representative of the fluid density; and one or more processors operable to execute a fluid pressure measurement module. The module is operable when executed to determine a fluid pressure of the fluid based on at least a portion of the values representative of the fluid density. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110199610 | THIN-LAYER POROUS OPTICAL SENSORS FOR GASES AND OTHER FLUIDS - A gas sensor uses optical interferents in a porous thin film cell to measure the refractive index of the pore medium. As the medium within the pores changes, spectral variations can be detected. For example, as the pores are filled with a solution, the characteristic peaks exhibit a spectral shift in one direction. Conversely, when tiny amounts of gas are produced, the peaks shift in the opposite direction. This can be used to measure gas evolution, humidity and for applications for other interferometric-based sensing devices. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110199228 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, placing the wellbore composition in the wellbore, obtaining data from the MEMS sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore, and telemetrically transmitting the data from an interior of the wellbore to an exterior of the wellbore using a conduit positioned in the wellbore. A system, comprising a wellbore extending the earth's surface, a conduit positioned in the wellbore, a wellbore composition positioned in the wellbore, the wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors, and a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore and adapted to obtain data from the MEMS sensors and telemetrically transmit the data from an interior of the wellbore to an entrance of the wellbore via the conduit. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110199088 | Electromagnetic Wave Resistivity Tool Having A Tilted Antenna For Determining The Horizontal And Vertical Resistivities And Relative Dip Angle In Anisotropic Earth Formations - This invention is directed to a downhole method and apparatus for simultaneously determining the horizontal resistivity, vertical resistivity, and relative dip angle for anisotropic earth formations. The present invention accomplishes this objective by using an antenna configuration in which a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna are oriented in non-parallel planes such that the vertical resistivity and the relative dip angle are decoupled. Preferably, either the transmitter or the receiver is mounted in a conventional orientation in a first plane that is normal to the tool axis, and the other antenna is mounted in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane. Although this invention is primarily intended for MWD or LWD applications, this invention is also applicable to wireline and possibly other applications. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110196612 | DEVICE ORIENTATION DETERMINATION - In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to obtain hole azimuth data or inclination data associated with a chassis (e.g., comprising a measurement or logging tool) in a borehole using interpolated data or survey data, and to determine magnetic field orientation of the chassis using a portion of the hole azimuth data, a portion of the inclination data, relative bearing data, and Earth magnetic field orientation data by reconstructing at least a portion of borehole magnetic field data that is corrupt or missing. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110192599 | System and method for determining position within a wellbore - A method of locating a wellbore feature, comprising delivering a mechanical position determination tool into the wellbore, selectively causing an undulating curvature of the mechanical position determination tool in response to a change in a fluid pressure, moving the mechanical position determination tool along a longitudinal length of the wellbore, and sensing a change in resistance to continued movement of the mechanical position determination tool. A mechanical position location tool for a wellbore, comprising pressure actuated elements configured to cooperate to selectively provide an unactuated state in which the mechanical position location tool lies substantially along a longitudinal axis and the pressure actuated elements further configured to cooperate to selectively lie increasingly deviated from the longitudinal axis in response to a change in pressure applied to the mechanical position location tool. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110192598 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in at least a portion of a sealant composition, placing the sealant composition in an annular space formed between a casing and the wellbore wall, and monitoring, via the MEMS sensors, the sealant composition and/or the annular space for a presence of gas, water, or both. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, placing the wellbore composition in the wellbore, and monitoring, via the MEMS sensors, the wellbore and/or the surrounding formation for movement. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110192597 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, pumping the wellbore composition into the wellbore at a flow rate, determining velocities of the MEMS sensors along a length of the wellbore, and determining an approximate cross-sectional area profile of the wellbore along the length of the wellbore from at least the velocities of the MEMS sensors and the fluid flow rate. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, pumping the wellbore composition into the wellbore, determining positions of the MEMS sensors relative to one or more known positions along a length of the wellbore, and determining an approximate cross-sectional area profile of the wellbore along the length of the wellbore from at least the determined positions of the MEMS sensors. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110192594 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, flowing the wellbore composition in the wellbore, and determining one or more fluid flow properties or characteristics of the wellbore composition from data provided by the MEMS sensors during the flowing of the wellbore composition. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in at least a portion of a spacer fluid, a sealant composition, or both, pumping the spacer fluid followed by the sealant composition into the wellbore, and determining one or more fluid flow properties or characteristics of the spacer fluid and/or the cement composition from data provided by the MEMS sensors during the pumping of the spacer fluid and sealant composition into the wellbore. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110192593 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing at least one piece of equipment in the wellbore comprising micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensors, wherein the MEMS sensors are disposed in one or more composite or resin portions of the equipment, and gathering wellbore data from the MEMS sensors. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing at least one piece of equipment in the wellbore comprising a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensor data interrogation unit, wherein the data interrogation unit is disposed in one or more composite or resin portions of the equipment, and gathering wellbore data from MEMS sensors located in the wellbore via the data interrogation unit. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110192592 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing into a wellbore a first wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors having a first identifier, and determining positions in the wellbore of the MEMS sensors having the first identifiers. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing into a wellbore a first wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors having a first identifier, placing into the wellbore a second wellbore composition comprising a plurality of MEMS sensors having first identifier, and determining positions in the wellbore of the MEMS sensors having the first identifier, wherein the MEMS sensors of the first wellbore composition are added to a portion of the first wellbore composition added to the wellbore prior to a remainder of the first wellbore composition, and the MEMS sensors of the second wellbore composition are added to a portion of the second wellbore composition added to the wellbore prior to a remainder of the second wellbore composition. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110187556 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, placing the wellbore composition in the wellbore, and obtaining data from the MEMS sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, placing the wellbore composition in the wellbore, forming a network comprising the MEMS sensors, and transferring data obtained by the MEMS sensors from an interior of the wellbore to an exterior of the wellbore via the network. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110187553 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY - An electromagnetic telemetry repeater. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising inducing an electrical signal along a metallic tubular (the electrical signal carrying the information and the inducing within a borehole beneath the ocean floor), sensing an electric field proximate to the ocean floor, sensing a magnetic field proximate to the ocean floor, recreating the information using one sensed field as indicative of the information and the other sensed field as indicative of the noise, and sending the information toward the ocean surface. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110186721 | NUCLEAR LOGGING TOOL CALIBRATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A nuclear logging tool calibration system and method. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including placing a logging tool proximate to a volume to be tested (the logging tool comprising a neutron source and a gamma detector), accumulating a spectrum of gammas by the gamma detector (the gammas created responsive to neutron irradiation of the volume by the neutron source), and then adjusting gain of a photomultiplier tube of the gamma detector. The adjusting is responsive to count rate in an overflow bin of the spectrum, where the overflow bin accumulates count rate of gammas received by the gamma detector that have energy above a predetermined energy. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110186290 | Use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in Well Treatments - A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in the wellbore, placing a plurality of acoustic sensors in the wellbore, obtaining data from the MEMS sensors and data from the acoustic sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore, and transmitting the data obtained from the MEMS sensors and the acoustic sensors from an interior of the wellbore to an exterior of the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in the wellbore, and obtaining data from the MEMS sensors using a plurality of data interrogation units spaced along a length of the wellbore, wherein one or more of the data interrogation units is powered by a turbo generator or a thermoelectric generator located in the wellbore. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110180327 | Mulitmodal Geosteering Systems and Methods - Multimodal geosteering systems and methods are disclosed. Some disclosed tool embodiments include first and second transmitter-receiver arrangements that make geosteering measurements using different forms of energy (such as acoustic and electromagnetic energy) to provide geosteering measurements that at least indicate a boundary direction but may also indicate a boundary distance. Some disclosed method embodiments include: determining a direction to a bed boundary using measurements with different energy types; and adjusting a drilling direction based at least in part on said determination. Combinations of (or selections between) the different measurements may be made based on, inter alia, measurement range, resolution, and contrast. Some disclosed system embodiments include a memory and a processor. The memory stores geosteering display software that configures the processor to generate an image with different regions based on the different types of geosteering measurements. Characteristics such as opacity, resolution, and intensity may visually distinguish the different regions. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110180264 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FILLING A VOID INCOMPLETELY FILLED BY A CAST MATERIAL - A method and a device for sealing a void incompletely filled with a cast material, in which an expandable material is placed in the void which is to be filled with a cast material, the expandable material expanding, when expanding after the cast material has cured, into spaces which are not filled with cast material. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110175899 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING LOGGING DATA - Borehole data presentation systems and methods that facilitate communication of volumetric logging data to a surface processing system for presentation to a driller or other user interested in visualizing the formations surrounding a borehole. The disclosed systems optionally tailor the telemetry stream to match the chosen display technique, thereby maximizing the logging system utility for the driller. Variable opacity of certain data regions or certain data discontinuities greatly facilitates data comprehension, particularly when true three-dimensional display technologies are employed. Holographic or stereoscopic display technologies may be employed to show the three-dimensional dependence of measured formation properties such as resistivity, density, and porosity. Alternatively, the radial axis can be used to represent a formation parameter value, thereby enabling cylindrical cross-plots of multiple measurements. The user can control viewing position and orientation to more fully explore the three dimensional representation. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174541 | Method and System for Predicting Performance of a Drilling System - A system for drilling a well comprises a drill string in a wellbore having a bit at a distal end thereof. At least one sensor measures a drilling parameter. A computer controller has a set of instructions stored therein to process the measured drilling parameter over a drilled interval to calculate, in substantially real time, an updated friction slope and an updated worn bit slope and to calculate an updated drilling parameter for at least a portion of the well-based on the updated friction slope and the updated worn bit slope. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174504 | WELL TOOLS OPERABLE VIA THERMAL EXPANSION RESULTING FROM REACTIVE MATERIALS - Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174489 | FRACTURING/GRAVEL PACKING TOOL SYSTEM WITH DUAL FLOW CAPABILITIES - A fracturing/gravel packing tool system with dual flow capabilities. A method of treating a well includes the steps of: flowing a fluid into the well through a work string while simultaneously flowing another fluid into the well through an annulus; and directing each of the fluids to the exterior of a well screen in the well. A well treatment system includes a slurry and a fluid flowed into a well. The slurry has an initial density, but the fluid is mixed with the slurry in the well, thereby causing the slurry to have a reduced density in the well. Another method of treating a well includes the steps of: installing a gravel packing assembly including a well screen in the well; flowing a slurry and a fluid into the well; mixing the slurry with the fluid, thereby reducing a density of the slurry in the well; and flowing the reduced density slurry about an exterior of the well screen. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174487 | OPTIMIZING WELLBORE PERFORATIONS USING UNDERBALANCE PULSATIONS - A perforating system and method for use in a wellbore. In operation, the perforating system is disposed in the wellbore and used to form perforations in the wellbore. Thereafter, the perforating system is used to perform a sequence of underbalance pulsations in the wellbore, wherein a first underbalance pulsation has a first underbalance signature and a second underbalance pulsation has a second underbalance signature that is different from the first underbalance signature such that perforating tunnel clean up can be optimized based upon wellbore conditions and without causing damage to the perforating tunnels. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174486 | Wellbore Perforation Tool - A wellbore perforation tool is provided. The tool comprises an explosive charge, a tool body containing the explosive charge, and a flowable material carried with the tool. The flowable material is released by detonation of the explosive charge and, after perforation of the tool body by the explosive charge to form an aperture in the tool body, flows to form at least a partial barrier of the aperture. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174484 | WELL TOOLS OPERABLE VIA THERMAL EXPANSION RESULTING FROM REACTIVE MATERIALS - Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174480 | Pressure Relieving Transition Joint - A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided. The method comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174068 | Wireline Conveyed Single Phase Fluid Sampling Apparatus and Method for Use of Same - An apparatus ( | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110170844 | Steam Generator - A method of generating steam by moving at least a portion of an electrically conductive fluid body along a curved path, passing an electrical current through at least a portion of the fluid body that is moving along the curved path, and vaporizing at least a portion of the fluid body. A steam generating apparatus having a first hydrocyclone configured to promote a rotational kinetic characteristic of a fluid body introduced into the first hydrocyclone and a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver an electrical current to the fluid body. A method of servicing a wellbore by providing a fluid body with rotational kinetic characteristics, passing an electrical current through the fluid body to heat the fluid body, converting liquid of the fluid body to vapor, and delivering the vapor to the wellbore. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168450 | DRILL BIT BEARING CONTACT PRESSURE REDUCTION - A method of reducing contact pressure between bearing surfaces of a drill bit can include constructing a structure which supports one bearing surface in contact with the other bearing surface, and reducing contact pressure between the bearing surfaces by relieving strain energy in the structure. A drill bit can include one bearing surface which contacts another bearing surface. There is a transition between contact and lack of contact between the bearing surfaces. A structure supporting one of the bearing surfaces has a reduced stiffness, whereby a contact pressure between the bearing surfaces is reduced at the transition. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168408 | SETTING TOOL FOR EXPANDABLE LINER HANGER AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A setting tool for an expandable liner hanger. A method includes the steps of: releasably securing the setting tool to the hanger, the setting tool including an expansion cone for displacing through the hanger; and conveying the setting tool and hanger into the well on a generally tubular work string while no portion of the hanger extends longitudinally between the expansion cone and the work string. A setting tool includes an expansion cone, which is displaceable through the liner hanger to expand the hanger; at least one piston positioned on one side of the expansion cone; and an anchoring device for releasably securing the setting tool to the liner hanger, the anchoring device being positioned on an opposite side of the expansion cone. The expansion cone is pressure balanced between its two sides when the expansion cone is displaced through the liner hanger. | 07-14-2011 |
