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High-pressure/high temperature packer seal

Patent Number: 8109340
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventors: Robinson, Samuel I.; Doane, James C.

A packer device includes an elastomeric packer element which is seated upon an inner sleeve that surrounds a central inner mandrel. The inner sleeve and the inner mandrel are oriented at an angle of departure with respect to the central axis of the tool, thereby providing a ramp assembly which helps to set the packer device. An anchor ring and a retaining ring are located on opposite axial sides of the packer element and contact the surrounding tubular ...

Zero backlash downhole setting tool and method

Patent Number: 8109339
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventor: Xu, Richard YingQing

A zero backlash downhole setting tool including a mandrel; a body lock ring at the mandrel; a setting sleeve in operable communication with a device to be set; a rotary take-up in tensile force transmissive contact with the device to be set; and a follower housing configured to follow the rotary take-up in a first mode of operation and extend away therefrom in another mode of operation, the follower being engaged with the body lock ring and ...

Pipe section guide system with flexible member

Patent Number: 8109338
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventor: Belik, Jaroslav

A pipe handling system includes a lifting mechanism coupled to an upper end of a pipe above a free end of the pipe, and a guide system operable to engage the pipe and control lateral movement of the pipe as it is moved between a storage position and a well center position, the guide system including a pair of support members including extendable end portions and a flexible pipe guide coupled between the extendable end portions. In some embodiments, the guide system includes a pair of ...

Alignment of BOP stack to facilitate use of a rotating control device

Patent Number: 8109337
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventor: Parlee, James Clinton Thomas

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 ...

Method of fracturing using ultra lightweight proppant suspensions and gaseous streams

Patent Number: 8109336
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventors: Beall, Brian B.; Myers, Roger R.; Newhall, Chandler C.; Wheeler, Richard S.; Ward, Brian; Brannon, Harold D.

In a method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, a proppant stage is introduced into the fracture which contains a gaseous fluid and an ultra lightweight proppant suspended in a viscosified aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the proppant stage contains at least about 90 volume percent of the combination of gaseous fluid and aqueous fluid. A pad fluid may first be introduced into the formation, the pad fluid containing a gaseous fluid and, optionally, an ...

Degradable diverting agents and associated methods

Patent Number: 8109335
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventors: Luo, Hongyu; Fulton, Dwight D.

Methods and compositions that include a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising at least a plurality of degradable diverting agents that comprise at least one degradable material selected from the group consisting of a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid salt, a fatty ester, a proteinous material, and a combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation during a subterranean operation via a well ...

Sampling and evaluation of subterranean formation fluid

Patent Number: 8109334
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventor: Goodwin, Anthony R. H.

A method of sampling a subterranean formation fluid may comprise extracting a first fluid sample from a portion of the subterranean formation, altering a temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation, and extracting a second fluid sample from the portion of the subterranean formation having altered temperature. The temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation may be altered based on the relative position of a subterranean formation fluid temperature and the multiphase ...

Indicator and method

Patent Number: 8109333
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventor: Yee, Chee Kong

An indicator comprising a band having a first radial dimension; one or more protectors having a greater radial dimension and disposed sufficiently proximate the band to substantially avoid wear of the band during running of the indicator and ...

Method of optimizing production of a well

Patent Number: 8109332
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventor: Levy, Warren Michael

A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which ...

Slickline conveyed debris management system

Patent Number: 8109331
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventors: Lynde, Gerald D.; Xu, Yang

A wellbore cleanup tool is run on slickline. It has an onboard power supply and circulation pump. Inlet flow is at the lower end into an inlet pipe that keeps up fluid velocity. The inlet pipe opens to a surrounding annular volume for sand containment and the fluid continues through a screen and into the pump for eventual exhaust back into the water in the wellbore. A modular structure is envisioned to add debris carrying capacity. Various ways to energize the device are possible. Other ...

Inline choke and angled choke for use with oil field equipment

Patent Number: 8109330
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventor: Miller, James Otis

An angled or inline choke for flowing drilling fluid to a choke and kill manifold, wherein the choke has a body with a bore, a connection can be sealed to the body and can have a connection bore in communication with the bore. A locking plate can index the connection to the body. The choke can have a cavity with a piston. A port can be in communication with the cavity to provide a hydraulic fluid to the piston. A choke bean in the bore can flow drilling fluid to the choke and kill manifold. ...

Split-coil, redundant annular coupler for wired downhole telemetry

Patent Number: 8109329
Publication Date: 2012-02-07
Inventors: Bartholomew, David; Bray, Jeff

An annular coupler for transmitting data across a tool joint may include a first coupler segment spanning a first portion of the circumference of the annular coupler. The annular coupler may further include a second coupler segment, electrically insulated from the first coupler segment, which spans a second portion of the circumference of the annular coupler. In selected aspects, the first and second portions do not overlap one another along the circumference. In certain aspects, the first ...

Apparatus and method for processing fluids from a well

Patent Number: 8104541
Publication Date: 2012-01-31
Inventors: Reid, John; Donald, Ian

A system, including a first module (35b) configured to process fluid from a well, wherein the first module (35b) includes a processing device coupleable to a manifold (5), a first access tunnel (4b) extending through the processing device, wherein the access tunnel (4b) is configured to provide access to the manifold (5), a processing input (18a), and a processing output (19a). Further provided ...

Completion tool

Patent Number: 8104540
Publication Date: 2012-01-31
Inventor: Leitch, Andrew

A differential pressure operated blanking tool includes a Y-tool having first and second limbs connected together via a throat. A ball valve is selectively positionable to close one or other limb of the Y-tube against fluid flow. A housing has an opening in one side thereof of a size sufficient to allow the hall to pass through, and an actuator mounted on the second limb and in the housing wherein fluid flow within the tool carries the ball valve through the opening in the housing to a ...

Bottom hole assembly for subterranean operations

Patent Number: 8104539
Publication Date: 2012-01-31
Inventors: East, Jr., Loyd E.; Stanojcic, Milorad; Surjaatmadja, Jim; Smith, Malcolm J.

Methods and systems for stimulating a wellbore. A coil tubing bottom hole assembly is disclosed which includes a jetting tool. A non-caged ball sub is coupled to the jetting tool and a ported sub is coupled to the non-caged ball sub. Additionally, a caged ball sub is coupled to the ported ...

Fracturing with telescoping members and sealing the annular space

Patent Number: 8104538
Publication Date: 2012-01-31
Inventors: Xu, Yang; Richard, Bennett M.

A fracturing operation is done in open hole. The annular space is spanned by telescoping members that are located behind isolation valves. A given bank of telescoping members can be uncovered and the telescoping members extended to span the annular space and engage the formation in a sealing manner. Pressurized fracturing fluid can be pumped through the telescoped passages and the portion of the desired formation fractured. In a proper formation, cementing is not needed to maintain wellbore ...

Method of developing subsurface freeze zone

Patent Number: 8104537
Publication Date: 2012-01-31
Inventor: Kaminsky, Robert D.

A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., comprising oil shale, includes injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore. The wellbore is completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation, and the wellbore includes a bore formed through the subsurface formation defining a diameter. The cooling fluid comprises a slurry having particles of frozen material. The cooling fluid is circulated across the formation in order to lower the temperature of at ...

Kerogen extraction from subterranean oil shale resources

Patent Number: 8104536
Publication Date: 2012-01-31
Inventors: Hollis, Kirk; Taylor, Craig; Wigand, Marcus; Looney, Mark Dean; Kinkead, Scott; Lestz, Robert Steven

The present invention is directed to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations, wherein such methods rely on fracturing and/or rubblizing portions of said formations so as to enhance their fluid permeability, and wherein such methods further rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen so as to render it mobile. The present invention is also directed at systems for implementing at least some of the foregoing methods. Additionally, the ...

Method of improving waterflood performance using barrier fractures and inflow control devices

Patent Number: 8104535
Publication Date: 2012-01-31
Inventors: East, Jr., Loyd E.; Sierra, Leopoldo; Soliman, Mohamed Y.

The present invention is directed to a method of hydrocarbon production from a hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes providing a substantially horizontal wellbore having at least one productive interval within a hydrocarbon reservoir and forming at least one non-conductive transverse fracture in the reservoir along the substantially horizontal wellbore. An injection well is also provided. A fluid is injected into the reservoir through the injection well to displace hydrocarbons within ...

Mechanical seal and lock for tubing conveyed pump system

Patent Number: 8104534
Publication Date: 2012-01-31
Inventors: Olson, David L.; Prather, Josh T.

A through tubing conveyed electrical submersible pumping system for use in a wellbore. The system includes a tubing string with an attached deployed drive system having a pump motor and a pump engaging receptacle, a pumping assembly insertable into the tubing deployed system, and sealing elements on both the tubing string and pumping assembly. Engaging the sealing elements while inserting the pumping assembly forms a seal. The system further includes mating latch members on the pumping ...

Methods for swelling swellable elements in a portion of a well using a water-in-oil emulsion

Patent Number: 8100190
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: McCabe, Michael A.; Rickman, Richard D.; Blauch, Matt E.; Allison, David B.; Weaver, Jimmie D.

A method is provided for swelling hydrocarbon-swellable elements located in a portion of a well. The method comprises the steps of: (A) introducing a water-in-oil emulsion into the portion of the well, wherein the water-in-oil emulsion comprises: (i) a hydrocarbon liquid, wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is the external phase of the water-in-oil emulsion; (ii) an aqueous liquid, wherein the aqueous liquid is an internal phase of the water-in-oil emulsion and wherein the aqueous liquid is ...

System and method for dynamic sealing of a drill string

Patent Number: 8100189
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Edvardson, Per Espen; Askeland, Tom Kjetil

A system and a method are described for a dynamic seal around a drill stem that moves into or out of water carrying, drilling fluid carrying or hydrocarbon carrying wells. The sealing arrangement (10) comprises an elongated sealing unit (30) that is arranged to envelop the drill stem (16), and a receiver unit (40) that is mounted to said existing equipment on the well and which is arranged to receive the elongated sealing unit (30), and that internal ...

Setting tool for expandable liner hanger and associated methods

Patent Number: 8100188
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventor: Watson, Brock W.

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 ...

Multipurpose tubular running tool

Patent Number: 8100187
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Begnaud, Brian David; Bouligny, Vernon J; Webre, Charles Michael

A tubular running tool includes a mandrel assembly having an upper mandrel, a lower mandrel and a mid-mandrel, wherein the upper mandrel, the lower mandrel and the mid-mandrel rotate in unison; the lower mandrel having a tubular gripping portion; a slip disposed with the tubular gripping portion; the mid-mandrel forming a bore between a top end and a bottom end, the top end forming a slip-joint with the upper mandrel; and an actuator mechanism disposed with the mid-mandrel, the actuator ...

Expansion system for expandable tubulars and method of expanding thereof

Patent Number: 8100186
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventor: Noel, Gregory Marshall

Methods and apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member using a lower expansion cone and an upper expandable cone. The apparatus includes an expandable tubular, a support member releasably secured to the expandable tubular, and an extendable section below where the support member is releasably anchored. An upper expandable cone is attached to the extendable section and in a retracted state and an anchor is disposed below the upper expandable cone. ...

Multi-lock adapters for independent screwed wellheads and methods of using same

Patent Number: 8100185
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Dallas, L. Murray; McGuire, Bob

A multi-lock adapter used to inject high-pressure well stimulation fluids through an independent screwed wellhead includes an adapter pin having a central passageway with an internal diameter at least as large as a passageway through the wellhead. A lockdown flange secures the adapter pin to a casing mandrel of the wellhead. The lockdown flange ensures that stress on connection points to the screwed independent wellhead due to elevated fluid pressures used for well stimulation procedures ...

Collection and lift modules for use in a wellbore

Patent Number: 8100184
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventor: Khoshnevis, Behrokh

A system for a gas-producing wellbore comprises a collection module disposed about a gas-production conduit in the wellbore, the collection module comprising a collection chamber disposed about the gas-production conduit. The system further comprises one or more lift modules for applying a differential between pressure of gas in the gas-production conduit and pressure of the ...

Reinforced polymeric siphon tubes

Patent Number: 8100183
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Fish, Jr., Robert B.; Maurer, Heinrich F.; Mestemacher, Steven A.; Van Der Lelij, Adam J.

A siphon tube having a polymeric material into which at least one continuous reinforcing agent is embedded, and wherein the at least one reinforcing agent runs substantially the length of the siphon tube. The polymer material can be one or more polymers selected from one or more high density polyethylenes, one or more polyamides, and one or more ...

Loose tube flying lead assembly

Patent Number: 8100182
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Smith, Ronald E.; Theobald, John

In combination, the loose tube flying lead includes: a) a pair of improved cobra head assemblies, each being able to receive a variety of different stab-plates with minimal modification; b) a pair of bend limiters, one extending from each cobra head assembly and c) an elongate bundle of non-constrained interior conduits surrounded by an over-hose, the over-hose being connected to each bend limiter. The over-hose may rotate independently of the bend limiters and the cobra head ...

Surface controlled subsurface safety valve having integral pack-off

Patent Number: 8100181
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Jones, Richard C.; Perez, Paul; Cain, Brandon; Travis, Todd; Jacob, Jean-Luc; Calzoncinth, Eric

A safety valve apparatus has a housing with a bore and a projection in the bore. A flapper rotatably disposed on the housing is movable relative to the bore between opened and closed positions, and a packing element disposed on the housing is compressible to engage an inner conduit wall surrounding the housing. An upper sleeve disposed within the bore above the projection is hydraulically movable from a first position to a second position via the hydraulic communication with a port in the ...

Method of servicing a wellbore with a sealant composition comprising solid latex

Patent Number: 8100180
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Gordon, Christopher L.; Reddy, B. Raghava; Sweatman, Ronald E.

A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a sealant composition comprising solid latex into the ...

Production and delivery of a fluid mixture to an annular volume of a wellbore

Patent Number: 8100179
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Daniel, John M.; Hermes, Robert E.; Gonzalez, Manuel E.; Bloys, James B.; Bland, Ronald Gene; Foley, Ron Lee; Robinson, Ian M.; Carpenter, Robert B.

The methods described herein generally relate to preparing and delivering a fluid mixture to a confined volume, specifically an annular volume located between two concentrically oriented casing strings within a hydrocarbon fluid producing well. The fluid mixtures disclosed herein are useful in controlling pressure in localized volumes. The fluid mixtures comprise at least one polymerizable monomer and at least one inhibitor. The processes and methods disclosed herein allow the fluid mixture ...

Method of oil recovery using a foamy oil-external emulsion

Patent Number: 8100178
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Bragg, James R.; Leonardi, Sergio A.; Kaminsky, Robert D.

An improved method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation in which a solids-stabilized emulsion (SSE) is formed, the SSE comprising oil as a first liquid, droplets of a second liquid suspended in the oil, and solid particles that are insoluble in both the oil and the second liquid at the conditions of the subterranean formation. The SSE with dissolved gas is injected into the subterranean formation as a drive fluid, and at least a portion of the SSE is placed into one or ...

Method of logging a well using a thermal neutron absorbing material

Patent Number: 8100177
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Smith, Jr., Harry D.; Duenckel, Robert

A method for determining the location and height of a fracture in a subterranean formation using a neutron emitting logging tool. The method includes obtaining a pre-fracture data set, fracturing the formation with a slurry that includes a proppant doped with a high thermal neutron capture cross-section material, obtaining a post-fracture data set, comparing the pre-fracture data set and the post-fracture data set to determine the location of the proppant, and correlating the location of ...

Device for removing liquids from the well-bore of a gas producing well

Patent Number: 8100176
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Minescu, Florea; Ispas, Valentin

A device for liquid removal from a drilled hole equipped for gas production from an underground accumulation, under the conditions in which a downward liquid film flow on the tubing string wall occurs, the device comprising a long lower inner liner (4) whose upper end (b) is beveled, surrounded by an “M”-shaped short-circuiting pipe (7), provided with short vertical portions (j and k), which, at the lower side, are secured to elbows (l and m) of an “M”-shaped discharge ...

Fracturing head with replaceable inserts for improved wear resistance and method of refurbishing same

Patent Number: 8100175
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventors: Dallas, L. Murray; McGuire, Bob

Fracturing heads with one or more replaceable wear-resistant inserts have annular sealing elements for inhibiting fracturing fluids from circulating between the inserts and a main body of the fracturing head. Worn inserts and degraded sealing elements are easily replaced to refurbish the fracturing head without replacing or rebuilding the main body. Service life of the main body is therefore significantly prolonged. In one embodiment, an entire flow path through the main body is lined with ...

Drill fluid collecting device and method of use

Patent Number: 8100174
Publication Date: 2012-01-24
Inventor: Halse, Helge-Ruben

A drill fluid collecting device, in which a space between a power tong (2) and a backup tong (4) is provided with collecting means, and in which, on their respective sides facing the space, the power tong (2) and the backup tong (4) are provided with a seal (56, 62) which is sealingly movable against a pipe (20, 22) located in the tongs and sealingly connected to its respective tong (2, ...

Hydraulic control system

Patent Number: 8096365
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventor: Baggs, Christopher David

A hydraulic control system for controlling an external device (4) at a well installation includes a control module (2) for generating electrical and/or optical control signals. A control pod (8) receives the control signals, the control pod controlling the external device. A hydraulic line (10) links the control pod to the external device (4) for controlling ...

Umbilical deployment system

Patent Number: 8096364
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventor: Dursley, Paul

A method for providing an umbilical connection for a well installation, the well installation being located at the bed or floor of a body of water, comprises the steps of providing an umbilical with first and second ends and prior to operative deployment of the umbilical, locating the umbilical such that at least a portion of the umbilical is substantially statically retained within the body of water. Additionally, an umbilical deployment system for a well installation located at the bed or ...

Circulation control valve and associated method

Patent Number: 8096363
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventor: Williamson, Jr., Jimmie R.

A circulation control valve can include first and second valve devices and at least one opening which provides fluid communication between an interior longitudinal flow passage and an exterior of the valve. Fluid communication can be provided through each of the first and second valve devices in response to application of a respective one of first and second pressure differentials applied across the corresponding valve device via the interior longitudinal flow passage. Fluid communication ...

Phase-controlled well flow control and associated methods

Patent Number: 8096362
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventors: Steele, David J.; Pipkin, Robert L.; Cavender, Travis W.; Schultz, Roger L.; Funkhouser, Gary P.

Phase-controlled well flow control. A well system includes a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid in the well system, the flow control device being responsive to both pressure and temperature in the well system to regulate flow of the fluid. A flow control device includes a flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid through the flow control device, and an actuator which is operative to actuate the flow regulator in response to a predetermined relationship between a phase ...

Stimulated oil production using reactive fluids

Patent Number: 8096361
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventor: Willberg, Dean

A method of stimulating production from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising pumping a fluid from the well into the formation so as to create a hydraulic fracture. The fluid contains one or more reactive species that destabilize cohesive forces in the formation matrix. The method allows the fluid to leak of into the formation and react with the formation matrix so as to produce a destabilized zone in the formation around the location of the fracture such the ...

Alkaline β-mannanase containing compositions useful for the hydrolysis of guar in high pH environments and methods related thereto

Patent Number: 8096360
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventor: Armstrong, Charles David

Methods and compositions of fracturing formations are provided. The fracturing fluid includes an enzyme breaker that decreases the viscosity of the fracturing fluid over time. The enzyme breaker can be used in environments having a pH value ranging from about 7 to about ...

Method of cementing using polymeric retarder

Patent Number: 8096359
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventor: Bray, Windal S.

Set retarders of copolymers of at least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer and at least one alkoxylated sulfate, phosphate or ketonic salt are capable of delaying the hardening of a cementitious slurry when introduced into a subterranean formation until a downhole temperature greater than or equal to 500° F. is obtained, even in the absence of an intensifier. The ethylenically unsaturated monomer is preferably a carboxylic acid, amido carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid ...

Method of perforating for effective sand plug placement in horizontal wells

Patent Number: 8096358
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventors: Moir, Clarke G.; Surjaatmadja, Jim B.; Rispler, Keith A.

Stimulation operations can be conducted by isolating portions of a subterranean formation adjacent to a highly deviated well bore. The planned settled height of a sand plug in a well bore adjacent a first zone of the subterranean formation is determined. The first zone is then perforated using a hydrajetting tool which is oriented so as to form perforations below the planned settled height of the sand ...

Casing make-up and running tool adapted for fluid and cement control

Patent Number: 8096357
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventors: Lutgring, Keith Thomas; Hawkins, III, Samuel P.; Latiolais, Jr., Burney J.

The apparatus of the present invention provides a top drive supported tool for making up and running casing strings into a borehole. The tool comprises a fill-up and circulation assembly and a launcher assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a connectable cement wiper plug assembly for launching wiper plugs that control cement placement in the annulus between a casing string and a borehole containing the casing string. The tool of the present invention shortens or eliminates delays in ...

System and method for preventing buckling during a gravel packing operation

Patent Number: 8096356
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventors: Guignard, Thibaut; Poizat, Jeremie

A technique prevents buckling of a service tool assembly during a sand control operation in a wellbore. A completion assembly and a service tool assembly are positioned in a wellbore. An anti-buckling mechanism is positioned to limit the buckling load effects that can otherwise be experienced by the service tool assembly during the sand control ...

Analysis of radar ranging data from a down hole radar ranging tool for determining width, height, and length of a subterranean fracture

Patent Number: 8096355
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventors: McDaniel, Robert R.; Funk, Ethan A.; Sheriff, Michael Lynn; Funk, Eric E.

Radar ranging data are collected from a down hole tool at various depths in a fractured well bore, and analyzed to provide a profile of the length of each wing of the fracture as a function of depth. The height of the fracture is determined from the vertical positions where the fracture is just observed or no longer observed as the tool is raised or lowered. For consecutive depths along the fracture (and for selected elevations from each depth for the case of a switchable antenna beam), ...

Sensing and monitoring of elongated structures

Patent Number: 8096354
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventors: Sen, Pabitra N.; Poitzsch, Martin E.; Wiemer, Karen; Picard, Guillemette; Vembusubramanian, Muthusamy

Methods and related systems for use with a wireline tool system. A wireline cable designed to deploy a wireline tool into a wellbore from a surface. The wireline cable includes one or more conducting members for communication between the wireline tool and the surface. A plurality of sensing elements located on the wireline cable in a spaced apart fashion along a length of the wireline cable, wherein each sensing element is in communication with one or more adjacent sensing ...

Oilfield nanocomposites

Patent Number: 8096353
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
Inventor: Ver Meer, Melissa

An oilfield apparatus includes an oilfield element made of a composite that includes a matrix material; and a plurality of functionalized graphene sheets dispersed in the matrix material. A method of oilfield operation includes selecting an oilfield apparatus having an oilfield element, wherein at least a portion of the oilfield element is made of a composite comprising a plurality of functionalized graphene sheets dispersed in a matrix material; and using the oilfield apparatus in an ...