Abstract:
A telemetry system and method configured to communicate a wellbore parameter such as fluid composition, temperature, and pressure. In one embodiment, a plurality of tracers is stored downhole, and each of the tracers represents a different value of the wellbore parameter. After measuring the wellbore parameter, the measured value is correlated to one or more of the plurality of tracers that is equivalent to the measured value of the downhole parameter. The one or more tracers representing the measured value are then released from their respective containers to travel upstream. A sensor located upstream may detect the one or more tracers, which are then correlated back to obtain the measured value of the wellbore parameter. In another embodiment, ratiometric amounts of the tracers may be used to represent additional values of the wellbore parameter.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for expanding an expandable tubular assembly in a borehole. In one aspect, a system for expanding a tubular (560) having an anchor portion (550) in a borehole is provided. The system includes a running tool (535) configured to position the tubular in the borehole. The running tool including a first expander (520) configured to activate the anchor portion by expanding the tubular (525) to a first diameter. The system further includes a second expander (540) configured to expand the tubular (525) to a second larger diameter, wherein the second expander (540) is movable between a retracted position and an expanded position. In another aspect, a method of expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for remotely operating a setting tool for a liner hanger independent of a ball seating or dart landing. Operating the setting tool independent of the ball seating or dart landing may allow for a sufficient pressure differential to properly set the liner hanger.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus include an expandable packer having a tubing expanded to create a seal in an annulus surrounding the tubing. The tubing includes a non-uniform outer surface configured to cause formation of undulations in a diameter of the tubing upon expansion of the tubing. A plurality of expandable packers may be connected to a tubular string to isolate multiple zones in a wellbore. A production tubular equipped with multiple expandable packers may be installed in the tubular string. The expandable packers may also include non-uniform outer surfaces configured to form undulations upon expansion. The combination of tubular string and production tubular may be used in an enhanced oil recovery application such as injecting steam into a formation to enhance production.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for remotely operating a cementing head. Remotely operating a cementing head ( 202 ) may allow for continued rotation as well as up or down movements (e.g., of a top drive).
Abstract:
A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by advancing the tubular string longitudinally into the wellbore; stopping drilling by holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string while injecting drilling fluid into a side port of the tubular string, rotating the tubular string, and holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; and resuming drilling of the wellbore after adding the joint or stand.
Abstract:
A method of deploying a jointed tubular string into a subsea wellbore includes lowering the tubular string into the subsea wellbore from an offshore drilling unit. The tubular string has a slip joint. The method further includes, after lowering, anchoring a lower portion of the tubular string below the slip joint to a non-heaving structure. The method further includes, while the lower portion is anchored: supporting an upper portion of the tubular string above the slip joint from a rig floor of the offshore drilling unit; after supporting, adding one or more joints to the tubular string, thereby extending the tubular string; and releasing the upper portion of the extended tubular string from the rig floor. The method further includes: releasing the lower portion of the extended tubular string from the non-heaving structure; and lowering the extended tubular string into the subsea wellbore.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for a pressure relief valve assembly. The valve assembly may be coupled to one or more casings and/or tubular members to control fluid communication therebetween. The valve assembly is a one-way valve assembly that relieves pressure within an annulus formed between adjacent casings and/or tubular members to prevent burst or collapse of the casings and/or tubular members. The valve assembly is resettable downhole.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for continuously powering tools downhole for extended periods of time, such as for the life of the producing well. Batteries may power the downhole tools, but traditionally, the batteries may last up to 2 years, and in some cases, up to 5 years may be reached with an optimized data sampling rate and power management scheme. After that time, operations may be halted temporarily for replacing the batteries. According to embodiments of the present invention, in contrast, rechargeable batteries may be utilized downhole to provide power to operate the tools, and rather than halting operations and retrieving the rechargeable batteries to the surface for recharging, reserve batteries may be used for recharging the rechargeable batteries. In many cases, these well tools may be designed to operate for a long period of time (e.g., around 10-20 years), depending on the life of the producing well.
Abstract:
Signal communications at a drilling system generally includes communicating upwards or downwards from the rig floor. For example, signal communications upwards may comprise the control of a cementing head operation (e.g., actuating cementing head). Signal communications downwards may comprise the activation of tools and their confirmation (e.g., hole opening tools, liner hangers, and packers). Actuation may be performed via umbilicals, for example, via pressure spikes or the dropping of balls, darts, or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. However, issues may arise wherein, for example, a ball may not properly land to close a circulation valve. As another example, a cementing head could be over 100 feet above the rig floor, which may make it difficult for signal communications via an umbilical. Accordingly, what is needed are techniques and apparatus for activation of tools and their confirmation by a remote communication system.