Abstract:
Sensor assemblies are described for measuring isotropic, anisotropic, or directionally dependent, characteristics of a subterranean formation. Sensor assemblies can include sensors deployed on a tool string. One or more of the sensors can be rotatable relative to the tool string. Rotating one or more sensors relative to the tool string can provide data about the subterranean formation at multiple points around the tool string.
Abstract:
A slip ring apparatus including a ring assembly having a conductive ring with a conductive ring engagement surface, a contact assembly having a contact element with a contact element engagement surface for engaging with the conductive ring engagement surface, and a surface discontinuity provided in at least one of the conductive ring engagement surface and the contact element engagement surface. An apparatus including the slip ring apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a housing having an interior and a shaft rotatably extending through the interior of the housing. A method for reducing the potential of a hydroplaning effect in a slip ring apparatus, including providing a surface discontinuity in at least one of a conductive ring engagement surface and a contact element engagement surface.
Abstract:
A non-ballistic force generating mechanism includes a non-ballistic first actuator operable to output a first force profile defining a first pressure for a first stroke length, and a non-ballistic second actuator operable to output a second force profile following the first force profile, the second force profile defining an second pressure that is substantially greater than the first pressure for a second stroke length that is less than the first stroke length.
Abstract:
A wellbore assembly is provided that can include a first motor housing assembly member and a second motor housing assembly member that can bend relative to the first motor housing assembly at a bend location. The assembly can also include a strain gauge positioned on a first side of the bend location to determine an amount of bend of the second motor housing assembly member relative to the first motor housing assembly member by determining a strain. Based on the strain, the amount of bend or bend direction of the second motor housing assembly member relative to the first motor housing assembly member can be determined.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a casing bit drive assembly may be used with a casing drilling system. The casing bit drive assembly may include one or more of the following: a retrievable drilling motor; a decoupled casing sub; a releasable coupling between the motor and casing bit; a releasable coupling between the motor and casing; a cement diverter; and a casing bit.
Abstract:
A directional drilling steering system is configured to direct a tubular sleeve arranged at the bottom of a drill string adjacent the drill bit at a selected tilt angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the uphole drill string and at a selected azimuth. Tilt angle can be achieved by axial movement of one or more pistons in engagement with the downhole tubular sleeve. Azimuth can be achieved by axial movement of the pistons or by rotation of the drill string. The movement of the downhole sleeve along the deviated path causes movement of the drill bit shaft and the drill bit coupled thereto.
Abstract:
A directional drilling steering system is configured to direct a tubular sleeve arranged at the bottom of a drill string adjacent the drill bit at a selected tilt angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the uphole drill string and at a selected azimuth. Tilt angle can be achieved by axial movement of one or more pistons in engagement with the downhole tubular sleeve. Azimuth can be achieved by axial movement of the pistons or by rotation of the drill string. The movement of the downhole sleeve along the deviated path causes movement of the drill bit shaft and the drill bit coupled thereto.
Abstract:
A downhole drilling vibration analysis involves measuring orientation data in at least two orthogonal axes downhole while drilling with a drilling assembly. For example, two orthogonal magnetometers can be used. A toolface of the drilling assembly is determined using the measured sensor data, and velocity (RPM) values for the toolface for a plurality of revolutions of the drilling assembly are determined. From these determined values, a coefficient of variation for the toolface velocity (RPM) values for the revolutions of the drilling assembly is calculated. When a pattern in found in the toolface velocity (RPM) and/or the calculated coefficient of variations exceed one or more thresholds, the processing device determines that detrimental vibrations are occurring in the drilling assembly.
Abstract:
A downhole activation system within a tubular. The system includes an axially movable mover. A first magnet attached to the mover. The first magnet axially movable with the mover. A second magnet separated from the first magnet. The second magnet magnetically repulsed by the first magnet. A biasing device urging the second magnet towards the first magnet; wherein movement of the first magnet via the mover towards the second magnet moves the second magnet in a direction against the biasing device. Also included is a method of activating an activatable member in a downhole tubular.
Abstract:
A drilling apparatus comprised of a multiplicity of subassemblies for drilling an open-hole extension from within an existing cased borehole located in a geological formation for the production of oil and gas. In one embodiment, one subassembly includes a motor located within a cased section of the borehole that rotates a drill pipe segment attached to a rotary drill bit in the open-hole to drill the open-hole extension of the well. In another embodiment, a shroud encloses the motor located within the cased portion of the well that is used to control the mud flow to and from the bit in the open-hole during the drilling process.