| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20110186300 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A flow control system is placed in fluid communication with a main tubular. The flow control system has a flow ratio control system and a pathway dependent resistance system. The flow ratio control system has a first and second passageway, the production fluid flowing into the passageways with the ratio of fluid flow through the passageways related to the characteristic of the fluid flow. The pathway dependent resistance system includes a vortex chamber with a first and second inlet and an outlet, the first inlet of the pathway dependent resistance system in fluid communication with the first passageway of the fluid ratio control system and the second inlet in fluid communication with the second passageway of the fluid ratio control system. The first inlet is positioned to direct fluid into the vortex chamber such that it flows primarily tangentially into the vortex chamber, and the second inlet is positioned to direct fluid such that it flows primarily radially into the vortex chamber. Undesired fluids, such as natural gas or water, in an oil well, are directed, based on their relative characteristic, into the vortex primarily tangentially, thereby restricting fluid flow when the undesired fluid is present as a component of the production fluid. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110240284 | Tubular Embedded Nozzle Assembly for Controlling the Flow Rate of Fluids Downhole - An apparatus ( | 10-06-2011 |
| 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 |
| 20110308806 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A flow control system is placed in fluid communication with a main tubular. The flow control system has a flow ratio control system and a pathway dependent resistance system. The flow ratio control system has a first and second passageway, the production fluid flowing into the passageways with the ratio of fluid flow through the passageways related to the characteristic of the fluid flow. The pathway dependent resistance system includes a vortex chamber with a first and second inlet and an outlet, the first inlet of the pathway dependent resistance system in fluid communication with the first passageway of the fluid ratio control system and the second inlet in fluid communication with the second passageway of the fluid ratio control system. The first inlet is positioned to direct fluid into the vortex chamber such that it flows primarily tangentially into the vortex chamber, and the second inlet is positioned to direct fluid such that it flows primarily radially into the vortex chamber. Undesired fluids, such as natural gas or water, in an oil well, are directed, based on their relative characteristic, into the vortex primarily tangentially, thereby restricting fluid flow when the undesired fluid is present as a component of the production fluid. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120146805 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WELL MONITORING - Devices capable of being disposed in a wellbore for outputting acoustical signals for monitoring downhole parameters are described. Receiving devices positioned remote from the devices and can receive the acoustical signals and determine the downhole parameters. The devices can output acoustical signals in response to fluid flow or otherwise. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120211243 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - 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. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120234557 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - 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. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120318511 | Managing Treatment of Subterranean Zones - A downhole heated fluid generation system includes an air subsystem having at least one of an air compressor and an air flow control valve; a fuel subsystem having at least one of a fuel compressor and a fuel flow control valve; a treatment fluid subsystem having a fluid pump; a combustor fluidly coupled to at least one of the air subsystem, the fuel subsystem, or the treatment fluid subsystem, and operable to provide a heated fluid into a wellbore; and a controller operable to receive an input representing a heated fluid parameter; determine a virtual heated fluid generation rate based at least partially on the heated fluid parameter; and control at least one of the air subsystem, the fuel subsystem, or the treatment fluid subsystem by the virtual heated fluid generation rate. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120318526 | Managing Treatment of Subterranean Zones - A downhole heated fluid generation system includes: a compressor-valve assembly having a compressor and a valve, the assembly operable to compress and regulate a fluid used in generating a heated treatment fluid; a combustor fluidly coupled to the compressor-valve assembly, the combustor operable to provide the heated treatment fluid into a wellbore; and a controller communicably coupled to the compressor-valve assembly, the controller operable to: determine an input indicative of a desired position of the valve; determine a value indicative of an actual position of the valve; determine a desired operating condition of the compressor based, at least in part, on the input indicative of the desired position of the valve and the value indicative of an actual position of the valve; and adjust an operating parameter of the compressor based on the desired operating pressure to compress a fluid flowing through the compressor and the valve. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120323378 | Managing Treatment of Subterranean Zones - A downhole heated fluid generation system includes: a plurality of subsystems, including an air subsystem having an air compressor or an air flow control valve, a fuel subsystem having a fuel compressor or a fuel flow control valve, a treatment fluid subsystem having a fluid pump; a combustor coupled to at least one of the plurality of subsystems to provide a heated fluid into at least one of a wellbore or a subterranean zone; and a controller operable to: receiving an input indicative of a desired flow rate of the heated fluid; receiving an input indicative of a desired quality of the heated fluid; determining a virtual flow rate of the heated fluid based, at least in part, on the input indicative of the desired flow rate; and controlling the plurality of subsystems with the virtual flow rate of the heated fluid. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20130014940 | Estimating a Wellbore ParameterAANM Fripp; Michael LinleyAACI CarrolltonAAST TXAACO USAAGP Fripp; Michael Linley Carrollton TX USAANM Dykstra; Jason D.AACI CarrolltonAAST TXAACO USAAGP Dykstra; Jason D. Carrollton TX US - A system for estimating a wellbore parameter includes a first component located at or near a terranean surface; a second component at least partially disposed within a wellbore at or near a subterranean zone, the second component associated with a sensor; and a controller communicably coupled to the first and second components operable to: adjust a characteristic of an input fluid to the wellbore through a range of input values; receive, from the sensor, a plurality of output values of the input fluid that vary in response to the input values, the output values representative of a downhole condition; and estimate a wellbore parameter distinct from the downhole condition based on the measured output values. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130048290 | INJECTION OF FLUID INTO SELECTED ONES OF MULTIPLE ZONES WITH WELL TOOLS SELECTIVELY RESPONSIVE TO MAGNETIC PATTERNS - A method of actuating a well tool can include displacing a magnetic device pattern in the well, thereby transmitting a corresponding magnetic signal to the well tool, and the well tool actuating in response to detection of the magnetic signal. A method of injecting fluid into selected ones of multiple zones penetrated by a wellbore can include displacing at least one magnetic device into at least one valve in the wellbore, the valve actuating in response to the displacing step, and injecting the fluid through the valve and into at least one of the zones associated with the valve. An injection valve for use in a subterranean well can include a sensor which detects a magnetic field, and an actuator which opens the injection valve in response to detection of at least one predetermined magnetic signal by the sensor. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130048301 | Downhole Fluid Flow Control System and Method having Dynamic Response to Local Well Conditions - A downhole fluid flow control system having dynamic response to local well conditions. The system includes a tubing string operably positionable in a wellbore. Annular barriers are positioned between the tubing string and the wellbore to isolate first and second zones. A fluid flow control device is positioned within each zone. A flow tube that is operably associated with the fluid flow control device of the first zone is operable to establish communication between the second zone and the fluid flow control device in the first zone such that a differential pressure between the first zone and the second zone is operable to actuate the fluid flow control device of the first zone from a first operating configuration to a second operating configuration. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130075107 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a subterranean formation based on a selected characteristic of fluid flow, such as viscosity, velocity or density, as that characteristic varies over time. A pathway-dependent resistance assembly, such as a vortex chamber having two inlets and an outlet, provides varying resistance to fluid flow based on the ratio of flow from the inlets, the direction of flow as directed by the inlets, and the characteristic of the fluid. The incoming flow ratio is preferably determined by flowing fluid through a plurality of passageways having differing flow rate responses to fluid having differing characteristics. Fluid of a selected characteristic will encounter lesser resistance to flow across the system, while fluid of an un-favored characteristic will encounter greater resistance to flow. Thus, flow of well fluids can be autonomously restricted as the fluid characteristics change over time. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130140038 | Bidirectional Downhole Fluid Flow Control System and Method - A bidirectional downhole fluid flow control system is operable to control the inflow of formation fluids and the outflow of injection fluids. The system includes at least one injection flow control component and at least one production flow control component in parallel with the at least one injection flow control component. The at least one injection flow control component and the at least one production flow control component each have direction dependent flow resistance, such that injection fluid flow experiences a greater flow resistance through the at least one production flow control component than through the at least one injection flow control component and such that production fluid flow experiences a greater flow resistance through the at least one injection flow control component than through the at least one production flow control component. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130153238 | FLUID FLOW CONTROL - Fluid flow influencer devices capable of affecting fluid flow for fluid selection are described. Fluid flow influencer devices may affect fluid flowing into a turbulence, such as a vortex, having a structure that is usable to restrict fluid flow in a flow path of a chamber by different amounts based on at least one property of the fluid. The fluid flow control device may be in an autonomous fluid selector, such as a diverter, a vortex-causing device, or a whisker. Fluid properties based on which the flow influencer device can select fluid can include fluid density, fluid velocity, fluid viscosity, and Reynolds number of the fluid flow. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130160990 | FLOW-AFFECTING DEVICE - Fluid flow influencer devices in chambers subsequent to vortex assemblies are described. A flow-affecting device can move from a first position to a second position based on a flow path of fluid flowing from the vortex assembly to the chamber. The flow path may depend on an amount of rotation of the fluid from the vortex assembly. The flow-affecting device in the first position can substantially allow fluid to flow through a chamber exit opening. The flow-affecting device in the second position can substantially restrict fluid from flowing through the chamber exit opening. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130161018 | Functionalized Surface for Flow Control Device - Flow control devices can include functionalized surfaces on inner regions of walls. A functionalized surface can include a hydrophilic and/or a hydrophobic material that can affect fluid flowing in a flow path of a wall to facilitate fluid selection by the flow control device. Fluids may be switched in a flow control device using a functionalized surface even when a density and viscosity of different oil and water mixtures of the fluids are the same. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130180727 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - 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. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130186634 | Downhole Fluid Flow Control System Having a Fluidic Module with a Bridge Network and Method for Use of Same - A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluidic module ( | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130228341 | Downhole Fluid Flow Control System Having Pressure Sensitive Autonomous Operation - A downhole fluid flow control system is operable to be positioned in a wellbore in a fluid flow path between a formation and an internal passageway of a tubular. The system includes a flow control component positioned in the fluid flow path that is operable to control fluid flow therethrough. The system also includes a pressure sensitive valve positioned in the fluid flow path in parallel with the flow control component. The valve autonomously shifts from a first position to a second position responsive to a change in a pressure signal received by the valve, thereby enabling fluid flow therethrough. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130255960 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - An apparatus is described for controlling fluid flow in a downhole tubular. Fluid is flowed through a flow control system having a flow ratio control system and a pathway dependent resistance system. The flow ratio control system has a first and second passageway, where the ratio of fluid flowing through the passageways dependent on a characteristic of the fluid flow. The pathway dependent resistance system includes a vortex chamber with a first inlet directing flow primarily tangentially into the vortex chamber and the second inlet directing flow primarily radially into the vortex chamber. Undesired fluids, such as gas or water, in an oil well, are directed, based on their relative fluid flow characteristics, into the vortex primarily tangentially, thereby restricting flow when the undesired fluid is present. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130292123 | Degradable Balls for Use in Subterranean Applications - Degradable balls for downhole use may include an incompliant degradable polymer and a compliant filler material, the incompliant degradable polymer having an elastic modulus of about 2 GPa or greater, and the compliant filler material having an elastic modulus of less than about 2 GPa. Such degradable balls may be useful in sealing segments of a wellbore and actuating wellbore tools. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130299198 | Downhole Fluid Flow Control System and Method Having Autonomous Closure - A downhole fluid flow control system for autonomously controlling the inflow of production fluids. The fluid flow control system includes a flow control assembly having a fluid flow path through which a fluid flows. A support structure is positioned in the fluid flow path. A plug is releasably coupled to the support structure such that when fluid flow through the fluid flow path induces sufficient movement in the support structure, the movement causes release of the plug from the support structure into the fluid flow path, thereby restricting subsequent fluid flow in at least one direction through the fluid flow path. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20140014351 | FLUID FLOW CONTROL USING CHANNELS - A fluid flow control device disposable in a bore can include channels that can direct fluid flow based on one or more properties of the fluid more robustly. The channels may include a side channel between two other channels. The side channel can allow fluid flow to affect fluid flowing in one of the channels. Devices according to some aspects can differentiate between fluids having close, but different, properties and direct the fluid accordingly. Examples of fluid properties based on which the device can direct fluid include fluid density, fluid velocity, fluid viscosity, and Reynolds number of the fluid flow. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140048282 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - 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. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140102706 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING FLUID FLOW IN A WELLBORE USING A STATIC MIXER - Methods and apparatus are presented for mixing fluid flowing through a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A static mixer assembly is positioned in a tubing string, the mixer having a plurality of vanes extending radially into an interior fluid flow passageway. Downhole tools are movable through a tool passageway defined in the static mixer assembly. The tools can pass unobstructed by the fixed vanes. Alternately, the tool can flex the elastic vanes as it passes through, the vanes returning to position after passage of the tool. The vanes are preferably circumferentially spaced and longitudinally spaced. The vanes can extend from an interior wall surface of the assembly or from a sleeve inserted into the mixer assembly. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140174750 | Liquid Valve for Flow Control Devices - Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to a liquid valve assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The liquid valve assembly can include a housing and a liquid valve. The housing can define an inner chamber and an opening adapted to allow fluid to flow between the inner chamber and a passageway. The liquid valve can be disposed in the inner chamber. The liquid valve can include a yield stress fluid. The yield stress fluid can prevent fluid from flowing between the inner chamber and the passageway. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140174757 | ELECTRONIC RUPTURE DISCS FOR INTERVENTIONALESS BARRIER PLUG - Methods and apparatus are presented for removing a degradable barrier plug positioned in a downhole axial passageway. The degradable plug is initially isolated from fluid by at least one solid, non-degradable cover. A first electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to open a passageway to the degradable plug. A second electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to allow a fluid, such as water from a supply chamber, to flow into contact with the plug. The plug is substantially degraded, although the cover remains. A third electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to bend and then cover the remaining solid cover, thereby opening the axial passageway and protecting later-introduced tools. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140182856 | Downhole Fluid Flow Control System and Method having Dynamic Response to Local Well Conditions - A downhole fluid flow control system having dynamic response to local well conditions. The system includes a tubing string operably positionable in a wellbore. Annular barriers are positioned between the tubing string and the wellbore to isolate first and second zones. A fluid flow control device is positioned within each zone. A flow tube that is operably associated with the fluid flow control device of the first zone is operable to establish communication between the second zone and the fluid flow control device in the first zone such that a differential pressure between the first zone and the second zone is operable to actuate the fluid flow control device of the first zone from a first operating configuration to a second operating configuration. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140262236 | Wellbore Servicing Tools, Systems and Methods Utilizing Near-Field Communication - A wellbore servicing system comprising one or more wellbore tool nodes disposed within a wellbore, wherein each of the one or more wellbore tool nodes is configurable from a first configuration to a second configuration, and a controller node, wherein the controller node communicates with the wellbore tool node via a near field communication (NFC) signal. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262237 | Wellbore Servicing Tools, Systems and Methods Utilizing Near-Field Communication - A wellbore servicing system comprising two or more sensing, tool nodes, wherein each of the sensing, tool nodes are configured to selectively allow, disallow, or alter a route of fluid communication between an axial flowbore thereof and an exterior thereof via one or more ports, and wherein each of the sensing, tool nodes are further configured to monitor at least one parameter, and a logging controller node wherein the logging controller node communicates with the sensing, tool nodes via a near field communication (NFC) signal. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262320 | Wellbore Servicing Tools, Systems and Methods Utilizing Near-Field Communication - A wellbore servicing tool comprising a body, a near field communication (NFC) system disposed within the body and comprising a processor configured to communicate via NFC, one or more antennas each in signal communication with the processor, at least one input/output (I/O) device in signal communication with the processor, and a power supply in electrical communication with the processor. A wellbore servicing method comprising positioning a first node within a wellbore, moving a second node through the wellbore such that the second node comes into communication with the first node, wherein the first node and the second node establish signal communication via a near field communication (NFC) signal, wherein data is communicated from the first node to the second node via NFC, from the second node to the first node via NFC, or combinations thereof. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262502 | Wellbore Servicing Tools, Systems and Methods Utilizing Near-Field Communication - A wellbore servicing system comprising a controller node disposed within a wellbore, and a tool node configured for movement through the wellbore, wherein the tool node communicates with the controller node via a near field communication (NFC) signal, wherein prior to communication with the controller node, the tool node will not perform at least one function and, after communication with the controller node, the tool node will selectively perform the at least one function. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140266772 | Wellbore Servicing Tools, Systems and Methods Utilizing Near-Field Communication - A wellbore servicing system comprising a tool node disposed within a wellbore, and a transitory sensing node configured to be communicated through the wellbore, wherein the transitory sensing node is configured to measure a wellbore parameter, and wherein the transitory sensing node communicates with the tool node via a near field communication (NFC) signal. A wellbore servicing method comprising positioning a tool node within a wellbore, moving a transitory sensing node through the wellbore such that the transitory sensing node comes into communication with the tool node, wherein the transitory sensing node is configured to measure a wellbore parameter during movement through the wellbore, and wherein the transitory sensing node communicates with the tool node via a near field communication (NFC) signal. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140273831 | Wellbore Servicing Tools, Systems and Methods Utilizing Near-Field Communication - A wellbore servicing system comprising a first node disposed within a wellbore, and a logging node configured for movement through the wellbore, wherein the logging node communicates with the first node via a near field communication (NFC) signal. A wellbore servicing method comprising positioning a first node within a wellbore, moving a logging node through the wellbore such that the logging node comes into communication with the first node, wherein the logging node communicates with the first node via a near field communication (NFC) signal, wherein data is transferred from the first node to the logging node via NFC. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140305630 | Flow Control Screen Assembly Having an Adjustable Inflow Control Device - A well system has a fluid flow path for the inflow of production fluid. An inflow control device is disposed within the fluid flow path. The inflow control device has at least first and second fluid passageways. A first plug is disposed within the first fluid passageway and is operable to restrict fluid flow therethrough. The first plug is operably removable from the first fluid passageway responsive to a first stimulus. A second plug is disposed within the second fluid passageway and is operable to restrict fluid flow therethrough. The second plug is operably removable from the second fluid passageway responsive to a second stimulus, wherein the first stimulus is different from the second stimulus. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140338923 | ELECTRONIC RUPTURE DISCS FOR INTERVENTIONLESS BARRIER PLUG - Methods and apparatus are presented for removing a degradable barrier plug positioned in a downhole axial passageway. The degradable plug is initially isolated from fluid by at least one solid, non-degradable cover. A first electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to open a passageway to the degradable plug. A second electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to allow a fluid, such as water from a supply chamber, to flow into contact with the plug. The plug is substantially degraded, although the cover remains. A third electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to bend and then cover the remaining solid cover, thereby opening the axial passageway and protecting later-introduced tools. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140352981 | Wellbore Servicing Tools, Systems and Methods Utilizing Downhole Wireless Switches - A wellbore tool comprising a power supply, an electrical load, a receiving unit configured to passively receive a triggering signal, and a switching system electrically coupled to the power supply, the receiving unit, and the electrical load, wherein the switching system is configured to selectively transition from an inactive state to an active state in response to the triggering signal, from the active state to the active state in response to the triggering signal, or combinations thereof, wherein in the inactive state a circuit is incomplete and any route of electrical current flow between the power supply and the electrical load is disallowed, and wherein in the active state the circuit is complete and at least one route of electrical current flow between the power supply and the electrical load is allowed. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20150034333 | Annular Flow Control Devices and Methods of Use - Disclosed are annular flow control devices and their methods of use. One flow control device includes an annular inner shroud coupled to a work string that defines one or more flow ports therein, and an annular outer shroud also coupled to the work string and radially offset from the inner shroud such that a channel is defined between at least a portion of the inner and outer shrouds, the channel being in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more flow ports and configured to restrict a flow rate of a fluid. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150075770 | WIRELESS ACTIVATION OF WELLBORE TOOLS - Systems and methods are disclosed for a well tool. The well tool system includes a receiving tool disposed in a wellbore tubular. The receiving tool is configured to transition from an inactive state to an active state in response to a triggering signal. The well tool system further includes a transmitting tool at a surface and proximate to the receiving tool. The transmitting tool is configured to wirelessly transmit the triggering signal to the receiving tool. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150083399 | Evaluation of Downhole Electric Components by Monitoring Umbilical Health and Operation - A method for monitoring the health of a downhole electrical system including a umbilical cable that connects a downhole electric tool to a power source or controller includes delivering electric signals, such as voltage pulses, to the downhole electric tool, which may be an electric submersible pump. The signals are delivered via the cable from a signal generator and are partially reflected by impedance mismatches in the cable or at other points in the system. Each such partially reflected signal, or response signal, is received by a controller and compared to the delivered electric signals to determine a condition of the power transmission cable. | 03-26-2015 |
