Insulating fluids for use in drilling, production, and other applications are provided, the insulating fluids containing a porous medium (such as a sponge or foam) to limit the mobility of the liquid phase of the insulating fluid. The porous medium in the insulating fluid provides a mechanical means for reducing convective heat transfer, as the small pore spaces within the porous media create tortuous paths for the liquid moving therethrough. Methods include introducing the insulating fluid into an annulus of a drilling, riser, production, packer, or pipeline assembly to reduce heat transfer therethrough.

Disclosed are systems and methods for thermal management of subsea conduits such as jumpers that provide the ability to alternate between cooling and heat retention of production fluids within the conduit as needed depending on the phase of operation. Adjustable insulation elements are provided on the conduits so that convective heat transfer between surrounding seawater and the conduit can be allowed or reduced. A control system can activate an alarm indicating the need to adjust the insulation depending on the temperature and/or flow rate of fluids in the conduit. Conventional conduits can be retrofitted by adding adjustable insulation elements to enable thermal management.

Embodiments of systems and methods for generating power in the vicinity of a drilling rig are disclosed. During a drilling operation, heat generated by drilling fluid flowing from a borehole, exhaust from an engine, and/or fluid from an engine's water (or other fluid) jacket, for example, may be utilized by corresponding heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer to a working fluid. The heated working fluid may cause an ORC unit to generate electrical power.

Embodiments of systems and methods for generating power in the vicinity of a drilling rig are disclosed. During a drilling operation, heat generated by drilling fluid flowing from a borehole, exhaust from an engine, and/or fluid from an engine's water (or other fluid) jacket, for example, may be utilized by corresponding heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer to a working fluid. The heated working fluid may cause an ORC unit to generate electrical power.

The invention relates to a subsea heating apparatus for heating a subsea component extending along a longitudinal direction, comprising an induction coupler including a first section with first core part(s) and a second section with second core parts, a respective first magnetic core part being coupled with a second magnetic core part to form a magnetic core ring adapted to surround an electrical conductor to be connected to a power source. At least one component electrical cable associated with the subsea component to be heated and adapted to receive power via the induction coupler for heating the subsea component. The coupler includes several windings each wound around a respective second core part and connected to respective component electrical cable(s). The second section is adapted to be attached to the subsea component and several second core parts are arranged in distinct radial positions around the longitudinal direction.

This application relates to systems and methods for directional drilling through hydrocarbon bearing formations using a downhole laser tool. The technologies can be used to steer or direct a drill bit or drill string to a new drilling direction in the formation through controlled activation of a laser beam discharged from a laser head mounted on a drill string or drill bit.

A passive cooling system for wellbore operations fluids includes a wellbore operations fluid reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid containment area. At least one heat pipe is arranged in the wellbore operations fluid reservoir. The at least one heat pipe includes a first end arranged in the fluid containment area, a second end that extends outwardly of the fluid containment area, and a hollow interior containing a working fluid.

Methods for drilling in higher temperature rock formations such as geothermal formations with phase change material augmented drilling fluid include observing flow rate of the augmented fluid. Heat exchange between the annulus returning fluid and tubular fluid can be minimized thereby facilitating a cooler fluid for contact with a rock face being drilled. The cooling assists in pre-fracturing the rock face prior to destruction by the drill bit.

A method and apparatus for sealing a well conduit includes moving a plugging tool (21) to a first position in the well conduit, the plugging tool (21) comprising a perforating tool (12) and a hollow mandrel (8) with a heater (8) inside and a meltable material on the outside. The perforating tool (12) is actuated to create openings in the well conduit. The heater (8) is operated to melt or activate the material disposed on an exterior of the mandrel (9). The melted material is allowed to solidify in the conduit to form a plug and to flow into the openings to fill a cross-section of an annular space outside the conduit. A logging tool (2) may thereafter be inserted into the hollow mandrel (9) to check the integrity of the plug.

Embodiments of systems and methods for generating power in the vicinity of a drilling rig are disclosed. During a drilling operation, heat generated by drilling fluid flowing from a borehole, exhaust from an engine, and/or fluid from an engine's water (or other fluid) jacket, for example, may be utilized by corresponding heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer to a working fluid. The heated working fluid may cause an ORC unit to generate electrical power.