Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to lost circulation mitigation and, more particularly, to lost circulation mitigation in the course of wellbore drilling.

During drilling of a wellbore, a reduction or total absence of returned drilling mud may be experienced. In these cases, the drilling mud is lost to natural fissures, fractures, or other geological features. This reduction or complete loss of drilling mud returning to the surface is termed lost circulation. Lost circulation results in increased drilling costs and extended drilling times.

<CIT> describes a downhole liner delivery tool that includes a housing configured to couple to a tubular work string. The housing includes an interior volume. The tool also includes a liner store enclosed within the interior volume. The liner store is configured to enclose at least a portion of a wellbore liner that includes a flexible membrane. The flexible membrane includes an imbedded epoxy. The tool also includes a hydraulic circulation system arranged in at least a portion of the interior volume and configured to circulate a fluid to expand the wellbore liner from the liner store to an exterior of the housing to contactingly engage a wellbore wall.

A lost circulation fabric (LCF) deployment system (LCFDS) for deploying an LCF at a lost circulation zone within a wellbore is defined by claim <NUM> and includes: a first housing configured to be coupled to a tubular, the housing defining a first cavity; an opening formed in the first housing, the opening providing communication between the first cavity and an exterior of the first housing; a door moveable between a closed position covering the opening formed in the first housing and an opened position uncovering the opening formed in the first housing; an LCF located in the first cavity; an actuator coupled to the LCF and operable to deploy the LCF from the first housing; and a release system coupled to the LCF, the release system operable to move the door between the closed position and open position to permit deployment of the LCF.

A system for deploying a lost circulation fabric (LCF) is defined by claim <NUM> the system including: a plurality of lost circulation fabric deployment systems (LCFDS) configured to be coupled to a tubular, each of the LCFDSs including: a housing configured to be coupled to an outer surface of a tubular, the housing defining a cavity and being sized and shaped to reside within an annular space within a wellbore between the tubular and a wall of the wellbore; an opening formed in the housing, the opening providing communication between the cavity and an exterior of the housing; a door moveable between a closed position covering the opening formed in the housing and an opened position to uncover the opening formed in the housing; an LCF disposed in the cavity; and a release system operable to move the door between the closed position and open position to permit deployment of the LCF; and a plurality of actuators configured to be coupled to a tubular, the plurality of actuators offset from the plurality the LCFDSs along a longitudinal axis, each actuator of the plurality of actuators being coupled to an end of two LCFs of LCFDS that are angularly offset from the actuator about the longitudinal axis, and the plurality of actuators operable to deploy the LCFs from the housings.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include a second housing configured to be coupled to a tubular and offset from the first housing, the second housing defining a second cavity and the actuator located in the second cavity.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include a first actuator coupled to a first end of the LCF and a second actuator coupled to a second end of the LCF. In some cases, a position of the first actuator and a position of the second actuator are offset from a location of the first housing. In some cases, the first actuator and the second actuator are angularly offset from the first housing about a longitudinal axis. In some cases, the positions of the first actuator and the second actuator are such that the first end of the LCF and the second end of the LCF are separated when the first actuator and the second actuator operate to deploy the LCF. In some cases, the first actuator is disposed in a first actuator housing and wherein the second actuator is disposed in a second actuator housing.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include a controller and a sensor, the controller operable to receive data from the sensor to detect a presence of a lost circulation zone and to actuate the release system to deploy the LCF in response to detection of a lost circulation zone.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include the actuator being or including a bobbin and a motor and the motor being operable to rotate the bobbin to deploy the LCF.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include the actuator being configured to couple to a tubular and move along a surface of the tubular. In some cases, the actuator is configured to move along a path defined in the surface of the tubular.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include the housing sized and shaped to reside within an annular space within a wellbore between the tubular and a wall of the wellbore.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include adjacent LCFs that overlap each other when the LCFs are deployed.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include the plurality of LCFDSs are disposed in an annular arrangement and wherein the plurality of actuators are disposed in an annular arrangement.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include at least one of the plurality of LCFDSs including a controller and a sensor and the controller operable to receive data from the sensor to detect a presence of a lost circulation zone and to actuate at least two of the plurality of actuators to deploy the LCF of the LCFDS in response to detection of a lost circulation zone.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include at least one of the plurality of actuators including a bobbin coupled to the LCFs and a motor, the motor is operable to rotate the bobbin to deploy the LCFs.

Embodiments of LCFDSs can further include the plurality of actuators being operable to separate first ends and second ends of each LCF upon deployment of the LCFs.

The details of one or more implementations of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description that follows. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. Nevertheless, no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, systems, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components, steps, or a combination of these described with respect to one implementation may be combined with the features, components, steps, or a combination of these described with respect to other implementations of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for reducing or preventing lost circulation during drilling of a wellbore. The systems, methods, and apparatuses to reduce or prevent lost circulation involve deploying a lost circulation fabric (LCF) in a wellbore to repair a lost circulation zone. In some implementations, the LCF is coupled to a tubular, such as a drilling tubular, and is released at a location in a wellbore proximate to a location along the wellbore where lost circulation occurs, also referred to as a loss zone. Differential pressure around the loss zone presses the LCF to the loss zone, forming a seal to stop or reduce lost circulation.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an example lost circulation fabric deployment system (LCFDS) <NUM>. The LCFDS <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> coupled to a tubular <NUM>. In some implementations, the tubular <NUM> may be a length of drilling pipe or other tubular component disposed in a wellbore. The housing <NUM> defines a cavity <NUM> and includes an opening <NUM> at a first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and a door <NUM> that is movable to cover and uncover the opening <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the door <NUM> is disposed at the first end <NUM>. In some implementations, when the LCFDS <NUM> is disposed within a well, the first end <NUM> corresponds to an uphole position within a wellbore. However, the scope of the disclosure is not so limited, and the first end <NUM> of the LCFDS <NUM> may have another orientation within a wellbore.

The cavity <NUM> accommodates an LCF <NUM>, a release system <NUM>, a separation system <NUM>, one or more sensors <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a power supply <NUM>. The LCF <NUM> is a pliable membrane, mesh, or net formed from a composite material, such as a fiber-reinforced polymer. The material selected to form the LCF <NUM> includes physical properties selected to withstand downhole environments. The fabric may have a high elastic modulus, high tensile strength, high surface roughness, good toughness, and good thermal stability to withstand harsh downhole environments. Specifically, harsh downhole conditions can refer to high temperatures up to <NUM> degrees Celsius, high pressures up to <NUM> MPa (<NUM>,<NUM> pounds per square inch (psi)), the existence of multiphase media (such as coexisting fluid, gas, and solid media), shock and vibration, confinement, and loss of fluid circulation. To withstand these conditions, the tensile strength of the material of the LCF <NUM> can be between <NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM> megapascals (MPa), the toughness can be between <NUM> and <NUM> kilojoules per square meter (kJ/m<NUM>), and the thermal stability can be greater than or equal to <NUM> degrees Celsius. Polymers, such as nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and high-temperature polyethylene may be used to form an LCF <NUM> within the scope of the present disclosure. High-temperature may refer to an ability of the material to retain its thermal stability in temperature ranges greater than the typical temperature range of commercially available types. For example, these polymers and others within the scope of the present disclosure may be used to form a fiber-reinforced polymer used to make the LCF <NUM>. In other implementations, composites, such as carbon-reinforced polymers and glass fiber-reinforced polymers may be used to form LCFs within the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the LCF <NUM> may be is stored within the housing <NUM> in a folded configuration prior to deployment. As a result of being folded, the LCF <NUM> is able to be stored in a compact size. Consequently, the LCFDS <NUM> obtains a compact size that facilitates use of the LCFDS <NUM> within the limited annular space formed between a drilling string and a wellbore during drilling. As a result, an LCFDS within the scope of the present disclosure forms a compact device that is operable to deploy an LCF having increased surface area for overlaying and sealing all or a portion of a lost circulation zone.

The LCF <NUM> includes floats <NUM> coupled to ends <NUM> of the LCF <NUM> via a connector <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> may be, for example, a cable, string, line, or cord. Although the LCF <NUM> is shown has having a pair of floats <NUM>, other implementations may include additional floats or a single float. Further, in other implementations, the floats <NUM> may be arranged on the LCF <NUM> in other orientations, quantities, and configurations. The floats <NUM> may be less dense than the circulating mud in the returning mud flow traveling uphole along an exterior surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>. Thus, the floats <NUM> are buoyant in the circulating mud. The buoyancy of the floats <NUM> along with the direction of the mud flow result in removal of the LCF <NUM> from the cavity <NUM> defined within the housing <NUM>. The floats <NUM> are typically made of a material having a mass density less than the mass density of the mud and can have good mechanical strength and thermal stability. For example, the floats <NUM> can be made of a polymer material or a metal foam.

The controller <NUM> may be or include a computer. Non-limiting examples of computers within the scope of the disclosure are described in more detail below. In some implementations, the LCFDS <NUM> may also include one or more ports <NUM>. Example ports <NUM> may include a charging port to provide electrical power, such as to recharge the power supply <NUM>, and a communications port to transfer data to the controller <NUM>, from the controller <NUM>, or both. In some instances, a communications port may be used to download data sensed by one or more sensors. In some instances, a communications port may be used to alter settings of the controller <NUM> to affect functionality of the LCFDS <NUM>. For example, a communications port may be used to load, alter, or remove a release strategy for an LCF <NUM>, which may include the manner and the conditions under which the LCF is deployed. Also, a communications port may be used to download data from or upload data to the controller <NUM>. In other implementations, the LCFDS <NUM> may include wireless communication functionality to enable the LCFDS <NUM> to transmit data, receive data, or both, wirelessly. For example, in some implementations, the LCFDS <NUM> may communication wirelessly with a computer or other electronic control device located, for example, at a surface of the earth.

The controller <NUM> is connected, via a wired or wireless connection, to the release system <NUM>, the one or more sensors <NUM>, and the one or more ports <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> provides electrical power to the LCFDS <NUM>, including the controller <NUM>, the release system <NUM>, the one or more sensors <NUM>, the one or more ports <NUM>, as well as any other component of the LCFDS <NUM> that uses electrical power. In some implementations, the power supply <NUM> may be recharged, such as via a charging port, or may be detachable and interchangeable with another power supply when a power level reaches a selected level. In the latter configuration, a power supply having a depleted power level may be replaced with another power supply to permit a rapid reuse of the LCFDS <NUM>.

In some implementations, a housing <NUM> of an LCFDS <NUM> may be formed from a metal, a ceramic, a composite material (such as fiberglass or carbon fiber), or a carbon fiber ceramic material. Use of non-metallic materials may reduce friction between a tubular <NUM> and a surface of a wellbore, such as in extended-reach laterals, so as to reduce or eliminate a risk of casing buckling. The housing of an LCFDS <NUM> may be applied directly to an outer surface of a tubular <NUM> or may be indirectly coupled to an outer surface of a tubular <NUM>. Further, an LCFDS may be removable from a tubular or affixed to a tubular, as described in more detail later.

Although <FIG> shows a single LCFDS <NUM> coupled to a tubular, in other implementations, a plurality of LCFDS <NUM> may be coupled to a tubular <NUM>. For example, in some implementations, LCFDSs may be deployed circumferentially about an exterior surface of a tubular as shown, for example, in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, four LCFDSs <NUM> are angularly offset from each other about a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the tubular <NUM> by <NUM>°. However, other arrangements may be used. For example, three LCFDSs may be arranged circumferentially on a tubular, and each of the LCFDSs may be angularly offset from each other by <NUM>°. However, the scope of the disclosure is even broader, and any number of LCFDSs may be disposed on a tubular and be arranged in any desirable way. Providing a plurality of LCFDSs on a tubular or a string of tubulars, such as a plurality of groups of circumferentially arranged LCFDSs, provides the ability to seal multiple loss zones without having to withdraw the tubular string from a wellbore. As a result, time is saved and a drilling process may be performed over the course of a reduced period of time.

Circumferential arrangements of the LCFDSs and, particularly, the housings of the LCFDSs, may serve another purpose. The housings of the LCFDSs may function as stabilizers on the tubulars to improve drilling operations. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the LCFDSs may be helpful for centering the tubular <NUM> within a wellbore <NUM>. By centrally locating a tubular <NUM> within the wellbore <NUM>, the LCFDSs <NUM> operate to define a uniform annular space between an interior wall of the wellbore <NUM> and an exterior surface of the tubular <NUM>. The uniform annular space promotes uniform fluid flow around the tubular of drilling mud and formation cuttings to the surface, which may improve drilling performance.

In some implementations, one or more LCFDSs may be removable from a tubular. In other implementations, one or more LCFDSs may be permanently attached to a tubular. In a permanently attached implementation, after deployment an LCF, a new LCF may be installed while other components of the LCFDS may remain permanently installed within the housing of the LCFDS.

<FIG> shows an example LCFDS <NUM> that is affixed to a tubular <NUM>. <FIG>, on the other hand, shows a modular implementation in which a housing <NUM> of a LCFDS <NUM> is affixed to a tubular <NUM>, while a reminder of the LCFDS <NUM> forms a unit <NUM> that is insertable into and removable from the affixed housing <NUM>. The modular LCFDS <NUM> provides for rapid replacement of an LCFDS, which may reduce an amount of time that a tubular is out of service.

The size and shape of an LCFDS may be selected to be any desired size and shape. Further, any orientation of an LCFDS relative to a tubular may also be selected. For example, a length of an LCFDS, an angular orientation of an LCFDS relative to a longitudinal axis of a tubular, such as the longitudinal axes <NUM> and <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, respectively), a height or amount by which an LCFDS extends from an exterior surface of a tubular, or a spacing between adjacent LCFDSs may be selected to be any desired value. For example, a size and configuration of an LCFDS may be selected to fit a particular well application, such as in the case of a close-tolerance annulus formed between a wellbore and a tubular.

In some implementations, a plurality of LCFDSs may be arranged along a length of a tubular, as shown, for example, in <FIG>. Although <FIG> shows two LCFDSs <NUM>, any number of LCFDSs may be disposed on a tubular linear offset from each other along a longitudinal axis of the tubular. Although <FIG> shows the longitudinally offset LCFDSs <NUM> aligned with each other, the scope of the disclosure is not so limited. Rather, LCFDSs may be longitudinally offset and angularly offset from each other relative to the longitudinal axis. Moreover, in still other implementations, different groupings of circumferentially arranged LCFDSs may longitudinally offset from each other along a length of a tubular. Still further, any desired number of LCFDSs may be provided on a tubular in any desired arrangement.

Returning to <FIG>, in operation, the controller <NUM> receives data from the one or more sensors <NUM> and uses the received data to identify wellbore conditions. In some implementations, the sensors <NUM> continuously measure, calculate, and identify conditions within the wellbore. In other implementations, the sensors <NUM> may selectively take measurements over selected time periods or on the occurrence of one or more selected events. The determined wellbore conditions may be used to identify and locate lost circulation zones. In some implementations, the sensors <NUM> may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pressure sensor, a flow meter, a temperature sensor, or a combination of these sensors. Still further, other types of sensors may be included. In some implementations, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer may form an inertial sensing system operable to detect motion and orientation of the LCFDS <NUM>. In some implementations, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a flow meter may be used to identify and locate lost circulation zones.

When a lost circulation zone is detected, the controller <NUM> causes the release system <NUM> to release the LCF <NUM> from the housing <NUM>. Particularly, the release system <NUM> actuates to open the door <NUM> to form the opening <NUM>. The LCF <NUM> is then released into an annular space between the tubular <NUM> and an inner wall of a wellbore via the opening <NUM>. In some implementations, the release system <NUM> includes an actuator <NUM> and a linkage <NUM> that connects the door <NUM> to the actuator <NUM>. In some implementations, the actuator <NUM> may include a motor. In some implementations, the actuator <NUM> may be a low power linear actuator, for example a downhole linear solenoid actuator. However, the scope is not so limited. Rather, the actuator may be any device, component, or apparatus operable to deploy an LCF from an LCFDS. Different release systems are described later in the context of different LCFDS implementations. In the illustrated example of <FIG>, when the controller <NUM> causes the release system <NUM> to operate (whether autonomously or by remote control), the actuator <NUM> rotates, causing the linkage <NUM> to pivot the door <NUM> about a hinged connection <NUM>, thereby exposing the opening <NUM>. The LCF <NUM> is deployed from the housing <NUM> via the opening <NUM>.

The deployed LCF <NUM> may be released from the LCFDS <NUM> when the LCF <NUM> is in a desired position relative to a lost circulation zone. The deployed LCF <NUM> is separated from the LCFDS <NUM> by the separation system <NUM>. In some implementations, the separation system <NUM> is controlled by the controller <NUM> to separate the LCF <NUM> at a desired time or upon a detection of a predetermined event, such as detection of a selected force applied by the LCF <NUM>. In other implementations, the separation system <NUM> may be a passive system. For example, the separation system <NUM> may release the LCF <NUM> when a force applied to the separation system <NUM> by the LCF <NUM> exceeds a predetermined value. In such implementations, the separation system <NUM> may be one or more pegs received into corresponding apertures formed within the housing <NUM>. The apertures may retain the pegs until a predetermined force applied to the pegs causes removal of the pegs from the apertures.

It is noted that detection of a lost circulation zone may be determined by the controller <NUM> based on inputs received from the one or more sensors <NUM>. Further, determination of a lost circulation zone by the controller <NUM> may cause the controller <NUM> to release the LCF <NUM> autonomously. In other implementations, whether detection of a lost circulation zone is detected by the controller <NUM> or determined remotely, actuation of the release system <NUM> and deployment of the LCF <NUM> may be performed remotely, such as by a user or by a separate, remotely-positioned controller.

<FIG> illustrate an example LCFDS <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the LCFDSs <NUM> arranged on a tubular <NUM>, and <FIG> are views along a longitudinal axis of the tubular <NUM> carrying LCFDSs <NUM> and located within a wellbore. <FIG> illustrate different points in time associated with deployment of LCFs.

Referring to <FIG>, LCFDSs <NUM> are provided on a tubular <NUM>. A mud flow <NUM> (identified by an arrow indicating a direction of flow) is shown passing downhole through a passage <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>, and a returning mud flow <NUM> (identified by an arrow indicating a direction of flow) is shown flowing uphole along an exterior surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>. As shown, an LCF <NUM> is released from a housing <NUM> of one of the LCFDSs <NUM> through an opening <NUM>. The LCFDS <NUM> may include a door, which may be similar to the door <NUM> described earlier, and the door may be opened using a release system, which may be similar to the release system <NUM> described earlier. The LCF <NUM> is deployed through an opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The LCF <NUM> includes a pair of floats <NUM> attached at opposing ends <NUM> of the LCF <NUM>. In some implementations, the floats <NUM> may be attached using a connector <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> may be, for example, a cable, string, line, or cord. The floats <NUM> operate to remove and unfurl the LCF <NUM> during deployment. Although the LCF <NUM> is shown has having a pair of floats <NUM>, other implementations may include additional floats or a single float. Further, in other implementations, the floats <NUM> may be arranged on the LCF <NUM> in other orientations, quantities, and configurations. The floats <NUM> may be less dense than the circulating mud in the returning mud flow <NUM>. The floats <NUM> are typically made of a material having a mass density less than the mass density of the mud and can have good mechanical strength and thermal stability. For example, the floats <NUM> can be made of a polymer material or a metal foam. The reduced mass density of the floats <NUM> along with the direction of the mud flow <NUM> result in removal of the LCF <NUM> from a cavity <NUM> formed within the housing <NUM>. With the LCF <NUM> deployed, the LCF <NUM> is ready to be applied over a portion of an interior surface of a wellbore where a lost circulation zone is present. The deployed LCF <NUM> may be directed to the lost circulation zone by the mud flow <NUM>, since all or a portion of the mud flow <NUM> is being directed into and lost within the lost circulation zone.

<FIG> shows a tubular <NUM> having four LCFDSs <NUM> arranged about a circumference of the tubular <NUM>. The LCFDSs <NUM> may be similar to the LCFDSs <NUM>. As explained earlier, adjacent LCFDSs <NUM> are angularly offset by approximately <NUM>° about the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the tubular500. The tubular <NUM> is disposed in a wellbore <NUM> at or near a lost circulation zone <NUM> formed by a plurality of fractures <NUM>. The LCFDSs <NUM> are in a pre-deployment configuration such that an LCF of the LCFDSs <NUM> are folded and stored within a housing. In <FIG>, the LCF <NUM> has been deployed from each of LCFDSs <NUM>. The LCFs <NUM> may be deployed in a manner as described in the present disclosure. Floats <NUM> on each of the LCFs <NUM> operate to release or assist in releasing the LCFs <NUM> from the housing of the associated LCFDS <NUM>. A mud flow passing uphole through an annulus <NUM> formed between the wellbore <NUM> and tubular <NUM> may also assist in deploying the LCFs <NUM> from the LCFDSs <NUM>. As a result, each of the LCFs <NUM> may be used to cover a quadrant or almost a quadrant of a circumference of the wellbore <NUM>. <FIG> shows the LCFs <NUM> completely separated from the respective LCFDSs <NUM> and fully engaged with the circumference of the wellbore <NUM> at the lost circulation zone <NUM>. Differential pressure around a lost circulation zone resulting from mud flow from the annulus <NUM> and into the lost circulation zone <NUM> operates to press the LCFs <NUM> against the circumference of the wellbore <NUM>. The installed LCFs <NUM> form a seal to reduce or prevent mud loss into the lost circulation zone <NUM>. Further, surface roughness of the LCF <NUM> generates friction with the wellbore <NUM> to retain the LCF <NUM> in position at the lost circulation zone <NUM>. The LCF <NUM> and the nature of the deployment of the LCF <NUM> operates to reduce or eliminate forces applied to, and interactions with, a subterranean formation, thereby reducing or eliminating a risk of damaging the subterranean formation.

<FIG> is a perspective view of another example LCFDS <NUM>. <FIG> shows a pair of LCFDSs <NUM> provided on an exterior surface <NUM> of a tubular <NUM> with one of the LCFDSs <NUM> having a deployed LCF <NUM>. A mud flow <NUM> is shown flowing downhole through a passage <NUM> formed within the tubular <NUM>. A returning mud flow <NUM> is shown flowing uphole along the exterior surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>. The LCFDS <NUM> may be similar to the LCFDS <NUM> except as described, and the LCF <NUM> may be deployed as described earlier. For example, one or more features of the LCFDS <NUM> may be controlled by a controller, which may be similar to controller <NUM>. Additionally, the LCF <NUM> may be deployed autonomously by the controller or in response to a remotely received command. When deployment is desired, a release system, which may be similar to release system <NUM>, may open a door to form an opening within housing <NUM>. The LCF <NUM> includes floats <NUM> arranged at ends <NUM> of the LCF <NUM>. In some implementations, the floats <NUM> may be attached via a connector <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> may be, for example, a cable, string, line, or cord. The floats <NUM> may be similar to floats <NUM>, described earlier, and the floats <NUM> operate, at least in part, to deploy and unfurl the LCF <NUM> from the housing <NUM> of the LCFDS <NUM>.

In addition, the LCFDS <NUM> also includes a launch system <NUM>. The launch system <NUM> operates to forcefully eject the LCF <NUM> from the housing <NUM>. The launch system <NUM> operates to eject the LCF <NUM> in a desired direction and, in combination with the floats <NUM>, unfold and unfurl the LCF <NUM>. In some instances, the launch system <NUM> may form part of the release system. In other implementations, the launch system <NUM> may be a separate system that is in communication with a controller of the LCFDS <NUM>, which may be similar to controller <NUM> described earlier.

In the illustrated example of <FIG>, the launch system <NUM> includes a pair of springs <NUM> that are maintained in a compressed configuration when the LCF <NUM> is stored within the housing <NUM> (that is, prior to deployment of the LCF <NUM>). The springs <NUM> may be angularly offset from each other such that the springs <NUM> direct the ends <NUM> of LCF <NUM> out from the housing <NUM> and away from each other in order to unfold and unfurl the LCF <NUM> when the LCF <NUM> is deployed. During deployment, the floats <NUM> and LCF <NUM> are forcefully ejected by releasing the compressed configuration of the springs <NUM>, thereby converting the stored potential energy of the springs <NUM> into kinetic energy of the LCF <NUM>. An actuator <NUM> may release the springs <NUM> from a compressed configuration, allowing the springs <NUM> to expand. As explained earlier, deployment may be performed autonomously by the LCFDS <NUM> or remotely. The mud flow <NUM> traveling uphole around the tubular <NUM> may assist in deploying the LCF <NUM>. Once deployed, the LCF <NUM> may be released from the LCFDS <NUM> and drawn into contact with a lost circulation zone along a wellbore. Fluid pressure associated with the returning mud flow <NUM> as all or a portion of the mud flow <NUM> flows into the lost circulation zone, as described earlier, presses the LCF <NUM> against the wall of the wellbore.

<FIG> and <FIG> show another example LCFDS <NUM> that includes a launch system for forcefully ejecting an LCF during deployment. The LCFDS <NUM> may be similar to the LCFDS <NUM> except as described. One or more features of the LCFDS <NUM> may be controlled by a controller, which may be similar to controller <NUM>. In other implementations, one or more features of the LCFDS <NUM> may be controlled remotely. For example, the LCFDS <NUM> may be operated in response to a remotely received command or autonomously by a controller within the LCFDS <NUM>. When deployment is desired, a release system, which may be similar to release system <NUM>, may open a door to form an opening within housing <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a tubular <NUM> that includes two LCFDSs <NUM> on an exterior surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>. A fluid flow <NUM> passes through a passage <NUM> formed within the tubular <NUM>, and a returning fluid flow <NUM> passes along the exterior surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>. The LCFDS <NUM> includes a launch system <NUM> and may otherwise be similar to the LCFDS <NUM> described earlier. In some implementations, the launch system <NUM> may be a separate system within the LCFDS <NUM>, while, in other implementations, the launch system <NUM> may form part of a release system similar to the release system <NUM>, described earlier. The launch system <NUM> includes a movable platform <NUM> that is coupled to an actuator <NUM> by a rod <NUM>.

During deployment, an opening <NUM> to the housing <NUM> may be opened, as described earlier, and the actuator <NUM> of launch system <NUM> displaces the platform <NUM> towards the opening <NUM> via the rod <NUM>. In some implementations, the actuator <NUM> may be a linear actuator or motor. In some implementations, the launch system <NUM> rapidly displaces the platform <NUM> towards the opening <NUM>. Displacement of the platform <NUM> towards the opening <NUM> ejects an LCF <NUM> from a cavity <NUM> formed within the housing <NUM>. The ejection by the launch system <NUM> and floats <NUM> coupled to ends <NUM> of the LCF <NUM> promote the unfolding and unfurling of the LCF <NUM>. In some implementations, ejection of the LCF <NUM> causes rapid unfolding and unfurling of the LCF <NUM>. The floats <NUM> may be similar to floats <NUM>, described earlier, and, in some implementations, the floats <NUM> may be attached using a connector <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> may be a cable, string, line, cord, or other type of connector. The LCF <NUM> may be coupled to the platform <NUM> at one or more ends <NUM>. A separation system, which may be similar to separation system <NUM> described earlier, may be included on the platform <NUM> and be operable to release the LCF <NUM> at a desired time or upon an occurrence of a predetermined event, such as the elapse of a selected period of time or application of a force to the LCF <NUM> that meets or exceeds a predetermined amount. In some implementations, the launch system <NUM> may form part of the release system. In other implementations, the release system and the launch system <NUM> may be separate systems.

The LCF <NUM> also includes a spring <NUM> that extends between the ends <NUM> of the LCF <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the LCFDS <NUM> is in a pre-deployment configuration such that the LCF <NUM> is folded and stored within the housing <NUM> of the LCFDS <NUM>. In the pre-deployment configuration, the spring <NUM> is compressed. <FIG> shows the LCF <NUM> deployed from the LCFDS <NUM>. When the LCF <NUM> is released form the housing <NUM>, the spring <NUM> expands to separate the ends <NUM> and the floats <NUM> of the LCF <NUM>, resulting in spreading of the LCF <NUM>. Thus, the spring <NUM> operates to assist in the rapid deployment of the LCF <NUM>. Upon release, the LCF <NUM> is ready to be positioned over a portion of a wellbore defining a lost circulation zone.

<FIG> and <FIG> show another example LCFDS <NUM> in which LCFs <NUM> of adjacent LCFDSs <NUM> are connected such that the LCFDSs <NUM> define a composite loss circulation fabric system <NUM>. The LCFDS <NUM> may be similar to the LCFDS <NUM> except as described. In some implementations, a plurality of LCFDSs <NUM> may be arranged so as to encircle an entire circumference of a tubular <NUM>. In such implementations, the released LCFs <NUM> form a unitary annular ring about the tubular <NUM>. In other implementations, the system <NUM> may extend about the tubular <NUM> less than the entire circumference. Thus, upon release of the LCFs <NUM>, the coupled LCFs <NUM> may not encircle an entire circumference of the tubular <NUM>. More than one system <NUM> may be provided along the tubular <NUM> at one or more circumferential locations, either entirely encircling the tubular or extending less than an entire circumference. <FIG> and <FIG> show two systems <NUM> that extend about a circumference of the tubular <NUM> at separate locations. A mud flow <NUM> is shown flowing downhole through a passage <NUM> formed within the tubular <NUM>. A returning mud flow <NUM> is shown flowing uphole along the exterior surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>.

One or more features of the LCFDS <NUM> may be controlled by a controller, which may be similar to controller <NUM>. In other implementations, one or more features of the LCFDS <NUM> may be controlled remotely. For example, the LCFDS <NUM> may be operated in response to a remotely received command or autonomously by a controller within the LCFDS <NUM>. When deployment is desired, a release system, which may be similar to release system <NUM>, may open a door to form an opening within housing <NUM>. In some implementations, the LCFDS <NUM> may also include a launch system similar to the launch system <NUM> or launch system <NUM>, described earlier. In some implementations, the launch system may form part of a release system similar to release system <NUM>, described earlier.

<FIG> shows the LCFDSs <NUM> is a pre-deployment configuration in which LCFs <NUM> of each LCFDS <NUM> is in a folded configuration and stored within respective housings <NUM>. Adjacent LCFs <NUM> are connected using a connector <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> may be, for example, a cable, string, line, or cord. Additionally, each of the LCFs <NUM> includes a float <NUM>. In some implementations, the float <NUM> is centrally located along a length of edge <NUM> of the LCF <NUM>, which is shown in more detail in <FIG>. The float <NUM> may be coupled to the edge <NUM> using a connector <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> may be, for example, a cable, string, line, or cord. The floats <NUM> may be similar to float <NUM>, described earlier. In other implementations, the floats <NUM> may have a different arrangement. For example, in some implementations, each edge <NUM> of the LCF <NUM> may include a plurality of floats <NUM>.

According to some implementations, the LCFDSs <NUM> of the system <NUM> release the LCFs <NUM> simultaneously. In other implementations, one or more of the LCFs <NUM> may be released at different times. For the remainder of the description of system <NUM>, the LCFDSs <NUM> are made to release the respective LCFs <NUM> at the same time. Further, the LCFDSs <NUM> of the system <NUM> may be identical. In other implementations, one or more of the LCFDSs <NUM> may be different from another of the LCFDSs <NUM>. For the remainder of this description of system <NUM>, the LCFDSs <NUM> are described as being identical.

<FIG> shows one of the systems <NUM> with the LCFs <NUM> deployed while another of the systems <NUM> remains in a non-deployed configuration. During deployment, one or more of the LCFs <NUM> may be rapidly ejected by a launch system. In some implementations, the LCFs <NUM> may be released without the assistance of a launch system. Upon release of the LCFs <NUM>, the floats <NUM> interact with a mud flow <NUM> and assist in removing the LCFs <NUM> from the respective housings <NUM>. As the LCFs <NUM> are released, the LCFs unfold and unfurl in preparation for being applied to a lost circulation zone. Additionally, the LCFDSs <NUM> may also include a separation system as described earlier. The separation system separates the deployed LCFs <NUM> from the LCFDSs <NUM> so that the LCFs <NUM> may be directed into position at a lost circulation zone, such as by the portion of the fluid flow <NUM> being drawn into a lost circulation zone.

<FIG> and <FIG> show another example LCFDS <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> show a plurality of LCFDSs <NUM> arranged about a circumference of a tubular <NUM>. The LCFDS <NUM> may be similar to the LCFDS <NUM> except as described. In some implementations, a plurality of LCFDSs <NUM> may be arranged so as to encircle an entire circumference of tubular <NUM>. In other implementations, a plurality of LCFDSs <NUM> may be arranged to extend about the tubular <NUM> less than the entire circumference. Circumferential arrangements of the LCFDSs <NUM> may be provided at different locations along a longitudinal axis of the tubular <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> also show actuators <NUM> arranged about a circumference of the tubular <NUM> at a location longitudinally offset from the circumferential arrangement of LCFDSs <NUM>. A mud flow <NUM> is shown flowing downhole through a passage <NUM> formed within the tubular <NUM>. A returning mud flow <NUM> is shown flowing uphole along the exterior surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>.

An LCF <NUM> is housed within a cavity <NUM> formed within a housing <NUM> of each of the LCFDSs <NUM>. The LCFDSs <NUM> may include a door that is movable to cover and uncover the opening <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. The door may be similar to the door <NUM> or any of the other doors described within or otherwise encompassed by the present disclosure. The LCFDSs <NUM> may also include a release system to actuator the door between an open position and closed position to uncover and cover the opening <NUM>. The release system may be similar to the release system <NUM> or any other release system described in or otherwise encompassed by the present disclosure.

Ends <NUM> of LCFs <NUM> are coupled to one of the actuators <NUM>. A connector <NUM> connects the end <NUM> of the LCF <NUM> to one of the actuators <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> may be, for example, a cable, string, line, or cord. Opposing ends <NUM> of an LCF <NUM> are coupled to different actuators <NUM>. Additionally, the ends <NUM> of the LCFs <NUM> are coupled to actuators <NUM> that are angularly offset, relative to a longitudinal axis <NUM>, from the LCF <NUM>. As a result of this angular offset, as the actuators <NUM> eject the LCFs <NUM> from the housings <NUM>, the LCFs <NUM> are unfolded and expand outwardly, as shown in <FIG>. In the implementations illustrated, each actuator <NUM> connects to two different LCFs <NUM>. In other implementations, there may be no angular offset.

As a result of the described arrangement between the LCFs <NUM> and the actuators <NUM>, adjacent LCFs <NUM> overlap each other upon deployment. The overlapping LCFs <NUM> combine to form a continuous loss circulation fabric for application to a lost circulation zone. In some implementations, overlapping of adjacent LCFs <NUM> occurs about an entire circumference of the tubular <NUM>. In other implementations, the overlapping of adjacent LCFs <NUM> occurs over less than an entire circumference of the tubular <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the actuators <NUM> is contained within a housing <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the housings <NUM> are longitudinally aligned with the housings <NUM> of the LCFDSs <NUM>. In other implementations, the housings <NUM> may not align longitudinally with the housings <NUM>.

In some implementations, the actuators <NUM> may include a bobbin <NUM> and a motor <NUM>. The connectors <NUM> are coupled to the bobbins <NUM> such that rotation of the bobbins <NUM> by the motors <NUM> causes the connectors <NUM> to wind around the bobbins <NUM> and, in the process, extract the LCFs <NUM> from the housings <NUM>. The actuators <NUM> may have other forms in other implementations. For example, the actuators <NUM> may be similar to the actuator <NUM> in <FIG> where the actuator <NUM> drives a rod <NUM> that pushes the fabric out of the housing <NUM> using a launch system <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuators <NUM> may be similar to the actuators <NUM>, the actuators <NUM>, or the actuators <NUM>, or any of the actuators disclosed in the specification.

The LCFDSs <NUM> may also include a separation system that may be similar to the separation systems described earlier. Thus, once deployed, the LCFs <NUM> may be separated from the LCFs <NUM> and directed into position by a portion of the mud flow <NUM> that is directed into the lost circulation zone.

<FIG> shows another example LCFDS <NUM>. Two LCFDSs <NUM> are shown longitudinally offset from each other along an axis 1522of a tubular <NUM>. However, the LCFDSs <NUM> may be arranged as described earlier. For example, in some implementations, a plurality of LCFDSs <NUM> may be arranged so as to encircle an entire circumference of tubular <NUM>. In other implementations, a plurality of LCFDSs <NUM> may extend about the tubular <NUM> less than the entire circumference. Circumferential arrangements of the LCFDSs <NUM> may be provided at different locations along an axis <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>. The LCFDS <NUM> may be similar to the LCFDS <NUM> except as described. A mud flow <NUM> is shown flowing downhole through a passage <NUM> formed within the tubular <NUM>. A returning mud flow <NUM> is shown flowing uphole along the exterior surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>.

The LCFDS <NUM> includes an LCF <NUM>, which his shown deployed in <FIG>. The LCFDS <NUM> includes an actuator <NUM> to extract the LCF <NUM> from a housing <NUM> of the LCFDS <NUM>. One of the actuators <NUM> is coupled to each end <NUM> of the LCF <NUM>. The actuators <NUM> may be coupled to the ends <NUM> via a connector <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> may be, for example, a cable, string, line, or cord. During deployment, the actuators <NUM> extract the LCF <NUM> from the housing <NUM>, unfold, and spread the LCF <NUM>. In some implementations, the actuators <NUM> move in a diagonal along the surface <NUM> relative to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>. However, in other implementations, the actuators <NUM> may be move in any desired path along the surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> travels along the surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>. In some implementations, the actuator <NUM> is a linear actuator. In other implementations, the actuator <NUM> contains wheels such that it can roll along a surface <NUM> of the tubular <NUM>. In some implementations, the actuator <NUM> can be driven by a motor, such as a rotary motor, but in some implementations, the actuator <NUM> may be ejected from the from the housing <NUM>. In some implementations, the wheels of the actuator <NUM> may be made of a magnetic material or include magnetic material such that they can remain attached to an exterior surface of tubular <NUM>, which is typically ferromagnetic.

The LCFDS <NUM> may also include a separation system that may be similar to the separation systems described earlier. Thus, once deployed, the LCF <NUM> may be separated from the LCF <NUM> and directed into position by a portion of the returning mud flow <NUM> that is directed into the lost circulation zone.

<FIG> is a schematic of an example electromechanical system <NUM> for use with a lost circulation fabric deployment system within the scope of the present disclosure. The system <NUM> includes a controller <NUM>; a power supply <NUM>; a communications system <NUM>; one or more sensors <NUM>; and one or more actuators <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> supplies electrical power to the controller <NUM> and other components of the system <NUM>. In some implementations, the power supply <NUM> may supply electrical power to other components of an LCFDS. In some implementations, the power supply <NUM> may be a battery, a capacitor, or another device operable to store energy for later use.

The controller <NUM> is communicably coupled to the communications system <NUM>, the one or more sensors, and the actuators. The controller <NUM> receives information from the one or more of these components, transmits information to one or more of these components, or both. The controller <NUM> is operable to control functions of the system <NUM>. For example, in some implementations, the controller <NUM> is operable to determine a position and orientation within a wellbore, locate a lost circulation zone, and deploy a lost circulation fabric when the LCFDS is at a predetermined position relative to the lost circulation zone. The controller <NUM> receives information form the one or more sensors and uses the received information from the sensors to operate an LCFDS to deploy an LCF. Example methods of operation of a controller, such as the controller <NUM>, are described in more detail.

The controller <NUM> includes a timer <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, ports <NUM> (which may include a charging port and a communications port similar to those described earlier), interrupts <NUM>, and memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be or include a computer, which is described in more detail later. The memory may be one or more different types of memory, which are also described in more detail later. The timer <NUM> of the processor <NUM> is for adding timestamps to measurements taken by the sensors. In this way, the processor <NUM> is able to timestamp and record the downhole incidents through the sensing measurement. The timer is also used to create a time delay for triggering either the sensing command or the actuation command. The interrupts <NUM> work as triggers that awaken the processor from power saving mode or triggers to execute certain commands such as sensing and actuation.

The communication system <NUM> provides communication between the system <NUM> and a remote location. For example, the communication system <NUM> may provide communication between the system <NUM> and a computer located at a surface of the earth. In some implementations, the one or more actuators <NUM> includes a first actuator <NUM> operable actuate a release system <NUM> of the LCFDS; and a second actuator <NUM> operable to actuate a launch system <NUM>. In some implementations, the release system <NUM> may be similar to the release system described and encompassed within the present disclosure, such as release system <NUM>. For example, a release system may include a system operable to open a door of an LCFDS to permit deployment of an LCF. The release system may include an actuator that operates to deploy an LCF from a housing. For example, an actuator such as a motor and a bobbin, which may be similar to motor <NUM> and bobbin <NUM>, described earlier, to release and unfurl an LCF may form part of the release system. Another type of actuator may be an actuator similar to actuator <NUM> that moves along an exterior surface of a tubular to extract an LCF from a housing to deploy the LCF. However, the scope of the disclosure encompasses other types of actuators operable to deploy an LCF from an LCFDS.

The launch system <NUM> may be similar to launch systems within the scope present disclosure, such as launch system <NUM> or launch system <NUM>. Thus, the actuator <NUM> associated with the launch system <NUM> may include an actuator similar to actuator <NUM>, spring <NUM>, or both, described earlier. In some implementations, the actuator <NUM> may be or include a spring, which may be similar to springs <NUM>. In some implementations, the release system <NUM> and the launch system <NUM> may be part of a unitary system. Consequently, in some implementations, the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> may form part of a single system operable to release an LCF.

In other implementations, the system <NUM> may include other actuators. For example, the system <NUM> may include a third actuator <NUM> operable to actuate a separation system <NUM> within the scope of the present disclosure, such as separation system <NUM> described earlier. Although three actuators are described, the scope of the disclosure is not so limited. For example, additional or fewer actuators may be included. Further, the included actuators may form part of a unitary system or may be part of or be associated with separate respective systems to provide actuation for those separate systems.

The one or more sensor <NUM> provide data to the controller <NUM> to permit the controller <NUM> to operate to deploy an LCF. For example, the one or more sensors <NUM> may enable the controller <NUM> to determine motion and orientation of an LCFDS and to detect a location of a lost circulation zone. The system <NUM> may include sensors, such as, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pressure sensor, a flow meter, a temperature sensor, or a combination of these sensors. In other implementations, the system <NUM> may include fewer, additional, or different sensors than those described. As explained earlier, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer may form an inertial sensing system operable to detect motion and orientation of the LCFDS. As also explained earlier, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a flow meter may be used to identify and locate lost circulation zones. Data obtained from these sensors is received by the processor <NUM> and may be stored in memory <NUM>. The received information may be used when received, stored for use at a later time, transmitted to a remote location, or a combination of these. Information stored in memory <NUM> may be stored and downloaded at a later time, such as upon return of the LCFDS to the surface.

In some implementations, the communication system <NUM> may include software, hardware, or both to enable an LCFDS to communicate, such as over a wired or wireless connection. Further, the communication system <NUM> may provide for real-time communication during drilling. For example, in some implementations, the communication system <NUM> is operable to provide communication using mud-pulse telemetry or electromagnetically. In some implementations, a portion of data acquired during drilling is transmitted to a remote location, such as to the surface of the earth, while another portion of the acquired data is stored in memory <NUM> of the system <NUM>. In other implementations, all of the acquired data may be stored in memory <NUM> while all or a portion of the acquired data are transmitted in a delayed or real-time manner to a remote location. The stored data may be downloaded upon return of the LCFDS to the surface via communication port of ports <NUM>, which may be similar to the communication port described earlier with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an example method <NUM> for deploying an LCF. Particularly, method <NUM> is applicable to sealing one or more lost circulation zones located in a wellbore during a drilling operation. At <NUM>, an LCFDS is configured prior to being introduced into a wellbore during a drilling operation. The LCFDS may be any LCFDS as described earlier as well as others within the scope of the present disclosure. Although a single LCFDS is mentioned in the context of describing method <NUM>, it is understood that the steps of method <NUM> may be applied to a plurality of LCFDSs. Configuration of the LCFDS may include installing information into the LCFDS, such as into a memory of the LCFDS. The information may include a profile of the wellbore, a predetermined zone depth, and wellbore conditions. The predetermined loss zone depth may be an estimated depth of the loss zone along a length of the wellbore. The wellbore conditions may be a wellbore profile such as a wellbore survey profile, a wellbore temperature versus depth profile, a wellbore pressure versus depth profile, and wellbore depth profile. Other types of information may be pre-installed into the LCFDS prior to being introduced into a wellbore during a drilling operation. For example, sensor measurements that may be interpreted as representing a loss circulation zone and a position and a preselected orientation of the LCFDS relative to a lost circulation zone prior to deployment of an LCF may also be installed into the LCFDS prior to being introduced into a wellbore during a drilling operation.

At <NUM>, the LCFDS is installed on a tubular, such as a drill pipe. The LCFDS may include a housing that is mounted to an exterior surface of the tubular. In some implementations, the housing is permanently fixed to the tubular. Thus, in some implementations, the LCFDS may be permanently attached to the tubular. In some implementations, the LCFDS may have a modular constructions such that the LCFDS forms a unit that is insertable and removable from the housing, as described earlier. In some implementations, the LCFDS may be positioned on the tubular near a bottom hole assembly. Further, where multiple LCFDSs are arranged on a tubular, such as about a circumference of the tubular, as described earlier, the LCFDSs are operable to stabilize the tubular within the wellbore, particularly during a drilling operation.

At <NUM>, the tubular is introduced into the wellbore. The tubular may be a length of drilling pipe. The tubular may include multiple LCFDSs. Further, in some implementations, multiple lengths of drilling pipes may be assembled. Consequently, in some implementations, multiple tubulars, each having multiple LCFDSs, are introduced into a wellbore.

At <NUM>, as the tubular or tubulars are being introduced into the wellbore, sensors included with the LCFDS take measurement of conditions within the wellbore, including position and orientation measurements of the LCFDS. The LCFDS, such as a controller of the LCFDS, utilizes the sensor measurements to determine a running depth of the LCFDS within the wellbore. Measurements that may be used to determine the running depth may include pressure, temperature, accelerometer, magnetometer, and gyroscope measurements. The controller may be similar to the controller <NUM> or any other controller within the scope of the present disclosure.

Some systems use sensors (for example, flow sensors and accelerometers) to identify when the LCFDS has reaches a lost circulation zone. Sensors of the LCFDS are used to determine a position of the LCFDS within the wellbore based on the running depth information, well profile data previously downloaded into the LCFDS, and other stored data. For example, the sensors can be used to determine when the LCFDS reaches a predetermined position in the wellbore relative to a lost circulation zone, as indicated at <NUM>. If the LCFDS has not reached a preselected position within the wellbore, the LCFDS continues to take measurements to detect when the LCFDS has reached the predetermined position within the wellbore, as indicated at <NUM>. If the predetermined position within the wellbore has been reached, then the LCFDS can deploy the LCF, as indicated at <NUM>, allow a preselected time to elapse, as indicated by <NUM>, and detach the LCF from the LCDFS, as indicated by <NUM>. The preselected time period allows for the full deployment of an LCF (such as complete removal from a housing of the LCFDS, complete unfolding and spreading) as well as to permit the LCF to be pressed against the wall of the wellbore at the lost circulation zone by the fluid pressure within the annulus between the wellbore and the drill string.

At <NUM>, a drilling operation is continued after deployment of the LCF. In some instances, the deployed LCF may not fully seal or isolate the lost circulation zone. Thus, in some instances, a spot treatment with lost circulation material (LCM) may be used to form an improved seal at the lost circulation zone. Spot treatment of a lost circulation zone with LCM is performed to maintain positive downhole pressure and allow for continued drilling.

As described earlier, a drilling string may include a plurality of LCFDSs. Each of the LCFDS may be deployed when the above-referenced criteria are satisfied. In other implementations, one or more of the LCFDSs may be linked to another LCFDSs such that, upon satisfaction of the criteria by one of the LCFDSs and deployment of an LCF from the one LCFDSs causes another or a plurality of other LCFDSs to deploy. In still other implementations, each LCFDS may operate autonomously such that each of the LCFDSs deploy the associated LCF when one or more deployment criterion are satisfied.

<FIG>, and <FIG> are downhole images illustrating the deployment of an LCF or a plurality of LCFs from an LCFDS or a plurality of LCFDSs, respectively. Moreover, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate deployment of an LCF from and LCFDS similar to the LCFDS <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, described earlier. <FIG> shows a tubing string. For the purposes of the present description, the tubing string is described as a drilling string <NUM>, although it is to be understood that the tubing string may be another type of tubing string. The drilling string <NUM> is disposed in a wellbore <NUM>. A lost circulation zone <NUM> is present in the wellbore <NUM>. The drilling string <NUM> includes pair of LCFDSs <NUM>. Although two LCFDSs <NUM> are shown, additional or fewer LCFDSs may be included disposed on the drilling string <NUM> about a common circumference or at different positions along the length of the drilling string <NUM>, or both. An LCF <NUM> is stored in a housing <NUM> of each LCFDS <NUM>. Each of the LCF <NUM> includes one or more floats <NUM> (which may be similar to floats <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>). However, in other implementations, the LCF <NUM> may include one or more actuators, which may be similar to actuator <NUM>, in place of the floats <NUM>. The remainder of the description are made in the context of floats, although it is to be understood actuators similar to actuators <NUM> may be used to deploy or assist in deploying the LCF <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the drilling string <NUM> is moved to a location downhole of the lost circulation zone <NUM>. As the LCFDSs <NUM> reach a location proximate to the loss circulation zone <NUM>, onboard sensors of the LCFDSs <NUM> operate to detect the presence of the lost circulation zone <NUM>. In the present implementation, when the LCFDSs <NUM> detect the presence of the lost circulation zone <NUM> and obtain a position downhole relative to the lost circulation zone <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the LCFDSs <NUM> deploy the LCFs <NUM>. A period of time is permitted to elapse from the time of deployment of the LCFs <NUM>, which permits the LCFs <NUM> to unfold and spread and be lifted uphole by a flow of drilling mud passing through annular space <NUM>. As the LCFs <NUM> are lifted uphole, differential pressure at the lost circulation zone <NUM> associated with drilling mud flowing into the lost circulation zone <NUM>, draws the LCFs <NUM> against the wellbore surface <NUM>. As a result, the LCFs <NUM> cover at least portions of the lost circulation zone <NUM>, forming a seal, thereby reducing or preventing the flow of drilling mud into the lost circulation zone <NUM>. Upon elapse of the period of time, the LCFs <NUM> are separated from the associated LCFDSs <NUM>. With the LCFs <NUM> in position and providing a barrier to lost circulation, the drilling string <NUM> is continued to be moved downhole, as shown in <FIG>. In some instances, a spot treatment with LCM may be used to form a better seal at the lost circulation zone. Spot treatment of a lost circulation zone with LCM is performed to maintain positive downhole pressure and allow for continued drilling.

The process illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG> may be autonomously performed. Particularly, deployment of the LCFs <NUM> may be autonomously deployed by a controller disposed within the LCFDSs <NUM>. In some implementations, the entirety of the process represented in <FIG>, and <FIG> may be autonomously performed, including deployment of the LCFs <NUM> and movement of the drilling string <NUM> to place the LCFDSs <NUM> in a predetermined position relative to the lost circulation zone <NUM>. For example, movement of drilling string <NUM> may be autonomously controlled by a controller located, for example, at a surface of the earth. The controller located at the surface of the earth may be in communication with a controller contained with each of the LCFDSs <NUM> to control deployment of the LCFs <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG> are downhole images illustrating the deployment of an LCF or a plurality of LCFs from an LCFDS or a plurality of LCFDSs, respectively. Moreover, <FIG>, <FIG> illustrate deployment of an LCF from and LCFDS similar to the LCFDS <NUM>, described earlier. <FIG> shows a tubing string. For the purposes of the present description, the tubing string is described as a drilling string <NUM>, although it is to be understood that the tubing string may be another type of tubing string. The drilling string <NUM> is disposed in a wellbore <NUM>. A lost circulation zone <NUM> is present in the wellbore <NUM>. The drilling string <NUM> includes pair of LCFDSs <NUM>. Although two LCFDSs <NUM> are shown, additional or fewer LCFDSs may be included disposed on the drilling string <NUM> about a common circumference or at different positions along the length of the drilling string <NUM>, or both. An LCF <NUM> is stored in a housing <NUM> of each LCFDS <NUM>. Each LCF <NUM> is connected to at least one actuator <NUM> via a connector <NUM>. The actuators <NUM> are contained within a housing <NUM>. In some implementations, each LCF <NUM> is connected to a pair of actuator <NUM>, in a manner, for example, as shown in <FIG>. In some implementations, the actuator <NUM> is bobbin coupled to a motor, which may be similar to and operate similarly to the bobbin <NUM> and motor <NUM>, respectively, described earlier.

Referring to <FIG>, the drilling string <NUM> is moved in a downhole direction towards the lost circulation zone <NUM>. As the LCFDSs <NUM> reach a location proximate to the loss circulation zone <NUM>, onboard sensors of the LCFDSs <NUM> operate to detect the presence of the lost circulation zone <NUM>. When the sensors of the LCFDSs <NUM> detect the lost circulation zone <NUM>, movement of the drilling string <NUM> is ceased when the housings <NUM> are at a position uphole of the lost circulation zone. If downhole movement of the drilling string <NUM> has caused the housings <NUM> to be positioned downhole of the lost circulation zone <NUM>, the drilling string <NUM> is moved uphole until the housings <NUM> are positioned uphole of the lost circulation zone <NUM>.

In the present implementation, when the LCFDSs <NUM> detect the presence of the lost circulation zone <NUM> and the housings <NUM> are positioned uphole of the lost circulation zone <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the LCFDSs <NUM> deploy the LCFs <NUM>. Particularly, the actuators <NUM> withdraw the LCFs <NUM> from the associated housing <NUM> and unfold and spread the LCFs <NUM> to extend along a length of the lost circulation zone <NUM>. In some implementations, the LCFs <NUM> extend along an entire length of the lost circulation zone <NUM>. Drilling mud flows through an annular space <NUM> formed between the drilling string <NUM> and the wellbore surface <NUM>. Differential pressure at the lost circulation zone <NUM> associated with drilling mud flowing into the lost circulation zone <NUM>, draws the LCFs <NUM> against the wellbore surface <NUM>. As a result, the LCFs <NUM> cover at least portions of the lost circulation zone <NUM>, forming a seal, thereby reducing or preventing the flow of drilling mud into the lost circulation zone <NUM>.

The LCFDSs <NUM> are programmed to permit a preselected period of time to elapse after deployment of the associated LCFs <NUM>. This time period allows, for example, the full deployment of the LCFs <NUM> and application of the LCFs <NUM> to the wellbore surface <NUM> at the lost circulation zone <NUM>. Upon elapse of the period of time, the LCFs <NUM> are separated from the associated LCFDSs <NUM>. With the LCFs <NUM> in position and providing a barrier to lost circulation, the drilling string <NUM> is continued to be moved downhole, as shown in <FIG>. In some instances, a spot treatment with LCM may be used to form a better seal at the lost circulation zone. Spot treatment of a lost circulation zone with LCM is performed to maintain positive downhole pressure and allow for continued drilling.

The process illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> may be autonomously performed. Particularly, deployment of the LCFs <NUM> may be autonomously deployed by a controller disposed within the LCFDSs <NUM>. In some implementations, the entirety of the process represented in <FIG>, <FIG> may be autonomously performed, including deployment of the LCFs <NUM> and movement of the drilling string <NUM> to place the LCFDSs <NUM> in a predetermined position relative to the lost circulation zone <NUM>. For example, movement of drilling string <NUM> may be autonomously controlled by a controller located, for example, at a surface of the earth may be in communication with a controller contained with each of the LCFDSs <NUM> to control deployment of the LCFs <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example computer system <NUM> used to provide computational functionalities associated with described algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures described in the present disclosure, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The illustrated computer <NUM> is intended to encompass any computing device such as a server, a desktop computer, a laptop/notebook computer, a wireless data port, a smart phone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a tablet computing device, or one or more processors within these devices, including physical instances, virtual instances, or both. The computer <NUM> can include input devices such as keypads, keyboards, and touch screens that can accept user information. Also, the computer <NUM> can include output devices that can convey information associated with the operation of the computer <NUM>. The information can include digital data, visual data, audio information, or a combination of information. The information can be presented in a graphical user interface (UI) (or GUI).

At a high level, the computer <NUM> is an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store, and manage data and information associated with the described subject matter. According to some implementations, the computer <NUM> can also include, or be communicably coupled with, an application server, an email server, a web server, a caching server, a streaming data server, or a combination of servers.

The computer <NUM> can receive requests over network <NUM> from a client application (for example, executing on another computer <NUM>). The computer <NUM> can respond to the received requests by processing the received requests using software applications. Requests can also be sent to the computer <NUM> from internal users (for example, from a command console), external (or third) parties, automated applications, entities, individuals, systems, and computers.

Each of the components of the computer <NUM> can communicate using a system bus <NUM>. In some implementations, any or all of the components of the computer <NUM>, including hardware or software components, can interface with each other or the interface <NUM> (or a combination of both), over the system bus <NUM>. Interfaces can use an application programming interface (API) <NUM>, a service layer <NUM>, or a combination of the API <NUM> and service layer <NUM>. The API <NUM> can include specifications for routines, data structures, and object classes. The API <NUM> can be either computer-language independent or dependent. The API <NUM> can refer to a complete interface, a single function, or a set of APIs.

The service layer <NUM> can provide software services to the computer <NUM> and other components (whether illustrated or not) that are communicably coupled to the computer <NUM>. The functionality of the computer <NUM> can be accessible for all service consumers using this service layer. Software services, such as those provided by the service layer <NUM>, can provide reusable, defined functionalities through a defined interface. For example, the interface can be software written in JAVA, C++, or a language providing data in extensible markup language (XML) format. While illustrated as an integrated component of the computer <NUM>, in alternative implementations, the API <NUM> or the service layer <NUM> can be stand-alone components in relation to other components of the computer <NUM> and other components communicably coupled to the computer <NUM>. Moreover, any or all parts of the API <NUM> or the service layer <NUM> can be implemented as child or sub-modules of another software module, enterprise application, or hardware module without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The computer <NUM> includes an interface <NUM>. Although illustrated as a single interface <NUM> in <FIG>, two or more interfaces <NUM> can be used according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer <NUM> and the described functionality. The interface <NUM> can be used by the computer <NUM> for communicating with other systems that are connected to the network <NUM> (whether illustrated or not) in a distributed environment. Generally, the interface <NUM> can include, or be implemented using, logic encoded in software or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware) operable to communicate with the network <NUM>. More specifically, the interface <NUM> can include software supporting one or more communication protocols associated with communications. As such, the network <NUM> or the interface's hardware can be operable to communicate physical signals within and outside of the illustrated computer <NUM>.

The computer <NUM> also includes a database <NUM> that can hold data for the computer <NUM> and other components connected to the network <NUM> (whether illustrated or not). For example, database <NUM> can be an in-memory, conventional, or a database storing data consistent with the present disclosure. In some implementations, database <NUM> can be a combination of two or more different database types (for example, hybrid in-memory and conventional databases) according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer <NUM> and the described functionality. Although illustrated as a single database <NUM> in <FIG>, two or more databases (of the same, different, or combination of types) can be used according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer <NUM> and the described functionality. While database <NUM> is illustrated as an internal component of the computer <NUM>, in alternative implementations, database <NUM> can be external to the computer <NUM>.

The computer <NUM> also includes a memory <NUM> that can hold data for the computer <NUM> or a combination of components connected to the network <NUM> (whether illustrated or not). Memory <NUM> can store any data consistent with the present disclosure. In some implementations, memory <NUM> can be a combination of two or more different types of memory (for example, a combination of semiconductor and magnetic storage) according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer <NUM> and the described functionality. Although illustrated as a single memory <NUM> in <FIG>, two or more memories <NUM> (of the same, different, or combination of types) can be used according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer <NUM> and the described functionality. While memory <NUM> is illustrated as an internal component of the computer <NUM>, in alternative implementations, memory <NUM> can be external to the computer <NUM>.

There can be any number of computers <NUM> associated with, or external to, a computer system containing computer <NUM>, with each computer <NUM> communicating over network <NUM>. Further, the terms "client," "user," and other appropriate terminology can be used interchangeably, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the present disclosure contemplates that many users can use one computer <NUM> and one user can use multiple computers <NUM>.

Implementations of the subject matter and the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, in computer hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Software implementations of the described subject matter can be implemented as one or more computer programs. Each computer program can include one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable computer-storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. Alternatively, or additionally, the program instructions can be encoded in/on an artificially generated propagated signal. The example, the signal can be a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by a data processing apparatus. The computer-storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory device, or a combination of computer-storage mediums.

The terms "data processing apparatus," "computer," and "electronic computer device" (or equivalent as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art) refer to data processing hardware. For example, a data processing apparatus can encompass all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The apparatus can also include special purpose logic circuitry including, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In some implementations, the data processing apparatus or special purpose logic circuitry (or a combination of the data processing apparatus or special purpose logic circuitry) can be hardware- or software-based (or a combination of both hardware- and software-based). The apparatus can optionally include code that creates an execution environment for computer programs, for example, code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of execution environments. The present disclosure contemplates the use of data processing apparatuses with or without conventional operating systems, for example, LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, or IOS.

A computer program, which can also be referred to or described as a program, software, a software application, a module, a software module, a script, or code, can be written in any form of programming language. Programming languages can include, for example, compiled languages, interpreted languages, declarative languages, or procedural languages. Programs can be deployed in any form, including as standalone programs, modules, components, subroutines, or units for use in a computing environment. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, for example, one or more scripts stored in a markup language document, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files storing one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code. A computer program can be deployed for execution on one computer or on multiple computers that are located, for example, at one site or distributed across multiple sites that are interconnected by a communication network. While portions of the programs illustrated in the various figures may be shown as individual modules that implement the various features and functionality through various objects, methods, or processes, the programs can instead include a number of sub-modules, third-party services, components, and libraries. Conversely, the features and functionality of various components can be combined into single components as appropriate. Thresholds used to make computational determinations can be statically, dynamically, or both statically and dynamically determined.

Computers suitable for the execution of a computer program can be based on one or more of general and special purpose microprocessors and other kinds of CPUs. The elements of a computer are a CPU for performing or executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a CPU can receive instructions and data from (and write data to) a memory. A computer can also include, or be operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data. In some implementations, a computer can receive data from, and transfer data to, the mass storage devices including, for example, magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, for example, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive.

Computer readable media (transitory or non-transitory, as appropriate) suitable for storing computer program instructions and data can include all forms of permanent/non-permanent and volatile/non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices. Computer readable media can include, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices. Computer readable media can also include, for example, magnetic devices such as tape, cartridges, cassettes, and internal/removable disks. Computer readable media can also include magneto optical disks and optical memory devices and technologies including, for example, digital video disc (DVD), CD ROM, DVD+/-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, HD-DVD, and BLURAY. The memory can store various objects or data, including caches, classes, frameworks, applications, modules, backup data, jobs, web pages, web page templates, data structures, database tables, repositories, and dynamic information. Types of objects and data stored in memory can include parameters, variables, algorithms, instructions, rules, constraints, and references. Additionally, the memory can include logs, policies, security or access data, and reporting files.

Implementations of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device for providing interaction with a user, including displaying information to (and receiving input from) the user. Types of display devices can include, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED), and a plasma monitor. Display devices can include a keyboard and pointing devices including, for example, a mouse, a trackball, or a trackpad. User input can also be provided to the computer through the use of a touchscreen, such as a tablet computer surface with pressure sensitivity or a multi-touch screen using capacitive or electric sensing. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user, including to receive user feedback including, for example, sensory feedback including visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback. Input from the user can be received in the form of acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to, and receiving documents from, a device that is used by the user. For example, the computer can send web pages to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser.

The term "graphical user interface," or "GUI," can be used in the singular or the plural to describe one or more graphical user interfaces and each of the displays of a particular graphical user interface. Therefore, a GUI can represent any graphical user interface, including, but not limited to, a web browser, a touch screen, or a command line interface (CLI) that processes information and efficiently presents the information results to the user. In general, a GUI can include a plurality of user interface (UI) elements, some or all associated with a web browser, such as interactive fields, pull-down lists, and buttons. These and other UI elements can be related to or represent the functions of the web browser.

Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, for example, as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, for example, an application server. Moreover, the computing system can include a front-end component, for example, a client computer having one or both of a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with the computer. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of wireline or wireless digital data communication (or a combination of data communication) in a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN), a radio access network (RAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), a wireless local area network (WLAN) (for example, using <NUM> alb/g/n or <NUM> or a combination of protocols), all or a portion of the Internet, or any other communication system or systems at one or more locations (or a combination of communication networks). The network can communicate with, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) packets, frame relay frames, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or a combination of communication types between network addresses.

Cluster file systems can be any file system type accessible from multiple servers for read and update. Locking or consistency tracking may not be necessary since the locking of exchange file system can be done at application layer. Furthermore, Unicode data files can be different from non-Unicode data files.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular implementations. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented, in combination, in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations, separately, or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although previously described features may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Accordingly, the previously described example implementations do not define or constrain the present disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, any claimed implementation is considered to be applicable to at least a computer-implemented method; a non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions to perform the computer-implemented method; and a computer system comprising a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardware processor configured to perform the computer-implemented method or the instructions stored on the non-transitory, computer-readable medium.

Claim 1:
A lost circulation fabric "LCF" deployment system "LCFDS" (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for deploying an LCF (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) at a lost circulation zone (<NUM>,<NUM>) within a wellbore, the LCFDS comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to be coupled to an outer surface (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of a tubular (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the first housing define a first cavity and is sized and shaped to reside within an annular space within a wellbore between the tubular and a wall of the wellbore;
an opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) formed in the first housing, the opening providing communication between the first cavity and an exterior of the first housing;
a door (<NUM>) moveable between a closed position covering the opening formed in the first housing and an opened position uncovering the opening formed in the first housing;
an LCF (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed in the first cavity, wherein the LCF is configured to seal a loss zone in a wellbore to stop or reduce lost circulation;
an actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the LCF and operable to deploy the LCF from the first housing; and
a release system (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the LCF, the release system operable to move the door between the closed position and open position to permit deployment of the LCF.