Abstract: A magnetic retrieval tool used for collecting metallic debris and material from within a wellbore or other surrounding downhole tubular. The tool includes a tool mandrel with one or more pockets formed in its outer radial surface. A removable insert resides within each pocket. Each of the inserts retains a plurality of individual magnets in a fixed array or matrix surrounding the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating one or more formation properties using in-situ measurements conducted at or near a coring location include a coring tool adapted to cut a core sample in a formation, a member having a distal end that engages a borehole wall substantially adjacent the core sample, and a drive device that engages the member to the borehole wall with a force sufficient to estimate formation strength.

Abstract: A remotely operated submersible vehicle (ROV) is used to carry a bridge plug down to a sub sea well. The ROV is operated from a surface vessel or platform and is outfitted with a submersible hydraulic pump and a manipulator arm. Additionally, the ROV is provided with a carrying rack which can support a well closure assembly made up of an inflatable bridge plug and an affixed hydraulic running tool. The bridge plug and running tool are placed into the carrying rack and operably interconnected with the hydraulic pump so that the plug element can be selectively inflated by the pump.

Abstract: Systems and methods for patching a desired section of wellbore casing or another tubular member. A patch assembly is provided which includes a tubular patch sub which is radially surrounded by an inflatable boot. A setting tool is used to set the patch assembly within the casing. The setting tool includes a heated barrel that contains eutectic material in liquid form. When actuated from the surface, eutectic material is flowed from the setting tool to the boot of the patch assembly. The eutectic material inflates the boot to secure the patch sub at a desired location within the wellbore.

Abstract: Estimating formation properties includes a member coupled to a carrier, the member having a distal end that engages a borehole wall location, the distal end having a curved surface having a radius of curvature in at least one dimension about equal to or greater than a borehole radius. A drive device extends the first extendable member with a force sufficient to determine formation strength, and at least one measurement device providing an output signal indicative of the formation property. Articulating couplings may be used to change an angle of extension of the extendable member.

Abstract: A packer device includes an elastomeric packer element which is seated upon an inner sleeve that surrounds a central inner mandrel. The inner sleeve and the inner mandrel are oriented at an angle of departure with respect to the central axis of the tool, thereby providing a ramp assembly which helps to set the packer device. An anchor ring and a retaining ring are located on opposite axial sides of the packer element and contact the surrounding tubular member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing.

Abstract: A gage ring assembly to provide support to an anti-extrusion containment ring in a packer device including a compression ring and a plurality of interlocking arcuate segments which form a substantially unbroken support wall when in a set condition. A first set of segments each have a wedge-shaped body that is wider at a proximal axial end than it is at its distal axial end. A second set of segments preferably each have a wedge-shaped body wider at its distal axial end than it is at its proximal axial end.

Abstract: A fluid bypass tool that can be incorporated into a fishing arrangement between a fluid-operated latching tool and a fluid-operated jarring tool. The latching tool is actuated with fluid from the surface to be latched to and unlatched from a stuck tool in the wellbore. The bypass tool permits fluid flow to the latching tool to be interrupted so that the jarring tool may be operated without risk of inadvertently causing the latching tool to unlatch from the stuck tool.

Abstract: Methods and devices for utilizing an electrically-actuated wireline insert safety valve (WLSV) within a wellbore. Power is delivered to an electrically actuated WLSV to actuate the WLSV via inductive charging and without the use of wired contact.

Abstract: Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing fluid flow characteristics within a hydrocarbon production tubing string within a wellbore. An expansion member is passed through the interior flowbore of one or more production tubing string members. The expansion member smoothes the interior surface of the flowbore and may radially expand the interior surface of the flowbore.

Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining cores from a sea bed. A corer device includes one or more core barrels for retaining a cores and one or more pressure barrels. Fluid pressure within the pressure barrels is selectively varied to cause the corer device to be drawn into and released from the sea bed. The core barrels are provided with core catchers for retaining a core within.

Abstract: Methods and devices for equalizing an atmospheric chamber within a well tool in a controlled manner following the operation of setting the well tool. A packer setting tool has a setting mechanism with an atmospheric chamber and an equalization assembly to permit the pressure differential between the atmospheric chamber and the surrounding annulus to be substantially equalized.

Abstract: Methods and devices for negating scale buildups on interior surfaces of a sliding sleeve valve housing above the flow tube. In some aspects, a wiper member provides additional clearance between the flow tube and housing to compensate for scale buildup. In other aspects, the interior surface of the valve housing is provided with a sleeve that is disposed between the interior surface of the valve housing and the general flowbore passing through the valve housing to protect the interior surface against scale buildup.

Abstract: A packer setting device provides a buffered setting mechanism as a substantially incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into a compressible fluid chamber to compress a compressible fluid. This fluid transfer causes movement of a setting sleeve so that an associated packer device is set within a wellbore.

Abstract: A flow adapter includes an adapter body which defines a central axial flow bore and one or more lateral flow openings for fluid communication between the central flow bore and a production tubing flowbore surrounding the adapter. The central axial flow bore of the flow adapter provides a flow restriction which creates a pressure drop across the flow adapter. The flow restriction may be in the form of a conically tapered flowbore wherein the downstream end of the flowbore has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the upstream end of the flowbore.

Abstract: A packer assembly which incorporates a swellable elastomeric packer element and one or more swellable thermoplastic components. The swellable thermoplastic components are support rings that are located at each axial end of the elastomeric element and provide positive mechanical backups for the elastomeric element to limit extrusion of the packer element.

Abstract: A dewatering device is provided that can be inserted concentrically within the production tubing string of a natural gas-producing wellbore. The dewatering device includes a pressure-isolating chamber that is provided with a fluid inlet valve and a fluid outlet valve and associated gas lift valves. Compressed gas and soap are used to form a foamy liquid mixture that is lifted out of the chamber.

Abstract: Water is removed from a natural gas well using a piston pump is driven by a power fluid that is pumped into the wellbore. The power fluid is intermixed within wellbore water and pumped out of the wellbore along with the removed water.