Abstract: A downhole coupling mechanism for use in downhole tools that find application in wells exploited by a hydraulic refracturing process. The downhole coupling mechanism connects first and second tubular sections via a tensile load arrangement of wires located in complimentary grooves, a torque arrangement of interlocking lugs and notches on opposite ends, and a seal arrangement. The downhole coupling mechanism provides a thin walled coupling where a screw-threaded connection could not achieve the required tensile load, torque and sealing properties needed. Embodiments of a thin walled anchor and packer including the downhole coupling mechanism are described.

Abstract: A downhole coupling mechanism for use in downhole tools that find application in wells exploited by a hydraulic refracturing process. The downhole coupling mechanism connects first and second tubular sections via a tensile load arrangement of wires located in complimentary grooves, a torque arrangement of interlocking lugs and notches on opposite ends, and a seal arrangement. The downhole coupling mechanism provides a thin walled coupling where a screw-threaded connection could not achieve the required tensile load, torque and sealing properties needed. Embodiments of a thin walled anchor and packer including the downhole coupling mechanism are described.

Abstract: A downhole coupling mechanism for use in downhole tools that find application in wells exploited by a hydraulic refracturing process. The downhole coupling mechanism connects first and second tubular sections via a tensile load arrangement of wires located in complimentary grooves, a torque arrangement of interlocking lugs and notches on opposite ends, and a seal arrangement. The downhole coupling mechanism provides a thin walled coupling where a screw-threaded connection could not achieve the required tensile load, torque and sealing properties needed. Embodiments of a thin walled anchor and packer including the downhole coupling mechanism are described.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling and sealing a chamber with fluid at a predetermined pressure in a well bore. In a downhole assembly (10) comprising a tubular body (14) having a cylindrical throughbore (18) and a chamber (16) to be filled on an outer surface (26) of the body, a fill mechanism is provided to control fluid flow between the throughbore and the chamber. The fill mechanism includes a sliding seal (72) arrangement at the outer surface which is operated by the fluid flow in the throughbore to allow fluid flow into the chamber and then seal the chamber. Embodiments are described where the chamber is between a morphable sleeve (64) and the outer surface of the tubular, filling of the chamber morphs the sleeve and sealing the chamber at a predetermined fluid pressure secures the tubular within a borehole, creates an annular seal across an annulus or centralizes the tubing within a wellbore.

Abstract: A zonal isolation device in the form of an active external casing packer is provided which includes a tubular section such as a casing or liner and at least one sleeve member positioned on the exterior of the casing or liner and sealed thereto. The method detailed herein provides zonal isolation by use of a pair of spaced apart sleeve members during a frac operation where frac fluid is supplied to a zone (in between the pair of sleeve members) requiring to be frac'd, where the frac pressure acts not only on the outside of the zonal isolation device but also on the interior of the sleeve member to enhance the seal provided thereby.

Abstract: A morphable packer and method of setting the packer to anchor one tubular within another tubular or borehole, and create a seal across an annulus in a well bore. The packer is formed as a single tubular member having a central section between end sections. Undulations are formed on the tubular member to create recesses in which annular slips having oppositely arranged inclined surfaces and an outer gripping surface are located to provide an anchoring arrangement. When morphed the slips move uniformly radially outwards and anchor to an outer tubular. Embodiments include pairs of reversed slips located in the recess, pairs of anchoring arrangements located along the tubular member and a gasket seal arranged around the tubular member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a joint between tubulars such as tubing, pipes, casing and liner for location in a well bore. A connector (16) in the form of a sleeve is located over the ends of each tubular (12, 14) and the ends of the tubulars are morphed onto the sleeve to provide a metal to metal seal. In an embodiment the sleeve (16) is morphed onto the ends of the tubulars (12, 14). The connector may also have a profiled inner surface with circumferential grooves (266) and a sectioned locating groove (90) to provide axial and torsional load bearing capacity.

Abstract: A pipe coupling make up assembly and a method of making up a pipe coupling between tubular sections at a well. A first tubular section in a tubular string at the well is gripped and supported in the assembly. A second tubular is supported and moved to locate a first end of the second tubular section into an expanded first end of the first tubular section. A swaged die is arranged around the first tubular section and forced along the first tubular section towards the second tubular section. This causes the expanded first end to move radially inwards under elastic and plastic deformation and create a metal to metal seal between the first ends of the first and second tubular sections.

Abstract: A pressure intensifier and method of increasing fluid pressure at a desired location in a well bore. A central mandrel having a bore therethrough is affixed in a string. Surrounding the mandrel is a cylindrical body having stacked pistons. At a predetermined fluid pressure through the bore, the pistons release and are moved downwards, to integrate pressure across the pistons and act on a chamber pre-filled with application fluid. The application fluid is forced through delivery conduits at a higher pressure than the predetermined fluid pressure and may be used to morph a tubular. In an embodiment, the predetermined fluid pressure is field adjustable.

Abstract: An assembly having a sleeve member located over a tubular body, there being a chamber between the two and by increased pressure in the chamber the sleeve member is morphed to secure it to a well bore wall and create a seal between the sleeve and well bore wall to form an isolation barrier. The tubular body is formed in one or more sections so that annular planar faces are created for abutment between the sleeve member and the tubular body so as to remove the requirement for complex fittings and reduce the time of construction.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method, particularly useful for isolating zones in a hydrocarbon open hole well bore (80). The apparatus includes a tubular body (12), arranged to be run into and secured within the well bore. A sleeve member (14) is positioned on the exterior of the body and is sealed thereto creating a chamber (16) therebetween. Pressure is applied through a port (18) in the body to cause the sleeve member to move outwardly and morph to an inner wall of the well bore. Pressure is trapped in the chamber and maintained at a morphed pressure value by pressure balancing means in the form of a biased piston (64).