Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for increasing the drift diameter and improving the well path of the well bore, accomplished in one embodiment by cutting away material primarily forming surfaces nearer the center of the drift, thereby reducing applied power, applied torque and resulting drag compared to conventional reamers that cut into all surfaces of the well bore.

Abstract: A directional drilling system consisting of a four-motor drilling head for better steering in directional drilling and vertical/horizontal drilling is developed. The rotational speed of each motor is independently controlled. The use of four motors in coordination with other traditional drilling variables allow precise control of the drilling direction and optimization of the rate of penetration (ROP). The top and right motors rotate in opposite directions to the bottom and left rotors to stabilize the roll rotation of the drilling head. Inclination (pitch) movement is obtained by increasing/decreasing the speed of the top motor while decreasing/increasing the speed of the lower motor. The Azimuth (yaw) movement is obtained similarly using the right and left motors. The drilling power is derived from down hole motors. A drill string transmits the drilling fluid and force on bit.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium for estimating a life expectancy of a tool used in a pumping operation is disclosed. A property of the tool is obtained and a pumping parameter of the downhole operation is selected. The pumping parameter is related to erosion of the tool. A value of the pumping parameter is measured during the pumping operation. The life expectancy of the tool is estimated during the pumping operation using the obtained property of the downhole tool and the measured value of the pumping parameter. The value of the pumping parameter may then be changed to a new value in order to affect the life expectancy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for injecting tubewire into the core end of coiled tubing sections on reels. Methods are described for disposing tubewire into multiple sections of coiled tubing.

Abstract: A downhole valve for fluid energized packers includes a valve sub and a packer. The valve sub further includes a control tube and a rotatable ball, the control tube having at least one closable aperture fluidly coupled to the packer when open, and the rotatable ball rotatable about an axle having at least one flow path closable by a rotation of the ball. The rotatable ball rotates about an axle coupled to a shift sleeve coupled to the lower end of the control tube. The rotatable ball includes a rotation pin extending from its outer surface and a rotation pin sleeve is adapted to rotate the ball in response to a movement of the ball toward or away from the rotation pin sleeve.

Abstract: A ball launcher has a body and a ball conveyor. The body has a sidewall defining axial bore, an attachment for attaching to a tubing string, and at least one radial port that provides access though the sidewall to the axial bore. The ball conveyor is carried by the body adjacent to an associated radial port. The ball conveyor comprises an inner bore in communication with the associated radial port and extends laterally outward from the body. A shaft extends along the inner bore, the shaft having a helical flight having at least one turn around the shaft, the flight and a bottom portion of the inner bore defining a ball receiving space large enough to receive a ball to be launched. A drive source rotates the shaft in a first direction to cause the flight to advance one or more balls toward the radial port.

Abstract: A flow control device having a longitudinal axis includes an outer housing having at least one fluid inlet, a multi-channel flow member positioned radially within the outer housing, a plurality of flow channels formed between the outer housing and the flow member, at least two of the plurality of flow channels having a different flow resistance rating from each other, and a radial window formed in an outlet region of each of the plurality of flow channels. The flow control device further includes a sliding sleeve positioned radially within the multi-channel flow member, the sliding sleeve including a first section of radial slots. The first section of radial slots is configured to align with a selected radial window via longitudinal movement of the sliding sleeve with respect to the multi-channel flow member.

Abstract: A camera apparatus that is at least partially incorporated within a downhole tool to be disposed to a subterranean location by a running arrangement. The camera apparatus includes a camera sensor for capturing one or more visual images of a subterranean location and a memory storage operably associated with camera sensor, the camera sensor providing one or more visual images to the storage memory.

Abstract: An interlock device for connection within a load path of a tubular support device to lock the tubular support device in a closed position in response to detecting a load suspended from the tubular support device. The interlock device includes a first member moveably connected to a second member and a biasing mechanism operationally connected to the first member and the second member providing a load setting resisting movement of the first member and the second member relative to one another. The first and the second member may be rotationally locked with one another to transmit rotation across the interlock device to the elevator.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a propellant chamber, an expansion chamber, an exit chamber comprising a port providing fluid communication outside the apparatus, and a longitudinal acceleration chamber. The longitudinal acceleration chamber includes a first end in fluid communication with the propellant chamber, a second end in fluid communication with the expansion chamber, and a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. An acceleration mass is slidably contained in the acceleration chamber. The acceleration chamber includes a propellant side between the propellant chamber and the acceleration mass, and a target side between the acceleration mass and the expansion chamber. A transfer piston is slidably positioned between the expansion chamber and the exit chamber. The transfer piston includes a first end projecting into the expansion chamber and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the acceleration chamber, and a second end projecting into the exit chamber.

Abstract: An outer casing string, including a surface casing head, and associated installation method. In some embodiments, the surface casing head includes an outer tubular member insertable through a diverter of an installed conductor system, an inner tubular member at least partially disposed within and moveable relative to the outer tubular member, and a sleeve ring rotatably coupled to the inner tubular. The outer tubular member has an annular recess. The sleeve ring includes a snap ring that is displaceable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, at least a portion of the snap ring is received within the annular recess, and the outer tubular member is axially immovable relative to the inner tubular member. In the retracted position, no portion of the snap ring is received within the annular recess, and the outer tubular member is axially moveable relative to the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A device which can be used on a water pipe has a first metallic, tubular section and a second metallic, tubular section. The first and second metallic, tubular sections are separated from one another by an electrically non-conductive section. The device also has a first metallic wire that extends through the tubular wall of the first metallic, tubular section in at least five locations and further extends across the first interior three times. The first metallic wire is electrically coupled to the second metallic, tubular section.

Abstract: An apparatus for maneuvering a tool string within a borehole of a subterranean well includes a magnetic tractor casing with a central bore. A tractor body is located within the central bore of the magnetic tractor casing. A plurality of magnets are spaced along an outer surface of the tractor body, the plurality of magnets operable to generate a second magnetic field to interact with a first magnetic field of the magnetic tractor casing, to maintain an annular space between the tractor body and the magnetic tractor casing. A plurality of angled opening assemblies are spaced along the tractor body, each of the angled opening assemblies shaped to direct fluid away from the tractor body, to maintain an annular space between the magnetic tractor casing and the borehole of the subterranean well.

Abstract: Bits configured for drilling rock that are of the type that includes a plurality of teeth supported in pockets that are on a cutting face that is driven to rotate. The pockets are configured to allow the teeth to passively rotate while in the pockets. The present disclosure provides a bit having hardfacing around the pockets and related methods.

Abstract: An injector head unit includes one or more drive chains revolving within a common plane mounted on an upper drive sprocket and a lower drive sprocket, wherein at least one of the upper and lower drive sprockets are configured to move vertically to tension the drive chains, and at least one fixed reference point proximate to at least one of the upper and lower drive sprockets, wherein relative positioning of one of the movable upper and lower drive sprockets with the fixed reference point indicates to a user an amount of elongation of the drive chains after a certain period of time.

Abstract: A downhole steam generation system may include a burner head assembly, a liner assembly, a vaporization sleeve, and a support sleeve. The burner head assembly may include a sudden expansion region with one or more injectors. The liner assembly may include a water-cooled body having one or more water injection arrangements. The system may be optimized to assist in the recovery of hydrocarbons from different types of reservoirs. A method of recovering hydrocarbons may include supplying one or more fluids to the system, combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate a combustion product, injecting a fluid into the combustion product to generate an exhaust gas, injecting the exhaust gas into a reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir.

Abstract: The continuous oil pipe clamp mechanism includes a saddle-shaped clamp block and a clamp block seat. The saddle-shaped clamp block is buckled on the clamp block seat. The saddle-shaped clamp block includes a saddle-shaped clamp portion and a bottom, wherein the bottom has a clamp groove, and tongue platforms are arranged at two ends of the clamp groove. The clamp block seat includes a fit portion fitted to the saddle-shaped clamp block, wherein the fit portion is provided with a sunk groove matched with the clamp groove and pairs of bosses. Grooves matched with the tongue platforms are formed between the pairs of bosses. The clamp groove is buckled in the sunk groove, and the tongue platforms are arranged in the grooves and are limited by stop pins. The mechanism facilitates replacement of the clamp block, enabling an injection head to be stable in continuous work and convenient to maintain.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular and a wellbore annulus may include an inflow control device configured to generate a predetermined pressure drop in the flowing fluid; a plurality of particulate control devices conveying the fluid to the inflow control device; and at least one fluid coupling conveying the fluid from at least one of the particulate control devices to the inflow control device.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing ball sealer used in fracturing of shale formations. A preferred embodiment is constructed of a generally spherical core and a pair of hemispherical shells positioned about the core. The shells are secured to each other along an equatorial seam. The multilayer frac-ball provides a strong but machinable structure with a pliable outer surface that is corrosion resistant, has a specific gravity that allows it to float in the fracturing fluid, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture. The frac-ball of the present invention is a two piece metal and polymer design. A two-part embodiment comprises a polymer core with a metal case or shell. A layer of epoxy resin may be used to secure the shell to the core. Alternate embodiments include multiple layers of different materials, generally arranged concentrically within the spherical shape. The surface of the frac-ball may be smooth, scored, or serrated.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprising an inner sleeve with a plurality of sleeve ports and a housing positioned radially outwardly of the inner sleeve and having a plurality of housing ports, with the housing and inner sleeve partially defining a space radially therebetween. The space is occupied by a shifting sleeve. A fluid path extends between the interior flowpath of the tool and the space. A fluid control device, such as a burst disk, occupies at least portion of the fluid path. In one state, the shifting sleeve is in a first position between the housing ports and the sleeve ports to prevent fluid flow between the interior flowpath and exterior of the tool. The fluid control device may selectively permit fluid flow, and thus pressure communication, into the annular space to cause a differential pressure across the shifting sleeve.