Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member includes a support member comprising a fluid passage, an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member movably coupled to the support member for longitudinal displacement relative to the support member, a plurality of pressure chambers defined by and positioned between the support member and the expansion device fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage, and one or more releasable supports coupled to the support member adapted to support the tubular member positioned below the expansion device.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member includes a support member comprising a fluid passage, an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member movably coupled to the support member for longitudinal displacement relative to the support member, a plurality of pressure chambers defined by and positioned between the support member and the expansion device fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage, one or more releasable supports coupled to the support member adapted to support the tubular member positioned above the expansion device.

Abstract: A downhole tool system comprising a side entry sub comprising a side entry adapted to receive a wireline, a cutting sub comprising a cutting apparatus, a cable head adapted to connect a downhole tool to the cutting sub, and a release releasably connecting the wireline to the cable head, the cutting apparatus adapted to cut the wireline. The downhole tool system is conveyed downhole on a pipe string to perform downhole operations. If lodged, the wireline may be released and removed from the downhole tool system such that fishing operations may be performed to retrieve the remaining portions of the downhole tool system. If lodged, the pipe string may also be released or removed from the downhole tool system such that fishing operations may be performed to retrieve the remaining portions of the downhole tool system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a casing conveyed perforating apparatus and method for externally perforating a wellbore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the wellbore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges, which are contained in protective pressure chambers. Each pressure chamber is positioned radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs, which conveniently serve to center the casing within the wellbore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.

Abstract: A body having a bore therethrough for insertion of capillary tubing. A first means slidably coupled into the bore of the body frictionally restrains movement of the tubing by hydraulically engaging the periphery of the tubing with an elastomeric compressible sealing member. A second means slidably coupled into the bore of the body prevents movement of the tubing in the bore of the body by hydraulically actuating a plurality of slips to impart select engagement of the periphery of the tubing for its securement therein. A third means suspends the tubing in the bore of the body by manually engaging a plurality of suspension slips around the periphery of the tubing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expandable slotted tube fabricated from at least one tubular element and at least two annular elements connected to the opposite ends of the tubular element by means of butt joints wherein axially extending slots are formed at a uniform angular spacing around the periphery of the tube and in longitudinally overlapping relation characterized by cutting said annular elements in a pattern of overlapping positionally fixed slots in accordance with invariable parameters which are pre-determined relative to the dimensions of said annular elements and cutting in said tubular element a pattern of slots that is variable in accordance with measured parameters of the tube so as to achieve the required overlap between said positionally fixed and variable slots. A machine for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A robust transmission element for transmitting information between downhole tools, such as sections of drill pipe, in the presence of hostile environmental conditions, such as heat, dirt, rocks, mud, fluids, lubricants, and the like. The transmission element maintains reliable connectivity between transmission elements, thereby providing an uninterrupted flow of information between drill string components. A transmission element is mounted within a recess proximate a mating surface of a downhole drilling component, such as a section of drill pipe. To close gaps present between transmission elements, transmission elements may be biased with a “spring force,” urging them closer together.

Abstract: A tool is presented for making density measurements of a formation surrounding a wellbore, comprising a collar housing in a drill string. The housing has at least one first section with a first outer diameter, and at least one sensing section with a second outer diameter located proximate the at least one first section. The second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter. A radioactive source is disposed in the sensing section of the housing. At least two detectors are disposed in the sensing section and spaced from the radioactive source and are positioned to detect radiation resulting from gamma rays emitted by the source.

Abstract: A drill bit is assembled to the makeup end of a drill string by means of a breakable washer comprising a ring-shaped body having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. A radially extending first surface of the ring-shaped body is planar and substantially perpendicular to a centerline axis through the body. A second radially extending surface has an angle with reference to the first surface that results in a radially diverging configuration.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide apparatus and methods of releasing a plug. In one aspect, a plug and ball seat assembly for releasing a plug is disclosed. The assembly is selectively maintained in a housing using a mounting system. The plug and ball seat assembly includes a ball seat selectively connected to the plug. The mounting system is designed such that disengaging the ball seat from the plug also disengages the plug from the housing, thereby releasing the plug. In another aspect, a method of releasing a plug includes selectively connecting a ball seat to the plug and disposing the plug and ball seat assembly within a tubular. When the plug is ready for release, the ball seat is disconnected from the plug and allowed to move axially relative to the plug. In turn, the plug and ball seat assembly disconnects from the tubular and releases downhole.

Abstract: A rotary slip for supporting a drill string having a plurality of slip segments connected to define an opening for insertion of the drill string, wherein each slip segment comprises a head region, a toe region, and an inner radial surface axially extending between the head and toe regions, and wherein the inner radial surface of each slip segment comprises a circumferential groove. A plurality of axially aligned drill string gripping inserts are attached to each slip segment between the head region and the circumferential groove, wherein each insert comprises a gripping surface for contacting the drill string. A load ring is disposed within the circumferential groove of each slip element, the load ring comprising at least one securing element which is engaged by one of the plurality of axially aligned inserts to secure the load ring within the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.

Abstract: The phase of this process is done by the functionality of the perforated lower stem, which due to the fact that its internal conduit is able to connect the lower bellow in an alternated way, first to the tubing and after, to the casing. This is possible due to the fact that it is assisted by: a) a window that communicates the casing with the tubing when the lower bellow is open, and b) sealing packing installed in the lower stem to isolate the casing pressure, in order that the lower bellow can register only the tubing pressure when it is in closing position.

Abstract: An automated method and system for recognizing a well control event includes determining a state of drilling operations. When drilling operations are in a circulating state, a benchmark for a relative flow value. The relative flow value is based on a flow of drilling fluid into a well bore and a flow of drilling fluid out of the well bore. A limit on variation of the relative flow value is determined from the benchmark. A cumulative sum for the relative flow value is determined over time in response to the relative flow value exceeding the limit. A well control event is recognized based on the cumulative sum.

Abstract: A method of sealing an annulus surrounding a slotted liner in a well includes the steps of generating a magnetic field in the annulus in a region to be sealed; and injecting into the region a sealing fluid including magnetic particles such that the fluid is confined to fill the annulus in the region to be sealed by the interaction of the magnetic particles and the magnetic field.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for improving oil recovery, preferably a high-viscosity oil relying on gravity drainage, by applying vibrational energy. A fracture is created at a wellbore and a fluid displacement device is inserted at or near the fracture opening. The optimum oil mobilization frequency and amplitude is determined. The fluid inside the fracture is oscillated to a prescribed range of frequency and amplitude to improve oil production. Applications for using the fracture as a delivery device for vibrational energy to enhance performance of the steam-assisted gravity drainage process, vapor-extraction gravity drainage, or cyclic steam process are provided. An application to improve recovery of heavy oil by aquifer drive or peripheral waterflood is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of expanding well tools, which permit operation of the well tools after expansion, are provided. In a described example, a cementing tool includes a valve and a packer. After the cementing tool is expanded, the valve is selectively opened and closed, and the packer is sealingly engaged in a wellbore.

Abstract: O-ring seals for rock bit bearings comprise a body formed from an elastomeric material having a lubricant additive in at least the dynamic seal surface to reduce the coefficient of friction and stick-slip amplitude at O-ring seal surfaces. The lubricant additive comprises polarized graphite. O-ring seals made from elastomeric compositions comprise in the range of from about 50 to 99 percent by volume elastomeric material, and in the range of from about 1 to 50 percent by volume of the polarized graphite based on the total volume of the composition. Preferably, the polarized graphite is in the range of from 7 to 25 percent by volume. As the O-ring seal experiences wear from adjacent metal surfaces, flakes of polarized graphite are released from the O-ring seal and adhere to the adjacent metal surfaces and form a lubricating film.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes introducing a fluid into the well in connection with a fluid efficiency test. The technique also includes measuring a temperature versus depth distribution along a section of the well in response to the introduction of the fluid.

Abstract: A method of drilling sub-sea oil and gas production wells in which a liquid hydrocarbon substance, such as a natural gas liquid, is injected into the drilling mud supplied to the well in order to reduce the mud density. The method of the present invention enables reduction and control of the hydraulic pressure of the drilling mud while drilling production wells in deep water, thereby to require fewer casing runs which eventually yields better oil productivity.