Abstract: Methods of stabilizing subterranean formations and methods of reducing the production of particulates from subterranean formations are provided, which are useful in conjunction with subterranean formations surrounding wellbores and fractures. The methods comprise the steps of applying to a subterranean formation a combination aqueous liquid and surfactant preflush solution, an integrated consolidation fluid and an afterflush fluid and then waiting a chosen period of time.

Abstract: A plunger for use in tubulars in wells which produce fluids and/or gases under variable pressure. The plunger has at least two separate jackets comprised of segments mounted about one body or bodies joined by a connector, which collectively have increased sealing, holding, and lifting capabilities. A inner turbulent or labyrinth-type seal is accomplished by circumferential grooves on the core and/or fingers which project inwardly from the underside of the segments. The plunger body may also have an internal passage to facilitate more rapid descent, and a simplified stopper housed inside a chamber which is actuated when the plunger reaches a well stop or well bottom and which is held in a closed position by the build up of pressure below the plunger. When the pressure inside the tubulars above the plunger is reduced, the plunger and fluids move upwardly to the surface.

Abstract: A method for reducing longitudinal flow of fluids through an annular space surrounding a permeable well tubular, such as a slotted liner or a sandscreen, in an inflow region of an oil and/or gas production well having: arranging a series of collapsed resilient sealing rings at regular longitudinal intervals around the permeable tubular before lowering the tubular into the well by means of tape and/or a binder which dissolves downhole; placing the tubular in the inflow region of the well; and allowing the tape and/or binder to dissolve, thereby allowing the resilient sealing rings to expand radially in the annular space surrounding the permeable tubular.

Abstract: Compositions for controlling wellbore fluid and gas invasion including methods for using the compositions. The compositions are initially flowable slurries preferably comprising about 70 to 30% by weight of magnesium oxychloride and about 70 to 30% by weight of water. The compositions undergo a rapid phase transition to form a substantially solid mass with a near-linear relationship between the time required for the phase transition to occur and the composition temperature at which the phase transition occurs thereby permitting accurate determination of the set time. The method includes use of the composition to control the loss of fluids and gases from the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling two elements including an outer tubular member defining one or more outer tubular member slots, an inner tubular member defining one or more inner tubular member slots positioned within the outer tubular member, and a coupling assembly for releasably coupling the outer tubular member to the inner tubular member, including a tubular coupling body movably coupled to the inner tubular member, a coupling arm extending from the tubular coupling body, and a coupling element extending from the coupling arm, the coupling element adapted to mate with at least one outer tubular member slot and at least one inner tubular member slot.

Abstract: The removal of liquids from the reservoir and/or the fracture-proppant pack of gas wells is described. Water that is trapped by capillary and viscous forces in areas of low velocity are mobilized by the application of an abrupt flowing-pressure reduction or shock. Liquids are then recovered from the wellbore to prevent hydrostatic back-pressure restrictions on the gas well. Flow at the reduced pressure is continued until liquid recovery from the wellbore reaches a minimum. The well is then returned to the normal operating pressure.

Abstract: Cement compositions comprising set retarder compositions, and methods of using the cement compositions in surface and subterranean applications are provided. In some embodiments, cement compositions are provided that comprise a hydraulic cement comprising an API cement, water, and a set retarder composition, the set retarder composition comprising an acrylamide polymer derivative; and an iron compound. In other embodiments, cement compositions, set retarder compositions, methods of cementing, methods of retarding the set time of a cement composition, and methods of preparing a cement composition are provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for coring and/or drilling through a wall of a bore hole, to deflect transversely from a longitudinal direction of the hole, further comprising selecting a core barrel (1) equipped with a core bit (3) having an inner gauge bore (5), an arrangement, in the core barrel (1), of an abrasion resistant internal guide (7), which is internal at least with respect to the bore (5) so that the bit (3) can move along guide (7), and is designed to deflect the bit (3) along a desired deflected path, start-up of the coring process with bit (3) and guiding the bit (3) through co-operation between its bore (5) and the guide (7).

Abstract: A method for expanding tubulars including providing an expandable tubing and a larger diameter tubing, wherein the larger diameter tubing has an expandable, tapering end portion; coupling an end portion of the expandable tubing to the expandable tapering end portion of the larger diameter tubing; running the connected tubing into a bore; and expanding the expandable tubing. Prior to the expanding of the expandable tubing, a wall thickness of the end portion of the expandable tubing coupled to the expandable tapering end portion of the larger diameter tubing is less than a wall thickness of another end portion of the expandable tubing.

Abstract: A mud saver valve being operable in conjunction with a top drive unit to retain mud in the top drive unit when a tubular is disconnected therefrom. The valve utilizes a spring-loaded piston to control the flow of mud or other fluid onto the work area and environment while the top drive unit is being connected to the new tubular and re-connected to the original tubular string. The valve further comprises multiple check valves for evaluating as well as monitoring wellbore pressure. The valves provides for full bore flow passages for the mud or fluid being pumped into a tubular fluidly connected to the top drive.

Abstract: A fastener for coupling blowout preventers in a stack including an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end, and a head disposed proximate the first end of the elongated shaft and adapted to be retained in a recess in a first blowout preventer. The second end of the elongated shaft is adapted to be coupled to a second blowout preventer.

Abstract: A method and cementing composition for sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore, wherein the cementing composition comprises a mixture of cementitious material, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and sufficient water to form a slurry.

Abstract: There is provided a method of radially expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore, the tubular element having a first section to be expanded to a first diameter and a second section to be expanded to a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter. The method involves arranging an expander in the wellbore, the expander including a first expander member and a second expander member, wherein the first member has a larger outer diameter than the second member, said members being releasably interconnected. The expander is moved through the first tubular section thereby expanding the first tubular section to the first diameter, whereafter the second expander member is released from the first expander member. The second expander member is then moved through the second tubular section so as to expand the latter to the second diameter.

Abstract: A storable cement system comprises a suspending agent, a cement spacer and water. The composition may further optional contain a surfactant and/or an organic solvent and/or a weighting material. The suspending agent is preferably a carrageenan or scleroglucan. The cement system may be stored for an extended period of time prior to being interposed between a cement slurry and a drilling fluid. As such, the aqueous cement system may be made off-site and used when desired for preventing contact between non-compatible hydrocarbonaceous and aqueous fluids.

Abstract: A method is provided for activating a downhole system arranged in an annular space formed between a radially expandable tubular element extending into a borehole formed into an earth formation and a cylindrical wall surrounding the tubular element. The downhole system is arranged so as to be activated by movement of an annular movement device along the tubular element. The method involves arranging the annular moving device around the tubular element, the moving device having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tubular element in its unexpanded shape, and gradually expanding a portion of the tubular element by moving an expander through the tubular element in the direction of the moving device, whereby a transition zone of the tubular element is defined between the expanded an unexpanded portions of the tubular element.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for plugging of natural or artificially-created fractures in subterranean formations to reduce the flow of fluids. The compositions are mixtures of primarily inert particles of different sizes that leave a minimal flow path for fluids when the particles are packed in the fracture. If the fracture can close on the particles, the particles need not fill the width of the fracture before closure to cause plugging.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated setting tool for use in setting a plug or other component in a wellbore, and which is responsive to a supply of input actuating pressure to actuate the tool. An elongate tool housing has an inlet to receive the supply of actuating pressure, and an actuator element is axially displaceable relative to housing and also engageable with the plug or other component to set and release the component with respect to the wellbore. A pressure multiplier arrangement includes a hydraulically operated low pressure and high volume output piston which performs initial loading of the tool, and a high pressure, low volume output piston which provides a multiplied hydraulic force applied to the actuator element to set the plug or other component in a required position in the wellbore.

Abstract: For conformance treatment to plug an opening in subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation, a conformance additive including water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, a filter aid that is preferably diatomaceous earth, and optionally a reinforcing material. The method of forming a conformance fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the formation to plug the opening.

Abstract: A lockout tool dimensioned to be received within a housing of a subsurface safety valve (SSV). The lockout tool generally comprises an elongated housing, and an expander mandrel slidably received within the housing. Together, the elongated housing and expander mandrel are run into the wellbore and landed into the housing of the SSV such that the end of the expander mandrel opens the flapper valve. A portion of the lookout tool housing shoulders against the flow tube in the SSV to drive the flow tube downward, thereby maintaining the flapper of the SSV in its open position. As the expander mandrel moves downward through the hard scat of the SSV, the mandrel engages the flow tube and expands it against the hard seat. In this manner, the flow tube is expanded into permanent, frictional engagement with the hard seat. This, in turn, looks the flapper member of the SSV in its open position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating fluids flowing through a downhole well passageway including separating fluids pumped downhole, centrifugal separation, gradually increasing centrifugal acceleration, the establishment of annular flow, gradually establishing annular flow, a receiving chamber of increasing cross-sectional area of flow and method and apparatus for use of a fluid separator tool with tubing for downhole well operations, in particular with coiled tubing.