Abstract: A valve assembly for an inflatable packer includes an opening valve configured to actuate into an open position in response to a first pressure within a tubular string, so as to permit fluid flow from the tubular string, through the valve assembly, and into an inflatable packer element. The valve assembly also includes a closing valve configured to actuate into a closed position so as to prevent fluid flow from the tubular string, through the valve assembly, and into the inflatable packer element in response to a second pressure within the inflatable packer element. The valve assembly also includes a contingency valve configured to actuate into a closed position so as to prevent fluid flow from the tubular string, through the valve assembly, and into the inflatable packer element in response to a third pressure in the tubular string.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method, of which the downhole tool includes a housing defining a charge chamber and a hydraulic chamber, the hydraulic chamber containing a hydraulic fluid, and a piston disposed in the hydraulic chamber. The piston prevents the hydraulic fluid from communicating with the charge chamber, and is in communication with the hydraulic fluid and the charge chamber. The tool also includes one or more charges disposed in the charge chamber. The one or more charges are configured to ignite and thereby expand a gas in the charge chamber. The tool further includes a fluid-metering device coupled to the housing. The fluid-metering device is configured to control a rate at which the hydraulic fluid is pressed out of the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: A stop collar includes an annular body and a gripping member. The body includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The body defines a window extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. A portion of the inner surface has a diameter that decreases proceeding toward an axial end of the body. The gripping member is positioned at least partially within the body and in contact with the inner surface. The gripping member is at least partially aligned with the window when the stop collar is in a first state. The gripping member moves toward the axial end of the body when the stop collar actuates into a second state. A diameter of the gripping member decreases as the gripping member moves toward the axial end of the body.

Abstract: A stop collar includes an annular body and a gripping member. The body includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The body defines a window extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. A portion of the inner surface has a diameter that decreases proceeding toward an axial end of the body. The gripping member is positioned at least partially within the body and in contact with the inner surface. The gripping member is at least partially aligned with the window when the stop collar is in a first state. The gripping member moves toward the axial end of the body when the stop collar actuates into a second state. A diameter of the gripping member decreases as the gripping member moves toward the axial end of the body.

Abstract: A plug assembly, an anchor tool for a plug, and methods for deploying a plug in a wellbore, of which the anchor tool includes a body, engaging members coupled with the body and configured to expand outward from the body, and a sliding sleeve positioned at least partially around the body. When the sliding sleeve is in a first position, the sliding sleeve covers the engaging members and restrains the engaging members from expanding, and when the sliding sleeve is in a second position, the sliding sleeve uncovers the engaging members and permits the engaging members to expand. The anchor tool also includes a friction-inducing member positioned around the body, and a shearable member coupled with the friction-inducing member and the body. The shearable member restrains the friction-inducing member, causing the friction-inducing member to maintain the sliding sleeve in the first position, until the shearable member is sheared.

Abstract: A plug assembly, an anchor tool for a plug, and methods for deploying a plug in a wellbore, of which the anchor tool includes a body, engaging members coupled with the body and configured to expand outward from the body, and a sliding sleeve positioned at least partially around the body. When the sliding sleeve is in a first position, the sliding sleeve covers the engaging members and restrains the engaging members from expanding, and when the sliding sleeve is in a second position, the sliding sleeve uncovers the engaging members and permits the engaging members to expand. The anchor tool also includes a friction-inducing member positioned around the body, and a shearable member coupled with the friction-inducing member and the body. The shearable member restrains the friction-inducing member, causing the friction-inducing member to maintain the sliding sleeve in the first position, until the shearable member is sheared.

Abstract: A packer apparatus and method. The packer includes a mandrel including a gripping structure, a first sleeve received around the mandrel, and a second sleeve received around the mandrel and coupled with the first sleeve. The packer also includes a clamp ring received around the mandrel and axially between at least a portion of the first sleeve and at least a first portion of the second sleeve. The clamp ring includes a first tapered surface and at least one gripping structure configured to engage with the gripping structure of the mandrel. The first sleeve engages the first tapered surface, such that, when the first and second sleeves are moved axially together, the first sleeve applies a radially-inward directed force on the clamp ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packers adapted to seal an annular space within a wellbore. The packers, for example, may be utilized to circulate or reverse circulate a fluid. In one embodiment, the present apparatus comprises a first tubular subunit and a second tubular subunit moveably coupled together, a flexible packing element disposed between the first tubular subunit and the second tubular subunit, and a temporary mechanical connection adapted to restrain the first tubular subunit and the second tubular subunit from compressing the flexible packing element, in which the temporary mechanical connection is adapted to be hydraulically disengaged. In another embodiment, the present apparatus further comprises a valve. The valve may be selectively opened to allow fluid to flow between the annular space and the central bore of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packers adapted to seal an annular space within a wellbore. The packers, for example, may be utilized to circulate or reverse circulate a fluid. In one embodiment, the present apparatus comprises a first tubular subunit and a second tubular subunit moveably coupled together, a flexible packing element disposed between the first tubular subunit and the second tubular subunit, and a temporary mechanical connection adapted to restrain the first tubular subunit and the second tubular subunit from compressing the flexible packing element, in which the temporary mechanical connection is adapted to be hydraulically disengaged. In another embodiment, the present apparatus further comprises a valve. In one aspect, the present apparatus further comprises a cement inflation tool.