Abstract: A downhole tool for applying a force to a component in a borehole penetrating a subsurface formation includes an acoustic transducer configured to receive an acoustic signal. The tool also includes a spring having a spring force, a spring force retention device defining a perimeter having a gap and in mechanical communication with the component where the spring force retention device being configured to retain the spring force, and a gap member configured to be disposed in the gap. The tool further includes a force generator coupled to the gap member and in operable communication with the acoustic receiver and configured to operate in response to receiving the acoustic signal to withdraw the gap member from the gap to cause the spring force retention device to release the spring force thereby applying the spring force to the component.

Abstract: A downhole tool for applying a force to a component in a borehole penetrating a subsurface formation includes an acoustic transducer configured to receive an acoustic signal. The tool also includes a spring having a spring force, a spring force retention device defining a perimeter having a gap and in mechanical communication with the component where the spring force retention device being configured to retain the spring force, and a gap member configured to be disposed in the gap. The tool further includes a force generator coupled to the gap member and in operable communication with the acoustic receiver and configured to operate in response to receiving the acoustic signal to withdraw the gap member from the gap to cause the spring force retention device to release the spring force thereby applying the spring force to the component.

Abstract: A system includes a tubular having an interior surface, a longitudinal axis, a flowbore, and a main portion having a first inner diameter. A vibration inducing feature is disposed along the interior surface of the tubular and is immovable with respect to the tubular, and has a second inner diameter within the tubular that is different than the first inner diameter. The feature has a beveled first end surface and a beveled second end surface, the beveled first and second end surfaces longitudinally displaced from each other. The feature is configured to increase turbulence within the flowbore and configured to dissuade a capture of objects passing therethrough. A sensing system includes a sensor arranged to detect vibration within flow passing the vibration inducing feature, and is configured to output a command signal in response to sensed data reaching a threshold value or indicative of a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: Wall openings in a mandrel of a liner hanger/packer are eliminated and setting is accomplished with pressure against a landed object in a running tool. The wall of the running tool leads to a sealed annular space with a movable seal attached to a setting sleeve and the other end is a packer cup supported by the running tool. The setting sleeve sequentially sets the slips and releases the running tool followed by setting the packer seal. Optionally a dog sub can be used to set with set down weight on the setting sleeve. The set positions are locked in. The slips can be alternatively set with release of a contained spring force. The setting sleeve seal can be sheared out to allow removal of the running tool.

Abstract: A pin whose movement triggers setting of the borehole tool, is initially held by a collet that is supported off a surrounding housing. A spring is supported off the pin and would push a housing that locks the collet to the pin axially to unsupport the collet but for the presence of a Kevlar® wire that has an associated heater. The wire pulls the housing that locks the collet against the spring bias and has an end attached to the pin. Melting the wire allows the spring to move the housing that traps the collet to the pin. At that point hydrostatic pressure can move the pin to either open a port on the borehole tool to set it hydrostatically or to move an actuation rod attached to the pin to set the borehole tool mechanically or with a combination of mechanical and hydraulic force.

Abstract: A system includes a tubular having an interior surface, a longitudinal axis, a flowbore, and a main portion having a first inner diameter. A vibration inducing feature is disposed along the interior surface of the tubular and is immovable with respect to the tubular, and has a second inner diameter within the tubular that is different than the first inner diameter. The feature has a beveled first end surface and a beveled second end surface, the beveled first and second end surfaces longitudinally displaced from each other. The feature is configured to increase turbulence within the flowbore and configured to dissuade a capture of objects passing therethrough. A sensing system includes a sensor arranged to detect vibration within flow passing the vibration inducing feature, and is configured to output a command signal in response to sensed data reaching a threshold value or indicative of a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A communication system for sequential operation of subterranean tools involves flow based signals that are picked up with an acoustic receiver at a master controller, which then signals one or more slave controllers that operate tools and communicate back to the master controller that the subject tool has been operated. Sensors associated with the control system gather data downloaded when the master controller is pulled out of the hole. The system can be used to set a liner hanger and release a running tool and communicate that the liner hanger and running tool has activated. This can be confirmed with setting down weight and noting the running string going from tension to compression with a load cell or by translating the running string within the hole. The liner top packer can be set with a flow based signal to the master controller which is then removed with the running string.

Abstract: A pin whose movement triggers setting of the borehole tool, is initially held by a collet that is supported off a surrounding housing. A spring is supported off the pin and would push a housing that locks the collet to the pin axially to unsupport the collet but for the presence of a Kevlar® wire that has an associated heater. The wire pulls the housing that locks the collet against the spring bias and has an end attached to the pin. Melting the wire allows the spring to move the housing that traps the collet to the pin. At that point hydrostatic pressure can move the pin to either open a port on the borehole tool to set it hydrostatically or to move an actuation rod attached to the pin to set the borehole tool mechanically or with a combination of mechanical and hydraulic force.

Abstract: Wall openings in a mandrel of a liner hanger/packer are eliminated and setting is accomplished with pressure against a landed object in a running tool. The wall of the running tool leads to a sealed annular space with a movable seal attached to a setting sleeve and the other end is a packer cup supported by the running tool. The setting sleeve sequentially sets the slips and releases the running tool followed by setting the packer seal. Optionally a dog sub can be used to set with set down weight on the setting sleeve. The set positions are locked in. The slips can be alternatively set with release of a contained spring force. The setting sleeve seal can be sheared out to allow removal of the running tool.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a string for placement in the wellbore and a switch on an outside of the string, wherein the switch includes a plurality of magnetic elements that provide a continuous electrical when the plurality of magnetic elements are aligned by an externally applied magnetic field. In one embodiment, the switch includes a channel that houses the plurality of magnetic elements that remain unaligned until the magnetic elements are aligned by the externally applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A communication system for sequential operation of subterranean tools involves flow based signals that are picked up with an acoustic receiver at a master controller, which then signals one or more slave controllers that operate tools and communicate back to the master controller that the subject tool has been operated. Sensors associated with the control system gather data downloaded when the master controller is pulled out of the hole. The system can be used to set a liner hanger and release a running tool and communicate that the liner hanger and running tool has activated. This can be confirmed with setting down weight and noting the running string going from tension to compression with a load cell or by translating the running string within the hole. The liner top packer can be set with a flow based signal to the master controller which is then removed with the running string.

Abstract: A setting assembly for a packer seal features peripherally mounted rod pistons that abut the seal to be set by advancing the seal relative to a tapered surface. When parts of the seal engage an inner tubular wall before other parts of the seal the continuation of application of hydraulic pressure to the pistons moves parts of the seal that have yet to make contact with the tubular wall further relative to the ramp so that plastic deformation of the seal assembly can occur to allow portions thereof to move radially further outwardly to seal in the region where the radius of the tubular is enlarged. When hydraulic pressure is applied to the pistons in an opposite direction a lock mechanism is defeated and the c-ring or scroll reverts to a smaller shape optionally aided by a garter spring so that the packer can be selectively retrieved.

Abstract: An annular packer to create an annulus seal that includes a solid mandrel with a first end, second end, central bore, and exterior. The annular packer includes first and second sealing elements connected to the exterior. The second sealing element is expanded radially by axial movement of at least a portion of the second sealing element. The annular packer includes a first piston movable from a first position to a second position. Pressure applied exterior of the mandrel moves a portion of the first sealing element away from the mandrel to create a first seal causing a pressure differential. The pressure differential moves the first piston to its second position axially moving at least a portion of the second sealing element to create a second seal against the casing. A port may be opened releasing the first seal, but the second seal remains set against the casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling one or more downhole tools. A vibratory signal is produced by interaction between an actuation profile and a contact profile. In response to the vibratory signal, a controller actuates one or more downhole tools.

Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: A self energizing structure can function as a centralizer or as a seal when allowed to spring out after a retainer is moved away from an overlying position for run in to protect the structure. Segments extend from a common base ring and are radially offset during run in. Alternating segments have landing surfaces on opposed ends such that on release of the structure the intervening segments land on such surfaces to form a cohesive single layer with all segments circumferentially aligned and against a surrounding tubular or the borehole wall. The structure is held retracted with a bi-directionally movable sleeve operable in a variety of ways from the surface. Internally the sleeve has splines to push the segments with the landing surfaces back so that the structure can collapse back into the sleeve for removal. Structures can be stacked and used as centralizers with alternating segments removed.

Abstract: An annular packer to create an annulus seal that includes a solid mandrel with a first end, second end, central bore, and exterior. The annular packer includes first and second sealing elements connected to the exterior. The second sealing element is expanded radially by axial movement of at least a portion of the second sealing element. The annular packer includes a first piston movable from a first position to a second position. Pressure applied exterior of the mandrel moves a portion of the first sealing element away from the mandrel to create a first seal causing a pressure differential. The pressure differential moves the first piston to its second position axially moving at least a portion of the second sealing element to create a second seal against the casing. A port may be opened releasing the first seal, but the second seal remains set against the casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling one or more downhole tools. A vibratory signal is produced by interaction between an actuation profile and a contact profile. In response to the vibratory signal, a controller actuates one or more downhole tools.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a string for placement in the wellbore and a switch on an outside of the string, wherein the switch includes a plurality of magnetic elements that provide a continuous electrical when the plurality of magnetic elements are aligned by an externally applied magnetic field. In one embodiment, the switch includes a channel that houses the plurality of magnetic elements that remain unaligned until the magnetic elements are aligned by the externally applied magnetic field.

Abstract: Methods for forming a wellbore may include placing an upper section of inside a lower section of a parent liner; positioning an upper sealing member and a lower sealing member in the wellbore to form a pressure chamber, and expanding the second liner using the pressure chamber. The sealing members move axially relative to one another and the second liner has an inner bore that is hydraulically isolated from the pressure chamber. A related apparatus may include upper and lower sealing members that cooperate to form a pressure chamber that is hydraulically isolated from an inner bore of the second liner. A work string may include the sealing members, a connector that extends through the pressure chamber and the second liner; and an expander. The expander expands the second liner in response to the axial separation of the sealing members.