Abstract: A dedicated hydraulic line for transmission of a signal device capable of generating one or more unique signals to one or more tools within a subterranean well. Each tool can be equipped with a reader device for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to the signal device. Each reader device can control operation of the tool associated therewith if the reader device is programmed to respond to signals received from the control device. Hydraulic fluid used to operate the tool can be conveyed via the dedicated hydraulic line or a separate hydraulic line. A separate hydraulic line can be used to reset the tool.

Abstract: A dedicated hydraulic line for transmission of a signal device capable of generating one or more unique signals to one or more tools within a subterranean well. Each tool can be equipped with a reader device for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to the signal device. Each reader device can control operation of the tool associated therewith if the reader device is programmed to respond to signals received from the control device. Hydraulic fluid used to operate the tool can be conveyed via the dedicated hydraulic line or a separate hydraulic line. A separate hydraulic line can be used to reset the tool. Where the tools include sliding sleeves, the tools can be used to hydraulically fracture subterranean environs at spaced apart locations along a well bore in any desired sequence and without removing the tools from the well during the fracturing process.

Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.

Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for stimulating a subterranean formation includes a first tube, a second tube, a combustion body and an ignition propagator. The second tube is positioned within the first tube interior and the second tube interior is sealed from the first tube interior to substantially prevent fluid communication between the first tube interior and the second tube interior. The combustion body is formed from a solid propellant and is positioned within the first tube interior external to the second tube interior. The ignition propagator is positioned within the second tube interior and is substantially free from fluid contact with fluid residing in the surrounding environment external to the first tube wall.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.

Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for stimulating a subterranean formation that is penetrated by a well bore in fluid communication with the formation. At least one length of propellant is assembled with at least one shaped explosive charge that is aimed axially along the well bore toward the propellant. Detonation of the explosive charge ignites the propellant and any successive explosive charge positioned in the well bore. Detonation of the successive explosive charge ignites the next successive length of propellant and next successive explosive charge.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for completing a subterranean well bore in at least one subterranean formation. At least one perforating gun assembly is positioned on the outside of casing in a subterranean well bore. A suitable signal, such as a hydraulic, electric or wave signal, is transported to the perforating gun assembly so as to detonate one or more explosive charges in the perforating gun assembly which are aimed toward the casing. At least one wall in the casing is perforated thereby establishing fluid communication through the wall of the casing. Usually, cement surrounding the casing and a subterranean formation surrounding the casing are also perforated to establish fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.

Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: locating a process tool at a required depth in the well, placing a reader device in the well proximate to the process tool, and then transporting an identification device through the well past the reader device to actuate the reader device and control the tool. The reader device includes a transmitter configured to transmit rf signals to the identification device, a receiver configured to receive a unique rf code signal from the identification device, and a control circuit configured to control the tool responsive to reception of the unique rf code signal. In a first embodiment the tool comprises a casing conveyed perforating tool and a perforating process is performed. In a second embodiment the tool comprises a tubing conveyed packer setting tool and a packer setting process is performed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for completing a subterranean well bore in at least one subterranean formation. At least one perforating gun assembly is positioned on the outside of casing in a subterranean well bore. A suitable signal, such as a hydraulic, electric or wave signal, is transported to the perforating gun assembly so as to detonate one or more explosive charges in the perforating gun assembly which are aimed toward the casing. At least one wall in the casing is perforated thereby establishing fluid communication through the wall of the casing. Usually, cement surrounding the casing and a subterranean formation surrounding the casing are also perforated to establish fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for completing a subterranean well bore in at least one subterranean formation. At least one perforating gun assembly is positioned on the outside of casing in a subterranean well bore. A suitable signal, such as a hydraulic, electric or wave signal, is transported to the perforating gun assembly so as to detonate one or more explosive charges in the perforating gun assembly which are aimed toward the casing. At least one wall in the casing is perforated thereby establishing fluid communication through the wall of the casing. Usually, cement surrounding the casing and a subterranean formation surrounding the casing are also perforated to establish fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting first and second tubular members, the coupling including a tubular body having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first threaded box formed in the first end portion, a second threaded box formed in the second end portion, the tubular body having an outer, annularly extending surface with at least one groove formed in the outer surface and extending from the first end portion to the second end portion of the tubular body.

Abstract: A method of creating a seismic wave in a subterranean environment wherein solid propellant material is positioned in a subterranean well and ignited thereby generating a seismic wave. The seismic wave is recorded at distance from where the propellant material is ignited by means of geophones or similar recording devices. The propellant material is geometrically configured with the assistance of computer modeling. The pressure generated by the ignition is recorded in the well and used to validate the computer model for configuring subsequent propellant material employed as a seismic source.

Abstract: A method for stimulating a subterranean formation which is penetrated by a well bore having casing positioned therein so as to establish fluid communication between the formation and the well bore. Propellant is secured to the outer surface of a carrier having a plurality of apertures formed therein. Detonating cord is positioned within said carrier and when ignited causes the propellant to ignite initially at each aperture. In this manner, the propellant is caused to burn in controlled, uniform manner. Upon burning, the propellant generates gases which clean perforations previously formed through the casing into the formation and which extend fluid communication between the formation and the well bore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for severing a tubular, such as a drill string, which is stuck within a subterranean well bore. A volume of liquid explosive is positioned within a housing and initially restrained against movement therein. The housing is lowered within the tubular and positioned at a location where the tubular is to be severed. The volume of liquid explosive is then moved into closer proximity to the tubular and detonated thereby severing the tubular. A portion of the tubular is then removed from the well bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for perforating and stimulating a subterranean formation which is penetrated by a well bore having casing positioned therein so as to establish fluid communication between the formation and the well bore. A shell, sheath or sleeve of propellant material is positioned so as to substantially encircling at least one shaped charge in a subterranean well bore and is ignited due to the shock, heat and/or pressure generated from the detonated charge. Upon burning, the propellant material generates gases which clean perforations formed in the formation by detonation of the shaped charge(s) and which extend fluid communication between the formation and the well bore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating and fracturing subterranean formations to enhance fluid production. At least one unlined punch charge is loaded into at least one punch charge carrier, and the void spaces in the punch charge carrier are filled with sand. The punch charge carrier is assembled with at least one perforating charge carrier, loaded with at least one perforating charge, and a means for detonation. The assembly is positioned in a well containing a pressurized fluid adjacent the interval to be perforated and/or fractured, and the charges are detonated. The one or more punch charges create one or more apertures in the punch charge carrier, allowing sand to enter the well and be carried by the fluid in the well into the perforations and/or fractures created by the perforating charges and the pressurized fluid. The sand scours and/or props the perforations and/or fractures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of activating electric wireline firing systems in which a firing pin is restrained against movement toward a detonator until application of sufficient voltage to the apparatus. The firing pin is not permitted to move immediately upon application of voltage to the apparatus thereby providing a period during which voltage may be interrupted to prevent detonation of the system. The requisite voltage which must be applied to the apparatus is relatively high thereby ensuring against premature detonation of the system due to high radio frequencies, stray voltages or other electrical influences.