Abstract: A system and method for identifying, locating and marking an underwater pipeline anomaly such as excessive pipe wall corrosion. An inspection tool is pulled through the pipeline with a cable. The cable length is precisely measured when a pipeline anomaly is detected, and a transmitter generates a signal representing the pipeline anomaly location. This measurement provides an accurate positioning system for deploying a mobile receiver, and the receiver identifies the transmitter signal for facilitating precise marking of the pipeline anomaly from the pipeline exterior. Accurate cable measurements are taken by a controller which monitors the magnitude and variations in cable tension and length.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining shaped charges. A foam core having charge carrying recesses can be constructed from a single piece or from multiple sections. Shaped charges are insertable within the foam core recesses so that the shaped charges are proximate to a detonator cord positioned inside or outside of the foam core. The foam core assembly holding the detonator cord and shaped charges is inserted into a housing such as a cylindrical tubing to construct the perforating gun. A seal isolates the shaped charges from pressurized well fluids. The housing can be attached to a firing head and lowered to the desired depth in a well casing. Additional foam sections can be added to modify the number and orientation of the shaped charges. The invention is particulaly useful with thin housing material and substantially reduces the manufacturing cost of perforating guns.

Abstract: The invention is a method for installing a wireline inside a coiled tubing. A first piston is attached to one end of the wireline. A pump-through head with a removable packing and a fluid inlet is attached to one end of the coiled tubing. The wireline and first piston are inserted through the pump-through head. The removable packing is reinstalled. Fluid pressure is applied by a pump to the fluid inlet. A section of wireline has been pumped into the coiled tubing. The pump is stopped. The packing is removed. A second piston for suspending the wireline from contact with the tubing is installed on the wireline. The steps are repeated at spaced apart intervals along the wireline until the wireline is inserted in the coiled tubing.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for guiding a borehole servicing tool string into a sidetrack of a borehole.In one embodiment, a centralizer displaces a pivotally-mounted housing towards the sidetrack. A rounded nose on the bottom of the housing enables free passage of the housing into the sidetrack.In an alternative embodiment, a rounded nose is attached to a hinge at the bottom of the housing, and the tool housing is rotatably mounted to the tool string. The nose is displaced axially about the hinge, and the housing is rotated until the nose is aligned with the sidetrack as indicated by an orientation measuring device disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus is provided for attachment to a selected tool for propelling and positioning the tool in a tubular member in response to fluid pressure in the tubular member and includes a tubular mandrel terminating in a lower free end, a tubular sleeve disposed over the mandrel and adapted for coaxial sliding movement with respect thereto, a cup assembly mounted on the sleeve and cooperating therewith and with the fluid pressure exerted within the tubular member for translating fluid differential pressure developed across the cup assembly into preselected propelling forces, and sleeve retaining means for cooperating with the sleeve and mandrel for positioning and retaining the sleeve in a first position with respect to the mandrel and transmitting the propelling forces to the mandrel and attached tool for propelling and positioning the tool to selected locations within the tubular member.