Abstract: A downhole apparatus comprises a piston mounted within a bore and being reconfigurable from a lock configuration to an unlock configuration in response to a pressure sequence applied within the bore. When the piston is in its lock configuration, a lock is supported by the piston such that the lock partially extends into the bore and engages a lock profile of the piston to restrict movement of the piston in a first direction towards its unlock configuration. In response to a first event of the pressure sequence, the piston is moveable in a second direction to desupport the lock and permit the lock to be wholly received into the bore and allow the piston to move in the second direction towards its unlock configuration in response to a subsequent event of the pressure sequence.

Abstract: The frac plug system includes a setting mandrel, a sleeve member, a sealing member, a cone assembly, and a slip device. The setting mandrel includes a plurality of fluid bypass slots. The sleeve member includes a sleeve body with an abutment end. The setting mandrel has a first configuration without fluid flow through the frac plug system, and a second configuration with fluid flow through the frac plug system. The methods of the present invention include running the frac plug system in the first configuration and the sealing member in an extended position for a first setting stage, moving the setting mandrel to the second configuration with the sealing member in an expanded position, and then returning the setting mandrel to the first configuration for a second setting state. If the placement is wrong, the method includes removing the frac plug system in the first setting stage.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus comprises a casing string with a fluid barrier connected in the casing string. A degradable plug is positioned in the casing string above the fluid barrier. The degradable plug and fluid barrier define upper and lower ends of a buoyancy chamber in the casing string. The degradable plug may be degraded to leave an open bore through the casing string after the casing string is lowered into a wellbore.

Abstract: Spring rings and closed wire loops each can have two ends that are connected. The connected ends can be welded. The connected ends can be aligned for welding by incorporating complementary surfaces so that when joined, the tip at the first end mate to the tip at the second end. The mating can be self-aligning spatially and radially. The spring rings and the closed wire loops can be used in many applications, including in connector applications and seal applications.

Abstract: An intake device for an internal combustion engine, the intake device includes: a housing constituting an intake passage; a valve element including a valve portion arranged to open and close a part of the intake passage, and thereby to strengthen an intake air flow; and a receiving portion which is formed on a bottom wall of an aeration passage of the housing, and which is recessed in an arc shape along a movement trajectory of the valve portion, the valve portion including an outer side surface which confronts a bottom surface of the receiving portion, which has an arc shape, and which includes a seal portion that has a raised shape, and that extends along an edge portion on an upstream side of an intake direction.

Abstract: A central shaft for a bridge plug, the bridge plug and a setting method for the bridge plug are disclosed. The central shaft comprises a setting mandrel and a setting tubular shaft, and the setting tubular shaft includes a squeezing shoulder for squeezing a compression ring or a reducing support ring of the bridge plug, and a support trunk. After the setting mandrel is disconnected from a downstream-end support, the setting mandrel can be withdrawn from the central hole of the setting tubular shaft so that the central hole of the setting tubular shaft forms an internal fluid channel of the bridge plug.

Abstract: A downhole flow inhibition tool includes at least a first component and a mating component at least a portion of one of the first component and the mating component is dissolvable in a target environment to reduce flow inhibition upon dissolution of the at least a portion.

Abstract: A system includes a back pressure valve configured to mount in a mineral extraction system. The back pressure valve comprises a cylindrical body comprising a venting port coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body and a plunger disposed in the venting port, wherein the plunger comprises a stem that extends from the venting port into an adjacent cavity of the cylindrical body. A method of operating a valve, includes biasing a plunger to an open position, biasing a valve locking mechanism to a locked position in relation to a bore of a mineral extraction system, and biasing a plunger to a closed position.

Abstract: A packing element containment system includes a support member extending from a first end to a second end. One of the first and second ends includes a support ring engagement section. A support ring is carried by the support ring engagement section of the support member. The support ring is configured and disposed to shift relative to the support member converting an axial movement of one of the support ring and the support member to a radial expansion of the support ring to provide one of a support to an anti-extrusion ring and containment for a packing element.

Abstract: A working string is used to actuate a first valve of a completion string in a well to seal a float shoe of the completion string from a remainder of the completion string. The working string is also used to actuate a second valve of the completion string to seal the center bore of the completion string. Actuating the first valve and the second valve is performed without withdrawing the working string from the well. In certain instances, the working string is a washpipe that includes a shifting profile for each valve.

Abstract: A tool equalizes a packer or bridge plug before it can release the slips and sealing element of the packer or bridge plug with a reconfigurable grip tool. In one configuration the grip tool is latched only into the equalizing mechanism for the packer or bridge plug. Having equalized the pressure and while still latched to the equalization mechanism the tool is reconfigured with a force and locked into a second configuration. From that position the grip tool can latch and move the release mechanism for total release and retrieval to the surface. Release force undermines a ratchet lock for the slips to allow extension as the sealing element extends axially and radially retracts. If the slips fail to release with undermining of the ratchet lock then a set down force can be applied to re-engage the lower slip cone to push it from the lower slips for a release.

Abstract: A pump down tool includes a resilient cup on the tool exterior to minimize leakage of pumped fluid around the outside of the tool when the tool is pumped into a well. The resilient cup is concave toward an upper end of the tool so it expands upon application of pressure to pump the tool into the well. The resilient cup is capable of expanding to a diameter sealing against the inside of the casing string. A fluid bypass around the resilient cup allows a fraction of the pumped fluid to stir up any proppant lying in the path of the tool thereby allowing the tool to move through a horizontal well without having to plow through the proppant.

Abstract: A downhole tool, packer, and method for manufacturing a downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a first sealing element, and a second sealing element spaced axially apart from the first sealing element. The downhole tool also includes a back-up member disposed at least partially around the first sealing element and the second sealing element, and positioned axially therebetween. The back-up member includes one or more anti-swab features that are configured to prevent migration of fluid at least between the first sealing element and the back-up member.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a well closure apparatus and using it downhole by releasing components contained within the apparatus. The well closure apparatus is an internal bidirectional tubing plug that is adapted for insertion into a tubing string for sealing the tubing string internally while running the tubing into a fluid filled well. The tubing plug is comprised of a body having an inner surface with a recess or passage extending through the body from one end to the other. The recess holds petals and a keystone petal that are held within the recess by a cork and the cork is held in place by a nut. At depth, the tubing is filled with well fluid, the tubing plug is released at a predetermined hydraulic pressure, and the pieces of the releasing components are pumped to the bottom of the well or are circulated out of the well.

Abstract: A system includes a back pressure valve configured to mount in a mineral extraction system. The back pressure valve comprises a cylindrical body comprising a venting port coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body and a plunger disposed in the venting port, wherein the plunger comprises a stem that extends from the venting port into an adjacent cavity of the cylindrical body. A method of operating a valve, includes biasing a plunger to an open position, biasing a valve locking mechanism to a locked position in relation to a bore of a mineral extraction system, and biasing a plunger to a closed position.

Abstract: A packer having at least two or more areas of relative rotation. The packer also incorporates a jet port, a highly debossed mandrel and/or a J-pin rotatably disposed within a drag block assembly for continuously and redundantly engaging a J-slot area disposed in the mandrel. The areas of relative rotation can be between the mandrel and piping above the packer, the drag block assembly and the mandrel, and the drag block assembly and the J-pin.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a downhole tool useable for isolating sections of a wellbore that includes a mandrel, the mandrel further having a body comprising an external surface, and an inner bore formed therein; a distal end; and a proximate end; wherein the mandrel is made of composite material, wherein a set of shear threads are disposed along a surface of the inner bore at the proximate end. Embodiments of the tool include a slip disposed about the mandrel, wherein the slip comprises a one-piece configuration.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating an untethered object in a passageway downhole in the well and using a cross-sectional dimension of the object and an axial dimension of the object to select a seat assembly of a plurality of seat assemblies to catch the object to form an obstruction in the well.

Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a body having a first end and a second end, at least one malleable element disposed about the body, at least one slip disposed about the body, at least one conical member disposed about the body, and an insert secured to an inner surface of the body proximate the second end of the body. The insert can be adapted to receive a setting tool that enters the body through the first end thereof. The insert can include a passageway extending therethrough. The insert can be adapted to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined axial force, thereby providing a flow passage through the insert and the body. At least one of the body and the insert can be adapted to receive an impediment that restricts fluid flow in at least one direction through the body, wherein the impediment comprises one or more decomposable materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing and using hydrajetting tools within a borehole includes a housing that defines an inner bore. A flow limiting member may be disposed within the inner bore. The flow limiting member may include a first a first jet in fluid communication with the top of the housing, a first chamber positioned below and in fluid communication with the first jet, and a first cavity aligned with the first jet and in fluid communication with the chamber. A groove may be disposed on an outer surface of the housing, with an anchor assembly that is disposed around the housing and axially slidable and securable within the groove.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unit for a down hole well tool comprising a tool unit comprising at least one first fluid conduit and a return fluid conduit in use forming a well annulus space between the tool unit and the well bore. The tool unit is arranged with at least one piston provided for dividing the well annulus space into at least two well annulus spaces. The communication of fluid between the adjacent well annulus spaces at each side of the piston is controlled by the relative movement between the first fluid conduit and a control element.

Abstract: A bridge plug can be deployed downhole and retrieved using a retrieval tool disposed on jointed or coiled tubing or on another bridge plug. Internally, the bridge plug has a sleeve that is movable on a stem of the plug's tailpiece. When in a first position, the sleeve prevents fluid communication through ports in the stem so that circulated fluid from the retrieval tool can be used to clear debris from the plug during retrieval. When the retrieval tool engages the sleeve in the plug, pulling up on the tool moves the sleeve to an intermediate position in which fluid pressure is equalized across the plug. Further pulling up on the tool locks the sleeve in a further position on the stem so that circulated fluid from the retrieval tool will pass directly to the stem's ports. Movement of the sleeve by the retrieval tool also releases the engaged slips and packing element on the bridge plug's mandrel.

Abstract: An embodiment of an assembly for setting an inflatable packer within a wellbore comprises a coiled tubing, an inflatable packer to be set in a wellbore, a back pressure valve, and a drain valve operable to allow fluid flow therepast and prevent inadvertent inflation of the inflatable packer.

Abstract: An annular seal for a setting tool in a packer tieback extension comprises a downhole oriented packer cup assembly. As the tool is run in the hole the packer cup flexes as the rising hydrostatic pressure equalizes across the cup into what started as a zone with atmospheric pressure inside the packer tieback extension. Once the pressure is equalized the self energizing feature of the packer cup maintains grit and debris in the mud from entering the tieback extension where the spring loaded dogs of the setting tool are held in a retracted position. If the seal fails to equalize and allows a large differential across the setting sleeve from the surrounding annulus, the rupture disc breaks inwardly into the tieback extension so that pressure is equalized. If the packer is never set after being lowered to depth and the pressure from the tieback extension is equalized into the annulus.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons in a subterranean well useful for observing properties of one or more subterranean zones, includes the steps of: (a) installing a lower straddle packer in a vertical well bore below a junction with a lateral well section; (b) installing an upper straddle packer in a vertical well bore above the junction with the lateral well section; (c) conveying hydrocarbons from the from the lateral well to the surface with a tubing; (d) observing pressure information in at least one zone with a pressure gauge located in the vertical well bore below the lower straddle packer; and (e) obtaining information in the at least one zone with logging equipment run through the tubing. A sidetrack window may be installed in the tubing between the lower straddle packer and the upper straddle packer for providing access to the lateral well section.

Abstract: A technique involves sampling fluids in a well environment. An expandable packer is constructed with an outer seal layer. At least one sample drain is positioned through the outer seal layer, and a heater element is deployed in the at least one sample drain. In one embodiment, the heater element is deployed proximate a radially outlying surface of the expandable packer. Additionally, a temperature sensor may be positioned proximate the at least one sample drain to monitor temperature in the environment heated by the heater element.

Abstract: The application discloses a safety valve including a flapper valve and a packer assembly to be installed in a bore to isolate a first zone from a second zone. Preferably, the safety valve includes a hydraulic conduit bypassing the flapper valve to allow communication therethrough when the valve is closed. Furthermore, the safety valve preferably allows unobstructed passage of tools and fluids therethrough when the flapper valve is open. The application discloses a method to install a safety valve in an existing string of tubing by deploying a packer assembly having an integral safety valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and assembly for creating a seal in a wellbore around a cable or line. The assembly includes a longitudinal body and a swellable portion which comprises a material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid. The swellable portion has a formation open to the longitudinal surface which provides a pathway for a cable or line to extend through the swellable portion, and an insert of swellable material. In an embodiment of the invention, the insert partly or fully encloses or encapsulates the cable or line. An aspect of the invention is characterised by the provision of a formation which is open to an outer longitudinal surface of the body.

Abstract: Composite downhole tools for hydrocarbon production and methods for using same. The downhole tool can include an annular body having a valve assembly disposed therein. The valve assembly can include a first member preventing flow in a first direction through the annular body; a second member preventing flow in a second direction through the annular body; and a shoulder disposed on an inner diameter of the body between the first and second members. The shoulder can have a first end contoured to sealingly engage an outer contour of the first member and a second end contoured to sealingly engage an outer contour of the second member.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in completing a well includes a plug body selectively securable to a wellbore at a desired elevation and having a flowbore. A non-dissolvable flow restrictor is operably disposed in the flowbore and operates to restrict fluid flow through the flowbore, and a time-dissolvable retainer or spacer is operably coupled to the flow restrictor to retain the flow restrictor in a first position within the flowbore. The retainer is dissolvable within a predetermined passage of time to release the flow restrictor to move between the first position and a second position within the flowbore to control the flow of fluid through the downhole tool.

Abstract: A technique involves sampling fluids in a well environment. An expandable packer is constructed with an outer seal layer. At least one sample drain is positioned through the outer seal layer, and a heater element is deployed in the at least one sample drain. In one embodiment, the heater element is deployed proximate a radially outlying surface of the expandable packer. Additionally, a temperature sensor may be positioned proximate the at least one sample drain to monitor temperature in the environment heated by the heater element.

Abstract: An anchor tool having a housing, a one-way restrictor device in fluid communication with the housing, and a stabilizer affixed to the housing. The one-way restrictor device is configured to allow restricted flow in a first direction, and to allow flow in a second direction.

Abstract: The application discloses a safety valve including a flapper valve and a packer assembly to be installed in a bore to isolate a first zone from a second zone. Preferably, the safety valve includes a hydraulic conduit bypassing the flapper valve to allow communication therethrough when the valve is closed. Furthermore, the safety valve preferably allows unobstructed passage of tools and fluids therethrough when the flapper valve is open. The application discloses a method to install a safety valve in an existing string of tubing by deploying a packer assembly having an integral safety valve.

Abstract: An anchoring device for tool is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in casing. The anchoring device can have an architecture that supports installation by running downhole and into engagement with a recess formed in the casing. The anchoring device can support the use of weak materials such as plastic.

Abstract: A down hole flow control tool for use in a well bore, such as a bridge or frac plug, includes back-flow vent holes in a central mandrel and initially covered by a member on the mandrel, such as a lower slip or a lower cone. In a subsequent, set configuration, the member moves away from the vent hole allowing back flow of well fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a wellbore is described herein. A convertible seal includes a sealing element and a valve. The sealing element is in fluid communication with the valve and fluidly blocks a bore of the convertible seal. The sealing element prevents fluid from flowing through the bore until desired. When desired, the sealing element is removed to allow fluid to flow through the bore. Fluid flow in the bore is controlled by the valve. As a result, the convertible seal has been converted to a flow control seal.

Abstract: A downhole sealing assembly (10) includes a sleeve (12) comprising a swellable medium (22). The sleeve (12) is mounted on a base pipe (14) and defines a flow path (18) between the sleeve (12) and the base pipe (14).

Abstract: A fitting arrangement and method of securing a fitting arrangement to a surface is provided. A plurality of adjacent fittings is coupled to and extends from a mounting surface of a structure in a well bore. Each fitting has an engagement surface that is configured to engage with an installation tool for coupling the fitting to the structure. The engagement surfaces of the adjacent fittings in the plurality are offset from each other to thereby define a clearance for the installation tool.

Abstract: An assembly for delivery of treatment fluid at a target location downhole. The assembly is configured to avoid any substantial loss of treatment fluid in advance of reaching the target location in spite of low well pressure or a potentially excessive depth of the location. The assembly also allows for loading with treatment fluid from a downhole end thereof so as to avoid driving treatment fluid through the entirety of a tubular accommodating the assembly. The assembly may employ a spot valve to enhance filling with treatment fluid along with a backpressure valve coupled to the spot valve on-site so as to avoid premature loss of treatment fluid during a delivery application.

Abstract: A downhole plug that can include a body and an element system disposed about the body. The plug can further include a first and second back-up ring member having two or more tapered wedges. The tapered wedges can be at least partially separated by two or more converging grooves. First and second cones can be disposed adjacent the first and second back-up ring members.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a wellbore is described herein. A convertible seal includes a sealing element and a valve. The sealing element is in fluid communication with the valve and fluidly blocks a bore of the convertible seal. The sealing element prevents fluid from flowing through the bore until desired. When desired, the sealing element is removed to allow fluid to flow through the bore. Fluid flow in the bore is controlled by the valve. As a result, the convertible seal has been converted to a flow control seal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the formation of multiple lateral wells in new and pre-existing wellbores, and positive, selective reentry of each lateral well. The apparatus comprises a tubular assembly, which includes an adjustable coupling device and a packer. The method comprises the use of the tubular assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating a selected leg of a wellbore from the remainder of the wellbore includes a packer positionable in the selected leg of the wellbore, a tube extending through the packer from an uphole side of the packer to a downhole side of the packer to permit a fluid flow communication to the selected leg of the wellbore past the packer and a valve positioned in the tube to control fluid flow through the tube. In a method for isolating a selected leg of a wellbore, the apparatus is positioned in the selected wellbore leg and the packer set to permit fluid flow communication past the apparatus only through the tube and the valve of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention concerns an external well packer (4, 4?, 4?) for a pipe string (2), and also a method of leading at least one line (18) seamlessly past at least one packer (4, 4?, 4?) along the pipe string (2). What is characteristic of the packer (4, 4?, 4?) is that it consists of a continuous inner packer ring (8) and a separate and continuous outer packer ring (10), which in the operating position encloses the inner packer ring (8) in a pressure tight manner. The fitting surface of at least one of the packer rings (8, 10) is provided with at least one through-going line slot (16, 16?), which in the operating position encloses a line (18) in a pressure tight manner. This allows continuous lines (18) to be stretched out past several such packers (4, 4?, 4?).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a subterranean well is described. The apparatus typically includes a mandrel and a packing element. The mandrel may have an outer surface and a non-circular cross-section and a the packing element may be arranged about the mandrel, the packing element having a non-circular inner surface matching the mandrel outer surface such that concentric rotation between the mandrel and the packing element is precluded. The apparatus may include slips having cavities to facilitate removal of the apparatus. The apparatus also may include a valve for controlling fluid flow through a hollow mandrel. The valve may include a flapper having at least one tab to engage at least one recession in the mandrel such that rotation between the mandrel and the valve is precluded when the valve is in a closed position. The apparatus may further include a central member which is releaseably attached to the mandrel by a release mechanism.

Abstract: A gas-lift petroleum well and method for producing petroleum products using downhole pressurized gas to provide lift. The gas-lift well having a well casing, a production tubing, a packer, and a gas-lift valve. The well casing extends within a wellbore of the well, and the wellbore extends through oil and gas zones. The production tubing extends within the casing. The tubing having an opening formed therein, which is in fluid communication with an oil zone. The packer is located downhole in the casing and coupled to the tubing. The packer can have an electrically controllable packer valve, which is adapted to control a flow of downhole pressurized gas from one side of the packer to another. The downhole pressurized gas is provided by a gas zone that the wellbore passes through. The downhole gas-lift valve is coupled to the tubing and is adapted to control a flow of downhole pressurized gas into oil in the tubing for lifting the oil. The gas-lift valve can be an electrically controllable valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating a selected leg of a wellbore from the remainder of the wellbore includes a packer positionable in the selected leg of the wellbore, a tube extending through the packer from an uphole side of the packer to a downhole side of the packer to permit a fluid flow communication to the selected leg of the wellbore past the packer and a valve positioned in the tube to control fluid flow through the tube. In a method for isolating a selected leg of a wellbore, the apparatus is positioned in the selected wellbore leg and the packer set to permit fluid flow communication past the apparatus only through the tube and the valve of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods of, as well as apparatus and systems for, perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying within said wellbore a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and a sealing mechanisms, wherein pressure communication is established between the portions of the wellbore above and below the sealing mechanism. The BHA is positioned within the wellbore such that the sealing mechanism, when actuated, establishes a hydraulic seal in the wellbore to positively force fluid to enter the perforations corresponding to the interval to be treated. A treating fluid is pumped down the wellbore and into the perforations created in the perforated interval. The sealing mechanism is released, and the steps are repeated for as many intervals as desired, without having to remove the BHA from said wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole safety valve for a central circulation completion system having concentric inner and outer tubular members defining a production bore therebetween comprises a generally cylindrical body which includes an outer surface which is sealed to the outer tubular member and an axial through bore to which the inner tubular member is secured. In this manner, the downhole safety valve forms a pressure barrier between a first portion of the production bore located below the body and a second portion of the production bore located above the body. The downhole safety valve further comprises at least one flow passage which extends through the body and communicates between the first and second portions of the production bore, and at least one closure member which is disposed across the flow passage to control fluid flow between the first and second portions of the production bore.