Abstract: An apparatus for verifying cement arrival at a target location including a liner and a sensory structure radially outwardly disposed of the liner at a target arrival location of cement from a cementing operation; the sensory structure capable of sensing arrival of cement. A method for verifying completion of a cementing operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.

Abstract: An apparatus for reverse circulation cementing of surface casing in subterranean formations and associated methods are provided. One example of a method may involve a method of reverse circulation cementing a surface casing in a well bore with a conductor casing positioned therein comprising: providing a tool comprising at least one isolation device coupled to the surface casing; positioning the isolation device in the well bore to isolate an annulus between the surface casing and the conductor casing; flowing cement through a port in the conductor casing in a reverse circulation direction; and allowing the cement to set therein.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a zone of a well comprising a wellbore, a tube which is permeable to settable material, said tube forming an annulus with the wellbore; and wherein said zone is located in the annulus, the method comprises the steps of: (i) placing inside said tube a first plug; (ii) creating on said tube a first opening and a second opening, so that: the zone be located between said first and second openings and the first opening be located between said zone and said first plug; (iii) placing inside said tube a second plug, so that said second plug is located between said second opening and said zone; (iv) injecting a settable material inside said tube between said second and first plugs, so that settable material fills the annulus and the zone by passing through the first opening; and (v) eliminating said second plug.

Abstract: A firing head assembly has a sealed chamber containing a piston, a firing pin, and an impact detonator. The firing head assembly and a perforating charge are installed within a sub and the sub is secured into a string of conduit being lowered into a wellbore. After cementing the conduit, the operator drills out the cement in the conduit, disintegrating the chamber and exposing the sealed chamber to the fluid pressure of the drilling fluid in the conduit. The drilling fluid pressure causes the piston to drive the firing pin against the detonator, which detonates the perforating charge. The operator then pumps down a logging tool to survey the well. Fluid in the conduit below the pump-down head can flow out the displacement perforation into the earth formation while the logging tool is moving downward.

Abstract: A method and device for displacement of a first fluid by means of a second fluid in a borehole (1) in the ground, where, during displacement, the second fluid is kept separate from the first fluid, and where the volume of an expandable space (22) in which the second fluid is to be located following the displacement, increases during inflow of the second fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and material for forming a fluid barrier in the material surrounding a wellbore. The method involves temporarily opening a fracture extending from the wellbore and then depositing particulates in the fracture which will swell when exposed to the fluid. The particles are deposited in the fracture without causing appreciable swelling thereof and then, after the fracture closes, the particles are allowed to swell when contacted with the fluid to form a fluid barrier.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member or around the periphery of the valving member.

Abstract: A valve system for cementing including a valve and a sleeve shifter. The valve may have a moveable sleeve with openings and a housing situated about the moveable sleeve and having flow passages. The sleeve shifter may be configured to actuate the valve by moving the sleeve. The valve may be configured to be opened and/or closed multiple times. The valve may be used in reverse cementing and/or squeeze jobs.

Abstract: Methods and devices for completion of well bores and more particularly, to reverse circulation cementing of casing strings in well bores are provided. One example of a method may comprise a method for providing fluidic access to an outer annulus of a casing string within a well bore. One example of a device may comprise a casing hanger, the casing hanger comprising a fluid port wherein the fluid port provides fluidic access to an outer annulus by allowing fluid to pass through the casing hanger; a landing sub attached to the casing hanger; and an isolation device attached to the landing sub wherein the isolation device is adapted to allow fluidic isolation of a portion of the landing sub from a portion of the outer annulus of the well bore.

Abstract: A cement diffuser and method for allowing a ported tubular to be cemented in place, while keeping an annulus about a port of the ported tubular generally free of set cement. The cement diffuser includes a collection of fibers secured over the port and extending out from an outer surface of the tubular.

Abstract: A system for actuating a downhole tool disposed within a work string comprising a support suspending the work string into a well bore, a launching apparatus positioned at a location remote from the work string, a tortuous path connected between the launching apparatus and the work string, and a mechanical plug that launches from the launching apparatus, traverses the tortuous path, enters the work string, and actuates the downhole tool.

Abstract: This method consists in introducing within the well or pipe (C) a mandrel (1) equipped with an inflatable membrane (2) which can expand radially under the effect of an internal pressure, in positioning said mandrel opposite the portion to be treated, in introducing a pressurized fluid (L1) within the membrane (2) such that its end regions form annular bulges pressing firmly against the wall, whereas its mid-region expands to a lesser degree, forming a peripheral annular space (?) into which is then injected a cement (L2) which is liquid but able to harden, in leaving the cement to set so as to form a solid sleeve, in deflating the tubular membrane (2), and then in withdrawing the mandrel (1) together with the deflated membrane (2). The method can be used in the oil sector, particularly for repairing and/or plugging a portion of casing.

Abstract: A cementing apparatus for use in cementing operations using concentric tubing or drill string such as concentric drill pipe, concentric coiled tubing, and the like is provided having an isolation cementing tool and a cementing flow control means. Concentric tubing or drill string adapted for use in cementing a well is further disclosed. A method for cementing a well using concentric tubing or drill string is also provided.

Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate perforation operations in a well. A well treatment operation is combined with a perforating operation to increase the efficiency of well preparation. A dart assembly has a dart for moving a well treatment fluid downhole and a perforating gun coupled to the dart. As the dart moves the well treatment fluid to a desired region of the well, the perforating gun is simultaneously moved to a desired location for perforation of the well.

Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.

Abstract: A regulating valve assembly for regulating fluid flow through a passage, the assembly having: a back-flow valve comprising a seat and a closure element, wherein the closure element engages with the seat in a closed configuration and disengages from the seat in an open configuration; a lock in mechanical communication with the back-flow valve to lock the backflow valve in the open configuration; and a forward-flow valve in mechanical communication with the lock and comprising a seat and a closure element, wherein the closure element engages with the seat in a closed configuration and disengages from the seat in an open configuration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for subterranean well bore operations. An exemplary embodiment of a method is a method of activating a device in a subterranean well bore, the device having a baffle adapter configured to achieve sealing contact with a cementing plug, the cementing plug having an outer body and a detachable inner mandrel attached to the outer body, including the steps of: displacing the cementing plug into contact with the baffle adapter so that the outer body of the cementing plug achieves sealing contact with the baffle adapter; and applying a differential pressure across the cementing plug, thereby activating the device. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus is a baffle adapter, having an inner bore designed to engage and seal against the outer body of a plug.

Abstract: A double swivel for use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through double sleeves which are sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeves and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeves have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration. In an alternative embodiment the unit can include a plug or ball insertion tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for preventing the accumulation of unwanted materials in an enlarged inner diameter portion of a casing or housing. In one aspect of the invention, a sleeve is disposed in the housing to isolate an annular area defined by the outer surface sleeve and the wall of the enlarged inner diameter portion. The sleeve prevents unwanted materials from being disposed in the annular area. The sleeve can later be expanded into the enlarged inner diameter portion, removed from the wellbore or destroyed. In another aspect of the invention, the sleeve is provided and disposed to cover the enlarged inner diameter portion. By covering the enlarged inner diameter portion, unwanted material is prevented from accumulating at said portion and from interfering with the expansion of the next casing into said portion to form a monobore. The sleeve can be made from materials that are dissolvable, elastically deformable, or retrievable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming plugs in a wellbore, according to which a first volume of slurry is introduced into a work string in a wellbore so that it flows through the work string and discharges before hardening to form a plug. A second volume of slurry is also introduced into the work string so that it flows through the work string and discharges before hardening to form an additional plug.

Abstract: Improved casing strings, and methods of using improved casing strings in subterranean cementing operations, are provided. An example of an apparatus is a pipe string comprising at least one pipe section and a delivery system of an activator. Another example of an apparatus is a pipe string comprising at least one pipe section and a delivery system of a set retarder. An example of a method is a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. Other examples of methods are methods of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising a well bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member that includes a valve assembly for permitting the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the tubular member and a preexisting structure.

Abstract: A system and method for using a pneumatic line to automate the launch a cement plug from a cement head. The pneumatic line is in communication with the valves and retaining devices normally found on a typical cement head. The system ensures that the proper sequence of opening and closing valves in combination with the removal of the retaining device is used to safely launch a cement plug from the cement head. The pressure in the single pneumatic line may be varied to launch multiple cement plugs from a cement head. The system may be used to remotely launch a cement plug from a cement head. A wireless remote may be used to regulate the pressure in the pneumatic line to launch cement plugs from the cement head as desired.

Abstract: A percussion apparatus and method of using the percussion apparatus. The apparatus may be used for delivering an impact to a tubular string. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical member having an internal bore containing an anvil and a first guide profile. The apparatus further includes a rotor disposed within the internal bore, and wherein the rotor member comprises a body having an outer circumference with a second guide profile thereon, and wherein the rotor contains a radial hammer face. In a first position, the second external guide profile of the rotor will engage with the first guide profile of the cylindrical member so that the radial hammer face can contact the anvil. In a second position, the second guide profile of the rotor will engage with the first guide profile of the cylindrical member so that the radial hammer face is separated from the anvil shoulder. Multiple rotors and multiple stators may be employed. The rotor may be operatively associated with a stator that directs flow into the rotor.

Abstract: A cement float collar is made for pumping downhole and into engagement with a groove formed in the casing, called the profile nipple. As such, no restriction is needed in the casing for accepting or latching the float collar and the portion of casing including the groove can be installed at the start of the drilling operation. In addition, the profile nipple can be used to engage other drilling tools and, therefore, can already be in place when the final well depth (TD) is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member.

Abstract: A system for actuating a downhole tool disposed within a work string comprising a support suspending the work string into a well bore, a launching apparatus positioned at a location remote from the work string, a tortuous path connected between the launching apparatus and the work string, and a mechanical plug that launches from the launching apparatus, traverses the tortuous path, enters the work string, and actuates the downhole tool.

Abstract: Improved casing strings, and methods of using improved casing strings in subterranean cementing operations, are provided. An example of an apparatus is a pipe string comprising at least one pipe section and a delivery system of an activator. Another example of an apparatus is a pipe string comprising at least one pipe section and a delivery system of a set retarder. An example of a method is a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. Other examples of methods are methods of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising a well bore.

Abstract: A method for use within a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore includes introducing a thixotropic agent into the well and introducing a cement slurry into the well. The method includes forming a thixotropic cement slurry downhole, including mixing the cement slurry and the thixotropic agent downhole.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method and a system for monitoring the composition of a cement slurry or wellbore service fluid, the method and system including one or more feeder units for solid particulate material; one or more mixing or blending units adapted to receive material from the feeder units; one or more outlet tubes to direct the cement slurry or wellbore service fluid to a storage facility or into a wellbore; and a control unit connected to at least one densitometer to monitor the density of the cement slurry or wellbore service fluid; wherein the densitometer comprises a generator free of radioactive material and capable of generating high-energy photons based on accelerating or decelerating electrons.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid treatment apparatus capable of being actuated by a sealing device. The apparatus includes a casing including a bore and a casing port opened through the wall of the casing. The apparatus also includes a sleeve located within the casing bore. The sleeve includes a sleeve port opened through the wall of the sleeve and a baffle seat forming an inner flow area and configured to receive the sealing device. The sleeve is moveable by the sealing device between a closed position preventing fluid flow from the bore through the casing port and an open position allowing fluid flow from the bore through the sleeve port and casing port. The apparatus also includes a reverse cement shoe attached to the casing. The reverse cement shoe has a valve that allows the casing to be cemented by displacing cement only on the outside of the casing.

Abstract: In systems and methods for production of hydrocarbons fluids from a formation surrounding a wellbore, a production assembly is cemented into place, and excess cement is then cleaned from the production tubing and liner. Thereafter, hydrocarbon fluids are produced and artificial gas lift assistance is provided. All of this may be accomplished in a single trip (mono-trip) of the production tubing.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, a wiper plug assembly, and a push plate assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head, push plate, and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.

Abstract: A method for cementing a casing in a wellbore, the method having the following steps: attaching a valve to a casing; locking the valve in an open configuration; running the casing and the valve into the wellbore; reverse circulating a cement composition down an annulus defined between the casing and the wellbore; injecting a plurality of plugs into the annulus; unlocking the valve with the plurality of plugs; and closing the valve.

Abstract: Methods and devices for completion of well bores and more particularly, to reverse circulation cementing of casing strings in well bores are provided. One example of a method may comprise a method for providing fluidic access to an outer annulus of a casing string within a well bore. One example of a device may comprise a casing hanger, the casing hanger comprising a fluid port wherein the fluid port provides fluidic access to an outer annulus by allowing fluid to pass through the casing hanger; a landing sub attached to the casing hanger; and an isolation device attached to the landing sub wherein the isolation device is adapted to allow fluidic isolation of a portion of the landing sub from a portion of the outer annulus of the well bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fluid pressure applied to a cementing plug comprises disposing the cementing plug within a casing string to define a trapped volume of fluid within the casing string, isolating a portion of the trapped volume of fluid adjacent the cementing plug to define an isolated volume of fluid, and relieving the fluid pressure within the isolated volume of fluid at a first rate sufficient to prevent damage to or inadvertent release of the cementing plug. An apparatus for relieving fluid pressure within a casing string being run into a well bore comprises at least one equalizer valve connected to a work string extending into the casing string, and a sealing device disposed above the equalizer valve to seal an annular space formed between the work string and the casing string.

Abstract: A method having the following steps: running a circulation valve comprising a reactive material into the well bore on the casing; reverse-circulating an activator material in the well bore until the activator material contacts the reactive material of the circulation valve; reconfiguring the circulation valve by contact of the activator material with the reactive material; and reverse-circulating a cement composition in the well bore until the reconfigured circulation valve decreases flow of the cement composition. A circulation valve for cementing casing in a well bore, the valve having: a valve housing connected to the casing and comprising a reactive material; a plurality of holes in the housing, wherein the plurality of holes allow fluid communication between an inner diameter of the housing and an exterior of the housing, wherein the reactive material is expandable to close the plurality of holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cementing casing in well bores drilled in subterranean formations, and more particularly, methods and systems for cementing casing in a well bore without surface casing or a well head are provided. A method provided herein may comprise sealing an annulus at the mouth of the well bore with a seal; pumping a cement composition into the annulus through the seal; and taking circulation fluid returns from the inner diameter of the casing. A system provided herein may comprise a seal of an annulus at the mouth of the well bore; a cement composition pump fluidly connected to the annulus through the seal; and a coupling connected to the exposed end of the casing for taking circulation fluid returns from the inner diameter of the casing.

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 double swivel for use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through double sleeves which are sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeves and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeves have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration. In an alternative embodiment the unit can include a plug or ball insertion tool.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a fluid into a region of the well and monitoring a level of the fluid communicated via a downhole sensor. The communication is controlled in response to the monitoring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: A firing head assembly has a sealed chamber containing a piston, a firing pin, and an impact detonator. The firing head assembly and a perforating charge are installed within a sub and the sub is secured into a string of conduit being lowered into a wellbore. After cementing the conduit, the operator drills out the cement in the conduit, disintegrating the chamber and exposing the sealed chamber to the fluid pressure of the drilling fluid in the conduit. The drilling fluid pressure causes the piston to drive the firing pin against the detonator, which detonates the perforating charge. The operator then pumps down a logging tool to survey the well. Fluid in the conduit below the pump-down head can flow out the displacement perforation into the earth formation while the logging tool is moving downward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for remotely actuating a downhole tool. In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for activating a downhole tool in a wellbore, the downhole tool having an actuated and unactuated positions. The apparatus includes an actuator for operating the downhole tool between the actuated and unactuated positions; a controller for activating the actuator; and a sensor for detecting a condition in the wellbore, wherein the detected condition is transmitted to the controller, thereby causing the actuator to operate the downhole tool. In one embodiment, conditions in the wellbore are generated at the surface, which is later detected downhole. These conditions include changes in pressure, temperature, vibration, or flow rate. In another embodiment, a fiber optic signal may be transmitted downhole to the sensor. In another embodiment still, a radio frequency tag is dropped into the wellbore for detection by the sensor.

Abstract: A method of initiating fluid circulation in a well bore through a casing inner diameter and an annulus outside the casing, the method having the following steps: inducing an increase in the annulus fluid pressure; flowing cement composition into the annulus at the top of the well bore; maintaining a difference in pressure between the fluid pressure of the casing inner diameter and the fluid pressure of the annulus until enough cement composition has entered the annulus to drive fluid circulation by the added cement composition weight.

Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration.